The Google Nest hub takes on the design of a tablet. It, however, has an external speaker that can be used to provide sound from various applications such as Netflix. The nest hub has been configured to integrate with the smart home devices and can be connected to your security cameras, your music systems, and lights. This allows you to download shows and cast them from your phone. Browsing the web with the nest hub is, however, not a possibility.
If you want to browse the web, you can do so through Google assistant. You only need to voice your command, and it will search the web and display the results on the screen for you. This particular feature makes it highly effective, especially if you want to use the nest hub, but your hands are busy. Unlike most of the smart gadgets like smart TV sets, the nest hub can be operated both manually and hands-free.
Contents
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) Breakdown
The back of the nest hub features a mic button, and on the side of the device, you will find the volume control feature. The enlarged back and bottom is the unit’s speaker. The front part of the Google Nest Hub has incorporated an impressive 7inch screen, complete with microphones that will pick up your voice anytime you voice your commands.
Between the microphones at the front part of the screen is the light sensor, which can be used to tweak the brightness of the screen. For you to view your photos on the nest hub, you have to extract them from Google photos and not your phone gallery. The unit also allows you to share photos with other nest hub users.
The device has menus that you can scroll through to access the current trending news. Though nest hub does not allow you to use a web browser to search for information, you can still access any information you want online through the incorporated menus. Apart from that, you also play games or make phone calls to your friends, colleagues, or family members through the nest hub.
What we like
- The nest hub is fairly easy to use
- It has a highly responsive touch screen
- The screen’s brightness settings are adjustable
- It can be used to make both phone and video calls
- Can connect to the smart security cameras and the smart lock
What we don’t like
- It cannot be used to take photos
- Running internet searches is through the Google Assistant
- The speaker sound quality is poor
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) Specifications
Sensors |
Speaker |
Connectivity |
Power |
Ports |
Display |
Capacitive touch |
Full-range speaker. 80 dB SPL @ 1KHz, @ 1m |
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support |
15w adaptor |
DC power jack |
177.8 mm (7 in) LCD touch screen. 177.8 mm (7 in)
|
Google Nest Hub 2nd gen features
Allows access to the YouTube application
While you might be able to experience YouTube on the Google Nest hub, interaction with the application is limited. You will not be provided with the type in the search bar. Instead, you will have to ask Google assistant to load up the videos that you want to watch. Most features of the YouTube application will be inaccessible. For instance, you won’t be able to see who you are subscribed to or the featured videos.
Allows casting from the phone
To cast from your phone to Google Nest hub, you will have to use your cell phone as the remote control. This option allows you to cast anything from your phone, including the YouTube videos, shows from PBS+ kids, and Disney plus.
Allows streaming of specific applications
Google Nest Hub does not give users the option of using web browsers, but it does allow them to stream a few applications such as Hulu, Netflix, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Starz, and HBO Max, among others.
Google Nest hub comes prebuilt with music streaming applications
You will be exposed to a variety of options ranging from Spotify, Pandora, the Google play store, and YouTube music. Other interesting options that you might want to explore are live radio, live audiobooks, and podcast.
Supports Multi-Room Audio
The smart home device has been configured to allow you to play the same song in all the rooms in your house. The feature can be accessed in the Google Home app, under the option labeled speaker group. The unit also allows you to tweak the sound of the different speakers in the room, such that you have one room playing less loudly than the others.
Can connect to external devices
The speaker that comes with the Google Nest Hub is not of the best quality. Despite this, you can connect it to a larger external Bluetooth speaker.
Integrates with the smart home devices
The smart home menu can be accessed by swiping down the screen from the top. The unit has been configured to integrate and control different smart home devices such as the thermostats. You can also individually customize your house temperature. The Nest Hub has been designed to provide you with a live feed of the different security cameras found at different locations.
Connects to the Google Hello Nest doorbell
This has to be the most exciting feature when it comes to using the Nest Hub. If someone pushes your doorbell, you will be provided with a live feed of who is at your door so that you can decide whether to allow or not allow entry.
Who is it best suited for?
The Amazon echo show is best suited for use by smart homeowners, as they will be able to fully exploit the incorporated innovative features.
Are there alternatives to the Google Nest Hub?
Yes, there are alternatives to the Google Nest Hub, some of which are the Facebook portal, Lenovo smart tab M10 plus, and the Echo Show 2nd Generation.
Model |
Processor brand |
Color |
Item weight |
Flash memory size |
Power (Batteries) |
Price |
Facebook Portal |
Portal |
Black |
2.28 pounds |
16 |
1 Lithium-ion battery required |
|
Lenovo Smart Tab M10 Plus |
Others |
Platinum grey |
3.24 pounds |
64GB |
1 Lithium-ion battery required |
|
Echo Show (2nd Gen) |
Intel Atom x5-Z8350 |
Charcoal |
62.2 oz |
N/a |
Plugged into an outlet |
Verdict: So should you buy the Google Nest Hub?
Yes, you should buy the Google Nest Hub because it can integrate with all the smart devices in your home, and is currently one of the best home hubs you can buy. It also allows you to individually customize different gadgets in the different rooms inside your home.
FAQ’s
Do I have to pay a monthly fee for the Google Nest Hub?
No, you don’t have to pay monthly fees for the Google Nest Hub.
Can you watch TV on Google Nest Hub?
No, you can only use the Google-selected partners to play movies and shows, such as HBO max and Netflix.
Robinson Wright
Robinson Wright is a home automation specialist and has helped many modern home developers pick the right gadgets for home automation. According to Wright, most people struggle with particular areas in their home, some would want improved security especially when away from home for a couple of days and others will want to improve power consumption. Homeowner's needs can be fulfilled by investing in smart home gadgets but most importantly is that one must know the functionality that they desire to achieve and then choose a product and technology that would fulfill the need. Robinson Wright runs an appliance enterprise and when not in the field working with his clients, he loves spending time in his workshop testing out the new technologies.