Introducing the New Google Nest Mini Smart Speaker

by Noah Harris

The new Google Nest Mini voice-controlled speaker is practically a follow-up to the Home Mini speaker. The Nest Mini version is a second-generation device that follows its predecessor’s form factor and therefore looks almost the same. However, it has some features that mainly concern internal upgrades.

The key specs of the new Nest Mini are:

A wall mount

This option makes interaction with the speaker more flexible. It also allows users to save counter space as the device has a small hole on the underside which means you can easily hang it on the wall. Moreover, you can still have access to far-field voice detection. The physical switch that can turn the far-field microphones off is present near the power port as well.

A better bass

The smallest Google’s smart speaker is believed to have a two times stronger bass that Home Mini and its sound will become clearer. It will also get a third microphone (the total amount of microphones will be three), which can influence the quality of the sound as well – it will be possible to hear the speaker even in a loud environment. Furthermore, it can dynamically adjust the volume depending on the background noise. The Nest Mini has three capacitive buttons. The one that makes the volume up, the one that makes it down and the center can be tapped for pause or play. None of them can turn on Google Assistant, though.

A dedicated ML chip

An improved machine learning model is able to learn the commands you use more often and eventually make them run locally.

Other Nest Mini’s features are Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and a barrel power plug instead of micro-USB.

Besides, the device is more sustainable than its predecessor because its cover is made of recycled plastic bottles. There are four embedded indicator lights on top of the speaker under its cover.

Google Nest Mini will come in multiple colors such as Chalk, Charcoal, Coral, and a new Sky Blue. It is now available for pre-order for $49 and will be available on the market starting from October 22nd.