Google's new Nest Audio isn't going to get a full unveil until next week, but that hasn't stopped at least one example of the unusually-shaped smart speaker from being inadvertently sold early - and given a full unboxing. The replacement to the Google Home looks set to be one part of a packed "Launch Night In" on September 30, alongside the Pixel 5 and more, but Google just can't seem to keep a secret.
Google has scheduled an event at the end of the month but, by the time it rolls around, everyone may already know everything it has to say. From the Pixel 5 to the pillow-like new Nest speaker, Google's hardware line up has been leaking left and right. While there's still room for some of the finer details, these pair of leaks for a new Nest product and a new Chromecast pretty much confirm at least how Google's upcoming smart home devices will look on shelves or on your drawer.
Google may have teased its own new Nest smart speaker back in July, but a new leak gives us a much better view of just what the unusually-shaped model will look like - and the new Google Chromecast launching alongside it. There were more than a few scratched-heads when Google responded to the leaks around what speaker codenamed "Prince" with an official image of it, not least because of the weirdly pillowy shape.
A new Google thermostat has been spotted at the FCC, with indications that it could include Google Soli gesture control using a new sensor. It's been several years since Google last updated the Nest Thermostat, with competition in the smart HVAC space arriving in the intervening years to fill that gap.
One of the heaviest industries hit by the COVID-19 pandemic has been the hospitality industry, with people avoiding or advised to avoid hotels and tourist spots as much as possible. Sooner or later, however, the need to stay at some lodging will be inevitable. If you're staying at a select number of hotels in the US and one in the UK, you can at least take some comfort that you'll be touch things less just to get some things done, including asking the front desk for some extra amenities.
Today the folks at Google responsible for updating the Nest system of media control and smart home hardware made a big jump in the realm of audio. Nest products now work with multi-room audio control. Multi-room audio control works with YouTube Music, Pandora, and Spotify, and compatibility with other apps appears to be in the works.
Google and monitored security firm ADT have cut a deal that will see Nest products offered by pro-installers and, over time, promise more useful alerts. As part of the agreement, described as "a long-term, strategic partnership," Google will invest $450 million into ADT.
They may look like tablets but they are definitely not as versatile as tablets. Smart displays, that breed of devices that slap a screen on a smart speaker, are mostly designed for giving visual feedback to otherwise spoken responses from a digital assistant, though some can indeed play videos or even be used for video calls. There's definitely a lot of room for expanding its capabilities while still sticking to its core philosophy. It turns out, that core philosophy is perfect for some games you can play with the family in the living room.
Google's latest and greatest smart displays, the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max, have received support for one of the biggest streaming services available: Netflix. With this new support, users can stream their favorite Netflix content directly on the smart display, making it easier to watch content while washing dishes, doing the laundry, or any other tasks that may take place near the device.
Google revealed a big unification redesign for Gmail and services like Google Docs, Chat, and Meet calling, making the future of work a top priority. This redesign was revealed during the Google Cloud "Cloud Next '20 OnAir" streamed event, before the fact, in the "Productivity & Collaboration" category. This system looks like it'll target the present and near future of work as "your new home for work - right in Gmail."
Home-centric devices have become more relevant and more useful these days, with everyone stuck at home most of the time. From laptops to mobile devices to smart speakers and smart displays, smart devices at home have experienced a surge in demand that some may have even had difficulty supplying. Google might be trying to take advantage of that rise in popularity and has promised something special coming from its Nest smart home brand, maybe even a new Nest Home speaker with a rather unique design.
First, they were rectangular boxes. Then they became canisters or pucks. Over the years, wireless speakers have changed their form and now Google seems to be considering yet another revolution in speaker design. Practically confirming an earlier leak, Google has apparently been sending out more or less official marketing material for what may be the successor of the Google Home sporting what can probably be best described as a pillow design.