Google has hinted at a forthcoming update to its smart display lineup, signaling renewed focus on the category despite the absence of a new Nest Hub at last week’s announcement of its AI-powered Gemini smart speaker. In an interview on The Vergecast, Anish Kattukaran, head of Google Home, confirmed the company remains “definitely committed” to smart displays and promised that “news to share there soon.” Kattukaran emphasized the unique value of the smart display form factor for Google’s evolving Gemini for Home platform. He highlighted key features such as built-in microphones for voice input, speakers for audio output, and a screen that enhances voice interactions by visualizing information. “It’s got a screen, which complements a voice modality, you can interact with it and visualize information,” he said. He also pointed to the potential of integrated cameras, which add visual input to the mix—critical for a multi-modal AI assistant like Gemini. As Google advances its vision of a more intelligent, context-aware home assistant, the smart display emerges as a natural platform. “As I see where Gemini for Home is going and Gemini more broadly … it feels like almost the ultimate form factor to be able to deliver a really great home experience,” Kattukaran said, underscoring the company’s intent to invest further in the category. The timing is significant. Amazon recently launched two new Echo Show models designed for its new Alexa Plus AI assistant. These devices feature a powerful AZ3 Pro processor, edge-based computing, and the Omnisense fusion platform, which processes data from connected smart home sensors locally—giving Alexa Plus richer context to deliver more personalized and responsive interactions. In contrast, Google’s current Nest Hub lineup—last refreshed in 2021—feels outdated. While the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max (with its camera) are compatible with Gemini for Home, their hardware struggles to keep pace with modern AI demands. The Nest Hub Max’s Soli radar sensor was a novel feature, but the overall performance and design no longer feel like flagship devices in 2025. The smart display has long struggled to justify its place beyond serving as a digital photo frame or music player. But with the rise of multi-modal AI assistants that combine voice, vision, and real-time context, the category may finally be poised for a breakthrough. A new Google Home Hub—likely the rebranded successor to the Nest Hub, as Google appears to be phasing out the Nest name for non-camera and non-thermostat products—would need to be a substantial leap forward in performance, design, and AI integration to stand out in a competitive market.