When it comes to Google’s smart home speakers, the latest release by Nest supercedes it’s predessesor (Google Home) in every way possible. Now, this does come at a small price premium, where Canadians can expect to shell out $129 for the speaker. However, this aesthetically subtle, clean piece of tech can do much more than just play your favorite Spotify playlist: It can control your home automation, fetch information from the internet and much more! Let’s get into it:
Tech Specs
| Speaker Size: | 3.7 x 1.7 inches |
| Speakers: | 40-millimeter driver |
| Ports: | None |
| Connectivity: | 2.4/5 GHz, Bluetooth |
Why Buy A Google Nest?
+ Fun color options
+ Loud for its size
+ Added microphones
+ Auomate and control your smart home devices with your voice
Cons of buying this speaker
– No Aux (Audio line out)
Standout Features Of Google Nest
One of the standout features of the Google Nest speaker is its ability to connect to other smart devices through the Google Home app, allowing users to control everything from their lights and thermostat to their security cameras and smart locks with just their voice.The Nest is also compatible with a variety of popular smart home platforms, including Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit, giving users the option to control smart devices no matter which brand route they initially decided to take. This makes the Google Nest a fantastic speaker to place in rooms around your home!
For example, if you wanted to wake up to some natural light, or close automated blinds as you have a mid-afternoon nap, the Nest can do that. If you’re cold, the Nest can turn up the heat in your house while connected to a smart thermostat like the Nest Thermostat. Can’t remember if you locked your door when you came in the house? No worries, The Nest can check, and lock it if you haven’t. The possibilities are endless with this speaker!
Google Multi-Room
A feature we cannot overlook is Google Multi-Room connection. While this feature used to be a standout feature for the Sonos wireless connect speakers, Google has stepped up to the plate to provide some fierce competition. This feature allows you to cast music across multiple rooms in your house, so you can have a whole home audio system without the need for wires being run through the walls or ceiling. Google rebranded the setup ‘Audio Entertainment from Google’ last year, and while the name isn’t the most entertaining thing on the planet, the feature itself sure is.
Interconnectivity
The Google Nest speaker can communicate with a long list of other smart devices both released by Google, as well as third-party. This integration is exciting to see as we have more and more electronics providers creating tightly closed ecosystems for their products. A (Not complete) list can be found below:
- Google Home
- Google Home Max
- Google Nest Mini
- Google Home Mini
- Nest Audio
- Nest Hub
- Nest Hub Max
- Nest Wi-Fi
- Chromecast Ultra
- JBL Link 300
- Etonair 4
- Jensen JSB-1000
- Sony LF-S50G
- Marshall Stanmore II
- Marshall Uxbridge Voice
- Harman Kardon Citation 300
- Audio Pro C10 MkII
- Onkyo TX-NR696
- Onkyo TX-RZ840
- Sony STR-DN1080
- Sony STR-ZA810ES
- Sony SRS-RA3000
- Integra DSX-3
- Integra DRX-7.1
- Vizio Sound Bar
Google Home Routines
If you don’t want to speak to your speaker for every little action you want performed in your house, do not fret: The Google nest allows you to create automated routines, adding to your home automation setup. You will need to set up Routines in the Google Home app. After that, they’ll work wherever you’ve got Google Assistant installed. From the front screen of the app, open the Account tab (your avatar icon in the top right-hand corner), then choose Assistant Settings and Routines.
If you’re ready to make your own Routine, tap the blue + Add a routine button, then tap Add commands to specify the commands that will trigger the Routine, and you can attach several: “off to work”, “leaving for work”, and “heading to the office” for instance. These need to be typed out as you’ll say them. All in all, these routines can save you a ton of time both before and after your work day!
Our Conclusive Review
The sound quality is amazing and the features are rock-solid. If you are looking for an affordable, smart home enabled speaker, this is a fantastic option for you. Our clients in Kelowna love the Google Nest, and so do we! If you would like a multi-room setup or just more control over your homes automation, give us a call!
