Do smart speakers still make sense in 2025?

Welcome to episode 70 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Abner, Damien, and Will talk through their feeling surrounding the upcoming smart speaker Google appears to be readying for launch next month. From whether a Gemini-powered smart speaker fits with what people ask for in their homes to debating if a display is absolutely necessary to make the device worth it, all three hosts work through their feelings on the looming reboot of a once-booming market, and where Google might intend to take the lineup moving forward. Subscribe YouTube Podcasts Pocket Casts Spotify Apple Podcasts Overcast Timecodes 00:00 - How do we feel about smart speakers in the Gemini era? 10:29 - Do people want to replace their aging Nest Minis? 14:48 - Smart speakers vs. smart displays. 24:35: - Should Google even sell smart speakers anymore? 34:47 - Final thoughts Hosts Abner Li Damien Wilde Will Sattelberg Read more ‘Google Home Speaker’ branding leaks with ‘360 audio’ touted Google teases new Nest Cam and Gemini updates for Home coming on October 1 Google announces ‘Gemini for Home’ and briefly shows new smart speaker Listen to more 9to5 Podcasts The Sideload 9to5Mac Happy Hour Electrek Space Explored Feedback? Drop us a line at gtips@9to5g.com, leave a comment on the post, or reach out to our producer.