Smart homes are taking off in a big way, and Google offers some great options out there. Even so, there’s still a lot of confusion over what each part of Google’s connected home ecosystem actually does.
Despite some overlap in some areas, Google Home, Nest, and Assistant are completely different things. So, if you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between the three, don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it might initially seem.
What is Google Home?
In 2016, Google released the original Google Home. This Google Home is a cylindrical smart speaker, but over time Google has released additional devices under the Google Home moniker in a variety of shapes and sizes.
These Google Home devices are designed to respond to the user’s voice commands. Users can listen to and control playback of music and videos, as well as receive news updates and more.
Importantly, Google Home also serves as the hub for home automation. This means that it is able to interact with and control other smart devices such as smart lights or smart appliances using only your voice.
Google Nest has replaced Google Home. Although this does not mean that the name is completely gone.
In fact, Google Home is the name of Google’s smart home control app. If you want to manage, control, or set up any of Google’s smart devices, you’ll need to do it with the Google Home app for iOS or Android,
What is Google Nest?
In 2019, Google rebranded the Google Home range of devices as Google Nest. Google Nest devices come in a range of shapes and sizes, but the most common, the Google Nest Hub, features a 7-inch touchscreen mounted on top of a speaker.
The main change from the Google Home line of devices is the addition of screens on most Google Nest devices. This screen allows users to interact with the smart speaker using the touchscreen. In models that include a camera, it also allows for video calls and security camera functionality.
What is Google Assistant?
The Google Assistant is a virtual assistant developed by Google that helps power all of the company’s smart home devices. It is also available on Google Phone.
When you talk to the Assistant on a Google smart home device or your Google phone, the Google Assistant responds.
Powered by Artificial Intelligence, Google Assistant is capable of a wide range of features. This includes, but is not limited to, two-way communication.
For example, the Google Assistant can send text messages and search the Internet. It also ties into most of Google’s services, such as Google Photos, and can schedule alarms and events, among other functions.
You’ll automatically be using Google Assistant whenever you use a Google smart home device, there’s little need to reference it directly. However, it helps to know who you are talking to.
Make your home truly smart
Despite the confusing names, Google has a lot of options for the smart home. Hopefully, now that you understand the differences between each of these aspects of Google’s ecosystem, you’ll be more informed about how to dive right in.
But smart speakers are only the beginning. There are many ways in which you can make your home smart and improve the way you live.
An increasing number of people are jumping on the smart home bandwagon, and for a good reason. Smart devices make it easier for you to manage your home while saving you time and money.
But as the market for smart home technology continues to grow by the day, the selection of devices is wider than ever. To ease your research time, here are some essential smart home products you need to get your home ready.
1. Smart Speaker
When building a smart home, the first thing you will need is brains, which you can get in the form of smart speakers. Smart speakers come with voice assistant support that can help you control everything from your light bulbs to your favorite coffee machine to your other smart home products. They’re pretty straightforward to set up and one of the easiest ways to bring smart home technology into your living space.
However, these nifty gadgets do much more than just manage your smart home devices. You can use them to set alarms and reminders, play music or audiobooks, and quickly ask questions without having to scroll through Google.
Smart speakers help you get through your day too. Simply sync your speaker with your calendar and ask your digital assistant what your schedule looks like. However, it is important to note that since they are primarily intended for home use, many of them are not portable and may require a power outlet.