Google Home is the American tech giant’s connected home product line that was first unwrapped in 2016.
Since the debut of the original Google Home, the Mountain View company has released further variations of the hardware that differ in price and form factor.
In addition to the standard Google Home, the Google Home Mini, Google Home Max and Google Home Hub are also available.
As the name suggests, the Google Home Mini is the smallest version of the hardware that is also the cheapest.
Although the device is incredibly appealing, it is worth noting it does compromise audio quality to achieve its more appealing cost.
On the other end of the scale sits the Google Home Max that places its sound quality on a pedestal thanks to its dual woofers and tweeter array.
Finally, the Google Home Hub comes with a 7-inch screen that allows the product to display contextual information and stream video for instance.
While the Mountain View company’s Home line is established and varied, it appears set for two huge changes this week.
On Tuesday, May 7, Google will take to the stage at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California for its annual I/O developer conference.
During the event it is anticipated the tech powerhouse’s Home range will be discussed and here is what could be announced.
Name change
Last month 9to5Google issued a report, citing a “reliable source” familiar with Google’s plans, claiming the firm plans to rebrand its Google Home Hub to the Google Nest Hub.
Such a claim arrived shortly after Google leaked what appeared to be a forthcoming product dubbed the “Nest Hub Max” on its own connected home page.
Android Police was the first to spot the outing for the hardware that appeared to discuss some of its best features.
Overall, the hardware appeared to be a new, larger, smart display from the firm.
Although the leak appears to suggest the Google Home Hub is set for a name change, it is worth noting such a claim has not been officially confirmed.
Moreover, it is also unclear if all models of the smart speaker will be rebranded.
Google Nest Hub Max
As mentioned above, the Google Nest Hub Max appears to be a new smart display from the American company.
In the leak for the hardware, Android Police was keen to point out the Google listing appeared to detail some of the hardware’s features.
It was insisted the device would have a Nest Cam built-in, allowing it to notify owners if it detects motion or sound alerts.
Furthermore, it was said the camera on the product could also be used for Google Duo video calling.
Finally, the outing on Google’s connected home page said the device would have a 10-inch HD screen and boast stereo speakers.
Google has already confirmed it will launch new hardware at I/O – in a financial call with analysts Ruth Porat, the chief financial officer for Alphabet Inc. said: “We are pleased with the ongoing momentum of Assistant-enabled Home devices, particularly the Home Hub and Mini devices and look forward to our May 7 announcement at [Google] I/O from our hardware team”.
It is assumed if the claimed Google Nest Hub Max is unveiled at Google I/O, such an announcement would go hand in hand with the suggested name change.