On the other hand, the google home app and the google screens and speakers are the ones asking for the least maintenance ! They never go offline, never mess up their home screen, the app showed all my cameras without me doing nothing, etc..... Althought of course, they almost never update anything 1
You have PERFECTLY described the utter madness of Google and it's approach to tech and longevity, I have disconnected all my speakers and can honestly say, I've not missed them at all. It's that bad, i'm even contemplating buying an iPhone for the 1st time in my life
Yep same for me. Depending on how cool the new AI stuff will be that Apple announces on WWDC June 10 I will switch full Apple for the first time. They feel truly advanced compared to Google who seemingly only makes mid products that somewhat satisfies global users
@@John-5737iphones are amazing. They just announced a new innovated UI design which incorporates, get this, MOVEABLE APPS. You can actually move app icons ANYWHERE on your phone 🤯
Same here. 4-6 yrs ago I basically went all in w google. But things have been frustrating and I thought it was just me until I watch this video. However I’ve committed too much $$$ to switch.
@@AutomateYourLife yup this is what happens with public companies they are mandated to make profit as #1 goal which at times greatvideasvget tossed aside for the all mighty dollar
Can I ask how you know they're coming out with a new Audio? My manager says they've discontinued Google Mini and the current Audio but he hasn't heard any news of new options yet.
As is usually the case with Google, their plans change again and again. Things have changed already. Which is the whole point of this video. When they do release a new speaker (which they will at some point)...watch out.
Hi. Planning to start my smart home life in around 2-3 months and was thinking to buy some nest mini (2nd gen) for voice control. Is the google smart home eco-system that bad? Should I consider buying Amazon Echo Dot/Spot instead?
I think Amazon's going to give you much better options today. Google is pretty bad when it comes to Voice Assistant support and running automations. Amazon's much better right now.
Really appreciate your feedback. I unfortunately am so deep with google hard to switch everything What security system do you recommend that can integrate with Google?
Welllll....they want you to buy into ADT. That's why they keep investing there. I like the DIY stuff myself. Had been using Smartthings, but have switched to Homey Pro with Heimdall installed. Seems to work for me, but I don't use Google for much anymore
I have Simplisafe as my home security system and it's integrated with google home...I have a google assistant routine called "bedtime" that sets the alarm along with turning off all the lights. You can also ask the assistant the alarm status, but you can't use voice to disarm it for security reasons.
Unfortunately, they sucked me in when they were the best six years ago and now I’m trapped. I think this will be a big year to see what comes out of all the assistance. It’ll be the decision point on if I stay or if I go.
I agree 100% with you Brian! The constant change of focus within Google is baffling. Back when I started my smart home adventure I started with Google Home because they promised sensor support "soon". That was in 2017 and support didn't arrive until 2022. Too many of Googles offerings feels like they are designed by 4 different teams eg. the Home App has one UI approach, the automation tab in the same app has a different UI approach, some smart home controls is redesigned while others have the old design from before sensors were added. I see this collapse of trust in Google everywhere with the latest example being someone who, as a joke, tweeted that Gmail was going away. People believed it which just shows what kind of reputation Google has. It's sad to see but at this point I'll rather have Google pulling out of the race and get it over with than break even more promises.
I have Google Home Mini for over 5 years and still going! Assistant works fine on all products, just sometimes says it cannot control things but it does what I said anyway. My smart hone with Google and Nest work great!
i am already a bit too deep with google speakers and hubs, and I can't afford to switch. Any ideas on how to make things better? Can they work with another system? The sound of nest audio is SO GOOD to be left to rot...
@@mihalisvranakis579 absolutely. Get one Amazon speaker to act as a matter controller (echo show 8, Echo Hub, Echo 4th Gen recommended) and continue to love your Nest for speakers
I switched to Amazon echoes with this new home I'm in. I ran Google for many years. I try to keep most of my automations at my hub. I have found echoes to not trigger timely, be slow and response, have poor responses to general questions. We're Google shines in that area for me. All I use is the Google home minis or nest minis for quick response to my commands. I may keep an echo or two to assist with some automation, but I may try Google's new automations before what few items I don't run through my hub, which is habitat. Again I built a very complex house and when I sold it it became a problem. This time with the possibility of selling, I'm going to keep it very simple. Maybe some complex automation, through a simple device....
Brian, I love the honest information and accurate depiction of most of Google’s smart adventures. With that, I need to respectfully disagree regarding the voice assistant itself. This is the reason we have googles in every room and not Alexa/HomePods. Alexa works quicker, but is very annoying with “extras” and neither seem as accurate.
