Google Home Smart Speaker - White Slate

Even the most simple requests seem to baffle the AI. If I asked it something complicated like yield me a differential equation for proper rocket telemetry to the moon... I get it... but the most simple mondain things, like can you please translate this from one language to another; somehow multiple languages in no respective order or sense get mixed in. Many times yielding answers or results that are so far in left field, I am baffled this made it onto the shelf and amuses some consumers. I frequently unplug my device because I just want it to shut up and stop wasting my time. I get more amusement on how poor the product was designed than amazed on what it can do.

The google home is a nifty little device with decent audio quality for its size and features. The speaker doesn’t have amazing quality and if you’re an audiophile I recommend looking elsewhere for something built purely for audio playback. The google home focuses more on its many features and versatility as a home assist, since that’s what it was designed for. As far as a home assistant goes, google hits it out of the park. You can control your whole home with your voice if you have smart compatible devices installed. My favorite thing to do is to use my google home as a light control for my house since I have colored led smart lights I can change the mood of a room just by asking google to do so. Additionally google home gives you access to tons of free music to ... MoreThe google home is a nifty little device with decent audio quality for its size and features. The speaker doesn’t have amazing quality and if you’re an audiophile I recommend looking elsewhere for something built purely for audio playback. The google home focuses more on its many features and versatility as a home assist, since that’s what it was designed for. As far as a home assistant goes, google hits it out of the park. You can control your whole home with your voice if you have smart compatible devices installed. My favorite thing to do is to use my google home as a light control for my house since I have colored led smart lights I can change the mood of a room just by asking google to do so. Additionally google home gives you access to tons of free music to listen to from google music in the form of music stations. I believe you can eve link a Spotify account if you are so inclined. Be aware though that some of google music is barred from you if you don’t pay for the music subscription through them. However, it does have some draw backs. The biggest one for me is how sensitive the google home is to hearing it’s “wake phrase”. When you ask google something you usually begin with “hey google” so the device knows to start listening. Sometimes similar words can set it off and often I’ve had it start listening as if someone said the wale word when no one said anything or simply coughed. It’s also not unique to your voice so if you’re watching a google presentation on tv and the person on tv says the “wake phrase” google will activate. Another drawback, at the same time is sometimes when you do say “hey google” to get your assistants attention it doesn’t register it at all. The “wake phrase” being hit or miss, and registering on its own is a big draw back for me. Additionally, be prepared for connectivity issues if you have many smart devices hooked up to it. Perhaps it’s and issue with my individual set up but sometimes when you ask about those kitchen lights or bedroom lights google loves to inform you that it doesn’t detect any devices or that you don’t have them set up. In which case, it makes me wonder if the appeal of having a charming little robot is more about the illusion of company rather than usefulness, but it does follow conversation pretty well and is definitely worth picking up if you’re a tech nut that hasn’t been drawn in by amazon prime’s mascot Alexa yet and aren’t particularly interested in apple’s less enticing HomePod.

a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. From the early 14th century until the reign of Charles II in the 17th century, a procession would be led from the Tower to Westminster Abbey on the coronation of a monarch. In the absence of the monarch, the Constable of the Tower is in charge of the castle. This was a powerful and trusted position in the medieval period. In the late 15th century, the Princes in the Tower were housed at the castle when they mysteriously disappeared, presumed murdered. Under the Tudors, the Tower became used less as a royal residence, and despite attempts to refortify and repair the castle, its defences lagged behind developments to deal with artillery.

I was comparing the google WiFi and Netgear Orbi a lot before I made the purchase decision of google WiFi. So I cannot say much about Netgear Orbi as I didn’t actually buy that product. With that out of the way, I think google WiFi mesh routers are the way to go for people that just want to plug it in and forget it. The network it sets up is so stable and robust. I have not had to reset the router or my modem at all. Only time I’ve had to troubleshoot it is when the power went out and it power cycled my network and all other electronics and hard wired devices to the network.

