I moved into a bigger apartment six months ago and have been taking advantage of the extra space by hosting elaborate dinner parties. Although my luxury scented candles and homemade dishes create a great ambience, I’ve been looking to curate the perfect playlist that can be heard throughout my apartment. (The sound on my TV is loud, but not loud enough to be heard in every room). A friend of mine swears by her Google Nest Audio ($68, originally $100) and suggested it as the perfect addition to my hosting arsenal. I’ve been consistently using the small but mighty speaker for four months now and it has completely upgraded my lifestyle in every way.
Not only does it play my tunes from YouTube Music, Apple Music, and Spotify, it also lets me cast from other apps as well (more on that later). Ahead, read all about how the easy-to-use smart device has been seamlessly integrated into my home.
About the Google Nest Audio
- Google Nest Audio is 75 percent louder than the original Google Home.
- It plays audiobooks, podcasts, music, and news.
- it’s available in five different colors.
- There’s a guest mode option to control private information.
What I Like About the Google Nest Audio
I’ve never used a smart home gadget prior to Google Nest Audio. I never saw a need for it in my small space and figured it would be too complicated to program. I’ve been elated to see how easy and quickly the device responds to my voice commands. The voice assistant can pick up my voice regardless of background noise, like my TV playing in the background. Thanks to the Google ecosystem, the Chromecast integration lets you cast from your phone, tablet, or computer straight to the Nest. This has made it so easy for me to pick and choose what I want to hear throughout the day.
I’ve used the Nest to set timers while cooking, check and adjust the inside temperature (I also have my Google Nest Learning Thermostat connected to it), listen to the news, control my light fixtures, and so much more. The Nest is also a minimalist design — just seven inches tall with a pillow-like shape — so it blends perfectly into the background, making it great for entertaining guests as they never quite know where the sound is coming from. I like to conceal mine in my bookshelf or on a countertop to keep it out of the way.
How to Use the Google Nest Audio
To set up the Nest Audio you have to download Google Home. Once you have the app, simply select “set up device” and follow the easy prompts. The entire setup will take no more than five minutes. Once it is activated, you will need to say “Hey Google” before each request. You know the Nest Speaker is listening when four LED lights flash on the front. The top of the device has three touch-sensitive spots. The left and right corners turn the volume up or down, while the middle pauses or plays music (you can also do this via voice).
What to Consider Before Trying the Google Nest Audio
The speaker will not work unless you say “Hey Google” before each command. This is the only way to access the speaker, so you’ll need to avoid “Hi Google,” for example, or a direct command like, “Google, what time is it?”
Where Is the Google Nest Audio Available?
You can get the Google Nest Audio Speaker on the brand’s website, at Best Buy, and Walmart.
Rating:
★★★★★
Natasha Marsh (she/her) is a freelance writer who writes about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Prior to freelancing, she held styling staff positions at The Wall Street Journal, Burberry, Cosmopolitan, British GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar.