Google’s $99 Home Speaker is great hardware for an AI that isn't ready

google launched the $99 google home speaker, marking its return to the smart home market with hardware designed to showcase gemini's capabilities. the device features a refined design with adjustable light rings and responsive touch controls, but reviews indicate the gemini for home software is sluggish and inconsistent. critical smart home features are locked behind additional paywalls, and the ai fails to deliver the conversational second act the industry has been waiting for. this release suggests google is prioritizing hardware rollout over software maturity, potentially alienating users expecting a seamless ai experience.