Google Nest (smart speakers)

{{Short description|Line of voice-enabled smart speakers and displays by Google}} {{redirect|Google Home (smart speakers)|the original device|Google Home (smart speaker)}} {{Use American English|date=June 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox computing device | name = Google Nest | logo = Google Nest Logo (2025).png | logo_size = 150px | image = Google Home with Home Hub and Home Mini on table.jpg | caption = Several products released under the Google Home name: Google Home, Google Home Hub, and Google Home Mini | developer = Google | manufacturer = | type = Smart speaker | release_date = {{start date and age|2016|11|04}} | cpu = | units_sold = 52 million<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kinsella |first=Bret |date=December 24, 2018 |title=RBC Analyst Says 52 Million Google Home Devices Sold to Date and Generating $3.4 Billion in 2018 Revenue |url=https://voicebot.ai/2018/12/24/rbc-analyst-says-52-million-google-home-devices-sold-to-date-and-generating-3-4-billion-in-2018-revenue/ |website=Voicebot.ai |access-date=June 25, 2025 }}</ref> | dimensions = | weight = | input = Voice commands, limited physical touch surface | connectivity = Wi-Fi dual-band (2.4/5 GHz) 802.11b/g/n/ac,<ref name="homespecs" /> Bluetooth | website = {{Official URL}} }}

'''Google Nest''', formerly known as '''Google Home''', is a line of smart speakers developed by Google under the Google Nest brand. The devices enable users to speak voice commands to interact with services through Google Assistant, the company's virtual assistant, and with a touchscreen display on some models. Both in-house and third-party services are integrated, allowing users to listen to music, control playback of videos or photos, or receive news updates entirely by voice. Google Nest devices also have integrated support for home automation, letting users control smart home appliances with their voice command. The first device, Google Home, was released in the United States in November 2016; subsequent product releases have occurred globally since 2017.

Through software updates to Google Nest devices and Google Assistant, additional functionality has been added over time. For example, multiple speakers can be set up for synchronized playback of music. An update in April 2017 brought multi-user support, allowing the device to distinguish between up to six people by voice. In May 2017, Google announced multiple updates, including: hands-free phone calling at no cost in Canada and the United States; proactive reminders ahead of scheduled events; visual responses on mobile devices or Chromecast-enabled televisions; Bluetooth audio streaming; and the ability to add reminders and calendar appointments.

The original Google Home speaker released in November 2016 featured a cylindrical shape with colored status LEDs on top. In October 2017, Google announced two additions to the product lineup, the miniature puck-shaped Google Home Mini and a larger Google Home Max. In October 2018, the company released the Google Home Hub, a smart speaker with a 7-inch touchscreen. In May 2019, Google announced that Google Home devices would be rebranded under the Google Nest banner, and it unveiled the Nest Hub Max, a larger smart display.

== History == In March 2016, reports were published about Google developing a wireless speaker to compete against the Amazon Echo.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dye |first=John |date=March 24, 2016 |title=Google is brewing a competitor to Amazon Echo |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/google-amazon-echo-competitor-682190/ |website=Android Authority |access-date=March 28, 2017 }}</ref> Google Home was officially announced at the company's developer conference in May 2016,<ref name="verge-announce">{{Cite web |last=Bohn |first=Dieter |date=May 18, 2016 |title=Google Home: a speaker to finally take on the Amazon Echo |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/5/18/11688376/google-home-speaker-announced-virtual-assistant-io-2016 |access-date=March 28, 2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grunin |first=Lori |date=May 18, 2016 |title=Android N, Daydream VR, Google Home and more: Everything announced at Google I/O 2016 |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/android-n-daydream-vr-google-home-and-more-everything-announced-at-google-io-2016/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=March 28, 2017 }}</ref> where it was also announced that Home would run the Google Assistant (a conversational evolution of Google Now intended to be integrated in other products announced at the conference as well).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mossberg |first=Walt |date=May 19, 2016 |title=Mossberg: Google doubles down on AI |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/5/19/11706274/walt-mossberg-google-home-artificial-intelligence-chatbot-io-2016 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=March 28, 2017 }}</ref>