Brian, these companies have me frustrated. I have both google and Alexa in my home because I can’t find everything working on one platform, but I’m not sure I echo (pun intended) your mention of how Alexa has improved beyond google. Do you have any plans in the works for an updated smart assistant comparison, but specifically for the smart home? Most of those videos are always a question and answer show down. For us smart home people, it would be nice to see how much better Alexa may be at controlling my smart home and why. FWIW, I’m leaning into Alexa, but there are some minor annoyances that google doesn’t see, to suffer from
I did want to do an updated comparison, but I was feeling like I should wait for some of the AI stuff to come out. Wasn't sure if there would be a big ask! So thank you for asking :)
@@AutomateYourLife happy to hear it already crossed your mind! For what it’s worth, in light of google home’s decline (hardware and software), and only the google tv being announced as getting ai (and who knows when that will come), it seems that based on mumblings in forums people are losing patience with google. Might be a good time for Alexa to shine
Hardware is not Google's problem. Their software gets worse daily. I have abandoned all Google nest devices with one exception; Google find my phone. Otherwise it's Alexa everywhere
It's crazy that we say that...and that it's accurate. Google's supposed to be the best software company in the world. It's not that way for us in the smart home space for sure.
Indeed, google is dropping the ball and removing stuff, but i can't without google. I'm disabled and almost blind, live in the netherlands I have many google products like nest mini nest, nest wifi pro, nest audio, nest thermostaat and even a roomba it helpt me function because of my disability but lately the easiest things go wrong like putting things on a shoppinglist. In the netherlands Alexa is not supporter enough for me. I can speak englisch but I prefer Dutch. Also Alexa speakers are more expensive. I don't know if something has changed in the support of alexa in my country but fpr now I just can't function without google.
I'm glad some of this stuff is still working for you. It's not all bad for sure, but those simple things breaking are some of the big examples... I hope they turn it around for you
I think they are planning to, at some point, totally replace the Google Assistant with Gemini, which would incorporate AI in Nest. Having said that... I still can't bring myself to make the switch to Alexa. I have this idea of me catering my Google account for so many years that at this point I feel married to them. Not only that, but I have given Google all this data for so many years, am I ALSO gonna share it with Jeff? Ugh...
I agree that Google is seeming 'more stupid' these days. Problem is that I'm kind of 'stuck' with them because of RUclips Premium that includes RUclips music. I know Amazon has video and music too, but I watch a LOT of RUclips and appreciate that ad-free viewing. (I'm also not interested in getting yet another streaming service to drain may bank account!) If Ms. A could play RUclips music, it would be easier to make the switch. I'm probably due for some modernization, as I still have a significant number of the old Google Minis and Google Homes but, for the most part, they are still mostly doing the job I want them to do. (I've only got one of the 'newer' Nest speakers, and while it sounds decent to play music on, its definitely the most frustrating one to use, as it often gets voice commands completely wrong or simply ignores them.) As always, Brian, I appreciate your videos - keep up the great work!
I'm in the same boat. Have 10 iterations of google hubs, minis, speakers. I use youtube music for all my music needs and while it has become dumber, it still handles pretty much all I ask of it.
If you have an iPhone, I would recommend HomePods. They sound great and they work with RUclips Music. I have a HomePod mini and almost every room of our house. They sound great and they answer everything I ask them to.
I have (had) a fully smart Google home and it lost my faith in Google when they just dropped nest secure and all of a sudden my entire home's worth of security is now in the garbage. I spent thousands on it, just for it to become obsolete three years later. NOW, my Nest router and three points are useless and going into the garbage after spending TWO WEEKS in constant daily communication with their tech support to try and get it up and running. WTF is going on with Google??? You nailed it in the video.
I agree with everything you said, Brian. I really like the old Google hardware I have but I also really don't trust Google to support their hardware and/or software. Their sudden dropping of both hardware and software has become a dominant characteristic of the company and has burned me more than once but no more. I completely gave up on them a couple of years ago.
