Get smart with Nest Audio
If you’re looking to add a smart speaker to your home set-up, you really have two options, or systems to choose from – Amazon’s Echo devices with Alexa or Google’s speakers with their assistant built in. Amazon has a new range of Alexa devices and Google has launched the Nest Audio, an upgrade of its Google Home device which goes on sale on October 15.
I was surprised while unboxing the Next Audio by just how heavy it is. While it’s only 175mm high, it weighs 1.2kg. However, this isn’t designed as a portable device, and is made to sit in a living or bedroom, powered by the mains cable, which is included.
Setting up the Nest Audio is straightforward using the Google Home app. This is available for Android and iOS and is the same app I already use to control my Chromecast and other Nest devices.
As soon as I opened the app, there was an invite to set-up Nest Audio and I connected it via wifi to my home broadband. At this stage, I was also able to select which music service I use, for streaming straight from the speaker.
Once set up, the speaker is ready to answer my queries, using the ‘Hey
Google’ voice command. It is also ready to play music, so I can issue commands to play Spotify playlists or specific songs or genres.
Integration with my other smarthome equipment is seamless. It enables me to control the Nest thermostat and my Philips Hue lights.
Google has also seriously upgraded the audio. It’s 75% louder than before. But the quality is notable. It doesn’t rumble with boominess nor does it shriek at higher volumes. While it’s a chunky smart home speaker, this feels like a genuine competitor for entry-level Sonos speakers.
With its modern design and excellent audio, it makes a great choice as a living-room speaker for those who want the benefit of Google’s smart home features.