In October 2016, the iOS and Android mobile app used to initially set up Google Home and Google's other streaming devices was renamed from "Google Cast" to "Google Home", leaving Google Cast as the name solely of the protocol that "sends" audio/video content to play back on another device.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pendlebury |first=Ty |date=October 26, 2016 |title=Google Cast is recast as Google Home companion app |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-cast-app-becomes-google-home/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=April 11, 2017 }}</ref> The Google Home smart speaker was released in the US on November 4, 2016,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lardinois |first=Frederic |date=October 4, 2016 |title=Google Home will go on sale today for $129, shipping November 4 |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/10/04/say-hello-to-google-home/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |access-date=April 13, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bohn |first=Dieter |date=October 4, 2016 |title=Google Home is smart, loud, and kind of cute |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/4/13156676/google-home-assistant-speaker-photos-video-device-hands-on |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=April 13, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hautala |first=Laura |date=October 5, 2016 |title=Google Home to sell for $129, launches on November 4 |url=https://www.cnet.com/au/news/google-home-to-sell-for-129-launches-on-november-4/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=April 13, 2017 }}</ref> and in the UK on April 6, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=March 28, 2017 |title=Google Home launches in the UK on April 6th priced at £129 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/28/15085826/google-home-uk-release-date-pricing-features |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=March 28, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Burgess |first=Matt |date=March 28, 2017 |title=Google Home is coming to the UK on April 6 for £129 |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/google-home-uk-okay-launch |journal=Wired |publisher=Condé Nast |access-date=March 28, 2017 }}</ref> In May 2017, Google announced that Home would be heading to Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and Japan in middle 2017,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Palmer |first=Jordan |date=May 17, 2017 |title=Google Home launching in Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and Japan this summer |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/05/17/google-home-launching-canada-australia-france-germany-japan-summer/ |website=Android Police |access-date=May 17, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thorp-Lancaster |first=Dan |date=May 17, 2017 |title=Google Home is headed to 6 new countries this summer |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/google-home-headed-6-new-countries-summer |website=Android Central |access-date=May 17, 2017 }}</ref> and the device subsequently became available for pre-order in Canada on June 2, 2017, with a retail date of June 26.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Etherington |first=Darrell |date=June 2, 2017 |title=Google Home now available for pre-order in Canada |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/02/google-home-now-available-for-pre-order-in-canada/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |access-date=June 4, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Moon |first=Mariella |date=June 2, 2017 |title=Google Home will arrive in Canada on June 26th |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/06/02/google-home-canada-launch-june-26th/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |access-date=June 4, 2017 }}</ref> In July 2017, Google announced the release of Google Home in Australia on July 20, 2017,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gao |first=Richard |date=July 17, 2017 |title=Google Home and Wifi will launch in Australia on July 20th |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/07/17/google-home-wifi-will-launch-australia-july-20th/ |access-date=July 18, 2017 |website=Android Police}}</ref> France on August 3, 2017,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitwam |first=Ryan |date=July 6, 2017 |title=Google Home is coming to France, and it (predictably) speaks French now |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/07/06/google-home-now-available-france-predictably-speaks-french-now/ |website=Android Police |access-date=July 18, 2017 }}</ref> Germany on August 8, 2017,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davenport |first=Corbin |date=August 8, 2017 |title=Google Home arrives in Germany for €149 |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/08/08/google-home-arrives-germany-e149/ |website=Android Police |publisher=Illogical Robot |access-date=December 6, 2017 }}</ref> and Italy on March 27, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 22, 2018 |title=Mettetevi comodi: Google Home e Google Home Mini arrivano in Italia |url=https://italia.googleblog.com/2018/03/mettetevi-comodi-google-home-e-google.html |website=Google Blog Italia |access-date=March 22, 2018 }}</ref>

On October 4, 2017, Google announced Google Home Mini, a smaller, less expensive variant that was released on October 19, 2017,<ref name="Mini announced">{{Cite web |last=Statt |first=Nick |date=October 4, 2017 |title=$49 Google Home Mini announced to compete with Amazon's Echo Dot but google Home mini don't have jack audio output connector |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/4/16407344/google-home-mini-announced-price-release-date-smart-speaker |access-date=December 6, 2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=The Verge}}</ref> as well as Google Home Max, a larger, more expensive variant that was released on December 11, 2017.<ref name="Max announced">{{Cite web |last=Singleton |first=Micah |date=October 4, 2017 |title=Google Home Max is a supersized version of the smart home speaker |url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/10/4/16404380/google-home-max-smart-stereo-speaker-announced-price-release-date |access-date=December 6, 2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref>

The Google Home and Home Mini were released in India on April 10, 2018,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kharpal |first=Arjun |date=April 10, 2018 |title=Google Home smart speaker launches in India, joining Amazon Echo |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/10/google-home-launches-in-india.html |website=CNBC |access-date=April 10, 2018 }}</ref> and the Nest Hub was released on August 26, 2019.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 27, 2019 |title=Order around your home appliances: Google Nest Hub comes to India at Rs 9,999 |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/order-around-your-home-appliances-google-nest-hub-will-come-to-india-soon/articleshow/70804629.cms |access-date=August 28, 2019 }}</ref>

As of May 8, 2018, the Google Home was planned for release in Denmark, South Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 8, 2018 |title=Google Home Coming to 7 Countries in 2018: Denmark, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden |url=https://voicebot.ai/2018/05/08/google-home-coming-to-7-more-countries-in-2018-denmark-korea-mexico-the-netherlands-norway-spain-and-sweden/ |website=Voicebot.ai |access-date=May 8, 2018 }}</ref>

On May 7, 2019, during the Google I/O keynote, Google announced that all of their smart home products will henceforth be marketed under the Nest brand.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 7, 2019 |title=Google renames Home Hub to the Nest Hub and releases a 10-inch Nest Hub Max |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/07/google-renames-home-hub-to-the-nest-hub-and-releases-a-10-inch-nest-hub-max/ |website=TechCrunch |access-date=May 7, 2019 }}</ref> Nest had been subsumed by Google's home hardware unit in July 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 17, 2018 |title=Nest CEO steps down after employees pushed for his exit |work=CNET |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/nest-ceo-steps-down-after-employees-pushed-for-his-exit/ |access-date=July 18, 2018 }}</ref>

On July 10, 2019, a report published by Belgian broadcaster VRT NWS managed to gain access to more than a thousand audio excerpts recorded by Google Assistant in Belgium and the Netherlands.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Coker |first=Diana |title=Google Home is sending your private recordings to Google workers |url=https://www.technowize.com/google-home-is-sending-your-private-recordings-to-google-workers/ |access-date=July 12, 2019}}</ref> The audio files were sent to Google employees to develop Google Assistant's speech technology. According to the VRT NWS report, 153 of the 1,000 audio files should have never been recorded and during which the command "OK Google" was clearly not given. In some cases, the recordings included "bedroom conversations, conversations between parents and their children, but also blazing rows and professional phone calls containing lots of private information".<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Hee |first1=Lente Van |last2=Heuvel |first2=Ruben Van Dan |last3=Verheyden |first3=Tim |last4=Baert |first4=Denny |title=Google employees are eavesdropping, even in your living room, VRT NWS has discovered |url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2019/07/10/google-employees-are-eavesdropping-even-in-flemish-living-rooms/}}</ref>