Good video. I don't really understand why the current smart speakers they've released can't support at least basic gemini things. I'm still hanging on to my Google Home Max. Sound is amazing but they haven't updated with anything new. Now I just use it to listen to news briefing and my sleep sounds. Lol
@@AutomateYourLife agreed. Things that I used to ask the speaker, I just use co-pilot on my phone and get a more detailed and accurate response. Talk about dropping the ball
I agree with you that the Echo system is better in most ways. I have both Echo Show and Google Hub Max. I'd be happy to swap to the Amazon system if not for just one thing: there is no way to turn off reciting the contents of my Amazon basket to anyone who feels like asking. You can disable voice purchasing and announcing what is in orders you have actually purchased, but things still sitting in your basket waiting to be bought are revealed freely. So I only have an Echo in a room that only I use, and Google displays elsewhere.
I wonder... What if you created a routine that used those questions? Try it out and see if that blocks the standard ways to ask. Then just have the routine repeat back some nonsense
I can't believe you have an automation working every night. I'd say I get 90% reliability, tops. Usually worse until something has been in place for a week or two. That's great news for you though!
My family and I use google as our smart home hub, don’t get me wrong it could be better, but we’re not going to switch over because of a few issues. My parents are very simple people. All they want out of these smart speakers is the ability to set alarms/timers and listen to music. I use my speaker more out of necessity because I have a disability, so it helps me a lot. There are a lot of features that it use to have that I miss, however. But unless google completely deactivates their smart home products, I don’t see my family changing our smart home.
@@AutomateYourLife I am, but you do make a lor of good points. What kind of smart speaker do you use when you're not making videos, if you don't mind me asking?
Brian glad you are staying true to your promise not to pull punches anymore. One of your best videos. Hopefully your Google contacts see it. I gave up on home automation because it just wasn't reliable enough. Have to repeat yourself multiple times became a chore. I didn't want to spend the time switching to a new platform and buying all new hardware only to also be disappointed. So I've settled on only using Google Home for scheduled automations. I will keep an eye on it through your videos to see if anything improves as Gemini matures.
Yup. I started down the smart home rabbit hole 5 yrs ago with Alexa built into my Ecobee thermostat. As i tried more complex things Amazon fell flat and Google was obviously the superior product. i purchased minis for every room in my house and have voice control, through home assistant for nearly everything. Flash fwd 5 yrs and it feels like google stopped caring and innovating, and Amazon has caught up in most areas and surpassed is many others. I'll likely stick with my Google environment until local voice control and playback is rock solid (seems pretty close) and switch to all locally controlled devices and be done with Both Amazon and Google.
1 google hub max 3 google hubs 2 google home mini, I wish I would control what I actually asked it like: turn the TV to 10% volume, and google changes it's own volume also wish I didn't have to tell at it 2-3 times to get it to activate
I have a love-hate relationship with Google. On the one hand they offer the biggest and most used services out there like RUclips which have tons of potential but I feel like instead of innovating they just get worse and get more bugs. There is obviously so much potential but they're ruining that by killing services and not improving/not innovating on them. It really feels like they're using their monopoly by not caring about the user experience since they make money anyway. I remember using my Alexa years ago and it was so much more capable compared to the latest and greatest Google Home speaker I'm currently using. I remember I could install skills for Alexa and do all kinds of things like doing quizzes etc. and I could even whisper to it and it whispered back. Google on the other hand after saying the long "Okay Google" understands almost everything wrong and does the wrong action or either is incapable of doing that. It feels like I'm talking to a robot from the nineteen hundreds whereas Alexa felt so much more intuitive, natural and advanced. I really hope Google is gonna greatly improve things with the Gemini era.
Great video with valid points. Maybe I am late to the show here, with AI integrating with everything, I wouldn't be surprised Google ditches all there current tech just to turn around and sell us more. I also wouldent be surprised if we see more companies dive into the smart home game, Microsoft maybe, possibly NVIDIA getting more involved in the smart home game?
I hope more do, but right now...companies are getting out more than they are getting in. I think AI will open doors though as it continues to get better!
Impressive. You certainly didn't hold back here Brian. I appreciate your honest opinion and advice. Like you I started out with Google then tried Amazon. For me the draw of Amazon was/is that (a) Amazon seemed to care more by releasing more innovative new stuff more regularly than Google, (b) the audio performance of all my Amazon devices is way better than Google in terms of hearing the wake work more reliably (and the fact that it is a single word rather than a clunky "Hey Google" phrase is a big plus on its own) and they false activate far less often than the Google devices I still have in every room right next to my Amazon devices and (c) Alexa responds way faster than the very noticeable delays I get from Google Assistant requests. I hardly ever use my Google devices now so maybe I should unplug them all and sell them - perhaps quickly before Google releases the new stuff and makes them one more generation out of date!
