The Google smart speaker is an impressive device. With many customizable features – such as its ability to be set so “Hey Google” wake-word activation is more sensitive – this speaker offers endless entertainment possibilities.
Google Assistant also supports stereo pairing and offers a dedicated mute button for those concerned about privacy, making it the ideal solution for those invested in the Google ecosystem who seek an appealing alternative to Alexa.
Voice control
Google Home Max White is one of the most powerful voice-activated virtual assistants on the market, being compatible with various devices, supporting multiple languages, and offering advanced natural language processing. Furthermore, it can recognize multiple voices making it more responsive to commands; and integrates well with other Google services like YouTube and Play Music.
Google Home devices offer many capabilities: playing music from various streaming services, broadcasting calls to another Google Home or Android smartphone device and transcribing text messages for easy reading, as well as controlling smart home devices and providing weather and news updates.
Google offers three voice-controlled speakers: the original Google Home, its smaller sibling the Google Home Mini, and its larger brother Google Home Max. All three devices share identical capabilities and software but differ in aesthetics and pricing options; those equipped with displays may provide extra features like checking security cameras/video doorbells/recipe advice/etc.
Music playback
Are You Wanting To: Access Music Or Podcasts, View Recipes, Get Smart Home Advice Or Make Video Calls With Google Home Speakers That Act As Displays
Google speakers allow you to access various music services, such as Apple Music, Google Play Music, Spotify and YouTube Music Premium. Each requires a subscription fee; however, you can connect the speaker via Bluetooth speakers or your personal computer for added flexibility.
Search songs by name, playlist name or artist/album name, genre/mood and suggested music that fits. Automatic Equalization provides basic bass/treble adjustments that let you fine-tune audio output. Muting is available when necessary as well.
Multi-room audio
Google smart speakers offer multi-room wireless systems like Sonos and Apple, providing access to streaming services like Spotify, Pandora and Google Play Music as well as local files stored on your home network.
Establishing and controlling a multi-room audio system with Google Assistant app is easy. Simply use voice control to manage playlist, volume, etc. Additionally, set routines so your music automatically starts playing at specific times each day or even when you wake up!
Google Assistant and Nest devices made multi-room audio control much simpler last fall when they added support for Smart Displays – such as their native Home Hub models as well as third-party offerings from JBL Link View and Lenovo. You can now easily queue up a speaker group from either within their respective applications, or by simply speaking aloud “Ok Google, move this song to the kitchen”.
Pricing
Google provides a selection of smart speakers designed to support its digital assistant, Google Now. One such popular option is the Google Home speaker which features a compact design and can play music from various services while featuring a built-in mic for picking up voice from across the room. Amazon Echo devices and Apple HomePod are among its competitors.
The Google Home Mini was introduced in 2017 as an economical solution. It can stream music, set reminders and answer weather/traffic related queries as well as connect to security cameras or video doorbells and give recipe recommendations. Furthermore, this device supports hands-free calling without extra costs in both the US and Canada.
The Google Home Mini usually retails for $50, but has recently been discounted as low as $25 at times. Spotify Premium subscribers are eligible to receive one for free, while Tile is giving one away with every purchase of tracking stickers.
