Google just unveiled the new generation of its Nest Hub, its smart display. It is an improvement of the original Nest Hub which debuted in 2018. But the feature that is becoming popular now is its new sleep-tracking capability to support Google’s digital wellbeing services.
A small evolution
This new second generation looks almost identical to the original Nest Hub Max, but now there is a new light blue color option called Mist. While it maintains the same screen – a 7-inch 1024×600 – it now features a new edgeless glass display that will make it easier to clean and improve aesthetics. The company also affirms its commitment to sustainability by using 54% recycled plastic in its plastic mechanical components.
Google also improved its sound capabilities by fitting a bigger speaker that resulted in a claimed bass improvement of 50%, a welcome upgrade from the original generation. Because of Google’s open ecosystem, you can use basically any streaming service to play media to make the most of the improved audio quality.
A central part of any smart display is the assistant, and it is also improved here. While the assistant remains the same – Google Assistant is still one of the best assistants in the market – it now comes with an on-device machine learning chip capable of processing commands locally that will gradually improve its response as it gets to know you better. They also added a third microphone so it can hear you better. Thanks to the Motion Sense radar technology, by Soli, imported from the Pixel 4, it now supports smart gestures for input.
It all about the sleep tracking
Google did not bring the Motion Sense technology to the Nest Hub just because of smart gestures. Instead, they claim that they are using it for sleep tracking. They call it Sleep Sensing, and it will use this technology to analyze sleep based on movements and breathing and detect coughing and snoring.
Furthermore, it uses built-in ambient light and temperature sensors to provide the user with detailed information about their sleep. All of this will be compiled in a summary every morning and can be accessed through the Assistant or the Google Fit app. Google partnered with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine to educate the user about their sleep and provide recommendations for improvement.
Google promises that data is secure and private. They claim that this leveraged radar technology cannot recognize faces or bodies and that the data is processed locally on the device. Furthermore, the user will have complete control over the data and what features they want to be enabled, with a hardware switch for the microphone. The Nest Hub will also bring a feature called Sunrise Alarm that will help wake up better by gradually increasing the brightness and the alarm.
Availability
The second generation of the Google Nest Hub is available for pre-order online in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, France, and Australia at the Google Store for $99.99 USD.
YouTube: Google Nest Hub Motion Sense + Sleep Tracking
Photo credit: All material shown is owned by Google and was provided to us for press usage.
