Why Google's Nest Mini Is Worth the Upgrade 

The fact that it uses a barrel adapter is actually a pro for me. People come over to my house and often unplug the speakers to charge things and it irritates the hell out of me.

Who is here because they got one free from RU-vid premium?

like the features, setup was difficult for some of my devices (August Door lock, ru-vid.comUgkxhB5YOMNj04GuoAosExygP4cH-dKeb4aB Bose speaker)... but all switches and outlets (5), thermostat, tankless water heater. Unfortunately all I can do is turn on/off Bose. It doesn't support volume or changing channels, but I believe that is due to the particular speaker I have.... Worth getting if you already have other devices to use it with... I don't sit around and ask Alexa questions much so that doesn't really matter to me....

Weird how google are giving them out for free right now

I dunno.. I have three of those gen 1 mini's.. cant say that in my use I've ever actually touched them. For me they are a total hands off affair in their usage, and they were never music listening candidates. No doubt if you are starting out, I'd say go for the most up-to-date unit, but for me, I'm devoid of a reason to upgrade. It's an assistant, its an alarm, a timer, gives me answers to occasional obscure questions, tells me the weather, it sits near my bed so the volume is more than sufficient to listen to the news...

Already had a regular mini and getting a nest mini free for having google fi.

I prefer the micro usb I hook it to my power bank and then have portable for the patio and yard.

Now i’m here cuz spotify is giving these away for free :))

You didn't mention my favorite feature. Pairing the nest Mini speakers for stereo sound.

We got four free from Google this week so can't wait to test them out

5 free for me, they really want to be in our homes

I just won a free one in Canada for having RU-vid premium! My daughter got one also and it's freaking great!

I agree should have been usb c.

I expect that they went with a DC jack over USB-C simply because the wattage the new driver requires would need faster-charging usb hardware which is a lot of money for such a cheap device. A Belkin USB-C fast charger is basically the same price as this thing

They went with the barrel plug because people were plugging weak USB's in it and it wasn't working correctly. They were getting too much bad press so they figured this would be better.

Just got a free one from my RU-vid music subscription in Canada. It sounds better and more full for sure than the home mins we have

You forgot one additional feature: Supposedly they also added an additional far field microphone for better long range pickup.

Chrome unboxed at 5:06 : I have nothing to charge with micro USB The dualshock 4 behind him : Am I a joke to you ? Btw I liked the video , it was useful

Excited to get mine for the upgraded speaker capabilities! I was disappointed by the first generation too

My problem with the Google Nest Mini is that it doesn't have the ability to "drop in" like Amazon Dot. It will only broadcast announcements. I do like the fact that Google does a much better job of answering questions.

Woah a free bug in my house, nice just what I needed!

Wait... You would unplug your speaker to charge your phone? I'm sorry, but that's the dumbest thing I've heard yet on the USB micro/c debate. It's not like this thing has a battery that you can sling it around the house.

3 Things I’ve found in an Amazon/Google hybrid household is the cross fertilisation. First power and connectivity, I use an Ethernet USB connector on a Chromecast Audio ( that was originally for an Amazon device) and would love more of them to move devices off wifi to Ethernet or even power line - Qi charging would be worth a look too. Secondly the quality of Bluetooth connectivity as you can throw to an enabled device why not AptX HD, LE or some of the higher Sony standards. Finally looking at devices like the Echo Input, the original google amp, the Amazon plugs devices ( why not EOP ), battery operated and weather proof. There is soo much weird and wonderful china tech why not a some throw it at a wall stuff?

My biggest and only complaint about the nest mini (which I own) is at full volume it loses every single bit of bass it has, so if you want bass music, you have to listen to it at half volume or lower

Google just gave me one of these 100% Free for being a premium subscriber

I got my Google Home Mini on boxing day and I'm loving it! But I don't see the point in the upgrade, especially when it's only 2 days old.

I already have two of the home minis but I just got an email from Google saying because I’m in the UK and I subscribe to RU-vid premium, I get a Google Nest Mini for free so I’ve ordered one. Should be interesting comparing the two!

Nice review, but I was expecting more significant software improvements. 1. "lights for volume": really?, people can`t find the volume touching areas?..ok.. not my case 2. "recovering center touch functionality": for play/pause that's ok and fine, but not really significant for changing from the old one to the new one. 3. "better sound": good improvement but, in my case again, I'm fine how the old one sounds like, and I do listen music using it, as you say, not a wall shaker but it is fine for me. 4. "cut-out at the bottom": ........not necessary for me. Nevertheless, I can just use a strong double sided tape if this is extremely extremely necessary. 5. "No micro-usb cable": Actually a bad thing for me. So basically is not worth the upgrade for me, but thanks for the video

Why do you need USB C on a static object? You want your TV to be USB too?

Ok, so I checked Google's website and it turns out that you have the same controls in the 1st gen Google Home Mini than in the 2nd gen Nest - you just tap the sides instead of the top. Minor issue for me, especially when you have the Mini usually positioned in a way that side taps are natural - you don't look for them. Also, the price difference is bigger than $10 where I live - it's more like $25 to $30 (comparing both used in mint condition).

