For a few years now, third-party Google Assistant speakers have been basically nonexistent. The JBL Authentics lineup in late 2023 was the last real push from a non-Google brand, and after that, the market went quiet. But a fresh CSA listing suggests that’s about to change.
A product page on the CSA’s website, the organization behind the Matter smart home standard, reveals an “Onn Smart Speaker” in development by Walmart. According to the listing, it runs Gemini voice controls and supports audio streaming over Bluetooth and Google Cast. Physically, it has volume and play/pause buttons, plus a microphone privacy switch. Under the hood, it reportedly packs a 10W speaker and a far-field microphone array. No price or launch date has been shared.
A Bigger Trend Taking Shape
Google is already close to launching its own Google Home Speaker, which has been in the works as the first new Google smart home speaker in years. Walmart’s Onn device would sit alongside that as a budget-friendly third-party option, much like how the Onn streaming boxes complement Google’s own Chromecast hardware.
Gemini is already running on older Assistant-era speakers through Google’s early access program. A new Gemini smart speaker from Walmart’s house brand suggests Google is opening the door for third-party manufacturers again. This is similar to the Assistant days when speakers from JBL, Sony, and others were everywhere. Walmart already has a working relationship with Google on the Gemini-powered smart home push, so this isn’t exactly out of nowhere.
Whether this is a preview of what’s coming from other brands remains to be seen. But Walmart making a Gemini smart speaker is a sign the ecosystem is finally starting to grow.