In addition, to me it looks like the various departments within Google are more or less doing their own thing. And top management doesn't mind as long as the money keeps rolling in.
I hear the new Walmart version has no lag. When I upgraded my TV I switched to an Apple TV and haven't looked back. Kept the Google TV plugged in to see photos only. Which reminds me that Google is missing a great opportunity by not releasing a photo app for Google TV for browsing albums on the TV. You have to wait for the screen saver to kick in. How ridiculous is that?
Late to the show to comment, but even though I love the Google ecosystem, it is poorly supported here in New Zealand, with no official sources selling it as a local product. It is either imported or "use at your own risk" kind of product because not many partners come onboard to support and provide for the ecosystem. That and also, they don't sell most of the Google products like retailers do with Amazon devices. Most sellers sell and never reorder stock on Google products and suddenly, the CCwGTV 4K is a relic, just like that. I would on the other hand, love to use Amazon speakers but because it's quite fiddly with Android and iOS devices (in terms of ecosystems), with no support for RUclips Music, yes I use that because it's cost saving for me and my family, I'm stuck with the Google Nest of Things.
@@AutomateYourLife Even smart TVs that come with Google TV is lacking support by the manufacturer, with no push to do better. Brands like Sony go along the lines of "as long as RUclips is working on your TV, we can't promise any other features to work properly." Home screens of Google TVs in other countries are litted up so well with content from both local and international media providers while in New Zealand, we don't get RUclips TV and other apps to co-exist with the Google ecosystem well. It's a horrible mess honestly.
While Google sucks, I trust them as a company far more than Amazoon. Google hasn't been caught giving your video to the police without your consent or a warrant. Google hasn't been caught reviewing and sharing your videos with staff and their contractors.
You do you! Amazon isn't perfect for sure. Google was at one point caught sending voice recordings to contractors. They said they stopped that like Amazon and Apple, too.
I hate when we buy hardware that's WiFi dependent and the company can make your hardware worthless. It's happened several times to me. I really liked my iHome iSS50 five sensor, the QSee security camera system -- all worthless now.
My Google home devices used to be so good. They could clearly hear and understand me from across the other side of the room but now I have to put up with issues like this ... Google Nest shows a picture so I say "send that picture to dad", it replies "Home or Mobile ?" which is a stupid question as you cant send pictures to a home phone line but anyway ... I reply "mobile" to which it then starts telling me what a mobile phone is ! Dammn this tech got awful !
Brutal degradation. And there's another layer to that... Send that picture to Dad should have been something you could have shortcut(Ed) down to just happening with one command.
So I do not understand. I have a Google system and I have had it for years. I do not have any issues all my routines work as they should. I have even been able to get Door Contacts sensors to work automations I am unable to follow why people do not like this system I do not feel like I have lost any features. I do not mind talking to the speakers. When I sit in my chair, I just speak out certain commands and it happens. I am absolutely love my Google Home and I’m sorry for anyone who does not have the same experience.
Reading all these comments, I agree. Google has been killing, reviving, and killing again so many great features. I relied on Google skills to play at least Pocket Casts and lists, not from notes. The only thing they have going is casting, but honestly, I think I can live without it. For now, I'm going with SmartThings and Alexa, and maybe in the future, Home Assistant. 4:57
If they drop the crap assistant in my car or in nest or on my phone and replace with something like gemini, these tools will be fun. But agree --> Currently all these items suck
Amazon automations are suffering from lack of competition with Google. Amazon automations could improve, but they don't much. Try setting up a Routine to happen at sunrise/sunrise then push the plus... and then note that everything listed but "Voice" is grayed out. Very dissappointing that there has been no progress. So one cannot say After Sunset, make the motion detectors turn on lights or anything else. I also have, and loved the Amazon Recast, but after a perfect launch, they are slowly subtracting features... now one cannot control their TV through the Amazon Cube using Voice commands as before. Only when watching a recording. Any quadriplegic now has problems that they can't complain about because of their impediments.
I was all in with Google from my home to my car, and of course even my phone, and have been since 2016 when Google Home came out(I think). You are absolutely right, Google could have, and should have, owned the market...now I want to give all this crap away because it doesn't feel ethical to sell it to someone. Prime example, the first gen Nest Cams were awesome! Speedy, great app interface. As they died off with old age I replaced them with the second Gen, and they suck! When the 1st gen easily out performs the second gen, you should know you have made a foolish compromise. I hate to say it, mainly because I'm stuck with all of these expensive, unreliable products, but Google sucks man.