Just FYI. The reason Google is now using the barrel jack is because the nest mini nest more power delivery for the new amplifier. That's why you have a better sound. Sure they could have supplied the higher voltage to the USB C but that would have been out of specification for that standard and you would still require the supplied power adapter because no other USB C adapter would work. Then there is the risk that people would end up using the higher voltage Google home adapter on their phones and end up frying them. This is why they opted for a barrel jack instead of USB C.

Mine is not turning on the light when I approach it, the center part is working alright touching it

I found a Nest Mini at Wal-Mart I'm So Definitely buying it whenever I get a Chance It's a good thing that Christmas is Coming Up

The barrel charging port seems odd. I guess the previous one was easy to carry it around if you are going out somewhere else now you have to carry the adapter with it too.

I bet they switched the usb to a barrel plug because it now runs on 14V, people who knows about audio amplifiers knows why 14V has a big role in the better sound.

I have several Google home devices. And my experience with the nest mini isn’t good at all. Compared to ALL the other devices, it has serious issues with the microphone. It has a very hard time picking up commands. And that goes for both my nest minis

There is a whole other problem with the barrel adapter. Personally i would like to be able to replace the powercord with a longer one, for freedom of placement. That's kinda hard now that it's not USB.

2 lights and a sigly better sound worth extra 30$? No thank you, home mini ftw.

I have a specter at home just need the music put on speaker to have music on Google

hmm.....My Amazon echo dots also use barrel adapters. Maybe google did this to make it an easier switch from amazon to google. I'm going to get a mini and test out the features. Alexa doesn't know nearly as much as Google

So $20 for some lights on the volume and a better speaker? I don't listen to music on my mini or really touch it ever. So I don't get what benifit it would be.

It's a great little device, but the sound quality is poor if over half its maximum volume (bass is massively lowered), but below half volume it sounds pretty decent with a nice warm sound. I can't really complain too much, as i got mine for free.

Straight and to the point

Paying for premium was a good deal as I don't have ads and music list, so I don't need Spotify . Now I have a Google mini on the way

but its not worth the upgrade? its the same thing with more lights and slightly deeper sound

Upgrade to me means that I would give away my home mini to buy a nest mini. Currently BB has nest mini at 35 and home mini at 25, but it is easy to find the home mini for 15 since they've given so many away. I would say that if you only plan to ask google questions and tell it to do things, then the home mini is fine. However, if you ever plan on listening to podcasts or news then get the nest mini. For music, the nest mini may be an improvement but still falls short.

I have echo dot now i just got nest mini lol. Echo dot for bathroom, nest mini on desk beside my bed

My nest mini keep crashing exchanged twice already. All my older minis works perfect.

Love the honest opinion. Great work

I like my home mini, the nest mini didn't listen good so I sent it back. I've mounted the home mini with smoke alarm magnets.

I can honestly say I never ever use the touch controls

For the new futures is not worth changing (buying) the one I have. But if I get for free ? Bring it on! But till one is broken I will replace it.

I recently purchased a reduced Home Mini for $39 over the $79 Nest Mini as my only use case is to turn my upstairs lights on and off. I have speakers in every room, so the sound quality means nothing to me and as I only intend to use the device through voice commands, I would not benefit from the improved touch controls.

Getting one free with Spotify Premium, thanks for the review.

I just found out nest mini can tell spotify to add music to our liked song album while alexa can't

To me yes the home mini was missing some bass but for what it is it’s pretty good but yes the nest is much better but many things everyone can agree ya that sounds fantastic or that sounds horrible but with these it’s kinda which do you like more

You should do the best chromebooks to start 2020 like per category Best laptops and other choices Best 2-1 and other choices Best budget and other choices and a Budget pick for each category and you should also do a video on other accessories for chromebooks

can you find the mesh difference old is weee darker.

Good to know the sounds is much better in the second generation... A sound quality comparison would had been nice.

We got our Nest Minis for free for being Google Fi subs. Much better product, but I have so many now I am really just looking to upgrade Google WiFi to Nest WiFi so I can consolidate a few.

Thumbs up for the clean intro

1. it is a VOICE input device so I never touch any of my 4 Minis. Why would I? 2. the audio is fine for me, I use the mini in my bedroom to play music all the time. 3. none of my devices use USB-C, they all use a Micro USB port for power: 2 cell phones, a dual charger for dashcam batteries, 4 different portable USB power packs, etc. I have chargers and cables for all of them so leave the 4 Mini speakers plugged in.

Thanks so much I was lost and I own both

I did not get one free, and I'd love to upgrade, but I have 3 Google home mini in my home. Also, I don't use these for music at all; they are used to control the other smart devices in my house. Great video anyway wish I could have gotten one for free.

Can't believe it was sold at £49 at time and now is £19. I bet everyone who paid full price feels ripped off big time.

I'm pretty happy with the Mini Ant. Apparently the ant is apparently not the nest. I'm quite fine with the ant, as I can just connect my ant to my Bluetooth speaker.

Got one for free because I'm a RU-vid premium member 😍 was really surprised by the Christmas present from them.

