Last year, it was announced that the previously independently operated NEST would be integrated into Google's hardware department. After announcing the launch of the Nest Hub Max at Google I/O 2019 this year, the new smart speaker NEST Mini was confirmed at this Made by Google conference. This not only upgrades the previously launched Google Home Mini, but also further enhances the sound quality performance and launches a subscription service called NEST Aware.
The updated NEST Mini mainly continues the previous Google Home Mini's design, and Google emphasizes that all plastic components are remade from recycled plastic bottles, and the sound quality performance is further improved. A set of hanging holes are also added on the back of the body, allowing users to fix the NEST Mini in more diverse locations for use. The colors are Chalk White, Charcoal Black, and the new Sky Blue.
Users can also set up multiple sets of NEST Mini at home and use the previously launched NEST Hub as a control center, so that multiple sets of NEST Mini can play music according to demand, and music can be played in any corner of the home, or music originally played in the kitchen can be moved to the living room for continued playback according to user needs.
According to Google, NEST Mini will be able to handle edge computing performance at the terabit per second (TeraOPS) level, allowing for more accurate Google Assistant interactions and improved processing efficiency. It can even handle home intercoms, home alarm systems, or make calls using the Google Duo function.
To meet the needs of building a home surveillance system, Google has launched the Nest Aware service in the United States. Users can use two monthly subscription methods to build the number of NEST cameras according to their needs, thereby creating a home surveillance system with smart reminders and video history recording functions. It also supports the use of connected speakers and displays as home alarm systems to ensure home safety at all times.
In terms of suggested retail price, NEST Mini will be sold at US$49 and is expected to be officially launched on October 10. It is expected to be available in 22 countries and regions including the United States.
Another product that has been renamed is the wireless router originally known as Google WiFi. This time, it has officially changed to the NEST WiFi name, and distinguishes between the NEST WiFi router, which serves as the main unit, and the NEST WiFi point, which serves as a signal extension. This strengthens the indoor wireless network coverage density, and even adds the Google Assistant digital assistant service function to the latter, allowing users to adjust home network settings directly through voice control, or use it directly as a NEST Mini.
According to Google, the new NEST WiFi will offer up to 2x faster connection speeds and a 25% improvement in coverage. A single NEST WiFi router and a NEST WiFi point can provide 85% indoor coverage. The new NEST WiFi also features a stylish design and is available in a variety of colors, allowing users to use NEST WiFi as a home decoration.
Through the Google Home App, you can set up your home Wi-Fi network in minutes, easily share Wi-Fi passwords, manage the network, set children's Internet access time, and quickly create a guest-only network connection signal. It can also quickly connect to more IoT devices.
The new NEST WiFi is expected to be officially launched on November 11th and is expected to be launched in eight countries including the United States. The combination of NEST WiFi router and NEST WiFi point will be sold at US$4, and the combination of one NEST WiFi router and two NEST WiFi points will be sold at US$8.
