The Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) was released on October 22, 2019, and while I was late to the game with this IoT (Internet of Things) device I am really enjoying the hardware. To start with I call it an IoT device, not a smart speaker because it does more thanks to the addition of some new features.
Hardware
The device is 4.7 inches high and & 7 inches wide with a 7-inch touchscreen (1024 x 600) display. The Google Nest Hub runs on a Quad-core 64-bit 1.9 GHz ARM CPU making the device run fast and smooth I have had no issues with performance. The device sports three major sensors a soli sensor for motion sensing, ambient eq light sensor and a temperature sensor not to mention three microphones.
The speaker on the device is great considering it’s only a 1.7-inch full-range driver.
Features
The Google Nest Hub has all the features of hands-free audio calling using native Google features like Duo and Meets. Plus, integration of all entertainment services plus Chromecast enables functionality.
The built-in Google Assistant connects you to all the features you could want just like any smart speaker.
Sleep Sensing
The Google Nest Hub the perfect nightstand companion for the person interested in their sleep. This is the feature that sets this device apart from Nest Hub Max and why the device needs the three extra sensors.
Sleep Sensing uses motion and sound to monitor your sleep by tracking when you go to bed, when you wake up, and how long you’ve slept. The device integrates with Google Fit and provides a graph of how much time you sleep, how long you were in bed, and even can tell you four stages of sleep and what time you were in those stages.
Google Nest Hub can give status on snoring, wrestles sleep, how many times you get up, respiratory rate, coughing, the light changed and grades your sleep.
Ambient sound options
If you need help falling asleep the Nest has a built-in list of relaxation sounds. Just say “Hey Google Play” and insert one of the following
- Relaxing sounds
- Nature sounds
- Water sounds
- Running water sounds
- Babbling brook sounds
- Oscillating fan sounds
- Fireplace sounds
- Forest sounds
- Country night sounds
- Ocean sounds
- Rain sounds
- River sounds
- Thunderstorm sounds
- White noise
Sleep Suggestions
Google uses its AI Sleep Sensing to help improve your sleep with personalized insights and recommendations. I found that after a few nights Google got to know my sleep patterns and habits and then started displaying suggestions for better sleep.
Google does make mention these sleep suggestions on their website saying that coughing and snoring sound data doesn’t leave the local device furthermore saying your sleep data is not used for ad personalization and can be deleted at any time.
Final
If you are like me my sleep is very important and I really feel it if I have a bad night’s sleep. At a price tag of $64.99, I think this is a device that is essential for anyone who wants a great device for their nightstand that will give them important sleep information.