I already bought a nest mini but I want to see the google home mini Edit:I did not just bought it yesterday or today I bought it a long time like 2 or 3 months ago

Now I wish I had purchased my Google Mini and also the ones I gave as gifts from Costco instead of Lowe's. That way I could return them all for a refund then upgrade to this latest model.

How does the sound compare to the normal google home? is it worth it?

So you're suggesting that not only do i spend the extra $ on the nest mini for a hook and slightly better sound, I dispose of the Google minis I already own. Get serious

Does it integrate with ChromeOS?

I just hope it doesn't restart when the music volume hits high cuz the home mini does that and Google does not have an answer to that.

1. Touch zones. You're talking about upgrade - means, i already know, where volume/pause buttons are on my device. Don't care about it. 2. Sound. Nevertheless of sound quality on both speakers, it's pure masochism to listen music on that. Use BT speaker instead. Don't care again. 3. Screw hole. Ok, let it be. Although it's better to use cradle to avoid putting that screws here and there - cable will be hanging off that screw. Don't care. 4. Charging port. OMG really? Doesn't it designed to be just put on the place once, and just forget about how is it powered? I DON'T CARE. All in all, if i'd be buying new device - probably, i'd go for Nest. But still doubt.

The power adapter socket has valid reasons, microUSB to barrel sounds like a downgrade, whereas going to USB-C would have been a nice novelty. However, even the new Echo Dots come with the barrel adapters moved from microUSB from previous generations. One would wonder why both companies took the same approach with their progressive updates? Because these devices are now loaded with better sound outputs meaning bigger speaker drivers, that increases both levels and ranges. Also the microphones can now catch more feeble and distant wake words. What does all this performance take? It takes more power. The USB-C standard is generally reserved for 5V (or more if there are special quick charging standards). Now this device does not have a bettery, but has more power hungry components. The solution? The classic barrel adapter, reliable to deliver 14V at 1.1A. That's what the charger on the Nest Mini says. That is what it takes to drive these devices, and having a universal phone charging standard might actually be both detrimental to getting results and at 14V raw (instead of the standard 5V) without quick charging modes, the phones and tablets connected to the charger will get fried. So that would call for a smart charger design, which will increase the complexity of the package and would drive up costs. It will cost more than $39 then. There, detailed explanation. End of rant.

I have one of these newer ones and for some reason I'm thinking it's a hub because according to Best Buy they claim it's a smart hub is that true?

Just like to know Is it have the same features Google Nest Mini (2nd? Gen like Google Nest Mini 3 please let me know please let me know

this guy isnt telling how great the google home mini was.... it was a best seller !!! but now that i wanna buy one, then i will obviously go fr the nest mini

*Who else just got a free Google Nest Mini by google?*

I have RU-vid premium and never knew about this!! Have one in the mail!

But does it still listen to you without consent?!

Please go dark mode on your videos!

If Google use C type cable. People remove mini and use cable to charge there phone😂😂

I have just over a dozen smart speakers but just one from Google. I almost never ever use it. It was only for some devices that only worked through the google system but I guess I don’t use them that often because it’s been easily 3 months since I’ve said OK Google.

I'm a premium member so how do I get one for free?

I you want to hook it just buy a JBL Clip 2 speaker. 🤷‍♂️

Great video!

They replaced the USB connector with a barrel connector because they don't want you to ever unplug your Nest mini in case you were thinking about charging another device.

i hate companies that bring out new devices with a mico-usb its like get with the times. unless i realy need the product and there is no other option i wont buy it. i dont want to have to try to find that one cable that i never use.

These points to upgrade cause 10 bucks is irrelevant. Why would a flimsy mico usb matter if the point of the device its to plug it into a wall and forget about it. Its not like a mobile phone.

I'm being sent a free one, and I'm honestly not sure why I should want one, or what good it will be to me. I've had a Home Mini that I got for free in a promotion from my supermarket just sitting still in box, shrinkwrap and all, because I don't see the utility.

Mine are hung on an outlet in a room and I rarely touch them. I have four Google versions (old) and one Nest version (new). I will listen to music on any of them depending on which room I am in. I can’t say I notice a big difference, but I only bought of of them. Spy on me, Googles!

sounds like a low key sponsor

That volume button complaint was the stupidest thing I had heard in a fair while. It led to a breakdown of why. I’m convinced if you cannot draw and hold an invisible equator line on the google mini you would complain about this. You are welcome.

In guessing that Google have it the barrel adapter instead of USB type C was so that users world not be enticed to unplug it to charge other devices.

You remind me of the guy from Pineapple Express movie actor Danny McBride aka red 😂😂

Up to 6 of these for free with family premium (for old users)

🤔 I have a Google home mini in multiple rooms and I have no sound issues...

So, have they solved the problem that it might, probably is, listening and recording when you are not engaging with it? No. No. I bought 2 of the original minis, but now I leave the Mic off unless I want it to do something. Why? Because I don't want two surveillance devices in my house covertly listening, recording and reporting to god knows who. I can't even be sure the Mic is off just because I flip the switch to off. Not very useful now because Google's assurances of privacy give no reassurance at all. I see nothing in your review that the new mini gives greater privacy protection than the old one.

They could have changed the look