Google Unveils $49 Nest Mini with Better Sound, Dedicated Machine Learning Chip
Small smart speaker, solid improvements
You’d be hard-pressed to tell the Nest Mini apart from the 2017 Google Home Mini— one of the best Google Home Speakers to use with Google Assistant. The second-generation device unveiled at this year’s Made By Google event is a replica of its predecessor, with signature curved sides and a fabric-swathed exterior.
Google Nest Mini price
The Nest Mini costs $49, which is the same price as the current Home Mini. The Home Mini already among the best cheap smart home devices available.
The Nest Mini is available for pre-order now. It will start shipping on October 22.
Google Nest Mini design
A wall mount hook on the bottom of the Nest Mini is its most significant physical alteration. The hook allows users to save precious counter space by mounting the smart assistant speaker where they'll need most, like by a front door.
The small smart home speaker also comes in new colors. The original Google Home Mini had charcoal gray, light gray, coral and mint green variants. The Nest Mini is available in light grey, sky and burnt orange hues. The latter two shades match the speaker’s base, too.
The fabric of the Nest Mini speaker is made of 100% recycled materials.
Google Nest Mini audio and upgrades
The Nest Mini packs several upgrades on the inside. It has stronger bass (twice as powerful) and louder, clearer sound. It also has a third mic to hear commands even in loud surroundings. If it senses audio obstacles, it will automatically adjust response volumes to reach your ears.
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The Nest Mini comes with a dedicated machine-learning chip, too. It packs 1 TeraOPS of processing power, allowing the device to improve its responses and be a better home assistant.
Google Nest Mini smart features
The Nest Mini packs Google Assistant. You can use your voice to automate your smart home, play music and enhance your household routines.
It also supports a home intercom function, home alert system and phone calls using Google Duo.
Google Nest Mini outlook
The new Nest Mini is a modest-but-welcome evolution of the Google Home Mini. It sports a slightly sharper design, improved audio and the option to mount a smart speaker to a wall. A hands-on review of the Nest Mini is coming soon.
Kate Kozuch is the managing editor of social and video at Tom’s Guide. She writes about smartwatches, TVs, audio devices, and some cooking appliances, too. Kate appears on Fox News to talk tech trends and runs the Tom's Guide TikTok account, which you should be following if you don't already. When she’s not filming tech videos, you can find her taking up a new sport, mastering the NYT Crossword or channeling her inner celebrity chef.