Google Nest Mini hands-on: The innovations are inside
Google has several new ones at the “Made by Google” event Proproducts presented. I already got one of them: the Google Nest Mini. I unpacked and set it up for you in the video. Nevertheless, I would like to record my first impression again in writing.
Unboxing
I got the Nest Mini in the Chalk color option, as shown on the box. Google also printed the Proproduct name and the well-known company logo.
First impression
The Google Nest Mini hardly differs from its predecessor. I own both generations in the same color, namely "chalk". The Nest Mini's cover is a bit lighter than the Home Mini's, though, as it's made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. The setup was also simple and prowithout problems and everything important is explained to new customers as well.
What is not so nice, however, is the new power supply unit. I was hoping that Google would simply switch from micro-USB on the Home Mini to USB-C, but they haven't. They rely on a "jack-like" power supply unit, where it is not clear whether this can simply be replaced if lost. The cable is now 1,5 meters long, which is particularly useful when you want to hang the Mini on the wall. The device has a notch on the underside where you can thread a nail.
Another cool innovation is the new touch recognition. Pausing a track by simply pressing the middle is easy and helpful and for those who do not know directly where to turn it up and down, several LEDs will give you a little hint.
I can't say that much about the speed with which input is processed and the new “machine learning chip”, as this will only show in a longer test phase how these will prove themselves in everyday life.
If you want to pre-order the Google Nest Mini, you can do so in the Google Store to do. Price: € 60 If you want the better deal, I think you should wait or grab the Home Mini. In some offers, this is partly available for € 20.