Google Home Hub

bk

Google have just announced their official assistant with a screen, the Google Home Hub, $149 and launches on October 22nd including the UK:

https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/10/9/17943362/google-home-hub-smart-assistant-screen-price-release-date

Looks really interesting.

donspeekinglesh

Very tempted by this.

£139 on the UK Google site.

bk

Yes, looks cool, specially the new Home control options on it.

I think I'll wait for more detailed reviews to emerge.

- How is the sound from it? As good as full sized Google Home?
- How well does the Home Control interface work?
- Do third party devices like Netatmo Thermostat and Logitech Circle Cameras work on it and as well as the Nest products?
- Do SmartThings Controls work on it?

But yes, definitely a very tempting.

The high horse brigade

Hmmmm, i was going to get another full size Home and move my Mini to the bedroom but this looks like a better option for my sitting room

OU812

This really interests me. I was contemplating getting a home to go along with my upcoming nest hello.

Depending on the sound, I’d consider offloading my HomePod in favour of this and a couple of minis dotted around

namloc1980

7 inch display is definitely on the small side and no camera for video calls. Will wait and see once it's released.

OldMrBrennan83

Does it do any more than the Lenovo?

namloc1980

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XxBChI-2rA

OU812

Patww79 wrote: »

Does it do any more than the Lenovo?

What’s this now? What did I miss?

OldMrBrennan83

OU812 wrote: »

What’s this now? What did I miss?

The Lenovo Smart Display. I've one on the way but I missed the launch yesterday so wasn't sure if Google added anything extra to their own one. I'd much rather the look of the Lenovo.

The high horse brigade

Looks like the Lenovo one has a built in camera

bk

Patww79 wrote: »

The Lenovo Smart Display. I've one on the way but I missed the launch yesterday so wasn't sure if Google added anything extra to their own one. I'd much rather the look of the Lenovo.

Google have added home control options to the new one.

Though that is software, so I'd be very surprised if it isn't rolled out to the Lenovo Smart Display as well. But that is one of the things I'd be waiting to see how it develops.

Assuming the Lenovo gets the same software updates and as quick, then it maybe a good alternative for someone who wants a larger screen and camera.

There are also Google Smart displays from JBL and Sony.

Good that there are different options and prices to fit different peoples needs, as long as they all get the same software.

Kintarō Hattori

Bought it last night. I should ideally have waited on reviews but feck it, I don't drink/smoke/go out, so why the hell not. Neither do I have much of a use for it as such but sure it'll be a bit of fun during the winter months.

The high horse brigade

bk wrote: »

Good that there are different options and prices to fit different peoples needs, as long as they all get the same software.

As long as the manufacturers don't fcuk with the software more like

Samsung will be along shortly....

bk

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

Bought it last night. I should ideally have waited on reviews but feck it, I don't drink/smoke/go out so why the hell not. Neither do I have much of a use for it as such but sure it'll be a bit of fun during the winter months.

Cool, lets us know how it goes

The high horse brigade wrote: »

As long as the manufacturers don't fcuk with the software more like

Samsung will be along shortly....

Yes, exactly, that would be my concern about the Lenovo/JBL/etc. ones. The Google one will obviously quickly get the updates, but what about the others. Will they be like Android phones waiting years for updates, if you get them at all.

Having said that, it does look like these are more controlled then Android, so maybe updates will be pushed out quickly, but personally I'd be wait and see how it develops.

BTW Samsung have their own assistant, Bixby and their own smart speakers, it seems pretty rubbish.

Kintarō Hattori

bk wrote: »

Cool, lets us know how it goes



Yes, exactly, that would be my concern about the Lenovo/JBL/etc. ones. The Google one will obviously quickly get the updates, but what about the others. Will they be like Android phones waiting years for updates, if you get them at all.

Having said that, it does look like these are more controlled then Android, so maybe updates will be pushed out quickly, but personally I'd be wait and see how it develops.

BTW Samsung have their own assistant, Bixby and their own smart speakers, it seems pretty rubbish.

I'v had a Galaxy S8 almost since release with a dedicated Bixby button. I've used it a grand total of..... 0 times.

namloc1980

Does the Home Hub have play store?

SemperFidelis

no play store, limited to a few apps at the moment

OU812

I’m really amazed Apple didn’t do this. I’m sure they will in time but this is what the HomePod should have been.

The high horse brigade

OU812 wrote: »

I’m really amazed Apple didn’t do this. I’m sure they will in time but this is what the HomePod should have been.

Apple will do it 2 years late

namloc1980

SemperFidelis wrote: »

no play store, limited to a few apps at the moment

Need to see what sort of home integration it has beyond Nest products as in, does it do Hue etc.

The high horse brigade

namloc1980 wrote: »

Need to see what sort of home integration it has beyond Nest products as in, does it do Hue etc.

