Broadcast messages to specific rooms

The broadcast feature is beloved for so many reasons, especially when it comes to announcing dinner’s ready throughout the home. Now, though, you’ll be able to broadcast messages to specific rooms. Just say for example, “Hey Google, broadcast to the bedroom, ‘breakfast is ready!'”

　　

Enhanced Voice Match support

Did you know Google Assistant can deliver personalized information to multiple people in the home? Google Assistant is now capable of supporting up to six people’s voices with Voice Match on a smart speaker or display, so that you only get relevant details that pertain to you.

　　

Adjusting “Hey Google” sensitivity

In busier or noisier areas, it’s possible that Google Assistant can be initiated by accident. If you want to adjust the sensitivity whenever the wake phrase “Hey Google” is spoken, you can now do it through the Google Home app.

　　

Interpreter mode

Google Assistant’s interpreter mode can be handy when you have guests over who speak another language. Rather than having to translate each spoken sentence, interpreter mode will simply translate conversations in real-time — so conversations can be spoken naturally. You can enable it by saying, “Hey Google, be my German translator” or “Hey Google, help me speak Spanish.”

　　

Washing your hands

It’s more critical than ever before to ensure you wash your hands properly, especially with the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak continuing to spread. The Nest Mini offers a brand new feature to help out kids. You simply say, “Hey Google, help me wash my hands,” and from there, it’ll play a tune for 20 seconds to encourage adequate time for washing hands.

　　

Warranty information

Since it’s stationary, there shouldn’t be much of a concern about it going bad. In the event it does, there’s a one-year limited warranty that covers defects.

　　

Our Take

The Google Nest WiFi is priced at $189 (originally $269) for the starter pack. It’s more costly than some of the alternatives. However, incorporating Google Assistant adds value, but it’s also one of the easiest mesh systems to configure and cover your entire home.

　　

Are there better alternatives?

If you’re looking for something cheaper with the same expansive reach, then you’ll want to consider the alternatives — like the Netgear Orbi that costs $200 for the same configuration. While Netgear’s mesh system offers more range, it doesn’t have the smart assistant feature you get with the Nest Wifi point.

　　Another option is Amazon’s Eero 6 router, which at $200 for a 2-pack system, is a bargain compared to Google’s offering. Similarly, it offers the same straightforward setup as Google’s Nest Wifi.

　　If you want more advanced setup options, consider the Linksys Velop MX5300 or Netgear XRM570 Nighthawk Pro Gaming WiFi Router. They’re substantially more expensive at $400 each for the routers themselves, but you get advanced networking controls and several Ethernet ports to hardwire devices.

　　

How long will it last?

　　

Given that the router and Wi-Fi point are going to be stationary, it should last quite a while undisturbed — much like any networking gear.

　　

Should you buy it?

Yes. Not only will you be able to expand your Wi-Fi’s coverage, but the Nest Wifi system can be used to control your home’s various connected devices.