Nest Mini: More of the same, but better

Two years after the release of the Google Home Mini, we finally get its next iteration in the form of the Nest Mini. The small, entry-level smart speaker is $10 cheaper than the original at $69. And while it shares a lot of similarities with the original, there are some changes integrated into the Nest Mini that might entice first-time smart speaker buyers to check it out. 

The design doesn't stray far from the Home Mini. You might think they're the same device if you place them side by side. Colour options are almost the same as before with Chalk, Charcoal, and Coral variants. But the Aqua option is replaced with the colour Sky, which you might argue is from the same colour family.

This time Google boasts that the donut-shaped speaker's mesh top is made with 100% recycled plastic bottles, while its grippy rubber bottom is made from 35% recycled materials. And for those who requested it, Google adds a wall mount option for the Nest Mini.

It still has the four circular LEDs that glow when you call Assistant, and change when you increase or decrease volume levels. But there are now two additional LEDs that let you know the respective volume up and down buttons. And with ultrasound technology, it intelligently lights the LEDs when you're nearby, allowing you to locate the buttons quickly.

Google also ditches the standard MicroUSB port for a proprietary barrel jack, which will even out power choices between Nest devices. We wished Google stuck with a universal way to power the speaker. 

There is also no headphone jack here. You do get the physical switch at the back to mute the three far-field microphones on the Nest Mini.

One mic more than the Home Mini, this smart speaker is designed to detect voices better, even in noisy environments. It will raise the volume of its response so you can hear better.

Google boasts that it's improved sound quality thanks to its new upward-firing speaker, better bass, and custom tuning algorithm. The improvement works for all audio coming out of the Nest Mini, so expect a better audio experience with this device.

Using Google Assistant is expected to be a better experience here as well. It now has onboard Machine Learning, which can handle most of the usual requests you throw its way instead of having to send the query to Google's data servers. This method results in quicker responses.  

Also, with the Nest Mini being managed within the Google Home app, you can group it with other devices. One thing you can do is pair it with another Nest Mini for a stereo listening experience. This integration also lets you listen through to your Nest cams as well as notify you if someone is at the front door. And just like Amazon's Echo devices, you can use it as an intercom of sorts with other Google Assistant-enabled devices.

One other thing you might not know is if you own Philips Hue bulbs, these can interface with the Nest Mini without the Hue Bridge. The Hue Bridge is a device you usually need to control some of the features of Hue products like sleep and wake routines. This feature allows you to turn the lights off or on even when you're not at home. The compatibility was added to a Google firmware update in the middle of last month, and it is available with other Google Home devices and smart speakers as well and any Google Assistant-enabled device, which includes your smartphone.

Source: CNN