It's just a shame Google Nest team just do not care, they have 100% problems that. There seems to be zero direction for google home, hardware or assistant which is a shame at the nest hub is the best looking smart home display you can get even though not good sound quality, but that's Google all over.
I agree with EVERYTHING. Been using Google Home for years. It actually gotten worse. In tech... how does it get worse? It ALWAYS gets better. I hate Apple, I don't want a salesman Amazon device in my home... but that's where I'm leaning... and I hate Google for that.
Even then I think I still prefer google as it's integrated into my life unlike the rest... But then again so is Microsoft... but not amazon... we pay for prime and that's it... I only shop on it 50% on the time and my grandparants have fire sticks... However if micrcosoft or GE came out with a doorbell camera I would do that... But till then I'm kinda stuck.... Unless amazon cameras work flawlessly on smart home meta then I won't be.
I don’t see what’s wrong with Google assistant or their cameras. The cameras work well, I have four plus the doorbell, and I own a Google hub. It controls my alarm, my lights and we hardly have issues. Their router is iffy sometimes but nothing worse than other standard routers. But I also build my smart home so it works with multiple platforms. My lights are also on HomeKit and Alexa. My alarm system is on both Alexa and Google Home. My thermostat (Google Nest Thermostat 2020) is matter enabled, and connected to HomeKit, Alexa and Google Home. But I agree Alexa is the best smart assistant. But Google isn’t far behind. And Apple is… Apple. We’ll see what they have in store. Anyway.. I may be a little biased. I’ve own the Google Nest Secure, and I have worked for ADT for 12+ years. But I’ve used Google Assistant (and Alexa) for a long time now. HomePod Mini is new for me, but o mainly use that for my Apple TV.
First off, I'm glad you're happy! But when I read your post, My favorite part of the Google system has been their Nest Wi-Fi and Nest Wi-Fi pros. They took some time to get solidified but now they're great
@@AutomateYourLifeI have the google nest WiFi pro since Jan 2024, and my internet has had issues because of the router. Internet slows (same normal speeds direct to modem when router disconnected), WiFi goes to a hault basically until I reboot. It’s not the end of the world, these things only happens three or four times. But when I had Plume WiFi it worked flawlessly for over a year. I only switched bc I wanted WiFi 6E and needed more coverage. I could have upgraded my Plume but Google was cheaper. But I do like the Pro has a thread border router. I plan on getting more thread devices over time.
It had some of those issues for me...but it really evened out. I tried a move of one of the nodes but never had the internet connection issues you were. I hope it gets better!
I have Google wifi and use the google home app to use its but I have Apple home as the main hub all my Aqara stuff will show up in the google app but the stuff like nanoleaf lights that are supposed to work with google don’t just show unresponsive it’s a shame I have RUclips music because of the google home mini and I love that service wouldn’t have gotten it without the google smart home stuff but it’s gone to crap now my Google wifi won’t even flash red when the internet goes offline so even stuff that was good gotten bad
The Lenovo Smart Displays are still the only screen based smart assistant devices I own. But would I buy anymore Google smart home devices…..HELL NOOOOOO!
Nest died when google bought them. Sadly the home hubs/nest hubs don’t support local connections either. The entire product is useless unless you have everything cloud connected. 0/10 don’t buy
I really do not understand google, their smart speakers are so old now, Amazon has like 20 million different speaker types, why doesn't google update anything? such a weird company.
On the other hand, the google home app and the google screens and speakers are the ones asking for the least maintenance ! They never go offline, never mess up their home screen, the app showed all my cameras without me doing nothing, etc..... Althought of course, they almost never update anything 1
If they had reliable voice and automations, I'd be mostly OK! I still like their interfaces too though
You have PERFECTLY described the utter madness of Google and it's approach to tech and longevity, I have disconnected all my speakers and can honestly say, I've not missed them at all. It's that bad, i'm even contemplating buying an iPhone for the 1st time in my life
That's the story for a lot of people I think... 🤦🤦
Yep same for me. Depending on how cool the new AI stuff will be that Apple announces on WWDC June 10 I will switch full Apple for the first time.
They feel truly advanced compared to Google who seemingly only makes mid products that somewhat satisfies global users
@@John-5737iphones are amazing. They just announced a new innovated UI design which incorporates, get this, MOVEABLE APPS. You can actually move app icons ANYWHERE on your phone 🤯
We went all in on Google. Losing features constantly is a pain and like you said the voice activation deteriotes day by day.
