Skip to main content

Google Nest Audio is a proper successor to the aging Google Home smart speaker

Google has announced the long-awaited but previously leaked Nest Audio speaker. This new addition to Google’s smart speaker lineup is a replacement for the aging original Google Home speaker and retails for $100 on Google’s store. If you’re in the market for one, you can pre-order now. It will be available for purchase on October 5.

The Nest Audio speaker takes on a new design that is quite different than the conical shapes of previous speakers. This device is rounded on the corners and resembles a headphone in some ways. It’s completely covered in fabric and available in five colors: Chalk, charcoal, sage, sand, and sky — in other words, white, black, beige, pink, and blue.

According to Google, the “audio” in the name isn’t just for show. The Nest Audio is 75% louder than the original Google Home, with significantly improved bass. The Nest Audio has a 19mm tweeter and a 75mm mid-woofer. It’s clear that Google devoted a lot of effort toward ensuring this speaker produces high-quality audio.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

It also boasts smart features. To activate the speaker, you just say, “Hey, Google” like you always have. Three far-field microphones allow the Nest Audio to hear you from across the room, but if you are concerned about privacy, there is a two-stage mute switch to ensure the speaker is off. You can also say, “Hey Google, delete what I just said.”

The Nest Audio also utilizes capacitive touch functions to give you another way to interact with it. You can touch the top of the device to trigger it (four colored LEDs will indicate when it is listening.) Touching the left side of the device lowers the volume. The Nest Audio excels from an environmental standpoint as well. The enclosure is made of 70% recycled plastic, reflecting Google’s continued commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

Overall, the Nest Audio is the upgrade the original Google Home sorely needed. Thanks to its improved speakers and aesthetics, it can now compete with more dedicated sound systems and certainly holds more appeal for audiophiles than the previous iterations.

Google is offering dedicated bundles with the Nest Audio included, including the Room-Filling Audio package that features two Nest Audio speakers and the Home of Entertainment package that packs two Nest Audio devices and a Nest Hub.

The Nest Audio was only one of the numerous new products Google announced.  Check out our full coverage.

Editors' Recommendations

Patrick Hearn
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
How to create spooky Halloween effects with smart home lighting and sound
spooky halloween lighting haunted house

Smart home technology has expanded dramatically over the past few years, and there’s no shortage of cool tech available to help you with your holiday decorations. Halloween is a particularly great one for smart home gadgets to help with, as you’ll find a variety of products available that create unique lighting and sounds -- as well as a few ways to tweak them to create a spooky atmosphere.

With so many products up for grabs, it can be difficult to figure out where to start. If you need some help sifting through all the options, here’s a look at which smart home devices are best for Halloween -- and how they can make your home the talk of the neighborhood.
Light it up

Read more
Are smart blinds worth it?
Controlling smart blinds with a remote.

As far as smart home gadgets are concerned, smart blinds are pretty niche. Unlike smart displays, video doorbells, or smart locks, it’s not often that you hear about smart blinds (or see them installed in a friend’s home). However, these unique products offer the same luxuries as their smart siblings -- and some might even be able to save you money.

But are smart blinds worth it? Or is the upfront investment too steep in relation to the conveniences they offer? Here’s a closer look at these products to help you decide if you should upgrade your traditional blinds to something with a bit more brains.
What are smart blinds?

Read more
What is a smart lock and how does it work?
Lockly lock installed on a door and person uses the smartphone app.

Smart locks are an increasingly common sight around neighborhoods. These gadgets bring some modern amenities to your front door, letting you eschew your traditional key to operate your deadbolt with a password, fingerprint, or Bluetooth. If you’re curious to learn more about smart locks before adding one to your home, here’s everything you could want to know.
What is a smart lock?

At its most basic, a smart lock is an electronic lock that connects to your home and lets you open your door without needing a traditional key. This can be done using a keypad, smartphone app, and sometimes a fingerprint scanner.

Read more