Skip to main content

What is this? Say hello to the new Google Nest speaker

Just like that, Google teases us with the first image of its next Nest speaker. After images surfaced of the purported smart speaker on Thursday, it is now being shown in full glory courtesy of Google’s PR team, who shared it with us. You could say that we’re nearing an inevitable announcement, but the image does indicate that it’s going to be a sporting a dramatic redesign over the original Google Home from 2016. What do you think?

Looking closely at the picture, we can see that it’s going to be an upright, oblong-shaped speaker with the same four LEDs embedded on the front. If the dimensions match what was shown in the filings, it’s going to be one of the beefier-sized speakers in Google’s lineup. It is substantially taller than the original Google Home, but it’s not as hulking in size as the Google Home Max.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

In addition to the image sent to us, we also received a quick-cut video of the Google Nest speaker in action. From what we can tell, it will at least come in two different colors — the grey mesh fabric shown in the image, as well as a coral color in the video.

The ending of the video is particularly important, because the little girl comes into the room asking what it is while holding it in her hand. That’s a valid question, because it could mean that the new Google Nest speaker may be battery powered. It’s plausible because, in the video, you really can’t see any of the cords connected to the speaker in any of the scenes, other than the image we were given. If that turns out to be true, it will be the first in Google’s lineup to be truly portable.

Beyond that, we’re itching to see what other features it will offer. Based on its size, you can certainly bet that audio will be focus. It’s only a matter of time now before we hear more about it, especially as we head into the busy fall months and when the company is expected to announce its next Pixel smartphones.

Editors' Recommendations

John Velasco
John is the Smart Home editor at Digital Trends covering all of the latest tech in this emerging market. From uncovering some…
How to use the Google Home app on a computer
Google Home icon on home screen.

Google Home makes it easy to manage all your smart devices through your smartphone or tablet. Giving you access to your camera feeds, smart thermostat, smart lights, and more, Google Home is one of the most popular smart home platforms on the market. But while there's a lot to love about Google Home, it lacks full PC support. However, that's slowly starting to change – here's a look at how to use the Google Home app on your PC and control your devices from a larger display.
Can you use the Google Home app on a PC?
Google Home doesn't have a PC app, but it does have a website. Unfortunately, Google notes that Google Home for web is in Public Preview, meaning not all features are available and you may encounter glitches during use. The website is seeing constant updates, so there's a good chance it'll work just as well as the mobile apps in the future. Be sure to check it out regularly to see what's been added.

There are a few other workarounds you can implement to get Google Home on your PC. Read on to learn about the alternatives.
Use Google Home through your Chromebook

Read more
Kanto’s new Ren active speakers with HDMI take aim at your TV room
The front of the Kanto Audio REN powered speaker.

The Canucks at Kanto Audio are at it again, announcing the addition of another new set of powered speakers to its lineup. The Kanto Ren are a 100-watt pair of active speakers that, in a first for the company, offer HDMI ARC connectivity.

After unleashing its new Ora Desktop reference speakers a few months back and then announcing their cousin, the Ora4, at CES 2024 last month, the Canadian speaker maker has set its sights on TV connectivity with the Ren, a $600 set of compact powered speakers that can be connected to your TV with HDMI ARC and be controlled with an included remote or with your TV's remote, with the help of CEC. The new connectivity makes the Kanto REN an intriguing soundbar alternative.

Read more
The most common Google Nest Mini problems and how to fix them
A coral Google Nest Mini mounted on a brick wall.

The Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) is one of the best smart speakers of 2024. Despite its low price, the Nest Mini gives you full access to Google Assistant, provides surprisingly great audio for a device its size, and is compact enough to fit nearly anywhere in your home. Whether you want to listen to music, dish out commands to other smart devices, or check the news, the Nest Mini can do it all.

However, the Nest Mini isn't without its faults. Setting up and using the smart speaker is typically a straightforward, hassle-free experience. But like all electronics, some owners have noticed strange issues when performing simple tasks — such as connectivity problems or an unresponsive unit.

Read more