With Amazon’s latest Echo updates, Google’s Nest speakers have some serious catching up to do
When theNest Audiowas released in 2020, I gave it a glowing review. At the time, in the context of other Assistant-equipped smart speakers on the market, I couldn’t find much to complain about: it was a better version of the Google Home speaker it replaced, with a modern look and great sound for its size, and it was offered at a very reasonable $99 price point — $30 cheaper than its predecessor was at launch. To this day, it’s one ofour favorite smart speakers. But at its Devices & Services Event today, Amazonannounced new versions of its Echo Dot speakers— and updates to existing devices — that are making me question my whole Google-based smart home setup.
The new Echo Dot doesn’t look any different from the old version, but it’s packing some significant upgrades under the hood. The $50 speaker can be used as a Wi-Fi range extender for compatible Eero setups — a big get, considering discrete Eero 6 extenders retail for $79 apiece. The Dot isn’t quite as effective as a dedicated Eero extender — the speaker can purportedly cover 1,000 square feet in Wi-Fi, while an extender can manage 1,500 — but even so, the new functionality represents a tremendous added value for households with Eero routers. What’s more, this functionality is coming to existing fourth-gen Echo and Echo Dot speakers soon through a software update.
The fifth-generation Echo Dot with Clock.
We’re expecting an updated Nest Wifi system from Google in the near future; leaks tell usit’ll start at $200 and come with Wi-Fi 6E support. As a smart-home nerd with lots of Google stuff around, that’s appealing to me, but it’s not nearly as exciting as it would be if Google’s speakers that I already have entirely too many of could act as Wi-Fi points in Nest’s mesh network. If my Nest speakers were late-model Echo speakers, dropping in a single$75 Eero routercould bathe my home in glorious, full Wi-Fi reception. If early info is to be believed, getting that kind of coverage out of Nest’s new routers — by buying a bundle of three — would run me 400 bucks. For that kind of money, I can make due with spotty coverage on the second floor.
The fifth-gen Dot has a thermometer built in, too, which can be used to trigger Alexa routines when the indoor temperature hits a certain threshold. Amazon used the example of automatically turning on a fan when it gets too hot, but the company’s$60 Smart Thermostatcan also be integrated into routines — meaning that, unless Amazon blocks the functionality, Echo Dot speakers around your home could function as temperature sensors to help control your HVAC with more granularity. Nest speakers, being unable to sense temperature, obviously don’t offer a similar experience. Google does sell remote temperature sensors for its Nest thermostats, but they’re not even compatible withthe latest model.
The latest Nest Thermostat.
With the Nest Mini approaching its third birthday and the Google Home Max long discontinued, we’re likely about due for some new smart speakers from Google —the company does have a hardware event coming up soon, though it hasn’t said it’ll feature any smart speaker updates. With Amazon leaning so heavily into the Echo Dot’s place in the greater connected home, I really hope Google has similar surprises in store for us. Otherwise, I might have to make the Big Switch from an Assistant-based smart home to a more Alexa-centric setup — and I doubt I’m alone in that sentiment.
It helped me wind down before bed
EA has confirmed the early access release date for the next game in the Skate series
This article is sponsored by Total Wireless.
It’s been an interesting journey
Strong alternatives to aging competitors
Tablets and accessories are also on sale
