Nest Hub Max gets group video calling, finally
The Nest Hub Max can finally do something so basic most people didn't realize it was missing — group video calls. The display with a camera has allowed people to do calls with one person. But if you want too add another video caller you needed to move to another program, like Zoom, Skype or Houseparty.
But now using Duo or Meet, people can set up a group video call from the Nest Hub Max. With Google Duo, you can have a group call of up to 32 people. With Meet, that can balloon to 100. Invitations can be sent through a calendar entry, or you can actually tell Google you want to join a meeting, and if you enter the code, you'll be there. The Meet group video call tool is going to be available first.
Group calls have taken off amid the Covid-19 pandemic, and the social distancing that's been required to try and reduce the spread of this coronavirus. Favorites have included Zoom, but people have also adopted other services including Skype and Houseparty.
The new group video feature is also coming to third-party Google Assistant displays including those made by Lenovo, and also from JBL and LG.
To speed up, so to speak, this process, Google is also launching a new so-called speed dial feature on all Google Assistant-enabled smart speakers and smart displays. Called Household Contacts, the numbers of your favorite people can be dialed quickly just by asking Google to call them. That new feature is also starting to roll out today.
Check out The GearBrain, our smart home compatibility checker to see the other compatible products that work with Google Assistant enabled devices.