Google defended the practice in a blog post: "As part of our work to develop speech technology for more languages, we partner with language experts around the world who understand the nuances and accents of a specific language," Google wrote. "These language experts review and transcribe a small set of queries to help us better understand those languages. This is a critical part of the process of building speech technology and is necessary to creating products like the Google Assistant."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Monsees |first=David |date=July 11, 2019 |title=More information about our processes to safeguard speech data |url=https://www.blog.google/products/assistant/more-information-about-our-processes-safeguard-speech-data/}}</ref>

== Models ==

=== Google Home === thumb|upright|The original Google Home

The original '''Google Home''' model is a cylindrical speaker that is {{convert|5.62|in|mm|abbr=off}} tall and {{convert|3.79|in|mm|abbr=off}} in diameter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Google Home specifications |url=https://support.google.com/googlehome/answer/7072284 |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=Google Home Help |publisher=Google Inc.}}</ref> The top surface of the device features colored status LEDs, and features capacitive touch controls to start and stop music, and adjust volume.<ref name="verge-announce" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gebhart |first=Andrew |date=October 4, 2016 |title=Alexa who? Google Home wants to kick Echo off of your countertop (hands-on) |url=https://www.cnet.com/products/google-home/preview/ |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref> A mute button is located on the back of the device, which disables the microphones.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cipriani |first=Jason |date=December 25, 2016 |title=Google Home: 11 tips and tricks to get started |url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/google-home-tips-and-tricks/ |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref>

The base of the device is covered by a shell acting as a speaker grille, which is designed to be removed and replaced with one that suits the decor of a room.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGrath |first=Jenny |date=March 10, 2017 |title=Is there an Echo in here? How Google Home compares to Amazon's Bluetooth speaker |url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/home/amazon-echo-vs-google-home/ |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=Digital Trends}}</ref> {{As of|2016|11}}, Google offers fabric shells in "Mango", "Marine", and "Violet" color finishes, and metallic shells in "Carbon", "Copper", and "Snow" finishes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Callaham |first=John |date=November 7, 2016 |title=More Google Home base colors now available starting at $20 |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/google-home-base-colors-727368/ |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=Android Authority}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Taylor |date=January 10, 2017 |title=How to customize the appearance of Google Home |url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-customize-the-appearance-of-google-home/ |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref>

''The Information'' reported that Google Home's internal hardware was very similar to that of the Chromecast, with the same ARM processor and Wi-Fi chip.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Efrati |first=Amir |date=May 31, 2016 |title=Google Home's Little Secret |url=https://www.theinformation.com/google-homes-little-secret |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=The Information}} {{subscription required}}</ref> In November 2016, a teardown of the original model by iFixit confirmed that the device featured many of the same hardware components as the second-generation Chromecast.<ref>{{Cite news |title=iFixit teardown confirms Google Home is basically an overgrown Chromecast |work=The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/11/7/13549848/ifixit-teardown-google-home-same-chromecast |access-date=October 5, 2017}}</ref>

=== Home Mini === thumb|left|upright=0.9|A coral-colored Home Mini, listening

Google unveiled the '''Google Home Mini''' during a hardware-focused event on October 4, 2017, which was released on October 19, 2017. It is a variant of Google Home with the same overall functionality, but in a smaller pebble-like form factor around 4 inches (10&nbsp;cm) in diameter, with a fabric top that its white-colored status lights shine through. It has a mute switch rather than a mute button, and uses a micro USB connection for power. It is available in the colors "aqua", "chalk", "charcoal", and "coral". Analysts compared the Google Home Mini to Amazon's equivalent Echo Dot model.<ref name="Mini announced" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Pierce |first=David |date=October 4, 2017 |title=Google Home Mini puts Assistant anywhere and everywhere |url=https://www.wired.com/story/google-home-mini-puts-assistant-everywhere/ |journal=Wired |publisher=Condé Nast |access-date=December 6, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Verge first look">{{Cite web |last=Bohn |first=Dieter |date=October 4, 2017 |title=First look at Google Home Mini and Max |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/4/16405218/new-google-home-mini-max-speakers-photos-video-hands-on |access-date=December 6, 2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref>

Prior to its release, a "phantom input" bug was discovered, where its touch-sensitive surface—which could be tapped to activate Assistant without using a hotword command—inadvertently activated on its own, resulting in unwanted voice recording. Due to privacy concerns, Google removed the feature entirely from all units via a software update.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Russakovskii |first=Artem |date=October 10, 2017 |title=Google is permanently nerfing all Home Minis because mine spied on everything I said 24/7 [Update x2] |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/10/10/google-nerfing-home-minis-mine-spied-everything-said-247/ |website=Android Police |publisher=Illogical Robot |access-date=December 6, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Amadeo |first=Ron |date=October 12, 2017 |title=Pre-release Google Home Mini goes rogue, starts recording 24/7 [Updated] |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/10/pre-release-google-home-mini-goes-rogue-starts-recording-247/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |access-date=December 6, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2017 |title=Google disables touch function on Home Mini |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-41594924 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=December 6, 2017 }}</ref> In December 2017, Google released an update to Home Mini, allowing users to long-press the volume buttons to play and pause audio.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kastrenakes |first=Jacob |date=December 8, 2017 |title=Google brings play and pause buttons back to the Home Mini |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/8/16754308/google-home-mini-play-pause-functions-added-back |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=December 9, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gebhart |first=Andrew |date=December 8, 2017 |title=Google Home Mini resurrects touch play controls |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-home-mini-resurrects-touch-play-controls/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=December 9, 2017 }}</ref>

=== Home Max === During its October 4, 2017, event, Google unveiled the '''Google Home Max''', which was released on December 11, 2017.<ref name="Max announced" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 11, 2017 |title=Google Home Max is now on sale, here's where you can buy it |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/where-to-buy-google-home-max |access-date=December 27, 2017 |publisher=Android Central}}</ref> It is a larger version of the Google Home device with stereo speakers (including two tweeters and subwoofers), an audio connector (input), and a USB Type-C connector intended for a wired Ethernet adapter. It was released in the colors "chalk" and "charcoal", and has a magnetically attached stand for vertical orientation,<ref name="Verge first look" /> and "Smart Sound", an adaptive audio system that uses machine learning to automatically adjust sound output based on factors such as the environment (including placement and sources of noise) and time of day.<ref name="Max announced" /> Reviewers compared the Home Max to Sonos smart speakers and Apple's HomePod.<ref name="Verge first look" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chacos |first=Brad |date=October 4, 2017 |title=The Google Home Max takes aim at Sonos speakers with big sound and dynamic AI smarts |url=https://www.techhive.com/article/3230453/home-tech/google-home-max-smart-sound.html |access-date=December 6, 2017 |website=TechHive |publisher=IDG}}</ref> The Google Home Max was discontinued from sale on December 14, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Abner |date=December 14, 2020 |title=Google Home Max officially discontinued and out of stock |url=https://9to5google.com/2020/12/14/google-home-max-discontinued/ |website=9to5Google }}</ref>

=== Home Hub / Nest Hub <span class="anchor" id="Home Hub"></span><span class="anchor" id="Nest Hub"></span>=== thumb|The Google Home Hub smart display, now named the Nest Hub

On October 9, 2018, Google unveiled the '''Google Home Hub''', which features a 7-inch (1024 x 600) touchscreen display that can be used to provide visual feedback for queries.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/7072284 |title=Google Nest and Home device specifications – Google Nest Help |website=support.google.com }}</ref> The "Home View" feature provides a centralized, visual interface for controlling supported smart home devices and Nest video cameras (other vendors such as Wyze and Arlo can also be streamed). Unlike its closest competitor, the Amazon Echo Show, the Home Hub does not include a camera for video calls, citing customer privacy concerns. Although Google has developed an OEM solution for Assistant-powered smart display devices based on Android Things and a Qualcomm system-on-chip, the Home Hub utilizes a different hardware platform. The device is available in light gray, dark gray, pink, and aqua blue. A reported security issue in the Home Hub was dismissed by Google as a non-issue, as an attack would require access to the same Wi-Fi network as the device.

On May 7, 2019, the Google Home Hub was rebranded and renamed to the '''Google Nest Hub'''.

On May 25, 2021, an update for the Preview Program released to the first generation model replaced the Linux-based Cast OS with Google Fuchsia, becoming the first commercial device to ever feature the operating system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blumenthal |first=Eli |title=Google starts rolling out Fuchsia OS to original Nest Hub |url=https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/google-starts-rolling-out-fuchsia-os-to-original-nest-hub/ |website=CNET |access-date=May 26, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bradshaw |first=Kyle |date=May 25, 2021 |title=Google is releasing Fuchsia OS, starting w/ 1st-gen Nest Hub |url=https://9to5google.com/2021/05/25/google-releases-fuchsia-os-nest-hub/ |website=9to5Google |access-date=May 26, 2021 }}</ref>

==== Second generation ==== On March 30, 2021, a second generation of the Google Nest Hub was released. The second generation sported 50% more bass and a sleep sensor. The Nest Hub kept its 7-inch touchscreen.

=== Nest Hub Max === thumb|Nest Hub Max with a camera, displaying a clock screensaver

A larger version of the Google Nest Hub, called the '''Google Nest Hub Max''', was announced on May 7, 2019. It features a 10-inch (1280 x 800) display, integrated camera (which can be used for face recognition, Google Duo video calls, and as a security camera), and larger speakers with a rear-facing subwoofer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |date=May 7, 2019 |title=Google just renamed its smart home brand to Google Nest |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/7/18531532/google-nest-rename-smart-home-rebrand-io-2019 |access-date=May 7, 2019 |website=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Garun |first=Natt |date=May 7, 2019 |title=Google announces the Nest Hub Max, a new home device with a camera |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/7/18301161/google-nest-hub-max-camera-home-announcement-io-2019-keynote |website=The Verge |access-date=May 7, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Google Nest Hub Max Tech Specs – Google Store |url=https://store.google.com/us/product/google_nest_hub_max_tech_specs |website=Google Store |access-date=July 11, 2020 }}</ref> It was released in September 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Andrew |title=Google Nest Hub Max review |url=https://www.techradar.com/reviews/google-nest-hub-max |website=TechRadar |access-date=October 15, 2019 }}</ref><ref name="nesthubmax-release">{{Cite web |last=Gebhart |first=Andrew |date=July 24, 2019 |title=Google confirmed Nest Hub Max has a release date: Sept. 9 |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-confirmed-nest-hub-max-has-a-release-date-sept-9/ |website=CNET |access-date=May 7, 2020 }}</ref>

