Google’s next wave of smart home devices powered by Gemini AI is already creating buzz, and a newly spotted product listing hints at a major shift. Ahead of the anticipated Google Home Speaker launch, a third-party Gemini-powered smart speaker has surfaced online, signaling a potential revival of the broader smart speaker ecosystem.
Walmart’s Onn Smart Speaker Spotted Early
A listing discovered on the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) website has revealed an upcoming Onn Smart Speaker developed by Walmart. While the product has not been officially announced, the listing provides key insights into its features and design.
The device is expected to integrate Gemini voice controls, allowing users to interact with Google’s latest AI assistant for smart home management, media playback, and more.
Key Features and Specifications
According to the early listing, the Onn smart speaker will include:
- Gemini-powered voice assistant integration
- 10W speaker for audio playback
- Far-field microphone array for improved voice detection
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Google Cast support for seamless media streaming
- Physical controls for volume and playback
- LED indicators for status updates
- Dedicated microphone privacy switch
These features position the speaker as a well-rounded, privacy-conscious smart home device designed for everyday use.
Return of Third-Party Google Smart Speakers
There was a time when Google Assistant-powered speakers were widely available from brands like JBL and others. However, in recent years, third-party options largely disappeared, leaving Google’s own devices like the Home Mini and Nest Audio as the primary choices.
The emergence of a new Gemini-powered speaker suggests that Google may be opening the ecosystem once again to external manufacturers.
Notably, one of the last standout third-party devices was JBL’s Authentics lineup released in 2023. Since then, the category has remained relatively quiet—until now.
Possible Launch Timeline and Strategy
Although Walmart has yet to officially confirm the Onn Smart Speaker, the timing of this leak is interesting. Reports suggest Walmart has already been preparing new Google TV hardware for release, and this speaker could debut alongside those devices.
If true, it would indicate a coordinated push to expand Google-powered smart home products across multiple categories.
Google Home Speaker Launch Also Near
Alongside third-party developments, Google is expected to introduce its own Google Home Speaker in the coming weeks. This would mark the company’s first major smart speaker release in years.
The combination of first-party and third-party launches could signal a renewed focus on smart home audio powered by Gemini AI.
What This Means for Users
The return of third-party smart speakers could bring more variety, competitive pricing, and innovation to the market. With Gemini at the core, users can expect smarter voice interactions, better contextual understanding, and deeper integration with smart home devices.
As more devices enter the ecosystem, consumers will likely have more choices than ever before when building their connected homes.
