So what’s it all about?
In case you haven’t already noticed, smart displays are the new thing. So as per usual, Google has shown up in style following the recent releases of the Amazon Echo Show and the already Google Assistant enabled smart displays like the Lenovo Smart Display 10 and the JBL Link View.
The Home Hub features a clear and vibrant 7” OLED touch display that rivals the latest Apple iPads and delivers visual, attention-grabbing answers straight from Google whenever a question is asked. And I can assure you that having a display makes asking questions a lot more enjoyable when your answer is paired with an image, video or whatever else may be visually relevant.
The display features an ambient light sensor, which gives you the ability to have one located on your bedside table to serve as what one could assume is the nicest alarm clock money can buy and not annoy you with a bright, glaring screen in the process.
The display is elegantly mounted on the Google-esque fabric base that is equipped with a compact, yet powerful speaker that makes sure whatever you’re watching or listening to packs enough punch and clarity. If you happen to already own a Google Home Max or Sonos speaker, then the sound quality obviously won’t be able to compete, but when paired with the more powerful smart speakers it will take your smart home to the next level.
Unfortunately, it’s worth pointing out that the Home Hub lacks a camera, which in my opinion should be a must as we tend to make more and more video calls or camera-enabled services as time goes on.
And like the rest of the Google Home range, the smart display features a mute button located on the back, WIFI connectivity and Bluetooth. So as you’d obviously expect, it will pair to all of your Google Home accessories and smartphones with ease – and even works nicely with Apple iOS devices.
Should you buy one?
For many of us, Google Assistant has provided the smoothest transition into utilising the voice-enabled services and devices due to the fact a large proportion of our devices come with Google Assistant as a native feature, unlike Amazon’s Alexa which requires a user to download and install various Skills to take full advantage of Echo products.
So, if you’re looking to own the complete Google Home range or are looking to take your first step into a smart world, this may be just what you need. We personally think this would make a great addition into anyone’s kitchen or even into your home gym.
The Google Home Hub comes in Chalk, Charcoal, Aqua and Sand, and is available in Australia on October 24th, 2018 for $219.
You'll be able to pick one up from Harvey Norman and some other select retailers in Australia.
We were invited to New York City by Google for the ‘Made by Google’ event.
