The Vergecast · June 24, 2026 · 35m

Google's new speaker and your smart home questions

The Vergecast tests Google's first new smart speaker in six years, the Home Speaker. Guest Jennifer Pattison Tuohy explains why this launch matters, whether Google is serious about the smart home, and what the early review impressions reveal. The show also takes listener questions about the growing influence of IKEA in smart home products and the future of thermostats.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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First Impressions of the New Google Home Speaker

The Verge’s Jennifer Pattison Tuohy shared early test impressions of the Google Home Speaker, noting that it sounds good and looks great but has a finicky side.

Claude ChatGPT Gemini

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Listener Questions Reveal Smart Home Trends

The Vergecast Hotline brought questions about IKEA’s growing role in the smart home and the future of thermostats.

Claude ChatGPT Gemini

Editorial

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Does Google Still Care About the Smart Home?

Tuohy addressed the lingering question of whether Google’s smart home ambitions are genuine or another short‑lived experiment.

Claude ChatGPT Gemini

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