In terms of performance, this speaker exceeds expectations. You can connect your Chromecast device and tell it to start watching shows on your TV, and if you have the proper accessories, you can make it turn on and off the lights, turn temperatures up and down , and more but smart plugs and smart thermostats are required. By following the set up, you'll be able to play music, get weather updates, set up routines and reminders, and use it for daily tasks. It's nice that you can select between male and female voice options. It can remind you to call people, or you can set timers and it remind you the clothes are done or ect. Many different things are possible, including streaming music, answering calls, setting alarms, etc. I am a mom of three with a busy schedule ... MoreIn terms of performance, this speaker exceeds expectations. You can connect your Chromecast device and tell it to start watching shows on your TV, and if you have the proper accessories, you can make it turn on and off the lights, turn temperatures up and down , and more but smart plugs and smart thermostats are required. By following the set up, you'll be able to play music, get weather updates, set up routines and reminders, and use it for daily tasks. It's nice that you can select between male and female voice options. It can remind you to call people, or you can set timers and it remind you the clothes are done or ect. Many different things are possible, including streaming music, answering calls, setting alarms, etc. I am a mom of three with a busy schedule between games, schoolwork, and more. Google is the best!

Not too big, not too small, just right!

I received these items free of charge through the Lowes Loop program to review and report on.Google Home/Mini/Max Smart SpeakersInitial Setup and Performance:The Google Home was the last module received and was just as easy to set up. A quick check with the Google Home app found that the Home was waiting for connection. The controls integrated into the top are more versatile and responsive than those found in the Home Mini or Home Max, with the pause and volume functions on the top that worked well.Voice commands on the Home worked well, although there was often some confusion between speakers in the kitchen and living room when I tried to get the Home to play music. If the Mini could hear me better, it would start playing music rather than the Home. I don't ... MoreI received these items free of charge through the Lowes Loop program to review and report on.Google Home/Mini/Max Smart SpeakersInitial Setup and Performance:The Google Home was the last module received and was just as easy to set up. A quick check with the Google Home app found that the Home was waiting for connection. The controls integrated into the top are more versatile and responsive than those found in the Home Mini or Home Max, with the pause and volume functions on the top that worked well.Voice commands on the Home worked well, although there was often some confusion between speakers in the kitchen and living room when I tried to get the Home to play music. If the Mini could hear me better, it would start playing music rather than the Home. I don't doubt that there's a setting that would remedy this, but I haven't found it yet.Speaking of sound quality, the three speakers (Home, Home Mini and Home Max) were as expected, with the sound quality and maximum volume increasing with size. While none of them were a substitute for a proper hifi system, each was of adequate quality for background listening. The big boy, the Max was capable of respectable sound quality and volume in a smallish room like my office although it was no match for either the monitors attached to my computer (M-Audio Studiophile DX4) or my vintage 2-channel system with large English monitors. Most surprising though was the sound quality that came from the Home speaker, the mid sized one. I could hear actual bass coming from them and I was repeatedly and pleasantly surprised by the quality of the Pandora stream being played. This is the Mama Bear of the three, just right, not too big but big enough to please.As I have an Amazon Echo Dot placed beside the kitchen Home Mini, I was able to evaluate the relative sound quality between them, as well as the effectiveness of their responses.In terms of the sound quality, the Echo Dot has a fairly thin and tinny sound, befitting its low price. It's good for low background listening or spoken audio, such as news. The Home Mini has a much smoother sound, and although lacking in bass, makes those spoken audio or short audio clips much more listenable. However, if you're like my wife, you will play it loud without a care for the sound quality and anything, including her transistor radio, will do that.As far as the quality of the responses to questions go, simple stuff like "how many milliliters in a quart" or "what's the nearest Italian restaurant" are pretty easy and accurate. But the AI response for most other things is pretty lacking. One advantage of the Echo is that it can notify you when your package has shipped or arrived and Google has yet to yield that information to me. Of course, you will be expected to ask it to tell you a joke, but Google, was it necessary to have the punch line end with a figurative rimshot? The noises at the end are just juvenile and Amazon doesn't use them.Impressions and Conclusions:Any of the Home speakers will interface with the Google system and the Home Mini is small and inconspicuous for placement around the house. The original Home is the Goldilocks/Mama Bear, just right. It takes up hardly more room on a table than the Mini but has a fully-baked sound quality. Which brings us to the Home Max. Yes, it's sound quality is even better, but at a cost of size. It has transitioned from a compact smart speaker to a large unit that occupies quite a lot of space, filling a bookshelf or other similar sized space. If you want your smart speaker to substitute for a full-fledged sound system, then this is your speaker. But perhaps a better choice would be a Google-compatible receiver and speakers that would outpace the Max in sound quality.

