Nest Hub Vs. Nest Hub (2nd generation): What’s new? [Video]

Often, the two-year period between the launch of a device and the proposed follow-up brings with it a whole host of changes and improvements. The original Nest Hub – formerly the Home Hub – has now been replaced by the 2nd generation Nest Hub, raising questions about what’s right for you.

The small Smart Display has been one of Google’s most useful smart home products for the past few years. This is an excellent companion in a multitude of rooms in your home, no matter where you want the little speaker to live.

It probably does not help that the Nest Hub and Nest Hub (2nd Gen) look almost identical at first glance. There’s a little more if you take a closer look, but there are even some adjustments under the hood that can make you lean towards the newer model rather than the original, so let’s just discuss what you might be missing or – put another way. – what you will earn.

Video – Nest Hub vs. Nest Hub (2nd generation): What’s new?

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Design and hardware

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The Google Nest Hub is basically a (low-resolution) monitor mounted under a dust-covered speaker – which serves as a base. This design formula is exactly the same for the original Nest Hub and the 2nd generation. However, there are some life improvements that make sense if you used the original.

You can pick up the 2nd Generation Nest Hub in exactly the same colors as before, including Chalk, Charcoal, Mist and Sand. This means that if you want to add a new model or replace the original in a room, you can simply exchange it without having an effect on your home style. It is important to note that the full range of colors is available for the first time outside the US on the 2nd generation device.

All around, the damping switch has changed a bit, it’s more rounded and protrudes a bit further. This makes it easier to turn on or off without moving the 2nd generation Nest Hub. The volume rocker also stays in the same position and lets you only control sound levels on the left quickly.

Google claims almost 50% excellent bass response on the latest Nest Hub compared to the original, while there is a third microphone for voice control detection and wire radio. However, this is not directly with the launch. The biggest new hardware addition is that of the Soli radar disc which is in the top right corner of the screen edge. This enables new control methods and sleep detection, which will probably be the biggest selling points of the new Smart Display.

Show

Unfortunately, the new Nest Hub 2nd Gen does not improve the 7-inch screen resolution. The LCD panel is virtually the same with a few notable extra tweaks that increase usability. It’s still below 720p at 1,024 by 600 pixels, but unlike a tablet or smartphone, the distances you look at mean it has to be bright enough to see most things.

The fixed viewing angle remains the same, which is ideal for visibility and placement on a multitude of surfaces in and around your home or office. The maximum brightness has not changed either, with the Ambient EQ being wonders on both screens.

One of the most notable changes is the removal of a lip or a protruding exterior of the Nest Hub 2nd generation. This is a double bonus because it makes sweeping the edges a little easier, plus the added bonus that it does not collect dust and dirt in the small gap. These are minor changes, but big improvements to the long-term quality of life to a piece of technology that seamlessly interferes with your home without thinking again.

Detection and controls

Methods of detection and control are the biggest differences between the original Nest Hub and the 2nd generation. Although the Soli radar chip may never return to a Pixel phone, Google has beaten the radar technology in the new Nest Thermostat and now the new Nest Hub.

Voice controls are still an important component on these Assistant-powered smart screens, but the newer model features some hand-waving capabilities. You can air-tap to pause and play music, but unfortunately you can not wave your hand to control music or the interface. We hope it comes in a future update, but for now, you’re limited to interrupting and playing music. It works well and is very accurate.

A larger new inclusion that the Soli chip uses is that of sleep detection. When placed in your bedroom, you can have sleep patterns and routines analyzed without wearing a Fitbit or a similar fitness tracker. Using radar technology, the Nest Hub 2nd Gen can detect specific sleep disorders such as coughing and snoring; it can also detect and analyze light and temperature changes in your bedroom that affect your sleep pattern.

You can get daily updates on your Nest Hub home screen, but all your sleep data is tracked and visible in the Google Fit app for easy access. It determines your sleep and can also determine the quality of each cycle. The original Nest Hub only offers touch and voice control, but saves the air gestures and sleep detection, the overall experience is almost the same.

Home Management

All your general home controls and voice commands remain the same on both devices. It is noteworthy that performance is still not what we would call ‘star’, but it is noteworthy that the Nest Hub and Nest Hub 2nd Gen are intended to be passive devices. This means sporadic control panels and low-power homes for your smart home technology.

Nest Hub versus Nest Hub (2nd generation): should I upgrade or which choice should I choose?

If you already have the original Nest Hub, stick with what you have, unless you really want touchless controls and sleep tracking. The upgrades are pretty minimal, but if you want to add sleep tracking to the arsenal of your favorite smart home hub, the Nest Hub 2nd Gen is an excellent candidate.

Factor in the fairly small price increase of $ 10 compared to the original and the above life improvements, and that’s quite a steal. If you do not care about hands-free controls or sleep tracking, you may get a good price on the older model.

You can get the 2nd generation Nest Hub at various retailers, including the Google Store, Walmart, Best Buy, Target and more.

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