Google Home devices first appeared on the smart-home scene in 2016, and the system was introduced alongside Google’s first smart speaker. The Google Home name was then retired in 2019, when the company moved its smart-home devices to the Nest brand, adding the incredible functionality of Google Assistant.
These days the Google Home system, with Nest hardware and Google Assistant software, is broad and impressive. You can add compatible devices like speakers and more that let you check the weather, listen to your favorite playlist, create a shopping list, make phone calls, and manage your life. All you have to do is say one of the two wake words—“OK Google” or “Hey Google”— and enjoy the perks of voice command.
If that sounds exciting, your first port of call should be the quartet of Nest speakers. Those are the gateway to the world of Google’s smart technology.
The Google Home (now Google Nest) speaker range
All four of Google’s Nest devices offer the same core functionality. They’re smart, voice-controlled speakers that can play music and podcasts, respond to commands, and help manage your home via your WiFi network.
The most affordable device is the Nest Mini. It’s tiny, discreet, and available in four soft, subtle shades. The next model is the Nest Audio, a larger device with crisper audio and more bass to provide a premium experience.
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Google speakers with touchscreens
If you’re happy spending a little more, you can opt for the Google Nest Hub. This device combines speaker and microphone technology with a seven-inch touchscreen that lets you view photos, videos, headlines, and other key information on the smart display.
Google’s smart product range is capped by the Nest Hub Max, which boasts a 10-inch touchscreen, stereo speakers, and a built-in camera. These features make it ideal for video calls and as a home security device.
How can Google Nest change your life?
Once you have a Nest speaker connected to your wireless network you’re ready to start exploring all the features of the Google Nest system.
Remember those wake words? Just say “Hey Google” or “OK Google” to wake your speaker and enjoy the functionality of Google Assistant. Even the basic features of this virtual personal assistant are impressive. You can set alarms, ask for traffic and weather updates, get a summary of the news headlines, and get reminders of tasks you need to handle later in the day.
If you have one of the Nest Hub Max devices with a camera, you can unlock features like Face Match, which can detect who’s looking at the device and then personalize the on-screen information.
Google’s smart features
Beyond those basic options, you’ll find plenty of ways for Google’s Nest devices to tie in with the rest of your smart home hardware. If you own a connected TV or Chromecast, try asking your speaker to play your favorite shows or films. You can also voice-control your home’s smart lights, like those available in the Philips Hue line.
Similarly, a quick voice request can change your home’s temperature with a connected Nest thermostat. It can even control printers, security systems, home appliances like washing machines, and Google Nest routers, providing you with full voice control over your home network.
Google Nest devices also work with third-party services like Netflix, Spotify, Pandora, and YouTube, smart home hardware from companies like Hive, Sony, Philips, and TP-Link.
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Google Home away from home
Google Nest speakers are perfect for managing hardware in the house, and the Google Home system can do far more. If you drive a car with Android Auto, you can use Google’s features to help navigate, find amenities, take notes, read and reply to messages, change your music, and ask questions.
Google Assistant comes pre-installed on loads of smart TVs, laptops and tablets that run Android or Chrome OS, and many wearable devices that use Google’s Wear OS. That’s not to mention the numerous Android phones out there.
There are huge benefits to using the Google Home system. When you add Google Nest speakers, Google Assistant software, and other smart gadgets to your home, it’s possible to enhance nearly every facet of your daily life.