This is the Middle Child of the Google Home Line

I am perplexed as to the current viability of the Google Home smart speaker. Since it's inception Google has added the Home Mini (much less expensive), the Home Max and now the Home Hub with a digital display (costing just slightly more than the Home speaker. It seems that this middle child has been squeezed out of the family.Here are my observations and experience.PROS: The Google Home speaker with Google Assistant will capably answer any question you can think and responds with great sound quality. Like all of the previously mentioned Google devices you can make phone calls, control smart home devices, get recipes and self-help info, control your TV, etc. Fairly capable audio with it's 2 inch driver and two internal passive radiators,APPEARANCE / FEATURES: ... MoreI am perplexed as to the current viability of the Google Home smart speaker. Since it's inception Google has added the Home Mini (much less expensive), the Home Max and now the Home Hub with a digital display (costing just slightly more than the Home speaker. It seems that this middle child has been squeezed out of the family.Here are my observations and experience.PROS: The Google Home speaker with Google Assistant will capably answer any question you can think and responds with great sound quality. Like all of the previously mentioned Google devices you can make phone calls, control smart home devices, get recipes and self-help info, control your TV, etc. Fairly capable audio with it's 2 inch driver and two internal passive radiators,APPEARANCE / FEATURES: It looks like and air freshener. It does have a clean look and does not look overbearing in my den. The flat, slightly inclined top surface is a touch panel where you can change the volume, play and pause the music or activate the Google Home assistant with a tap. I like the four multi-colored lights that race in a circle to indicate that the device is responding - easy to see across the room. The physical button to mute the speaker (suspend listening) and avoid inadvertent responses is a great feature as well. Excellent device for streaming music services (i.e. Google Play, YouTube, Spotify, Pandora, etc.). The Home is also bilingual to accommodate two languages such as English and Spanish at the same time and recognize commands in both languages interchangeably. "Continued Conversation" and Multiple Actions" enhancements have been added to improve user experience. Hands-free calling and Bluetooth allows import of contacts from your phone to make calls. Home also uses Bluetooth to sync up to other devices.CONS: Google's middle offering smart speaker still cannot integrate with Google software features. No integration with Gmail to get insight on new e-mails. Same with Google Calendar - not able to create new events (although it can read out existing events in your Google Calendar), cannot make phone calls with Google Voice or jot down some quick notes in a Google Doc. No other color options out-of-the-box unless you add an aftermarket snap on base or cover.SUMMARY: The Google Home speaker is best suited for someone that wants decent sound quality without having to spend big bucks. Pairing a Google Mini and a Bluetooth speaker may be a better option. And the price seems to be falling - thus making it more attractive.

Very good for certain purposes

As part of a fairly complete suite of Google Home devices, the Google Home serves quite well, in my opinion, for several personal assistant-like and smart home functions. That is, although sound has been improved, it is still not quite up to that of it's major competitor, and linking several Google Home devices to play the same input at the same time [grouped or whole house] isn't quite as simple as in the 'competitor'. On the other hand, it is somewhat easier to link to my personal music library, when loaded to Google Drive, a major obstacle now with the competitor eliminating ability to store a library with them.Functionality as a smart home controller/input device is flawless, and in fact seems much more time-responsive than the prevalent competing devices, ... MoreAs part of a fairly complete suite of Google Home devices, the Google Home serves quite well, in my opinion, for several personal assistant-like and smart home functions. That is, although sound has been improved, it is still not quite up to that of it's major competitor, and linking several Google Home devices to play the same input at the same time [grouped or whole house] isn't quite as simple as in the 'competitor'. On the other hand, it is somewhat easier to link to my personal music library, when loaded to Google Drive, a major obstacle now with the competitor eliminating ability to store a library with them.Functionality as a smart home controller/input device is flawless, and in fact seems much more time-responsive than the prevalent competing devices, which lately seem to be lagging between command and smart device actuation. With few exceptions, almost all of the smart devices installed can be controlled by either system, which does provide me with redundancy.. The one exception is a bundled "GE" smart light bulb, that I can only control via Google, unless I want to write an IFTTT {as I understand it} routine for the other system. One stand-out is its interaction with my smart thermostat, which is much more intuitive. It is solely also capable of controlling the Chromecast device, in many ways, to include voice commands for those services which the Chromecast is enabled. (See my Chromecast review for more).To me, the one other lack with regard to playing music, is that the Google Home devices cannot be wire-connected to either a powered speaker set or full audio system, having to link via Bluetooth. While for many this is preferable anyway, I personally am not a fan of creating a large paired set of devices to have access to a playback means. Also, I would think, but do not know for sure, that there will be even further audio spectrum clipping due to bandwidth limitations.Oh, and one other function where it excels, is obviously direct access to Google Search and stored data functions. There is not as extensive a skills library, and the one entertainment app I've used seems a bit 'hokey' - the trivia game "show".Again, it is a very capable device and system, and I generally like it. For one who is not a "Prime" member, it is a definite alternative to the major competitor, and as in a facility or home running both systems, it serves as both a niche and alternative system quite well. [One niche example is that I have only Google Home devices (a 'Mni' & light bulbs) in my basement where I no longer entertain. I could later add a Bluetooth adapter, should I decide I wanted to stream music via the Google device there.In short, again, recommended and quite capable system that just would not be a total solution for me, but could well be for others.

