Google at a Crossroads: Can New Devices Save the Smart Home?

Google’s smart home ecosystem has raised more questions than enthusiasm among users in recent years. Despite promises of new devices in 2026, including speakers, cameras, and displays, the company has yet to convince the market of its long-term strategy. Previous attempts to expand the lineup, such as Nest Security and smart locks, were discontinued, while remaining products like cameras and thermostats lack sufficient support.

One of the biggest disappointments has been the integration of Gemini into Google Home and Nest devices. While the technology promises enhanced capabilities, in practice, it suffers from sluggishness, unpredictability, and bugs. Users report delays in responses, unstable multi-account functionality, and a lack of support for multiple languages in Gemini Live mode. Even simple commands, like weather requests, often fail, making the user experience frustrating.

Meanwhile, competitors are not standing still. Amazon is actively developing its Echo Show lineup, offering more responsive and functional displays, while Apple could enter the market with its own solution at any time. Google, however, continues to lose ground: updates to Google TV face criticism for intrusive content, and TV manufacturers are gradually abandoning the platform. The question is not just about new devices but whether the company can fix its accumulated issues and deliver a truly stable product.