Skip to main content

The next Google Home Mini could have a wall mount and support for hand gestures

Update 9/11: Earlier leaks of the second-gen Google Nest Mini seemingly have been corroborated by a new FCC listing. A Google product has surfaced on FCC and the filing includes a sketch of what appears to be the cross-section of a Google Nest Mini-like device’s base. The diagram shows off a traditional groove-based wall mount and an additional cutout beside the power port — possibly for an audio jack.

Google is gearing up to upgrade its most affordable smart speaker, Google Home Mini. A new report by 9to5Google reveals the second-gen product will be rebranded to ‘Nest Mini’ and bring a host of new features in nearly the same form factor — as well as a similar price.

The forthcoming Google Nest Mini is expected to add new proximity sensors — similar to the ones found on the company’s bigger and more expensive smart speakers. What this most likely means is that users will be able to perform actions such playing or pausing music by simply waving their hand over the device. It’s a step up from the previous version, which was largely controlled with your voice rather than by waving around in the air.

In addition, the new Nest Mini will reportedly have a built-in wall mount. While the design is unclear at this point, the source suggests a groove on the back so that you could hang it on a wall, like a picture frame.

The overall aesthetic itself will remain largely identical, which means the same fabric exterior and small size — though the extra sensors and wall mount could result in a slightly heftier build. However, the report says there could be a range of new colors to choose from.

Google has also added a series of much-needed sound improvements to its entry-level home product. The new Nest Mini will be louder and capable of emitting better bass. More importantly, it will have a traditional 3.5mm audio jack which was oddly absent on the first-gen Home Mini. The inclusion will let Google’s affordable smart speaker better compete against the Amazon Echo Dot, which has had the port since the beginning.

The headphone input will allow buyers to essentially turn any “dumb” speaker into a smart one without spending much, essentially crowning the Nest Mini as the default upgrade for users clinging on to the Chromecast Audio.

Google is expected to officially unveil the Nest Mini at its annual Made by Google hardware event later in October. Apart from the new smart speaker, the company will unveil its fourth-gen Pixel smartphone and possibly some new Chromebooks.

Editors' Recommendations

Shubham Agarwal
Shubham Agarwal is a freelance technology journalist from Ahmedabad, India. His work has previously appeared in Firstpost…
The best smart home devices for 2023
The X2 Omni dock up against a wall.

With hundreds of incredible products available, it can be intimidating to piece together a smart home. From smart displays and thermostats to smart light bulbs and video doorbells, not only are there tons of categories to browse, but each category is filled with highly reviewed products that can be difficult to distinguish from one another. If you’re in the market for a new smart home gadget or are just starting your smart home journey, there are tons of factors to consider.

If you need help navigating all the products, here’s a look at the best smart home devices of 2023 across a wide variety of categories. It’s hard to go wrong with products from big names like Ring, Arlo, Amazon, and Google, but if you need a bit more guidance, here are some of our top picks.
Voice assistant

Read more
Google’s Nest Aware service is getting more expensive
Nest Aware settings on an iPhone.

Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus — the optional subscription services that allow for cloud-based recording on Google's Nest cameras — are getting more expensive in the U.S., U.K, and Australia.

Current subscribers are receiving emails alerting them to a 33% increase for Nest Aware, going from $6 a month or $60 a year to $8 a month or $80 a year. Nest Aware Plus — which doubles event video history from 30 to 60 days and adds 24/7 video history — is going from $12 a month or $120 a year to $15 a month or $150 a year. The new pricing already is in effect for new subscribers.

Read more
Google Home adds support for Nest Cam Indoor
A cartoon depiction of the Google Home app and Nest Cam Indoor.

Google Home is continuing to expand its roster, with Google today adding support for the Nest Cam Indoor (1st Gen). This allows you to manage all aspects of your camera, such as checking your notification history and accessing your camera feed.

There’s a bit of a catch, as support for Nest Cam Indoor is only available in Public Preview. To join Public Preview and gain early access to the feature, you’ll need to dive into the Settings on your Home app and select Join Public Preview. You’ll then get a prompt to update Public Preview -- accept this invitation, and you’ll see another prompt letting you know when you’re eligible to transfer your camera to Google Home.

Read more