Very good sound quality

I have used this to control my GE smart bulbs, ChromeCast television, Nest thermostat and one google smart plug. It connects and works flawlessly with them all. Even if you are not sure if you want a “smart home” yet, this Google Home makes a very nice stand alone speaker for streaming music from Google, Youtube, Pandora, Spotify, etc.You can always add smart products to your home later and connect them to Google Home.The sound is definitely quite surprising coming from such a small device. Although it lacks the mega bass and extreme volume presence of its big brother, Google Home Max, it certainly can keep the music loud enough (or quiet enough) for all occasions. I also have a google home mini which has very nice speaker quality as well. However, if you want ... MoreI have used this to control my GE smart bulbs, ChromeCast television, Nest thermostat and one google smart plug. It connects and works flawlessly with them all. Even if you are not sure if you want a “smart home” yet, this Google Home makes a very nice stand alone speaker for streaming music from Google, Youtube, Pandora, Spotify, etc.You can always add smart products to your home later and connect them to Google Home.The sound is definitely quite surprising coming from such a small device. Although it lacks the mega bass and extreme volume presence of its big brother, Google Home Max, it certainly can keep the music loud enough (or quiet enough) for all occasions. I also have a google home mini which has very nice speaker quality as well. However, if you want high quality sound, but you are not prepared to pay up for the Home Max, I would recommend you spend the extra to step up to this model from the mini if you are planning on using it to stream music. While this and the home mini do the identical thing, the speakers in this Google Home are definitely, in my opinion, worth the extra investment.As with all the google home products, setup is a breeze. Simply plug it to any standard wall outlet and then open the google home app on your device. The app will automatically detect your google home and ask for WiFi password and that’s about it.One thing which really stands out to me is how well these google home devices can hear and interpret what I say. Even my kids who speak very fast and not always so clearly are heard word for word by Google Home! Even if the music is turned way up it can detect your voice at nearly a whisper. And not just hear your voice but hear exactly what you say or ask. It is truly amazing!

WORTHLESS TECHNOLOGY

For a long time, I saw the new enabled world as the dark side (Apple, "Hey Alexa") stealing every bit of privacy, vs. Google, offering me an open source companion.I've now had 5 of these devices in my house for 4+ years. And I can tell you..,.they're junk They'll turn on to listen when you never spoke to them. Yet they'll rarely turn on when you actually use their cxommands...9 times of out of time, "Hey Google, change the thermostat to 70 degrees" results in 'I'm sorry, that device isn't set up." Really? Worked fine 10 mins ago. And works fine on my phone qpp. The other half the time, Google will say "Sure, I set the temperature to XX...' Then I go into the thermostat app on the phone and have an error "You attempted to make a change that wasn't ... MoreFor a long time, I saw the new enabled world as the dark side (Apple, "Hey Alexa") stealing every bit of privacy, vs. Google, offering me an open source companion.I've now had 5 of these devices in my house for 4+ years. And I can tell you..,.they're junk They'll turn on to listen when you never spoke to them. Yet they'll rarely turn on when you actually use their cxommands...9 times of out of time, "Hey Google, change the thermostat to 70 degrees" results in 'I'm sorry, that device isn't set up." Really? Worked fine 10 mins ago. And works fine on my phone qpp. The other half the time, Google will say "Sure, I set the temperature to XX...' Then I go into the thermostat app on the phone and have an error "You attempted to make a change that wasn't recognized/fulfilled."Unless you want the current time and temperature, Goode Assistant is utterly worthless, in every way."Hey Google, play I'm So TIred by the Beatles from My Music Library.''Can't connect to your library, right now."Hey Google, play I'm So Tired by The Beatles.""Sure, playing songs from Spotifying labeled "So."'HEY GOOGLE, PLAY I'M TIRED BY THE BEAT:ES""Ok, I found a playlist called tired, starting with shawn mendes