Google to launch Nest Hub Max smart display on September 9

Jul. 24, 2019 05:52AM EST

Google will launch its largest smart display yet, the 10-inch Nest Hub Max, on September 9 and it will be priced at $229. The device will go up against the equally large Amazon Echo Show.

Announced at Google's I/O event in June, the Nest Hub Max is the first device to be launched under Google's new Google Nest brand, which will see its Nest smart home division be brought in-house.

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Pre-order Google's Nest Hub Max for $229 at Best Buy Now

The Nest Hub Max is significantly larger than Google existing Home Hub, which was recently rebranded as the Nest Hub. That device, which was launched in the fall of 2018, has a 7-inch display. This may not seem like a huge difference, but when the two devices are shown next to each other they are clearly from different product categories.

Like the smaller Nest Hub, the newer model adjusts the temperature of its display based on the ambient lighting. It does this to such an extreme that its colours extend from cool blue-white, all the way to a dark yellow/orange white. Its brightness also adjusts automatically, and goes so dim that it can be used as a bedside clock without disturbing you in a dark room.

That said, you might not want such a large display at your bedside. Instead, the Nest Hub Max is better-suited to life in the kitchen, where its large screen can be used to watch YouTube videos, show photos, and control your smart home devices - either by voice or by touch. Sound quality promises to be decent, thanks to dual forward-facing speakers and a rear-mount subwoofer in the fabric-covered base.

The Nest Hub Max has a 10-inch touch screenGoogle

What sets the new model apart from the smaller Home Hub (apart from the size) is its inclusion of a camera above the screen. As well as offering video chatting and the ability to present information based on who you are (because it recognizes your face), the camera can be used as a Nest home security camera for when you are out. Just like other Nest cameras, the Home Hub Max can be set to alert you via your smartphone when movement is detected, and you can view a live video stream to check in on your property.

Pre-order Google's Nest Hub Max for $229 at Best Buy Now

This device will serve as a close rival to the Amazon Echo Show, which is available with a 10-inch display, alongside a new 5-inch model. These can also be used to control your smart home devices, via Alexa, show video from Amazon's Prime Video service, and conduct video chats.

As well as the Echo Show, the Nest Hub Max will go up against a range of other smart displays like the Lenovo Smart Display and JBL Link, which both run Google's software, and the Alexa-equipped Facebook Portal.

Check out The GearBrain, our smart home compatibility checker to see the other compatible products that work with Google Home and Home Mini as well as Amazon Alexa enabled devices.