Google’s new Home Speaker is a solid choice for music and smart home control, but its performance can be finicky. The speaker produces big, rich sound and gets loud enough for most use cases, but its three microphones can struggle with background noise and it’s not as loud as some competitors. With its sleek design and four color options, it’s a great addition to any room. Why it matters: The Home Speaker’s performance issues highlight the ongoing challenge of creating a smart speaker that can seamlessly integrate with our daily lives.