New Walmart Onn Smart Speaker Threatens Google’s Nest Lineup

A recent certification listing has raised concerns for buyers considering Google’s Nest Audio or Nest Mini. An unreleased Walmart Onn Smart Speaker is set to debut with Google’s Gemini AI, offering specifications that may make the existing Nest lineup less attractive.

The leaked Onn speaker includes a 10-watt driver, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Google Cast for Audio, and physical controls. It also has LED indicators and a dedicated hardware switch for microphone privacy. With these enhancements, consumers are questioning whether investing in older Google smart speakers is still a good decision.

Google's current Home Speaker is designed for Gemini, prompting doubts about the performance of legacy devices. The older models, such as the Nest Audio and Nest Mini, were not built to meet the demands of Gemini. While they can support some functionalities of the new AI, they won't provide an optimal experience. Reports suggest that despite Google’s claim of a 40 percent reduction in command latency, users still face issues with older hardware.

The integration of Gemini for Home across legacy devices has replaced the classic Google Assistant, but the experience varies significantly. The Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Audio, Nest Mini (2nd gen), and Nest Hub Max will receive the full Gemini experience, while older models like the Google Home and the original Nest Hub will miss out on Gemini Live features. For consumers, this incompatibility means that buying these older models amounts to investing in technology that Google has largely overlooked.

Conversational AI requires higher-quality hardware, especially in microphone performance, which the older Nest devices were not designed to provide. As the market evolves towards devices optimized for modern AI capabilities, users of older models may find themselves at a notable disadvantage.

The launch of the Walmart Onn Smart Speaker marks a pivotal moment for smart-home enthusiasts. With the potential of Gemini AI to enhance user interactions, it could prompt a shift away from Google’s current offerings. Consumers planning to make a purchase in the coming months should weigh the implications of this new competitor and its potential impact on their smart speaker experience.