Brutal...I hate that folks are feeling this way
Same here. 4-6 yrs ago I basically went all in w google. But things have been frustrating and I thought it was just me until I watch this video. However I’ve committed too much $$$ to switch.
It's like Google has ADHD
They are so confusing at times...
@@AutomateYourLife yup this is what happens with public companies they are mandated to make profit as #1 goal which at times greatvideasvget tossed aside for the all mighty dollar
*down syndrome
Can I ask how you know they're coming out with a new Audio? My manager says they've discontinued Google Mini and the current Audio but he hasn't heard any news of new options yet.
As is usually the case with Google, their plans change again and again. Things have changed already.
Which is the whole point of this video. When they do release a new speaker (which they will at some point)...watch out.
Started my smart home with google and sad to say, but your right. Thanks for the vids
Glad to help where I can. Sorry for your experience!
Hi. Planning to start my smart home life in around 2-3 months and was thinking to buy some nest mini (2nd gen) for voice control. Is the google smart home eco-system that bad? Should I consider buying Amazon Echo Dot/Spot instead?
I think Amazon's going to give you much better options today. Google is pretty bad when it comes to Voice Assistant support and running automations. Amazon's much better right now.
Really appreciate your feedback. I unfortunately am so deep with google hard to switch everything
What security system do you recommend that can integrate with Google?
Welllll....they want you to buy into ADT. That's why they keep investing there.
I like the DIY stuff myself. Had been using Smartthings, but have switched to Homey Pro with Heimdall installed. Seems to work for me, but I don't use Google for much anymore
I have Simplisafe as my home security system and it's integrated with google home...I have a google assistant routine called "bedtime" that sets the alarm along with turning off all the lights. You can also ask the assistant the alarm status, but you can't use voice to disarm it for security reasons.
@@AdamJakowenko thank you!🙏🏼
Unfortunately, they sucked me in when they were the best six years ago and now I’m trapped. I think this will be a big year to see what comes out of all the assistance. It’ll be the decision point on if I stay or if I go.
2024 seems like a pivotal year for a lot of us. I'm picking sides too! (Obviously)😏
@@AutomateYourLife i’m hoping that Google somehow pulls it out, but if not, I’m looking to you for some other good recommendations!
Your channel isn’t growing so fast because you are honest. Honesty doesn’t pay the bills, but thank you so much!
🤷♂️
I agree 100% with you Brian! The constant change of focus within Google is baffling.
Back when I started my smart home adventure I started with Google Home because they promised sensor support "soon". That was in 2017 and support didn't arrive until 2022. Too many of Googles offerings feels like they are designed by 4 different teams eg. the Home App has one UI approach, the automation tab in the same app has a different UI approach, some smart home controls is redesigned while others have the old design from before sensors were added.
I see this collapse of trust in Google everywhere with the latest example being someone who, as a joke, tweeted that Gmail was going away. People believed it which just shows what kind of reputation Google has.
It's sad to see but at this point I'll rather have Google pulling out of the race and get it over with than break even more promises.
That last statement you made makes the most sense to me. Just end it. Stop the halfway stuff that crushes product lines and ultimately, people!
I have Google Home Mini for over 5 years and still going! Assistant works fine on all products, just sometimes says it cannot control things but it does what I said anyway. My smart hone with Google and Nest work great!
Thanks for sharing!
i am already a bit too deep with google speakers and hubs, and I can't afford to switch. Any ideas on how to make things better? Can they work with another system? The sound of nest audio is SO GOOD to be left to rot...
You can keep using them as your speakers! Just don't expect much in the way of new or improvements.
@@AutomateYourLife oh! Thank you for the reply. You mean that I can switch to Amazon and still use them as speakers to cast Spotify?!
@@mihalisvranakis579 absolutely. Get one Amazon speaker to act as a matter controller (echo show 8, Echo Hub, Echo 4th Gen recommended) and continue to love your Nest for speakers
I switched to Amazon echoes with this new home I'm in. I ran Google for many years. I try to keep most of my automations at my hub. I have found echoes to not trigger timely, be slow and response, have poor responses to general questions. We're Google shines in that area for me. All I use is the Google home minis or nest minis for quick response to my commands. I may keep an echo or two to assist with some automation, but I may try Google's new automations before what few items I don't run through my hub, which is habitat. Again I built a very complex house and when I sold it it became a problem. This time with the possibility of selling, I'm going to keep it very simple. Maybe some complex automation, through a simple device....
