New information indicates that Google is bringing back the classic Google Home name and moving away from the Nest branding for its forthcoming smart speaker. The device is believed to offer 360-degree audio, positioning it against Apple’s HomePod Mini. Nest Aware subscriptions are allegedly being rebranded as Google Home Premium and Premium Advanced, featuring AI-enhanced alerts and summaries.
During the recent Made by Google event, attention was focused on the new Pixel devices and Pixel Watch, but a different gadget made a quiet appearance. Observant viewers noticed a compact, circular speaker placed on a side table while Lando Norris was speaking, and it resembled an old favorite.
Google has remained silent about that enigmatic smart speaker since it was first spotted, but a recent report might have revealed its identity. It appears that Google is abandoning the Nest label for its upcoming speakers and naming the new one “Google Home Speaker.”
As reported by 9to5Google, version 3.41 of the Google Home Android app disclosed the name within its code. This discovery suggests that Google may be moving away from the Nest branding and reverting to the classic Google Home name.
The APK breakdown also implies that the new speaker will feature 360-degree audio. This aligns perfectly with its round design and places it in direct competition with Apple’s HomePod Mini.
In addition to the findings regarding the Google Home Speaker, Nest Aware is reportedly undergoing a name change to “Google Home Premium,” while Nest Aware Plus will be rebranded as “Google Home Premium Advanced.”
New code indicates the speaker could provide AI-driven summaries of events, notifications, and daily household activities. This capability seems linked to the forthcoming Google Home Premium plan, which is expected to replace Nest Aware.
Code snippets discovered in the app further suggest that Google Home Premium will be integrated into a Google One plan, delivering additional video history and enhanced alerts.
Apple’s HomePod Mini has already set a high standard. It’s a compact speaker that doesn’t force you to choose between exceptional sound, strong Siri integration, and effortless control over your Apple smart home.
In contrast, Google’s Nest Mini has typically focused more on functionality than sound quality. It’s a reliable, budget-friendly Assistant portal, but not necessarily a speaker you’d purchase primarily for music.
If this mysterious speaker turns out to be as anticipated, it reshapes the landscape. Google is evidently targeting the HomePod Mini with a product intended to genuinely compete in audio quality, aesthetics, and intelligence.
