After launching Google Home mini about two years ago, Google has now unveiled the second-generation Nest Mini a re-engineered device to help people build a connected home. The company has upgraded the hardware and software in the Nest Mini to make it sound better with more bass. Google claims that Nest Mini provides bass that’s twice as strong as the original Google Home Mini (measured from 60-100 Hz at max volume).
As soon as a user’s hand gets close to the Nest Mini, LED lights will light up indicating where he or she can tap to adjust the volume. Just like Pixel Buds, Nest Mini also dynamically adjust the volume of the Assistant, news and podcasts based on the background noise. The Nest Mini can be connected to other Nest speakers to build a sound system. It can also be connected to a Google home device.
The Nest mini comes with stream transfer, which essentially means that you can transfer music or podcasts from your one nest device in one room to another in the second room. This even works with phone, so if you are listening to a song on your phone, just ask Assistant to play the content on the speaker and it will start playing the song from the same spot. The device can also be used as an intercom to talk from device to device or even call someone anywhre in the world, for free.
Google says that the fabric covering on Nest Mini is made from 100 per cent post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. ‘A single half-liter plastic bottle makes enough fabric to cover more than two Nest Mini devices. The external enclosure is also made from 35 per cent post-consumer recycled plastic. Now, all Nest products launching in 2019 are built using varying amounts of recycled plastics,’ the company said. It comes in four colors: Chalk, Charcoal, Coral and a new color, Sky, which was inspired by Lake Como in Italy. The device now comes with wall-mounting capabilities.
Google also launched Nest Wifi, a router and a Wifi point that includes the Google Assistant. The Nest Wifi system is actually two separate devices: The Nest Wifi router plugs directly into a modem, and the Nest Wifi point expands the coverage of the WiFi. Google says that Nest Wifi is more powerful than Google Wifi ‘delivering up to two times the speed and up to 25 per cent better coverage.’ A two pack is claimed to deliver coverage for a 3,800-square-foot home. The system is scalable, so more points can be added later. The Nest Wifi point also has a speaker with the Google Assistant.
When it comes to Nest Aware -- a paid subscription service that provides additional features and services to Nest cameras -- Google has introduced new pricing. ‘We heard that our Nest Aware pricing can get a little expensive and complicated, so we’re introducing a simple whole home pricing model. Instead of paying separately for each camera, the new Nest Aware will include all cameras, speakers and displays in your home for one low price, with even more video and event history,’ the company said.
Available only in the US, subscribers can choose from two plans: Nest Aware, with 30 days of event video history, at $6 per month, or Nest Aware Plus, with 60 days of event video history and 10 days of 24/7 video history, at $12 per month. Google also introduced event-based recording, a new service built into both Nest Aware plans that starts recording only when the camera detects motion or sounds.
