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Google drops Nest Mini, Audio as new Home speaker launches

Engadget •
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Google announced the end of production for its Nest Home Mini and Nest Audio speakers, devices that have been on shelves for roughly five years. The move coincides with the launch of a new Google Home smart speaker, signaling a shift toward the company's Gemini‑powered ecosystem. Both legacy models will no longer be sold.

Google told Engadget that existing units will keep receiving software updates, security patches, and customer support. The new Home speaker carries a $100 price tag, matching the outgoing Nest Audio, while the Nest Home Mini launched at $50 and often sold for less. Pricing reflects the company’s push to consolidate its smart‑home lineup.

By retiring the older speakers, Google streamlines production and directs resources toward devices that can host Gemini’s conversational AI. Consumers with existing Nest Mini or Audio units won’t lose functionality, but new buyers must adopt the latest hardware. The decision underscores the firm’s strategy to unify voice services under a single, AI‑centric brand.

The transition also pressures competitors to accelerate their own AI integrations, as Amazon and Apple already tout generative features. Retailers may see a short‑term dip in Nest inventory, but Google’s commitment to ongoing support should alleviate resale concerns. Ultimately, the move consolidates Google’s smart‑speaker portfolio around a single, more capable platform.