Sounds like a good plan to me!
Brian, I love the honest information and accurate depiction of most of Google’s smart adventures. With that, I need to respectfully disagree regarding the voice assistant itself. This is the reason we have googles in every room and not Alexa/HomePods. Alexa works quicker, but is very annoying with “extras” and neither seem as accurate.
Hey that's ok! I get it. Some people are still gonna prefer the Googs
Brian, these companies have me frustrated. I have both google and Alexa in my home because I can’t find everything working on one platform, but I’m not sure I echo (pun intended) your mention of how Alexa has improved beyond google. Do you have any plans in the works for an updated smart assistant comparison, but specifically for the smart home? Most of those videos are always a question and answer show down. For us smart home people, it would be nice to see how much better Alexa may be at controlling my smart home and why. FWIW, I’m leaning into Alexa, but there are some minor annoyances that google doesn’t see, to suffer from
I did want to do an updated comparison, but I was feeling like I should wait for some of the AI stuff to come out. Wasn't sure if there would be a big ask! So thank you for asking :)
@@AutomateYourLife happy to hear it already crossed your mind! For what it’s worth, in light of google home’s decline (hardware and software), and only the google tv being announced as getting ai (and who knows when that will come), it seems that based on mumblings in forums people are losing patience with google. Might be a good time for Alexa to shine
Hardware is not Google's problem. Their software gets worse daily. I have abandoned all Google nest devices with one exception; Google find my phone. Otherwise it's Alexa everywhere
It's crazy that we say that...and that it's accurate. Google's supposed to be the best software company in the world. It's not that way for us in the smart home space for sure.
@@AutomateYourLife they could have OWNED the space. Incorporation with home-based AI, nest hardware. It was theirs to blow and they blew it
@cdarrigo 100%
Indeed, google is dropping the ball and removing stuff, but i can't without google. I'm disabled and almost blind, live in the netherlands I have many google products like nest mini nest, nest wifi pro, nest audio, nest thermostaat and even a roomba it helpt me function because of my disability but lately the easiest things go wrong like putting things on a shoppinglist. In the netherlands Alexa is not supporter enough for me. I can speak englisch but I prefer Dutch. Also Alexa speakers are more expensive. I don't know if something has changed in the support of alexa in my country but fpr now I just can't function without google.
I'm glad some of this stuff is still working for you. It's not all bad for sure, but those simple things breaking are some of the big examples... I hope they turn it around for you
I think they are planning to, at some point, totally replace the Google Assistant with Gemini, which would incorporate AI in Nest. Having said that... I still can't bring myself to make the switch to Alexa. I have this idea of me catering my Google account for so many years that at this point I feel married to them. Not only that, but I have given Google all this data for so many years, am I ALSO gonna share it with Jeff? Ugh...
That's fair! It's Ok to choose neither or to stick with the Googs :)
I agree that Google is seeming 'more stupid' these days. Problem is that I'm kind of 'stuck' with them because of RUclips Premium that includes RUclips music. I know Amazon has video and music too, but I watch a LOT of RUclips and appreciate that ad-free viewing. (I'm also not interested in getting yet another streaming service to drain may bank account!) If Ms. A could play RUclips music, it would be easier to make the switch. I'm probably due for some modernization, as I still have a significant number of the old Google Minis and Google Homes but, for the most part, they are still mostly doing the job I want them to do. (I've only got one of the 'newer' Nest speakers, and while it sounds decent to play music on, its definitely the most frustrating one to use, as it often gets voice commands completely wrong or simply ignores them.) As always, Brian, I appreciate your videos - keep up the great work!
Thank you Al! I hear you with the stuck in Google thing! That's the truth for so many.... I wish they'd get it together!
I'm in the same boat. Have 10 iterations of google hubs, minis, speakers. I use youtube music for all my music needs and while it has become dumber, it still handles pretty much all I ask of it.
If you have an iPhone, I would recommend HomePods. They sound great and they work with RUclips Music. I have a HomePod mini and almost every room of our house. They sound great and they answer everything I ask them to.
I have (had) a fully smart Google home and it lost my faith in Google when they just dropped nest secure and all of a sudden my entire home's worth of security is now in the garbage. I spent thousands on it, just for it to become obsolete three years later. NOW, my Nest router and three points are useless and going into the garbage after spending TWO WEEKS in constant daily communication with their tech support to try and get it up and running. WTF is going on with Google???
