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Google’s AIY Voice Kit was an open-source Raspberry Pi project for building a voice-controlled speaker, not a currently supported retail product. Google marked it end of life in 2021, so in 2026 a complete kit is most likely to be found as used or leftover inventory. Before buying, check whether a listing is for the original V1 kit or Voice Kit 2: their audio boards and included Raspberry Pi models differ.
What was the Google AIY Voice Kit?
The AIY Voice Kit was Google’s open-source reference project for making a DIY voice interface with Raspberry Pi hardware. Its purpose was to let makers experiment with voice input and audio output using Google Assistant SDK, Cloud Speech API, or on-device TensorFlow. Google published parts lists, assembly guidance, source code, and ideas for extensions such as controlling connected electronics.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Google Home Smart Speaker (South Korea Model) – Voice-Controlled Wi-Fi Speaker Assistant,... | $139.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The first kit shipped with The MagPi issue 57 on May 4, 2017. Google described the project as a way to build an intelligent speaker rather than a finished consumer smart speaker with a guaranteed ongoing service life.
How V1 and Voice Kit 2 differ
There are two generations to distinguish when evaluating a kit or parts listing. The original V1 package centered on a Voice HAT and microphone board; Voice Kit 2 used a Voice Bonnet and included a Raspberry Pi Zero WH.
#1 Best Overall
- South Korea Model – No US Plug – This version is made for Korea and does not include a US wall plug. Power adapter or converter may be required for US use.
- Voice Assistant Built-In – Use Google Assistant to play music, get answers, control smart devices, and more with simple voice commands.
- Smart Home Control – Connect to Nest, Chromecast, lights, and other compatible smart home devices for hands-free automation.
- Clear, Balanced Sound – Enjoy rich audio performance with deep bass and crisp treble, great for music and streaming content.
- Stylish and Compact – Modern design in White/Slate fits seamlessly in any room. Far-field mics ensure accurate voice recognition.
| Feature | Original Voice Kit V1 | Voice Kit 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio board | Voice HAT accessory board and Voice HAT microphone board, according to Google’s V1 guide | Voice Bonnet, according to Google’s Voice Kit 2 guide |
| Raspberry Pi in the bundle | Not included; Google’s V1 guide says builders supplied a Raspberry Pi 3 | Raspberry Pi Zero WH included, according to Google’s Voice Kit 2 guide |
| Storage in the bundle | SD card not included, according to Google’s V1 guide | microSD card included, according to Google’s Voice Kit 2 guide |
| Other listed kit components | Speaker, arcade-style push button, button and daughter-board cables, standoffs, and cardboard outer and inner forms, according to Google’s V1 guide | Speaker, push button and harness, button nut, standoffs, micro-USB cable, and cardboard speaker box and internal frame, according to Google’s Voice Kit 2 guide |
Match the generation to the parts. A V1 listing should have the Voice HAT and its microphone board, and you will need a compatible Raspberry Pi 3 and SD card. For Voice Kit 2, look for the Voice Bonnet and Raspberry Pi Zero WH. A loose board, microphone, or cardboard shell is not a complete kit by itself.
How to assemble and start a Voice Kit
Google’s guides describe an image-based setup, followed by Wi-Fi pairing and an Assistant demo. The V1 guide estimates about one and a half hours for assembly and Google Assistant setup.
- Prepare the storage card. Download the latest AIY system image from the project’s release repository and flash it to the microSD card. V1 builders need to supply an SD card; Voice Kit 2’s listed bundle includes a microSD card.
- Attach the audio board. Fit the Voice HAT to a V1 Raspberry Pi or the Voice Bonnet to the Voice Kit 2 Raspberry Pi using the supplied standoffs.
- Connect the controls and speaker. Connect the speaker and button harness, then place the board assembly in the cardboard enclosure and insert the storage card.
- Power on and connect to Wi-Fi. Use an adequate micro-USB power supply. After boot, pair the kit to Wi-Fi with the AIY Projects app, or use a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
- Run the demo. Start the Assistant demo and complete any authorization prompts it presents. Press the button and speak to try the voice interaction.
Google’s setup instructions describe the flow, but the project’s end-of-life status means you should not assume that every historical software image, app, or connected service will still work unchanged on a newly assembled or second-hand kit.
What could the kit do?
Google’s published source documentation included Python modules for Google Assistant interaction, Cloud Speech-to-Text, recording and playback, text-to-speech, button control, LEDs, and GPIO pin definitions. The project also invited on-device TensorFlow experimentation and hardware extensions. These are documented capabilities of the project; they are not a current guarantee of cloud-service access or performance. The available source material does not establish a speech-accuracy percentage or independent performance benchmark.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to get one in 2026
Google’s product-lifecycle notice gives an end-of-life notification date of July 20, 2021, and a last-time-buy date of December 31, 2021. Treat the kit as discontinued: remaining offers may be used or leftover stock, and availability, completeness, and condition can vary by seller. There is no verified current retail price or live-stock status to rely on.
- Check whether the listing explicitly says V1 or Voice Kit 2. If it does not, ask the seller to identify the version from the board and included Pi.
- For V1, verify the Voice HAT, microphone board, speaker, button and cables; account separately for the Raspberry Pi 3 and SD card, which were not included in the original bundle.
- For Voice Kit 2, verify the Voice Bonnet and Raspberry Pi Zero WH, along with the speaker, button harness, microSD card, cables, and enclosure pieces.
- Ask whether the system image can be reflashed and whether the seller has tested the included electronics. A preloaded card alone does not establish that the old setup or cloud services will work today.
For a partial or replacement build, “Raspberry Pi Zero WH” is the most precise central Amazon search phrase because it is an exact named component of Voice Kit 2 and remains useful beyond a complete-kit listing. Other targeted searches include “AIY Voice Bonnet,” “Google Voice HAT,” and the specific replacement part you need, such as a microSD card, micro-USB power supply, speaker, or button harness. Confirm the generation and what is actually included before buying.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
