The ‘charcoal’ color variant of the Google Home Hub leaks online

By Patrick Hearn Published September 27, 2018

When the leaked images of the Google Home Hub first appeared earlier this month, people noticed a listing for a charcoal color variant, but no images could be found of the device. Now they have surfaced, along with a side profile image. The new images look identical to the others, except the color is different. The fabric around the base of the device is also darker in color, but both the power cable and the bezels are still white. Until official images are shown, the argument could be made that this is a prototype image and an all-black version will be released.

Android Headlines Image used with permission by copyright holder

No new specs have been released, but the images help confirm the idea that video calling is not included in the device. None of the leaked images either this week or last show a camera, and although there is a noticeable shutoff switch for the microphone, there does not appear to be one anywhere for a camera.

Android Headlines Image used with permission by copyright holder

The device boasts a 7-inch display that can show the weather, the route and estimated arrival time to a destination, images from Google Photos, and more. The Google Home Hub is expected to stream music as well, just like its smaller, screenless cousins. Although the full functionality of the device isn’t known, Google plans to announce it during the Made by Google event on October 9, so fans do not have long to wait to find out more information.

Recommended Videos

The Google Home Hub is rumored to retail at $150, which undercuts the prices of many of its competitors and hints that Google has plans to aggressively push the device. Given that smart home assistants are popular devices, but their display-equipped versions have not garnered the same amount of popularity, a more affordable option may change that.

All in all, the Google Home Hub looks like it holds the same focus on aesthetics as the rest of Google’s smart home lineup. The side profile looks like the display is around a 70-degree angle with a sturdy, wide base. Perhaps this device will end up as an essential part of a smart home network, but it may also end up an affordable alternative to pricey digital picture frames.

Former Technology Writer

Patrick has written about tech for more than 15 years and isn't slowing down anytime soon. With previous clients ranging from…

Topics

Smart Home

My smart home experiment has reached its natural limit

Smart-home technology keeps improving, but being easier to automate doesn’t make everything worth automating

Computer, Electronics, Laptop, Smart Home

The first device I added to my smart home was a light bulb. It seemed like the safest possible place to start. I could turn it on from anywhere, put it on a schedule, and eventually work it into routines with everything else.

Then I tapped the button in the app and waited. The delay was only about half a second, but half a second is surprisingly noticeable when the alternative is a wall switch that responds immediately and has never once asked for a firmware update. Using my phone was worse. I had to unlock it, find the app, open the right room, and tap the light I could have switched on several steps earlier.

Smart Home

Google Home’s Interactive Storytime feature has me wondering who actually asked for this

Google Home gets interactive AI storytime, smarter alarms, and broader camera support.

Computer, Electronics, Tablet Computer

Google Home's latest update introduces several new features, including Gemini-powered Interactive Storytime. While I’m not sure who asked for the feature, it lets families build original stories about specific topics on the fly, instead of just listening to a known story.

So what's the big new feature here?

Smart Home

Proxima wants to move blood tests into the home, and it has cleared an important early hurdle

The portable analyzer delivers blood-count results in about 20 minutes, but its promise depends on transparent clinical data

Furniture, Table, Desk

Algocyte’s Proxima is designed to run blood-count tests from a small finger-prick sample and send the results to a clinician in about 20 minutes. For patients who need frequent monitoring, that could mean fewer trips to a clinic or laboratory.

The device has also moved beyond the concept stage. Proxima carries UK conformity credentials, while Algocyte operates under a certified medical-device quality system. Those steps give the project more weight than a prototype shown at a launch event.