Two years after the first Nest Hub, Google unveils the second generation of its "connected speaker" with a screen.Putting in particular on a new sleep tracking function, this device wants to be essential to the bedroom.

The Nest Hub, the Google Home speaker with a screen

It was at the end of summer 2017 that the Google Home connected speaker appeared in our regions.A sacred revolution that saw the vocal assistant of our smartphone invite itself all over the house ... and try to get essential, whether to control the lighting, adjust the heating or the opening of the shutters, light theTV or tell jokes.

Not necessarily very aesthetic, this first version had quickly been joined by a mini, cheaper, more compact and ultimately very effective version (and the big Google Home Max, with a more questionable value for money).

The main characteristics of the Nest Hub

It was not until 2019 to see the Google Home speaker adorning a screen with the Nest Hub Premier by the name.And another two years later, the Californian firm unveils the 2nd generation of its Smart Display with its share of new features.

At first glance, however, very clever who will be able to differentiate the two versions of the Nest Hub.The template remains almost unchanged (120.4 x 177.4 x 69.5 mm, for a weight of 558 g), with this 7 -inch touch screen (for a definition of only 1024x600p) based on a base which serves D'pregnant.A bit more compact than its elder, the new Nest Hub also gets rid of the small plastic frame that surrounded its screen.The Mountain View firm takes the opportunity to claim that its new toy is designed with 54% recycled plastic.

Always on the design side, this version is dressed in a fabric available in two colors: light gray (pebble) or black (coal).At the rear, a discreet button allows you to deactivate the microphone, while another present on the slice is used to adjust the volume of the speaker.On the other hand, we can regret the absence of a USB port (as on the smart clock Lenovo for example), which could have helped recharge your smartphone during the night for example ...

As for the installation and configuration of the Nest Hub 2, we obviously take up the same ultra-simple formula: we connect the device and configure everything from the Google Home app on your smartphone.Then you can also ask your assistant to adjust the lighting of your interior, show you a kitchen recipe or launch your robot vacuum cleaner;In short, all the usual paraphernalia of a connected house.

What is new compared to the first generation?

You will understand, Google has bet on "change in continuity" for this second generation.But as discreet be they, the developments present here are welcome.

Among them, we can cite the new motion sensor, with its Soli radar, thanks to which a simple gesture is enough to turn off its alarm clock.Another sensor, brightness this time, automatically adapts the brightness of the screen (and the result is rather effective).

Let us also quote the efforts made to improve the audio part, with "50 % more serious" compared to the Nest Hub 1 Dixit Google (even if this is not enough to match the Amazon Echo or the excellent Nest Audio).Inside, an additional microphone (there are now 3) reinforces the device, so that you no longer have to scream your "Ok Google" so that the assistant answers you.On the other hand, still no camera placed on the facade ... But not sure that it is a drawback!

Is sleep monitoring changes everything?

Connected accessories put the small dishes in the big ones to take care of their owner.We had already seen this when the Apple Watch Series 6 was launched, where everything was done to help you stay in shape: step counter, sleep analysis, cardio-frequency meter, oxygen saturation, aid to thebreathing…

Google therefore logically placed health at the heart of its Nest Hub 2021, and mainly sleep;This is the novelty that must make all the difference on this product.

From the first configuration, the assistant will ask you for your habits in this area, with your hours of bedtime and lifting.You will also have to make sure to position the device well near your bed, facing you and about 60 cm from your chest, on a bedside table.Precise instructions that have only one goal: to analyze your sleep cycle, your snoring, cough, your respiratory rate, but also variations in light and temperature.

Before falling into the arms of Morpheus, you can ask the Nest Hub to diffuse relaxing noises like waves or a fireplace.Then, to wake up, in addition to the alarm with the sweet sound of nature (small birds, the jungle or the bell of a church for example), you can configure the dawn simulator, which will gradually increase theBrightness before the alarm clock bell.

Once out of bed, you can ask your Smart Display a simple question, "Ok Google, how did I sleep tonight?", And you will be entitled to a detailed report.Advice may also be given to improve the quality of your sleep in the future and you can find all of this data on the Google Fit app for your smartphone.Operation is similar to what Apple offers, for example, but at least you don't have to wear a watch or bracelet connected during the night.

In summary, our opinion on the Google Nest Hub 2nd generation

More complete than the first version, and also cheaper (€ 99 instead of 129), the new Nest Hub of Google has serious assets.Starting with its very well thought out sleep follow -up ... but unfortunately called to become paying by 2022.

Gesture control or the possibility of distributing Netflix or Disney+ content makes it even more attractive, especially in front of a competitor like the Amazon Echo Show 8.On this last point, however, the viewing of a series episode on a 7 -inch 1024 × 600 screen is not really a happiness for the retina.

Practical, the Nest Hub is certainly.Indispensable, probably not ... especially for those who would be reluctant to invite a screen connected to the foot of the bed!In fact, everything will depend on your appetite for voice assistants: "Ok Google, should I be seduced by this object?"

Google Nest Hub 2nd generation (2021)

Entertainment facilitates your delay on your Netflix or Disney+ favorite series, watch videos on YouTube and other apps.And listen to your music on a quality speaker.Stream in streaming the content of the musical services you use the most, such as YouTube Music, Spotify and Deezer.The song that...

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