Ahead of announcing the next-gen Pixel smartphones, Google chose to open today’s launch event by announcing the mini version of its smart home speaker, called Google Home Mini. The dome-shaped speaker is priced at $49 (approximately Rs 3,200) and goes for pre-orders today in all Google Home countries, which basically means it is not coming to India. The Google Home Mini will be available in stores starting October 19.
The first Google Home was launched in November last year and sought to give Amazon Echo a tough fight. Following its launch, the smart speaker segment caught up among manufacturers as even Apple detailed its HomePod at its June WWDC event, while Amazon unveiled its Amazon Echo Spot with a display last week. Adding to the competition Google introduced its Google Home Mini, which is a smaller, and efficient version of the original Google Home.
To begin with, the Google Home Mini is available in color choices of Chalk, Charcoal, and Coral. There are LED indicators on the top of the device. The smaller version of the original speaker has been built to make scheduling updates, getting news, and instructing for other connected devices more seamless. Owing to the small size, it can be placed in more rooms in a connected home. 
The Google Home Mini, similar to the original version, is operated by Google Assistant. It can be connected to Google-connected products such as Chromecast Audio-equipped speaker or any speaker with Chromecast built-in. Google is also collaborating with production houses such as Warner Brothers and Disney Pictures to bring customized experiences for children.
What comes as a surprise is the Google Home Max, which is essentially a competitor to the Apple HomePod, owing to the sheer size and capabilities. As the name suggests, it is a larger version of the original Google Home. Google says it is 20 percent louder in output in comparison.The USP of the speaker is that it is driven by artificial intelligence and adapts to a users’ behavior. Using machine learning, the speaker is capable of delivering customized audio as per your environments. While the standard Google Home and Home Mini are more ideal for scheduling and casual queries, the Home Max is meant for delivering audio experience. It is compatible with Cast, Bluetooth, and Aux for output. 
The Google Home Max is priced at $399 and will be available starting December, first in the US. It is available in two color choices of Chalk and Charcoal. Google is offering 12-month free YouTube Red subscription to Home Max buyers.