Google Nest Hub is a voice-controlled smart display for the home: it combines a touchscreen and speaker with Google services so you can see information, play media, display photos, and control compatible smart-home devices by voice or touch. Google’s current product and specifications pages describe the Nest Hub (2nd gen), whose features differ from the original model.
What does Google Nest Hub do?
The screen makes a Nest Hub different from a voice-only smart speaker. It can show visual answers and household information while also letting you interact with supported services and devices.
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- Control compatible smart-home devices: View or control supported lights, cameras, TVs, and other connected products through the screen or voice. Compatibility depends on the device and setup; Google’s product page lists Google Home compatibility, Matter support, and Thread border-router functionality for the second-generation model. Google Nest Hub product page
- Play media and show photos: Watch YouTube and supported video services, play music, or display images from Google Photos. Services and availability can vary by market. Google Nest Hub product page
- Show household information: Google describes calendar, commute, reminders, and visual answers as uses for the display; its current product page also describes family-organization features. Google Nest Hub product page
- Respond to voice requests: The Hub provides voice-assistant help alongside its visual and touch controls. Which services and capabilities are available depends on account, region, and software. Google Nest Hub introduction and support information
What is different about Nest Hub (2nd gen)?
Google’s current product and specification pages describe the Nest Hub (2nd gen). It adds a Soli sensor for Motion Sense; Google’s launch announcement describes Quick Gestures, which let users control selected functions such as pausing media or snoozing an alarm without touching the screen. Google also described Sleep Sensing at launch, but availability and current terms should be checked for the reader’s region and account. Google Nest Hub introduction and support information Google’s 2021 second-generation announcement
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11The second-generation specification page lists a 7-inch touchscreen with 1024 × 600 resolution, a full-range speaker, three far-field microphones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Chromecast built-in, Matter compatibility, and Thread border-router functionality. Google also lists a 15 W power adapter. The enclosure is listed as made from 54% recycled plastic. Google Nest Hub introduction and support information
#1 Best Overall
- Alexa can show you more - Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
- Small size, bigger sound – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
- See more with the built-in camera – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
- See your photos on display – When not in use, set the background to a rotating slideshow of your favorite photos. Invite family and friends to share photos to your Echo Show. Prime members also get unlimited cloud photo storage.
Google said at the 2021 launch that the second-generation speaker has 50% more bass than the original Nest Hub. That is Google’s launch-era comparison claim, not an independent measurement. Google’s 2021 second-generation announcement
Does Nest Hub have a camera?
The Nest Hub (2nd gen) specifications describe a Soli sensor and Quick Gestures, not a camera. Google says those gesture controls work without a camera. Google Nest Hub introduction and support information
Rank #2
- Alexa can show you more - Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
- Small size, bigger sound – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
- See more with the built-in camera – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
- See your photos on display – When not in use, set the background to a rotating slideshow of your favorite photos. Invite family and friends to share photos to your Echo Show. Prime members also get unlimited cloud photo storage.
What do you need to set up a Nest Hub?
Google says the device needs a nearby electrical outlet, a Wi-Fi network, and a compatible mobile device. To use it for smart-home control, check that each specific device is supported and that your account and setup meet its requirements. Google Nest Hub introduction and support information
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Best Value
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: Google Nest Hub Max with English, Spanish, French, Japanese and Global Language Compatibility so it works everywhere, Universal Power Adapter and Quick Start Guide with International Manual for Global Users
- IT WORKS EVERYWHERE Easy to use and will automatically start up in English when connecting to your device for the first time. The Nest Hub works globally with support for most languages and places internationally. And its language settings can always be changed back and forth to your preferred language anytime for international use or travel at your convenience
- BLENDS RIGHT INTO YOUR HOME Looks great on a nightstand, shelf, countertop - or the wall. This Nest Hub is small and mighty with bright sound that kicks! It plugs into the wall and is powered by the global ac adapter that works internationally so it works in outlets everywhere
Rank #3
- Google Nest Hub 1st Gen H1A – 7-inch smart display with Google Assistant built in for hands-free help, smart home control, entertainment, and daily organization.
- Korean Spec Model – International/Korean version of the Google Nest Hub H1A. Language can be changed to English after setup through the Google Home app/device settings.
- Smart Home Control – Use voice commands or the touchscreen to control compatible smart lights, cameras, thermostats, plugs, speakers, and other Google Assistant devices.
- Entertainment & Daily Help – Stream music, watch videos, view Google Photos, check weather, set timers, manage reminders, follow recipes, and get answers hands-free.
- Compact 7" Display Design – Great for kitchens, bedrooms, desks, offices, counters, and nightstands with a clean modern smart display design.
What should you check before relying on a feature?
- Model: Confirm whether a description applies to the original Hub or Nest Hub (2nd gen), especially for Soli, Motion Sense, and Sleep Sensing.
- Region and service: Streaming, calling, voice-assistant, and sensing features are not established as universally available. Google’s support information says supported calling in the US and Canada is limited to domestic calls and excludes 911 and premium numbers; consult Google’s current help information if calling matters to you. Google Nest Hub introduction and support information
- Smart-home compatibility: Matter and Thread support do not mean every connected product works automatically; verify the particular device and setup.
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