Google may be working on new smart home hardware as evidence has emerged suggesting the company is planning to release an upgraded Nest Hub Max and a new Nest Audio device. The discovery came from a teardown of the latest Google Home App by 9to5Google, where references to an unreleased device called “Nest Hub Max” and another called “Nest Audio” were found. Both devices are expected to be powered by Google Assistant, which contrasts previous speculations suggesting Assistant and related devices would be phased out.
The Google Pixel Tablet was initially designed to function as a smart home device with a speaker dock and a standard tablet. However, Google has recently deleted Assistant features, leading to speculation that the company was shifting focus away from the platform. The possible release of a new Nest display that runs Assistant raises questions about the future of Gemini, a virtual assistant technology developed by Google. It is unknown whether Gemini will be incorporated into the new smart home devices, although the possibility of a dedicated app integration on the Nest Hub is suggested by the Gemini’s inclusion on the Pixel 8 series.
While the Nest Audio is expected to be a standard speaker device, the refreshed Nest Hub Max has sparked interest due to the potential integration of Gemini technology. Gemini has been seen as a potential household assistant that could streamline daily tasks by communicating with other Google applications. Although Gemini still lacks the ability to control smart home devices, the decision by Google to continue using Assistant on new hardware suggests the company is working on further development in this area. Additionally, improvements in touch responsiveness and product reliability are areas Google needs to address before releasing these devices to the market.
The potential of Gemini to revolutionize the smart home experience by linking various tasks through voice commands is exciting. For example, users could ask a Gemini Nest Hub to find recipes, extract ingredients, and create a shopping list on Google Keep, all without manual intervention. However, the challenge lies in integrating Gemini’s capabilities with existing smart home devices, which remains a complex task for Google’s engineering team. Despite these obstacles, the inclusion of Assistant in the new hardware suggests that Google is committed to advancing the smart home technology in the era of generative AI, although the specific features and functionalities of the new devices remain to be seen.
In conclusion, Google’s potential release of the Nest Hub Max and Nest Audio devices indicates a renewed focus on smart home technology and the integration of virtual assistant capabilities like Gemini. While there are challenges to be addressed in terms of device functionality and compatibility, the company’s commitment to Assistant suggests ongoing development and innovation in the smart home industry. As Google continues to explore the possibilities of generative AI, consumers can anticipate an enhanced smart home experience that streamlines daily tasks and offers new levels of convenience and efficiency.