=== Nest Mini === thumb|upright=0.9|A Nest Mini (2nd gen.) in charcoal

On October 15, 2019, Google unveiled a second-generation model of the Home Mini branded as the '''Google Nest Mini'''. It was released on October 22. The device is similar in design to the first-generation Home Mini with several small improvements. The fabric of the Nest Mini is made of recycled consumer plastic bottles. The device is powered by a proprietary pin-style DC plug with higher energy input and reliability than the previous iteration's Micro-USB. The upgrades include a larger speaker, an additional microphone, a machine learning chip that can cache voice recognition data for commonly used commands locally. It contains LED lights that highlight the touch areas for volume control and makes use of "ultrasound sensing", allowing for findability in dark environments. The bottom of the Nest Mini contains a hole for wall-mounting with a screw. It is available in the colors "chalk", "charcoal", "coral", and "sky blue".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Molly |title=Nest Mini replaces Home Mini as Google's smallest smart speaker |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/nest-mini-say-hello-to-the-newest-and-smallest-google-assistant-smart-speaker/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=October 15, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bohn |first=Dieter |date=October 15, 2019 |title=Google's new Nest Mini has better controls, similar sound, and the same price |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/15/20908072/google-nest-mini-sound-quality-photos-video-hands-on-capacitive-ultrasound |website=The Verge |access-date=October 15, 2019 }}</ref>

=== Nest Audio === thumb|right|upright=0.8|A chalk-colored Nest Audio On September 30, 2020, Google released the '''Google Nest Audio''', which acts as the successor to the original Google Home and incorporates some design elements of the Home Max.

=== Google Home Speaker === On October 1, 2025, Google returned to the Google Home name for their smart speakers with the announcement of the '''Google Home Speaker'''. These models will now allow pairing with supported Google TV devices such as the Google TV Streamer for surround audio, and is the first speaker to be explicitly designed to be used with Gemini for Home. It is expected to launch in Spring 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-01 |title=Our newest Google Home devices are built for Gemini |url=https://blog.google/products/google-nest/new-nest-cams-home-speaker-walmart/ |access-date=2025-10-01 |website=Google |language=en-us}}</ref>{{clear}}

=== Model comparison === {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- ! Model ! Google Home ! Home Mini (1st gen) ! Home Max ! Home Hub / Nest Hub ! Nest Hub Max ! Nest Mini (2nd gen) ! Nest Audio ! Nest Hub (2nd generation) |- ! Release date | November 4, 2016 | October 19, 2017 | December 11, 2017 | October 22, 2018 | September 9, 2019<ref name="nesthubmax-release" /> | October 22, 2019 | September 30, 2020 | March 30, 2021 |- ! Launch price | US$129 | $49 | $399 | $149 | $229<ref name="nesthubmax-release" /> | $49 | $99.99<ref name="Nest Audio Specs">{{Cite web |title=Nest Audio Tech Specs – Google Store |url=https://store.google.com/product/nest_audio_specs |website=store.google.com |access-date=September 30, 2020 }}</ref> | $99 |- ! Processor | Marvell 88DE3006 Armada 1500 Mini Plus 1.2&nbsp;GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A7<ref>{{Cite web |last=Havard |first=Scott |date=November 7, 2016 |title=Google Home Teardown |url=https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Google+Home+Teardown/72684 |website=iFixit |access-date=December 6, 2017 }}</ref> | Marvell 88DE3006 Armada 1500 Mini Plus 1.2&nbsp;GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 | Amlogic A113G 1.5&nbsp;GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 | Amlogic S905D2 1.5&nbsp;GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A53<ref>{{Cite web |last=Amadeo |first=Ron |date=October 22, 2018 |title=Google Home Hub review |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/10/google-home-hub-review-a-minimum-viable-product-with-potential/ |access-date=November 18, 2020 |website=Arstechnica}}</ref> | Amlogic T931 based on hexa-core Amlogic S922 with added NPU<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 22, 2018 |title=AndroidTV Guide |url=https://twitter.com/androidtv_rumor/status/1147053818036785153 |access-date=November 18, 2020 |website=Twitter}}</ref> | Synaptics AS-370 1.4&nbsp;GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A53<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2018 |title=Linux ARM Kernel Architecture |url=https://patchwork.kernel.org/project/linux-arm-kernel/patch/20180713172626.5ca0e30f@xhacker.debian/ |access-date=November 18, 2020 |website=kernel.org}}</ref> | Synaptics AS-370 A1 1.8&nbsp;GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A53<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caliendo |first=Dario |date=November 30, 2020 |title=Nest Audio review |url=https://en.gizchina.it/2020/11/nest-audio-review/ |access-date=June 3, 2021 |website=gizchina}}</ref> | Amlogic S905D3 1.9&nbsp;GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A55;<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 11, 2021 |title=Teardown: Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) |url=https://electronics360.globalspec.com/article/17053/teardown-google-nest-hub-2nd-gen |access-date=August 29, 2021 |website=Electronics360}}</ref> High-performance ML hardware engine |- ! Display | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | 7-inch, 1,024×600 pixel touchscreen<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gebhart |first=Andrew |date=February 5, 2020 |title=Google Home Hub review: Google's smart display is still the one to beat |url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/google-nest-home-hub-with-google-assistant-the-best-smart-display-review/ |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=CNET}}</ref> |10-inch, 1,280×800 pixel touchscreen<ref name="nesthubmax-pcmagrev">{{Cite web |last=Greenwald |first=Will |date=September 9, 2019 |title=Google Nest Hub Max Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/google-nest-hub-max |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=PC Magazine}}</ref> | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | 7-inch, 1,024×600 pixel touchscreen |- ! Built-in camera | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | 6.5 megapixel camera<ref name="nesthubmax-pcmagrev" /> | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} | {{N/a}} |- ! Bluetooth version supported<ref name="homespecs">{{Cite web |title=Google Home specifications |url=https://support.google.com/googlehome/answer/7072284 |access-date=December 6, 2017 |website=Google Home Help |publisher=Google Inc.}}</ref> | Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0<ref name="Nest Audio Specs" /> | Bluetooth 5.0 |- ! Dimensions<ref name="homespecs" /> | {{convert|3.79|in|mm|abbr=on}} diameter, {{convert|5.62|in|mm|abbr=on}} high | {{convert|3.86|in|mm|abbr=on}} diameter, {{convert|1.65|in|mm|abbr=on}} high | {{convert|13.2|in|mm|abbr=on}} wide, {{convert|7.4|in|mm|abbr=on}} high, {{convert|6.0|in|mm|abbr=on}} deep | {{convert|2.65|in|mm|abbr=on}} deep, {{convert|7.02|in|mm|abbr=on}} wide, {{convert|4.65|in|mm|abbr=on}} high<ref name="Nest and Google Home device specifications">{{Cite web |title=Google Nest and Google Home device specifications |url=https://support.google.com/googlehome/answer/7072284 |access-date=April 26, 2020 |website=Google Home Help |publisher=Google Inc.}}</ref> | {{convert|3.99|in|mm|abbr=on}} deep, {{convert|9.85|in|mm|abbr=on}} wide, {{convert|7.19|in|mm|abbr=on}} high | {{convert|3.85|in|mm|abbr=on}} diameter, {{convert|1.65|in|mm|abbr=on}} high | {{convert|6.89|in|mm|abbr=on}} high, {{convert|4.89|in|mm|abbr=on}} wide, {{convert|3.07|in|mm|abbr=on}} deep<ref name="Nest Audio Specs" /> | {{convert|2.7|in|mm|abbr=on}} deep, {{convert|7.00|in|mm|abbr=on}} wide, {{convert|4.7|in|mm|abbr=on}} high |- ! Weight<ref name="homespecs" /> | {{convert|477|g|lb|2|abbr=on}} | {{convert|173|g|lb|2|abbr=on}} | {{convert|5.3|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}} | {{convert|480|g|lb|2|abbr=on}}<ref name="Nest and Google Home device specifications" /> | {{convert|1.32|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}}<ref name="Nest and Google Home device specifications" /> | {{convert|181|g|lb|2|abbr=on}}<ref name="Nest and Google Home device specifications" /> | {{convert|1.2|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}}<ref name="Nest Audio Specs" /> | {{convert|558|g|lb|2|abbr=on}} |- ! Matter support<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 11, 2022 |title=Make Connections That Matter in Google Home |url=https://blog.google/products/google-nest/new-in-google-home-io22/ |publisher=Google |access-date=June 29, 2022 }}</ref> | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{N/a}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} | {{Ya}} |- ! Thread support | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} | {{Na}} | {{Na}} | {{Ya}} |}

