Google has announced the second-generation Nest Hub device. The company has removed the camera, making the smart screen, one for tracking sleep and some other interesting features.
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) Features
The new Nest Hub (2nd Gen) comes with a display size of 7-inch similar to the original Nest Hub (review) device that was launched back in 2019. The screen has thick bezels around the sides and a resolution of 1024×600 pixels. It sports a full-range speaker with a 43.5mm driver that Google claims to provide more than 50% bass over the previous version.
The Nest Hub has three microphones with a button to switch it off when not required. The device can only be used to make audio calls as Google has removed the camera from it. The hub comes with a built-in Google Voice Assistant, Voice Match technology, and Ultrasound sensing to make the operation smarter.
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Google Nest Hub can be used for watching online shows via OTT apps, play music, and connect with smart home appliances. Another nifty trick is that you can put off the alarm just by waving your hands in front of the screen.
Meanwhile, the most distinguishing spec of the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is bedside sleep-tracking. Google has installed a Soli radar chip at the upper right corner of the device for motion sensing. It also has a sound sensor, light sensor, and temperature sensor for Sleep Sensing. Each of the sensors collectively works to detect the shape, position, movement, and breathing pattern of the body during sleep.
Once the data is recorded inside the device, a machine learning chip processes the data and produces a summary when you awake. It shows up basic parameters such as sleep duration, the number of times one coughed or snored, breathing pattern, and even counts the number you get out of the bed during the night.
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Google has designed the Nest Hub to suggest you better means to get better sleep. It supports the Google Fit app for tracking. As far as privacy is concerned, Google claims that they don’t acquire the recorded data from the Hub. Also, the removal of the camera makes it safe to put it by the bedside.
A major drawback of the new Nest Hub is that it is designed to be used by a single user. As the device works on voice commands, movement tracking, and machine learning process, it can’t handle the involvement of two or more users.
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Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) Price and Availability
Google has set the price of 2nd Gen Nest Hub at $99.99 (around Rs 7,250) which is cheaper than the 1st Gen price of Rs 9,999. The device will be available in charcoal, chalk, sand, and mist color options. It is on pre-order in the US, UK, Germany, France, Canada, and Australia. Google is planning to bring the device to more markets later.
