If we were to look back at the brighter side of the pandemic, it gave us a substantial amount of time for ourselves. Most of us have spent the lockdown exploring new things at home. Some tried their hands-on baking, while some others learned new tricks on gardening. Some took up art, and others challenged themselves with fitness goals. If there is one thing all of us kept going back to was music. It was the only thing that kept me sane when everything around me turned gloomy.
In the last two years, most of us have had good times with music. From grooving to the beats of BTS’s ‘Dynamite’ or remembering our loved one with Sam Hunt’s Hard to forget, we have done it all. If you are an audiophile and look out for a rich experience with music, Google Nest mini is your pick. Here is all you need to know about the new speaker.
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What is the Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen)?
Google has provided us with some of the best speakers including, Google Home Max, Google Home Mini, and Google Nest Audio. In 2019 they improvised on the existing lineup and introduced the all-new Google Nest Mini (2nd Generation) within an affordable range. These are compact speakers which come in four adorable color variants. You can choose from coral, Sky blue, charcoal, and chalk. It is ideal for those looking for a portable and discrete device with an inbuilt Google Assistant.
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What are its Specifications?
The Google Nest Mini comes with improved Capacitive touch sensors that allow smooth control over the device. It provides efficient wireless connectivity with an inbuilt Wi-Fi, BlueTooth 5.0, and Chromecast. However, it also allows you to have wired connectivity with a DC power jack. In comparison to the other speakers, it is a compact device weighing about 180 grams. It allows you to have an uninterrupted and best experience by supporting a wide range of audio formats that include MP3, HE-AAC, LC-AAC, Vorbis, Opus, and WAV (LPMC). It comes with both Android and iOS operating systems and a power adapter of 15W.
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What makes Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) different from other devices?
- A speaker with Bigger and Better sound quality
The Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) will not let you compromise on the sound quality. Engineered especially for sound, it comes with a two times stronger bass than the 1st Gen. The updates on the audio software of this version will allow you to have clearer and louder music.
- Stronger Voice Recognition
This device uses three microphones to recognize your voice from a considerably far distance. It increases the range within which the Google Assistant can copy your command. The microphone used for this device uses the ultrasound sensing feature. This feature enables it to recognize nearby objects. Another fun fact about the ultrasound sensing feature is that it illuminates two LED lights when hovered with your hands. It is to show the volume adjusting points on either side of the speaker.Â
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- A Faster Google Assistant
Google has made significant updates on the Assistant feature of Mini, making it faster. They have used a unique chip with up to one TeraOPS of processing power. It allows the device to process commands locally. With the Nest Mini, you will receive responses within a couple of seconds.
- Improved designs for a good reason
With the Nest Mini series, Google has tried to incorporate a sustainable design for your speakers. While keeping intact the perfectly curved edges and beautiful color options, they have come up with recycled plastic bottles to design the covering of the device. It is a commendable initiative on their part to help the planet. To add this device to your decor collection, they have also provided a wall mounting facility.
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Google Nest Mini or Apple’s HomePod Mini?
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To begin with, Apple and Google have provided some of the best smart speakers that are suitable for your smart home. But when it comes to picking between the two, you will have to consider the other products in your home and the price range.
- Smart Home Integration:
These smart speakers allow you to control your other compatible devices of the house using voice commands. You can kick start a movie night by dimming the lights or watch your favorite show on TV just by giving the appropriate inputs. However, the best choice between these two speakers is dependent on the other accessories of your house. In this case, Google Nest Mini gives you an upper hand because it is almost universal. That implies, most of the devices are compatible with Google’s platform. But if most of them are Homekit specific accessories, then HomePod Mini is your pick.
- Audio quality and other services:
When it comes to audio quality, HomePod Mini is simply the best of all. The Google Nest Mini can not match up to its power. Though it has better speakers than the first-generation Echo Dot, HomePod gives louder and more clarity. But when it comes to compatibility, Google Nest Mini covers a wide range that includes Google Music, Google Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, iHeart Studio, and even other Apple Music services. HomePod, on the other hand, is limited to services like Apple Music, iTunes, Apple Podcast, Pandora.
- Product Design:
In this case, Google’s speakers are over the HomePod. Though both of them have classic finished looks, the Mini has an element of fun to it. It comes in four subtle shades of colors, adding a touch of personality to it. Another feature that may not seem much but comes very handy with Google’s speaker is a slot for mounting it on the wall. The soft edges and sleek design of this speaker make it a must addition to your wall decor.Â
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Reasons to bring home the Google Nest Mini
- Better Responsive Microphone. It will give you faster responses than other audio speakers.
- The elegant design of the speaker is a must addition to your decor collection.
- Affordable to build your smart home. It provides the best sound quality in the given price range.
- It has better connectivity with platforms like YouTube, Spotify, Pandora. It will provide you the best experience with music.
However, picking the best speaker relies heavily on the other products of your house. If you have iPhone, Macbook, Apple TV, then HomePod is best suited for your home. But if you have an android phone and are looking for a more affordable option, Google Nest Mini is for you.
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These speakers are also good in terms of durability and longevity. Google comes up with regular updates to its assistant, giving some surety to the users. They know that they will be able to upgrade with the device within a few months. So, if you are planning to invest in a good speaker that is powerful, upgraded, and attractive at the same time, Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) won’t disappoint you.