The Nest Hub Max, a large-sized smart display, speaker, and virtual assistant by Google, is set to receive an upgrade, as per recent findings from a teardown of the latest Google Home App (Version 3.16) by 9to5Google. The examination of the code revealed references to an unreleased device named 'Nest Hub Max' and another device labeled 'Nest Audio', hinting at new additions to Google's smart home hardware lineup.
The upcoming Nest Hub Max is expected to be powered by Google Assistant, similar to the current Nest Hub range. This development comes amidst previous speculations about the future of Assistant and its associated devices, especially with the emergence of Gemini, a new platform by Google.
While the Nest Audio is anticipated to be a standard speaker, the refreshed Nest Hub Max has piqued interest due to its potential integration with Gemini. The possibility of leveraging Gemini's capabilities to enhance the functionality of the Nest Hub range, such as assisting with tasks like recipe management and shopping lists, presents an exciting prospect for users.
However, challenges remain, as Gemini currently lacks the ability to control smart home devices. Google's decision to persist with Assistant on the new hardware suggests the complexity of achieving seamless integration with Gemini and addressing other areas for improvement, such as touch responsiveness and product reliability.
As Google continues to explore advancements in generative AI, the future release of these upgraded smart home devices will offer insights into the company's strategic direction and innovation in the evolving landscape of connected technologies.