Hue already supports Google Assistant but it's up to Hue to develop for this new version with a screen

Tinder Surprise

I like the hub for smart devices in the home.

Anyway to get say flashed Sonoff devices to work?

bk

namloc1980 wrote: »

Need to see what sort of home integration it has beyond Nest products as in, does it do Hue etc.

The video on the Verge of him using one, shows him controlling Hue lights and how the screens colour changes to match the colour of the Hue light as it changes. So pretty cool looking.

The high horse brigade wrote: »

Hue already supports Google Assistant but it's up to Hue to develop for this new version with a screen

That doesn't seem to be the case. It seems that Google have created standard screen interfaces for certain categories of devices, like smart lights, thermostat, cameras, etc. And as long as the device supports Google Assistant and fits into one of those categories, it should just work.

It seems Google are using standardised API's to support devices from different companies.

It is a bit of a different approach for say Android, where Hue has to create their own Hue app, it is more controlled.

BTW The Google Home app has been updated, much nicer now and you can see how a lot of this works.

Tinder Surprise wrote: »

I like the hub for smart devices in the home.

Note, this isn't really a Hub like the Hue Hub or SmartThings hub, it is just a screen. All the control and integration actually happens in the cloud.

OldMrBrennan83

I think I remember seeing that Google will control the software on all so hopefully they do all end up the same.

Stoner

bk wrote:

Note, this isn't really a Hub like the Hue Hub or SmartThings hub, it is just a screen. All the control and integration actually happens in the cloud.

Or the famous Google On Hub that bit the dust on Saturday night on me

Tinder Surprise

bk wrote: »

Note, this isn't really a Hub like the Hue Hub or SmartThings hub, it is just a screen. All the control and integration actually happens in the cloud.

Thanks bk

I will continue on the Home Assistance plan then (when I get the time that is) but will probably still pick one of these up for the kitchen, as the wife misses a radio in the mornings - this will fulfill that need but also give me a lot more options too.

SemperFidelis

looks like it will work with anything that currently works in the google home app

https://store.google.com/us/product/google_home_hub_works_with

bk

For those interested in seeing what the Smart Home controls might be like on this and if your current devices might look like, you should check out the Google Home app which was updated today and has the new "Home View" added, which I believe mimics what you will see on the home.

Note, you may need to update the app and you seem to need to force close it for it to completely work.

Looks nice, I can see all my Hue lights grouped per room. I can turn on/off all lights in the room and adjust brightness and deep dive and also control individual lights. However as of yet no colour or white ambiance control!

Logitech Circle Cameras appear too, but can't seem to actually view or control them.

TP-Link smart plug there, works fine, can turn on/off

Netatmo Thermostat there, can click into it to view current temperature of house and current setting and adjust the temperature.

Of course all Google Homes, Chromecasts, Shield TV and Audio groups are there too.

A nice new layout that looks good, but still a lot to improve there, hopefully this is just the start and things will improve with time.

Improvements I'd like to see:
- Support for colour of Hue lights
- Support for Hue scenes
- Support for viewing the Circle cameras
- Support for Hue motion sensors and them reporting temp and light levels
- Ability to add shortcuts and routines to the home view
- Ability to add SmartThings hub to home view.
- Ability to create sub-groups for hue lights and have them on the home view

fixXxer

So does this actually hav a hub built in like the Echo plus, or does each smart device still need it's own bridge?

The high horse brigade

fixxxer wrote: »

So does this actually hav a hub built in like the Echo plus, or does each smart device still need it's own bridge?

What hub? All google services are in the cloud. This hub is just a screen with Google Assistant. Hue still needs its own bridge

fixXxer

The high horse brigade wrote: »

What hub? All google services are in the cloud. This hub is just a screen with Google Assistant

As in, I can buy Ikea lights and connect them to the echo plus because the EP has the bridge part built in. The previous Google Home didn't.

The high horse brigade

fixxxer wrote: »

As in, I can buy Ikea lights and connect them to the echo plus because the EP has the bridge part built in. The previous Google Home didn't.

No, this is just a screen with Google Assistant

CantGetNoSleep

What are the chances of things like this and the new Nest dropping on Black Friday?

(I've booked the day off for that btw - hope to have a clear credit card by then too)

listermint

Anyone else see update on Google home. When I check appstore the app is the same hasnt updated since Aug 18

donspeekinglesh

listermint wrote: »

Anyone else see update on Google home. When I check appstore the app is the same hasnt updated since Aug 18

It's updated on iOS, but not Android.

The high horse brigade

donspeekinglesh wrote: »

It's updated on iOS, but not Android.

I just got the new update on Android

OldMrBrennan83

It's on apkmirror now too. Version 2.6.6.14.

BionicRasher

Seems like it is different to other smart displays
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/10/google-home-hub-under-the-hood-its-nothing-like-other-google-smart-displays/

OldMrBrennan83

I hadn't realised about the camera. I'll definitely stick with the Lenovo then as I'd rather have it than not.

