Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) Review: Sleep Tracking & Smart Home

The Nest Home Hub: A Continued Favorite in the Smart Display Market

After two and a half years, the Nest Home Hub continues to be a standout smart screen option. This may reflect the pace of innovation within this product category, or simply indicate that Google achieved a successful design from the outset.

The device maintains its position as one of the most aesthetically pleasing products currently available, constructed with durable yet subtle materials. Its size is well-considered, demonstrating Google’s careful attention to both form and function.

Incremental Updates to a Solid Foundation

Consumer electronics often follow a pattern of significant annual updates to stimulate demand. Considering this trend, the second-generation Nest Hub presents a relatively modest evolution.

The primary additions include sleep tracking capabilities and enhanced bass response from the speaker. These improvements, while welcome, represent the extent of the substantial changes.

A Thoughtful Decision: Prioritizing Privacy

Notably, Google’s engineers navigated existing constraints with ingenuity. The decision to omit a camera from the original Google Home Hub was questioned during a pre-release event, given the industry’s inclination towards data collection.

The company received praise for this privacy-focused approach, and it has been maintained in the second generation. Testing the Amazon Echo Hub, which physically tracks movement, further reinforced the value of this intentional design choice.

This deliberate omission has contributed to the Nest Hub’s popularity as a bedside device. Many users understandably prefer not to have a camera focused on their bedroom activities.

Sleep Tracking: Leveraging Existing Technology

With the Nest Hub becoming a favored bedside companion, integrating sleep tracking functionality was a logical progression. However, a camera-based solution could deter users concerned about privacy.

The solution lay in utilizing Project Soli, a Google technology initially developed for gesture control on the Pixel 4. Despite its initial application being limited, the technology found a new purpose.

Camera-free sleep tracking, powered by Soli, offers a unique approach. It involves using miniature radar technology to monitor sleep patterns without visual surveillance.

The Growing Importance of Sleep Monitoring

The inclusion of sleep tracking aligns with a broader industry trend, as companies increasingly focus on wellness and sleep improvement. This trend has been amplified by the increased rates of insomnia, even predating the COVID-19 pandemic.

What distinguishes the Nest Hub is its non-invasive approach, avoiding direct contact with the user or the bed. This contrasts with the discomfort some experience when wearing sleep-tracking wristbands.

For dedicated sleep tracking, alternatives like the Withings Sleep Tracking Mat, which is placed under the mattress, offer a minimally invasive option. However, if a smart display is already desired for bedside use, the Nest Hub’s sleep tracking feature adds significant value.

Setup and Calibration Considerations

The Soli-based tracking requires specific device placement. It must be positioned on the side of the bed, level with the user, and approximately one to two feet away.

A quick calibration process is necessary, but generally only needs to be performed once. A tilting screen, similar to that found on some Echo Show models, would be a beneficial addition for future iterations.

Accuracy and Data Insights

Initial testing indicates that the sleep tracking is reasonably accurate, despite the device’s distance from the bed. The integrated wellness features provide detailed insights into sleep patterns.

Data includes sleep duration, overall quality, cough frequency, snoring duration, and average respiratory rate. Room temperature, measured by a built-in thermometer, is also monitored.

While the current data presentation is relatively basic, potential exists for more granular analysis with future software updates. The focus on respiratory health suggests sleep apnea detection could be a future feature, pending regulatory approval.

Future Potential and Fitbit Integration

There is considerable opportunity to enhance sleep tracking capabilities using the existing hardware. Google’s recent acquisition of Fitbit is expected to facilitate tighter integration and more advanced features.

Currently, the Nest Hub offers thoughtful integration with wake alarms and smart lighting controls.

Value and Overall Assessment

The reduced price of $99 makes the second-generation Nest Hub a more attractive option. It remains a top-tier smart screen, benefiting from Google’s robust Assistant and software ecosystem.

While not the primary choice for dedicated sleep tracking, it provides a valuable addition for those seeking a bedside smart display and alarm clock.

The Nest Hub’s continued success lies in its balance of functionality, privacy, and design. It represents a refined product that addresses a clear consumer need.