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ZDNET's key takeaways
New Google Home Speaker arrives June 25 for $99.
It directly rivals Amazon's $99 Echo Dot Max.
Google may be smarter, while Amazon may sound better.
Google just announced the new Google Home Speaker, which will officially go on sale on June 25. This is a $100 smart speaker that will come with a generative AI-powered Gemini for Home onboard, 360-degree sound, and the ability to double as a smart home hub.
The speaker is directly competing with the newer Amazon Echo Dot Max, a $100 smart speaker (though it's currently on sale for $65) that comes with Alexa+ built in. Alexa+ is Amazon's take on a generative AI-powered virtual assistant that, like Gemini, can handle complex tasks, answer questions, and generate content.
Also: How I'm using this cheap smart plug to automate tasks around the house
Considering that both speakers are similar in price and features, the question of which is better is inevitable. Since the Google Home Speaker isn't officially available until next week, we'll compare each device's specifications to help you decide.
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