== Features == Google Assistant, an intelligent personal assistant, is included as the main and only assistant in Google Home.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Talk to your Google Assistant on Google Home |url=https://support.google.com/googlehome/answer/7071994 |website=Google Home Help |publisher=Google Inc. |access-date=April 13, 2017 }}</ref> Unlike its predecessor, Google Now, Assistant is able to engage in two-way conversations with users.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lynley |first=Matthew |date=May 18, 2016 |title=Google unveils Google Assistant, a virtual assistant that's a big upgrade to Google Now |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/05/18/google-unveils-google-assistant-a-big-upgrade-to-google-now/ |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL}}</ref> ''The Wall Street Journal'' reported in October 2016 that Google hired writers from Pixar movies and ''The Onion'' satirical newspaper to develop a personality for the Assistant, with a long-term goal being to invoke a sense of emotional rapport in users.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mims |first=Christopher |date=October 9, 2016 |title=Your Next Friend Could Be a Robot |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/your-next-friend-could-be-a-robot-1476034599 |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=The Wall Street Journal |publisher=Dow Jones & Company}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hartmans |first=Avery |date=October 10, 2016 |title=Google hired writers from Pixar and The Onion to make Assistant more personable |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/google-assistant-pixar-the-onion-2016-10 |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=Business Insider |publisher=Axel Springer SE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dye |first=John |date=October 10, 2016 |title=How The Onion and Pixar helped build Google Assistant |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/google-assistant-onion-pixar-721227/ |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=Android Authority}}</ref>

Various forms of both in-house and third-party services are integrated into Google Home, allowing users to speak voice commands to control interaction with them. Examples of supported services include Google Play Music, Spotify and iHeartRadio for audio, Netflix, YouTube and Google Photos for videos and photos, Google Calendar and Google Keep for tasks, and CNN, CNBC, BBC and ''The Wall Street Journal'' for news updates.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Westenberg |first=Jimmy |title=The complete list of services with Google Home support (Updated) |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/google-home-services-749968/ |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> New services are integrated on an ongoing basis.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Callaham |first=John |date=December 15, 2016 |title=Google adds more than 30 new services to Google Home |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/google-home-30-new-services-736458/ |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=Android Authority}}</ref>