Mine will be going in the kitchen with the Pixel 3 on the Pixel Stand in the bedroom to cover morning messages, etc. I imagine the Lenovo will be handy in the kitchen even for the likes of Duo.

The high horse brigade

I'm having a strange bug where I can't invite the missus to my home in the new app, when I invite her she shows up without an image and she never receives the invitation email. I'm having no problem inviting my son and daughter.

OU812

Really like the lenovo, but I was going to get a home anyway because of the nest integration, so I'll most likely go for the Google version.

Can you install Whatsapp on the lenovo version (rather than Duo) for video calling?

The high horse brigade

OU812 wrote: »

Really like the lenovo, but I was going to get a home anyway because of the nest integration, so I'll most likely go for the Google version.

Can you install Whatsapp on the lenovo version (rather than Duo) for video calling?

Doubtful, there's no WhatsApp for tablets only phones

namloc1980

OU812 wrote: »

Really like the lenovo, but I was going to get a home anyway because of the nest integration, so I'll most likely go for the Google version.

Can you install Whatsapp on the lenovo version (rather than Duo) for video calling?

No play store to download apps.

opus

Going to be in the US at the start of Nov so I feel somehow that I won't be able to avoid buying one if they're available in Best Buy

bk

BionicRasher wrote: »

Seems like it is different to other smart displays
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/10/google-home-hub-under-the-hood-its-nothing-like-other-google-smart-displays/

Yes, I read that, they are actually quiet different behind the scenes, with totally different operating systems!

The Home Hub is basically a fancy Chromecast, while the Lenovo, etc. is stripped down Android OS!

However Google claim that the interface will be the same on both and that they will support the same on both.

OU812 wrote: »

Really like the lenovo, but I was going to get a home anyway because of the nest integration, so I'll most likely go for the Google version.

Can you install Whatsapp on the lenovo version (rather than Duo) for video calling?

You can't install anything on these, it is completely locked down adn controlled by Google, sort of like the first gen iPhone interestingly!

Though I do believe the Lenovo one comes with Duo for video calling. But then how many people have Duo installed on their phones!!

OldMrBrennan83

bk wrote: »

Yes, I read that, they are actually quiet different behind the scenes, with totally different operating systems!

The Home Hub is basically a fancy Chromecast, while the Lenovo, etc. is stripped down Android OS!

However Google claim that the interface will be the same on both and that they will support the same on both.



You can't install anything on these, it is completely locked down adn controlled by Google, sort of like the first gen iPhone interestingly!

Though I do believe the Lenovo one comes with Duo for video calling. But then how many people have Duo installed on their phones!!

Is Duo not one of those apps that has to come preinstalled on a handset these days? I know Google specify some, but maybe they haven't done it yet (replacing hangouts on that list iirc).

Then again, that still doesn't mean people will ever set it up. I do find it far and away the best video calling experience there is on Android though.

bk

Patww79 wrote: »

Is Duo not one of those apps that has to come preinstalled on a handset these days? I know Google specify some, but maybe they haven't done it yet (replacing hangouts on that list iirc).

I'm not sure about that, doesn't seem to be on my other halves Moto G6. It is probably preinstalled on Google Pixel phones and maybe they have an agreement with some mobile carriers to preinstall it on other phones, but forcing it on other Android manufacturers sounds like the type of thing that the EU has major issues with.

Also it isn't going to be on iPhones by default. I don't know anyone who has it or uses it, everyone just uses Whatsapp and some facetime. I'm sure it is very good, but it doesn't seem to have really taken off.

The high horse brigade

Duo is not in the factory rom for Oxygen OS which is what comes with a OnePlus phone. I have it installed, I have tried it, I guess I'll use it if it gets integrated as I work away sometimes. From my experience I don't find it the best, it's probably good with decent bandwidth but while away I'm on mobile data or crappy hotel public WiFi. Facebook messenger btw is what we mostly use, it seems to work best (and of course Skype has always had great adaptive codecs)

jogdish

Review up on Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/oct/22/google-home-hub-review-smart-display-buy-google-assistant-digital-photo-frame

bk

Reviews up on multiple sites, including The Verge and Arstechnica.

So far the reviews seem incredibly positive.

Audio, better then a mini, but not as good as a full size Google Home, doesn't have the base.

Hardware is superb, everyone seems to love the hardware, in particular the way the screen matches the colour of your ambient light, makes it very pleasant and great for showing pictures.

Everyone seems to love the UI, however the supported software is very immature, things like Youtube, Podcasts, calendars, etc. don't work nearly as well as they should. The feeling seems to be it is early days for a lot of the software, but they are hoping it will mature very quickly, just like Google Home did.

Overall this device is not complete, but has fantastic potential, seems to be the overall feeling.

God damn it, I'll probably get one during the sales, but I could well end up with two or three if it is really this good!!