I got the Google Nest Mini as a Christmas present in 2019. Discovering the use of Google Nest Mini took a little longer.
13 months later, I spotted it in my drawer and decided to set it up. Had such a good 2019 Christmas with family and friends that I forgot about this gift.
Smart speakers and voice activated home automation are not new. Voice assistants began with Apple Siri and players like Amazon Alexa, Google Home and others joining the fray with new features at each release.
Google Nest Mini 2nd Generation ( re-badged from Google Home) as I write is retailing at JB HiFi at $59, drop from $79. For what it does, that’s a real decent price.
Unpacking the Nest Mini
OOBE (out of the box experience) is a term that companies like Apple and others follow and do well when they package their products. The box catches the eye, easy to peel away the cellophane wrap and the top comes away in a sleek way. If you watched Big Bang Theory and the peeling of the cellophane off the new iPhone this will resonate.
What was supposed to a be quick and easy steps turned out to be a 3 hr journey with 98% time spent on troubleshooting.
The setup required downloading the Google Home app from either Apple or Android store and following the instructions – putting in the data and tapping on the icon “Next” after each step.
The journey
For some reason it could not recognise any music providers, Apple or Spotify. Went online and found out it was a common issue. To cut a long story short, logged out, removed attachment to the device , reloaded the app at least a dozen times with no luck. Even brought out another Apple smartphone as suggested by online guidance and had the same result.
Finally somewhere in the Google support pages, the solution. I found a link right at the very bottom with the words “factory reset” for the Google Mini Nest. It required applying finger pressure on the device top for 15 seconds where the row of lights are after you switch off the mic.
Discovering the Google Nest Mini ended up discovering the covert factory reset feature of the device. I later found out that “factory reset” is one of the most searched items in google for the nest mini. So I was not the only one having issues.
Again did the setup link with Google Home app with the iPhone and it worked. My Spotify account was recognised and I linked it.
I would have thought for all new devices having setup trouble, a factory reset would be first attempt for any guidance for trouble shooting. With the reset button or instruction clearly prominent.
Verdict at journey’s end
Microphone pick-up was excellent from all directions and right across the room. Sound crystal clear and music quality is good with built-in equaliser for the discerning. Could play the songs asked for. Nothing was misheard. Electronics overall are superb.
Now for the stress test via series of rapid questions thrown at the assistant. This ranged from population numbers of countries, prime ministers, times in various cities and weather. Every answer came back fast with no mistakes. Impressive.
I thought a change in tact might be worth a try. Asked for a particular recipe – Seafood pasta Got a short explanation about this popular dish and was told it takes 20 minutes to prepare for 8 people. It also asked me to be ready to follow instructions. Also provided me guidance on how to follow instructions. I was stumped, very impressive!
Next steps
Excited enough to get the Google Chromecast to hook up the TV and Netflix. More research needed to hookup the home air conditioners as it would require an adapter IR of sorts.