Users are able to connect and group together multiple speakers connected to or as part of Google Home for synchronized playback of music in every room.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Design that speaks for itself. |url=https://madeby.google.com/home/ |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=Google Home}}</ref> A notable feature omission, multiple accounts, was criticized by JR Raphael of ''Computerworld'' in November 2016,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raphael |first=JR |date=November 1, 2016 |title=Google Home has a glaring flaw |url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/3137187/personal-technology/google-home-glaring-flaw.html |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=Computerworld |publisher=International Data Group}}</ref> but an update for users in the United States in April 2017 enabled the feature. Google Home can recognize up to six different voices, pulling information from their different accounts depending on who's talking.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=April 20, 2017 |title=Google Home now supports multiple users, but still can't separate work and personal accounts |url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/4/20/15364960/google-home-speaker-multi-user-new-feature |access-date=April 21, 2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lardinois |first=Frederic |date=April 20, 2017 |title=Google Home can now recognize up to six voices and give personalized responses |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/20/google-home-can-now-recognize-up-to-six-voices-and-give-personalized-responses/ |access-date=April 21, 2017 |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Amadeo |first=Ron |date=April 20, 2017 |title=Google Home can now tell users apart just by their voice |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/04/google-home-gets-support-for-multiple-users/ |access-date=April 21, 2017 |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast}}</ref> Google Home has integration with each user's calendar, for adding reminders or appointments verbally.

Google Home includes home automation features, enabling owners to use it as a central hub to control smart devices. Examples of supported devices include the Chromecast digital media player, and products from Nest, SmartThings, Philips Hue, LIFX, LightwaveRF,<ref>{{Cite news |title=LightwaveRF hitches ride on internet of things boom |url=https://www.ft.com/content/e77d1710-3bef-11e7-ac89-b01cc67cfeec |access-date=June 17, 2017 |website=Financial Times|date=May 21, 2017 |last1=Burgess |first1=Kate }}</ref> and Logitech Harmony.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lagace |first=Marc |date=March 30, 2017 |title=These products and services work with Google Home |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/these-products-and-services-work-google-home |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=Android Central}}</ref>

In May 2017, Google announced multiple updates to Google Home's functionality. Google's speakers could now support hands-free calling, letting users make calls to any landline or mobile phone in the United States, Canada and later, the UK for free using a virtual number generated by google integrated into the device. In December 2021 an update to Google's Terms of Service restricted the feature of calling through Google Nest speakers to only numbers that are on the user's contacts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quinn |first=Paul |date=May 17, 2017 |title=Google Home to add hands-free calling, personalizes the experience |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/05/17/google-home-add-hands-free-calling-personalizes-experience/ |access-date=May 17, 2017 |website=Android Police}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Make calls with your Google Nest or Home speaker or display – Google Nest Help |url=https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9849261?hl=en |access-date=March 22, 2023 |website=support.google.com}}</ref> Google Voice users can set Google Home with voice number to make personal and business calls.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kods |first=Sam |title=How to Set Google Home to Call with Google Voice Number |date=August 21, 2017 |url=https://mashtips.com/set-google-home-with-google-voice-number/}}</ref> There is no 9-1-1 emergency services support, however, Google Home users who live in the United States can subscribe to "Nest Aware". "Nest Aware" allows users to contact emergency call center located close to the residents home.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Emergency calling with Nest Aware – Google Nest Help |url=https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9678051?hl=en |access-date=November 27, 2023 |website=support.google.com}}</ref> This security feature works when users are inside of the home and when you are away on vacation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=August 16, 2017 |title=How to make phone calls with Google Home |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/16/16155846/google-home-phone-call-feature-how-to-use |access-date=December 6, 2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref> "Proactive Assistance" enables the device to dictate updates to users without being asked, including updates on traffic before a scheduled event.<ref name="engadget-updates">{{Cite web |last=Hardawar |first=Devindra |date=May 17, 2017 |title=Google Home is getting proactive assistance and visual responses |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/17/google-home-proactive-assistance/ |access-date=May 17, 2017 |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kastrenakes |first=Jacob |date=May 17, 2017 |title=Google Home will soon notify you about reminders, flight updates, and more |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/17/15648858/google-home-notifications-reminder-lights-io-2017 |access-date=May 17, 2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref> "Visual Responses" let users send answers from Google Home onto their mobile device or Chromecast-enabled television.<ref name="engadget-updates" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Garun |first=Natt |date=May 17, 2017 |title=Google Home can soon cast its response to your TV |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/17/15648290/google-home-cast-tv-response-calendar-io-2017 |access-date=May 17, 2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref> The device now also supports Bluetooth audio streaming through compatible devices (including phones, tablets and computers),<ref name="bluetooth">{{Cite web |last=Matney |first=Lucas |date=May 17, 2017 |title=Google brings hands-free calling, proactive alerts to Home |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/17/google-brings-hands-free-calling-visual-responses-to-home/ |access-date=May 17, 2017 |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Scrivens |first=Scott |date=May 17, 2017 |title=Bluetooth streaming added to Google Home, now you can play anything |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/05/17/bluetooth-streaming-added-google-home-now-can-play-anything/ |access-date=May 17, 2017 |website=Android Police}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Steele |first=Billy |date=May 17, 2017 |title=Google Home gains Bluetooth connectivity to play audio from any device |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/17/google-home-gains-bluetooth-connectivity-to-play-audio-from-any/ |access-date=May 17, 2017 |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL}}</ref> and the ability to schedule calendar appointments, with upcoming support for reminders.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Palmer |first=Jordan |date=May 17, 2017 |title=Google Home will now let you schedule calendar appointments, reminders coming soon |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/05/17/google-home-will-now-let-schedule-calendar-appointments-reminders-coming-soon/ |access-date=May 17, 2017 |website=Android Police}}</ref>

On March 28, 2018, Google made the announcement via their blog that users would be able to pair any of their Google Home devices to their own Bluetooth speakers without requiring the use of a Chromecast streamer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2018 |title=Google Home and Bluetooth speakers make the perfect pair |url=https://blog.google/products/home/google-home-and-bluetooth-speakers-make-perfect-pair/ |publisher=Google |access-date=March 28, 2018 }}</ref>

On November 5, 2018, Google announced their partnership with Disney to bring interactive read-along books to Google Home.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 5, 2018 |title=Google Home Partners with Disney for Read-along Books |work=Security Baron |url=https://securitybaron.com/news/google-home-disney/ |access-date=November 13, 2018}}</ref> In 2019, Apple, Google, Amazon, and Zigbee Alliance announced a partnership to make smart home products work together.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Haselton |first=Todd |date=December 18, 2019 |title=Apple, Google and Amazon are cooperating to make your home gadgets talk to each other |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/18/apple-google-amazon-zigbee-partner-on-smart-home.html |work=CNBC |access-date=December 19, 2019 }}</ref>

== Data storing and security methods == To use Google Assistant, a user of any Nest or Google Home device must register and sync an account using the Google Home mobile app. In the app, a setting allows the user to teach Google Assistant their voice. The Google voice technology can be used in digital forensics, where the words "OK, Google" are capable of unlocking mobile locks. A mobile device can be found, unlocked, and data can be extracted through the use of a suspect's voice file. "Hey Google" can also be used to wake up the device. Some features of Nest devices require the voice to be verified as to determine if the user is the owner. The device can also tell if it is connected to other smart devices, which can find stored data.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Park |first1=Minjin |last2=James |first2=Joshua I. |date=2019 |title=Preliminary Study of a Google Home Mini |journal=Journal of Digital Forensics |volume=13 |issue=3 |pages=1–2 |arxiv=2001.04574 |issn=1976-5304 }}</ref>

== Reception ==

=== Original Google Home speaker === The original Google Home received favorable reviews. The Google Home's design and sound input/output received significant praise, while a lack of interoperability between other Google Assistant-enabled devices was criticized. Critics also expressed concerns about Google's intentions with the device, particularly whether or not features would be more tightly integrated into other Google products.

David Pierce of ''Wired'' compared Google Home to Amazon Echo, writing in a summary that "Sometimes Home feels like sci-fi magic.<ref name="wired">{{Cite web |last=Pierce |first=David |date=November 3, 2016 |title=Review: Google Home |url=https://www.wired.com/2016/11/review-google-home/ |access-date=April 26, 2017 |website=Wired |publisher=Condé Nast}}</ref> Sometimes it reaches beyond its grasp and falls flat. The Echo is less impressive, but more reliable". Pierce praised the look of Google Home, writing that it feels "minimalist, thoughtful, and warm" in the environment, and also praised its speaker, describing it as "richer, brighter and more dynamic than the Echo, and loud enough to fill a room". While noting that Home's use of the Google Assistant functioned in different ways than it does through the Allo app or Pixel smartphone, meaning quick instructions rather than longer tasks, he praised its search abilities, writing that "you’d expect Home to excel at search. It does", despite some wrong search hiccups. Pierce criticized its lack of interoperability with other Google Assistant-enabled devices, though he called its future potential for connecting information across Google's product lines "enormous".<ref name="wired" />

Ron Amadeo of ''Ars Technica'' praised Google Home's setup process and its ability to pick up voice commands even from a distance, calling the latter "absolutely incredible". He noted the device's limiting of its Bluetooth capabilities at the time (before the May 2017 update),<ref name="bluetooth" /> however, writing that "it's important to know that Google Home is not a Bluetooth speaker; it's purely a Google Cast device. If you want to play audio on a Google Home, the service needs to have a Google Cast button". He similarly criticized the Assistant's lack of cross-device functionality, writing that "Pretty much all the actions you send to a Google Home will stay on that Google Home, and there's never an interaction with your phone", and he noted concerns and questions regarding whether Google has an intention to incorporate the functionality deeper into its product lines. Additionally, in his summary, he wrote that "Why pay $129 for a device that is less capable than an Android phone?".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Amadeo |first=Ron |date=November 3, 2016 |title=Google Home review: A step forward for hotwords, a step backward in capability |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/11/google-home-review-a-step-forward-for-hotwords-a-step-backward-in-capability/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |access-date=April 26, 2017 }}</ref>

==See also== * IFTTT * Invoke

==References== {{Reflist}}

==Further reading== * {{cite web |last=Gebhart |first=Andrew |date=November 2, 2018 |url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/google-home-review/ |title=Google Home Review: A Great Smart Speaker That's Its Own Worst Enemy |website=CNET |access-date=June 25, 2025 }} * {{cite web |last1=Crist |first1=Ry |last2=Gebhart |first2=Andrew |date=May 31, 2018 |url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/google-home-mini-review/ |title=Google Home Mini Review: A Great Alternative to the Amazon Echo Dot |website=CNET |access-date=June 25, 2025 }}

==External links== {{Commons category|Google Home}} * {{Official website}} * {{ITunes Preview App|680819774|Google Home}} * {{Google Play|com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app|Google Home}}

{{Google LLC}} {{Intelligent personal assistant software}} {{Ambient intelligence}} {{Embedded systems}} {{Smart speaker}}

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