Google Smart Home Devices: A Beginner's Guide to Building Your Ecosystem
Google's smart home devices have undergone a rebranding from Nest to Google Home. This hasn't changed the functionality of the products, which include security cameras, thermostats, door locks, and streaming devices, among others.
The company recommends starting with a speaker or display, such as the $100 Google Home Speaker with Gemini, the $100 Nest Hub (2nd Gen), or the $230 Nest Hub Max. These devices allow for voice commands and control over Google Home-compatible smart home gear.
For those prioritizing home security, cameras and doorbells are a good starting point. The $200 Nest Cam offers 130-degree field of view and supports up to 1080p resolution, while the $200 Nest Doorbell has a wider field of view and features like two-way audio and intelligent alerts.
If energy monitoring is a priority, a smart thermostat like the Nest Learning Thermostat is a wise investment. It starts monitoring temperature and routine preferences after being added to the Google Home app, then creates a schedule automatically.