X

Google Nest Hub Max: A closer look at Google's bigger smart display

A 10-inch touchscreen, a Nest Cam, big speakers and more are just some of the highlights of Google's newest smart display.

Andrew Gebhart
google-nest-hub-max-20
1 of 12 Angela Lang/CNET

Smart display to the Max

The Google Nest Hub Max combines a Nest Cam and bigger speakers with a touchscreen and an always listening mic. It's the first product from the new Google Nest brand that combines the Nest team with the Google smart home team.

google-nest-hub-max-11
2 of 12 Angela Lang/CNET

Sound quality

With two front-facing tweeters and a subwoofer, the Max should have powerful sound quality. 

google-nest-hub-max-1
3 of 12 Angela Lang/CNET

Screen size

The Hub Max is a bigger version of Google's first smart display. That display used to be called the Google Home Hub, but it's been rebranded as the Google Nest Hub. Looking at them separately, the two look very similar. Together, the 10-inch HD screen of the Max dwarfs the 7-inch original Hub.

google-nest-hub-max-6
4 of 12 Angela Lang/CNET

Mute switch

The switch on the back of the Hub Max mutes the microphone and functions as a hard switch for the camera -- cutting the power to the cam to essentially act as a shutter. 

google-nest-hub-max-5
5 of 12 Angela Lang/CNET

Volume toggle

The volume toggle is the only other physical button on the Max -- mirroring the buttons on the original Hub. 

google-nest-hub-max-9
6 of 12 Angela Lang/CNET

Nest Cam

The embedded cam has most of the features of a Nest Cam, except for night vision. It can sense motion, and if you sign up for the premium Nest Aware service, you can get notifications based on who it recognizes.

google-nest-hub-max-18
7 of 12 Angela Lang/CNET

Personal notifications

The cam will recognize your face, even when it's not in security mode, with a new feature called Face Match. (You can opt out if you're not comfortable.) Otherwise, the Hub Max will show personalized notifications and info on its home screen when it sees you walk into the room. 

google-nest-hub-max-15
8 of 12 Angela Lang/CNET

Reminders

You can see your calendar and reminders on the home screen with Face Match. 

google-nest-hub-max-23
9 of 12 Angela Lang/CNET

Video calls

Just like the Facebook Portal, the camera will follow you if you move around while on a video call. It keeps everyone in frame, or it can pan, tilt and zoom to focus on one person. 

google-nest-hub-max-25
10 of 12 Angela Lang/CNET

Gesture controls

The camera can also recognize gestures. If music is playing, look at the Hub Max and hold up your hand to get it to stop. You can do the same gesture to start playing again. 

google-nest-hub-max-smart-home
11 of 12 Juan Garzon / CNET

Smart home

Just like the original Nest Hub, you can swipe down on the Hub Max to access a well organized smart home control panel. 

google-nest-hub-max-2
12 of 12 Angela Lang/CNET

The Google Nest Hub Max

Google will offer two smart displays. The Google Nest Hub has been reduced from $150 to $130 and is available now.

The Hub Max will hit store shelves this summer for $230. 

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos