Recommended Reading: Google's biggest hardware flop
The week's best writing on technology and more.
Nest Hub Max
86
Engadget Review
The Google Nest Hub Max is a bigger, better Nest Hub meant more shared and communal spaces. The larger screen makes viewing photos and videos a treat, and the sound quality is improved as well. The 6.5-megapixel camera is used not just for video calls, but also Face Match facial recognition, gesture controls, and more. It can even double as a Nest Cam. At a price that’s on par or lower than other similarly-sized smart displays on the market, the Hub Max offers value for the money.
Smart camera features and the addition of a Nest Cam function puts it over the top.
Nicole LeeSeptember 09, 2019
Pros
- Great display
- Face Match facial recognition feature is pretty accurate
- Ability to play and pause media with gestures
- Can double as a Nest Cam
- Very good sound quality
- Fairly priced
Cons
- Video calling only works with Google Duo
- Gestures can be a little finicky
Google
Nest Hub Max
Engadget
86
Critics
10 reviews81
AVERAGE CRITIC SCORE
Users - Not yet scored
N/A
AVERAGE USER SCORE
View All Critic & User Reviews
Nest Hub Max
- Critic Reviews (10)
- 81AVERAGE CRITIC SCORE10 ReviewsPC Mag80Google Nest Hub MaxThe Google Nest Hub Max is a big, bright smart display with Google Assistant, and you can even use it as a home security camera.CNET70A bigger, face-detecting Nest Hub watches your homeIf you wish the Nest Hub was bigger, louder and had a camera, this is the Google Assistant for you. Otherwise, the regular-sized version and other, smaller smart displays are closer to the sweet spot.TechCrunch80Google Nest Hub Max reviewIt’s a stronger entry in most respects, and while the camera carries the aforementioned privacy concerns, it’s a clear sign of how Google’s strengths are coming together to create a superior smart home product.Tom's Guide80A Smart Display I Would BuyA sleek design, smart motion tracking and handy privacy switch make the Nest Hub Max a great smart display.SlashGear80The Assistant will see you nowFor now, then, the Nest Hub Max is a good buy, but it’ll take software refinements making the most of the display to turn it into a great one.Mashable80Bigger, but not necessarily betterThe Google Hub Max feels a little unnecessary unless you really want a larger screen and a camera.CNBC80New smart display can read your face, but some may find that too creepyThe Nest Hub Max is a big screen for viewing photos, recipes, TV shows, your schedule and more, all wherever you decide to plug it in. It works well at what Google says it can do: The cameras are solid, it connects to Nest just fine, it’s good at recognizing my face (even if it’s creepy to my wife) and it’s priced well for what you get.VentureBeat90Bringing facial recognition into our homesAutomated video framing is a great addition, but again, the key question is whether you and your family are comfortable putting Google’s facial recognition software in your home. Before buying a Nest Hub Max, you may want to have a conversation with friends or family to see how they feel about facial recognition software and about Google as a company.The Verge80Bigger Screen, Better Sound, And A CameraIf you’ve been wanting a Nest Hub that just does more, the Hub Max is it. But for most people, the Nest Hub is the better smart display to purchase.Digital Trends90The definitive smart displayGoogle has crafted something special with the Nest Hub Max. ... The addition of a camera for video calls, peace of mind home security, increased audio fidelity, and the intelligence of Google Assistant makes it a resounding package at $229, and should be considered if you’re thinking of getting a smart display.
Key Specs
TYPE
Connected display
SCREEN SIZE
10in
SCREEN RESOLUTION
1280x800
TOUCHSCREEN
Yes
VIDEO PLAYBACK
Yes
More from Google
Google will start removing abortion clinic visits from users’ location history
The update will cover other “particularly personal” facilities, like fertility centers and weight loss clinics.
Google offers developers $90 million to settle Play Store billing fight
Developers feel they were forced into using Google’s in-house payment processor.We have two newsletters, why not sign up for both?
iFixit starts selling Pixel parts for DIY repairs
You can get what you need to fix a Pixel 2 or later phone at home.
YouTube introduces new tools to battle comment spam and account imitators
Channels will no longer be able to hide their subscriber counts.
The best smartphones you can buy right now
Our top choices aren’t just flagships.
Google’s Switch to Android app on iOS now works with all Android 12 devices
Previously the software was only compatible with Pixel phones.
FCC Commissioner urges Google and Apple to ban TikTok
Brendan Carr references reports that say Beijing-based employees have access to US TikTok user data.
Google is trying to keep political campaign emails out of Gmail spam folders
It plans to make eligible messages exempt from spam filters.
Google Hangouts is shutting down this fall
If you haven't already, you'll see a prompt to migrate to Chat.
Google's Pixel 6 Pro is $119 off at Woot for today only
It's one of the best prices yet for Google's flagship.
Google's Nest WiFi packs drop to record-low prices at Amazon
Pick up a router and access point bundle while they're nearly half off.
Google warns internet service providers helped distribute Hermit spyware
The company found victims in Italy and Kazahkstan.
Google tells workers they can relocate 'without justification' following Supreme Court decision
“This is a profound change for the country that deeply affects so many of us, especially women."
US senators ask FTC to investigate Apple and Google over mobile tracking
They mentioned how the information could be used against people seeking abortions.
Netflix confirms an ad-supported tier is coming (updated)
Google and NBCUniversal might be involved.
Google makes it easier for your stuff to sync between Android phones and Chromebooks
The company is aping Apple's deep integration between devices.
Chrome on iOS will be able to autofill your saved passwords on any app
It also gets new security and translation features.
Google makes it easier to find and support LGBTQ+ owned businesses
A new label for queer-owned businesses will appear on Search and Maps.
Google News redesign puts a greater emphasis on local stories
You'll also see expanded fact-checking.
