It has been rumored for a while now that Google is planning on launching its own smart speaker + display combo also known as the Google Home Hub. In fact earlier today Google seemed to have accidentally confirmed its existence and for those who want more details, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Home Hub is now official.
Note that the Home Hub is actually not the first of its kind and JBL and Lenovo had actually previously launched Google Assistant enabled speaker + display combos, so in reality the Home Hub is essentially a Google-branded version of those devices. It will feature a 7-inch display and will be available in a bunch of colors that includes Chalk, Charcoal, Aqua and Sand.
Google also stated that they opted not to include a camera with the Home Hub, citing privacy as one of the reasons and that they would prefer if their customers felt comfortable using their devices in their homes. It actually makes a lot of sense, although it’s hard to ignore the fact that the speaker is “always listening”, but we suppose that’s the price you’ve got to pay if you want such smart features.
In terms of functionality, the Home Hub can do pretty much what all Google Assistant enabled speakers can do, with the added benefit of having a display so that you can watch videos or use to check who’s at the door, and so on. For those who are interested in placing the Home Hub in their home, the device will be available for purchase come 22nd of October where it will be priced at $149, making it $50-100 cheaper than some of the alternatives out there.