Google Nest Mini launched with improved audio, faster Google Assistant

Google is finally updating the Home Mini with a second-generation version that’s being rebranded to Nest Mini and features improved audio – at least that’s what Google is claiming. The original Home Mini, to recall, was launched in 2017 so, it’s been two years in the coming. Google says the Nest Mini “is completely re-engineered to make everything you love about the original even better.” It looks exactly like the original though with the only difference being an included wall mount and a new light blue colour variant.  

The biggest update is possibly coming in the audio department. The Nest Mini apparently brings twice the bass as the original for a “full, clear and natural sound at every volume level.” The smart speaker will also light up every time you’re listening to music and bring your hand close to it to seamlessly adjust the volume. This one can also pair with other Nest speakers “to build a sound system for your whole home,” and the setup will then also let you make Google Duo calls between them.  

Google is also adding a third microphone to the Nest Mini so it will be able to better pickup your voice even in noisier environments.  

Lastly, Google is also touting its privacy credentials in that the Nest Mini packs a dedicated machine learning chip that will allow some Google Assistant features to run locally on the device itself – in addition to being faster overall in comparison to the original Home Mini. But seems like this will be only available in the US at launch.  

“We embedded a dedicated machine learning chip with up to one TeraOPS of processing power, which lets us move some Google Assistant experiences from our data centers directly onto the device. In the US, Nest Mini can now learn your most common commands and process them locally for a much faster response time.” 

The Google Nest Mini will be available for $49 (roughly Rs 3,500) starting from October 22. India price and availability details are awaited. 

Also Read:  Google Pixel 4, 4 XL Launched With Possibly Best-in-class Dual Cameras