8 Cool Google Gadgets You May Not Have Heard Of

Mini speaker, smart camera and other gizmos that you want to have at home.

Google is known primarily as a search giant and software developer. However, it also makes gadgets ranging from Pixel smartphones to Chromebooks and smart home devices. Here are eight cool but little-known Google developments.

1. Google Nest Hub Max Smart Display

In recent years, Google has actively taken up the segment smart home. The company manufactures devices with intelligent functions that can be combined into a common network. A single Nest Hub control center was made especially for them.

Basically, it is a 10-inch tablet with a stand, synchronization with a smartphone and other gadgets of the Nest line. It can be used to control lighting and temperature in different parts of the house, smart door lock and video surveillance system.

Plus you get a built-in surveillance camera with face recognition and a multimedia stereo system. There is also support for the "Google Assistant", which will create a reminder, tell the weather forecast and the way to the cafe. Finally, the Nest Hub Max can be used as a digital photo frame.

2. Smart Thermostat Google Nest Learning Thermostat

The device learns the daily routine and habits of the owner in order to fine-tune the climate system in the house. For example, turn on the air conditioner at night if you prefer to sleep cool.

The Learning Thermostat also syncs with the smartphone and receives geolocation data so that it can predict the user's return and adapt the climate for maximum comfort. There is also a remote control with monitoring of energy consumption.

3. Chromebook-Convertible Google Pixel Slate

Android isn't the only OS from Google. The company produces the operating system for Chrome OS laptops, and at the same time gadgets under its control. One of these is the Google Pixel Slate.

The feature of the model is the form factor of a tablet with a plug-in keyboard. This device looks like iPad ProHowever, the Pixel Slate has a significant advantage - the desktop Chrome browser with countless extensions.

Chromebook also supports Android apps that can be installed through Google Play. The Pixel Slate's hardware platform is the Intel Core i7-8500Y mobile chipset. The device will fit as an alternative to low-power ultrabooks for simple tasks such as working with documents and surfing the web.

4. Media Player Google Chromecast Ultra

A compact gadget that connects to a TV and can stream content in 4K and HDR resolutions. Supports Netflix, YouTube and Google Stadia cloud gaming service.

The Chromecast Ultra connects to the Web via Wi-Fi or Ethernet and comes with an HDMI connector, so most TVs and monitors are compatible with it. However, HDR and 4K content models are needed to unleash the potential, otherwise you can get by with the basic Google Chromecast.

5. Smart speaker Google Nest Mini

One of the features of this gadget is the wall mount, which saves space. However, the speaker itself is very compact, so it's not a problem to place it.

It also supports Google Assistant and smart home control functions - you can adjust, for example, light or temperature by voice commands.

Finally, this is just a nice little column. Google has done a lot of work on the audio part, and the presence of a 3.5 mm output will allow it to be included in a stereo system.

6. Security camera Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor

There is also a place for the camera among Google devices CCTV. Cam IQ Outdoor is weatherproof so it can be installed outdoors. It records Full ‑ HD ‑ video with a viewing angle of 130 degrees.

However, the camera is notable for its intelligent functions based on computer vision. It monitors movements and noise in real time and, in case of suspicious activity, sends an alert with an image to the smartphone.

7. Google Pixelbook Go laptop

Cheap Windows laptops are not very fast, so Chrome OS models can be considered as an alternative. Google decided to make their affordable Chromebook - Pixelbook Go.

The laptop received a magnesium case and weighs 1 kilogram. Basic version features a 13.3-inch 1080p screen, 8GB Intel Core m3 mobile processor operational and 64 GB of internal memory. Given the undemandingness of Chrome OS, these characteristics are sufficient for simple tasks.

8. Google Nest Wi-Fi Internet Station

Another home device is the Google Nest Wi-Fi internet station. Like other gadgets in the Nest line, it is controlled by voice commands via Google Assistant.

The station includes a Wi-Fi router and access points that act as repeaters. Network area from router reaches 200 m², and each access point adds another 150 m² of Wi-Fi coverage.