Google Nest Hub design and display
The screen of the Google Nest Hub also comes with a light sensor that adjusts the brightness of the display according to the ambient light. There are far field microphones on the device that enable Google’s digital assistant to listen to user’s commands. You also get a toggle switch to turn this off in case you are having a conversation that you don’t want the Google Assistant to listen. On the back panel of the smart speaker, you will find a port where you can connect the power cable. The volume rocker keys of the device are also located at the back. We should mention that the Google Nest Hub does not come with a front facing camera. While for some, this is a downside as it means that the device cannot be used to make video calls, there will also be those who will appreciate the kind of focus the company has put on privacy of the user by doing this. You really don’t have to be worried about using the Nest Hub in places like your living room or bed room because of this. Besides this, one also gets an option to choose from various watch faces to project on the screen while the device is not in use. Users also have the option of having images from Google’s gallery being displayed on the screen. We should also mention that the screen of the device responds to touch well. There wasn’t a single time when we tried to navigate by selecting options on the screen and couldn’t.
In a nutshell, we would say that the design and the display of the Google Nest Hub are both its plus points. It’s a compact device and it has a big enough screen for you to enjoy video content.
Google Nest Hub performance
One of the key features of the Google Nest Hub is clearly the Google Assistant. The digital assistant by Google and the company’s large ecosystem of services makes the device extremely useful. Since most of us use at least a few services by Google on our smartphones, like Maps, YouTube, Gmail or even Assistant, the device is quick in curating cards for us based on our usual activity. One thing that we really liked about Google Nest Hub is that the digital assistant already recognised our voice and allowed us to add family members in the Google Home app. With this, no one else other than people who were registered could access Google Assistant. Needless to say, this added a layer of security to the data on the device. Another feature that we liked was Digital Wellbeing. After Android smartphones, the feature has now made its way to the Nest Hub too. After you set a particular time period in Downtime feature, Google Assistant on the smart speaker will not answer any of your queries.
Coming back to the large ecosystem of the device, there are a number of activities that you will be able to perform seamlessly on the smart speaker. The device has integration with Google Photos, so you can ask the assistant to show you pictures from a particular day or a trip. There is Google Calendar, so you can update your entries using the smart speaker itself. The device also has Google Maps, so you can check for commute routes and time that you will take to reach your destination before you leave home. Google Nest Hub also has YouTube, so you can make full use of its display to watch content on it for hours. Some other functions that can be performed on Google Nest Hub include:
Managing personal information Playing radio Getting information about various geographical places Checking financial markets Finding and playing music Using calculator Finding places to visit in your town Translating languages Finding words in dictionary Finding food recipes Playing audiobooks
There are many more besides these. That’s the reason that we are vouching for the fact everyone will find the Nest Hub to be of some use to them. Last but not the least, even the sound output of the device is decent. While the quality remains good at normal volume, on the highest note, it does crack a bit. However, you wouldn’t need it to be that loud unless you want to play songs on it for a house party. For most other occasions, it is absolutely fine.
Verdict
At a price of Rs 9,999 Google Nest Hub is one amongst the best smart speakers that you’ll find in the under Rs 10,000 category. The pros of the Google Nest Hub definitely outweigh its cons and everyone is bound to find it useful because of the number of services that it offers and the number of functions that it does. Consider it to be a one stop destination for all Google services coupled with a great display. However, the only downside is that you cannot make video calls using the device, but then, on the upside, the same has not been added to enhance privacy. Pros
Great display Very feature rich because of integration with Google services Google Assistant Privacy-focussed settings
Cons
No video calls Sound quality at high volume can be better
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