You nailed it in the video.
Sorry it's been brutal for ya! I don't know why they thought any of this was OK
My Google Audio still work today even though the product line is gone. I bought 5 of them, and I'm glad I did!
I bet you are!
I agree with everything you said, Brian. I really like the old Google hardware I have but I also really don't trust Google to support their hardware and/or software. Their sudden dropping of both hardware and software has become a dominant characteristic of the company and has burned me more than once but no more. I completely gave up on them a couple of years ago.
It's so sad...they could have done so much! Things come out so great sometimes...only to lose it to this cycle.
I still dont understand why Samsung does not do smart speakers and hubs with screen !
You really have to wonder what happened to the Galaxy hey?🤷
@@AutomateYourLife went in a black hole I think ! 🤣🤣
As long as it didn't use Bixby! haha
At least bixby now more reliable than google assistant lol. @TonyMoleman490
@@angelcastrolagunes6555 Sad, but true.
Good video. I don't really understand why the current smart speakers they've released can't support at least basic gemini things. I'm still hanging on to my Google Home Max. Sound is amazing but they haven't updated with anything new. Now I just use it to listen to news briefing and my sleep sounds. Lol
I don't get the Gemini hold back either. I think it's just not being prioritized personally
@@AutomateYourLife agreed. Things that I used to ask the speaker, I just use co-pilot on my phone and get a more detailed and accurate response. Talk about dropping the ball
I agree with you that the Echo system is better in most ways. I have both Echo Show and Google Hub Max. I'd be happy to swap to the Amazon system if not for just one thing: there is no way to turn off reciting the contents of my Amazon basket to anyone who feels like asking. You can disable voice purchasing and announcing what is in orders you have actually purchased, but things still sitting in your basket waiting to be bought are revealed freely. So I only have an Echo in a room that only I use, and Google displays elsewhere.
I wonder...
What if you created a routine that used those questions? Try it out and see if that blocks the standard ways to ask. Then just have the routine repeat back some nonsense
I have an automation that runs every night with Google and it never fails.
Google integrates well with Home Assistant, Alexa is not that good.
I can't believe you have an automation working every night. I'd say I get 90% reliability, tops. Usually worse until something has been in place for a week or two.
That's great news for you though!
@@AutomateYourLife every night and every morning., Turns on /off TV , lights, heating etc. Never fails
My family and I use google as our smart home hub, don’t get me wrong it could be better, but we’re not going to switch over because of a few issues. My parents are very simple people. All they want out of these smart speakers is the ability to set alarms/timers and listen to music. I use my speaker more out of necessity because I have a disability, so it helps me a lot. There are a lot of features that it use to have that I miss, however. But unless google completely deactivates their smart home products, I don’t see my family changing our smart home.
As long as you're happy! I'm paid for guidance and expertise
@@AutomateYourLife I am, but you do make a lor of good points. What kind of smart speaker do you use when you're not making videos, if you don't mind me asking?
Amen, brother Brian!!! AMEN!!!
👊🤛 we gotta fight this!
Brian glad you are staying true to your promise not to pull punches anymore.
One of your best videos.
Hopefully your Google contacts see it.
I gave up on home automation because it just wasn't reliable enough. Have to repeat yourself multiple times became a chore.
I didn't want to spend the time switching to a new platform and buying all new hardware only to also be disappointed.
So I've settled on only using Google Home for scheduled automations.
I will keep an eye on it through your videos to see if anything improves as Gemini matures.
Thanks Hans! I think that's where we have to do automation with reliable products. That's going to be my focus for most of 2024. :)
Yup.
I started down the smart home rabbit hole 5 yrs ago with Alexa built into my Ecobee thermostat.
As i tried more complex things Amazon fell flat and Google was obviously the superior product. i purchased minis for every room in my house and have voice control, through home assistant for nearly everything.
Flash fwd 5 yrs and it feels like google stopped caring and innovating, and Amazon has caught up in most areas and surpassed is many others.
I'll likely stick with my Google environment until local voice control and playback is rock solid (seems pretty close) and switch to all locally controlled devices and be done with Both Amazon and Google.
Sounds like a plan!
You are so awesome Brian. Keep being the beacon!
Thanks Houston!
1 google hub max 3 google hubs 2 google home mini, I wish I would control what I actually asked it like: turn the TV to 10% volume, and google changes it's own volume also wish I didn't have to tell at it 2-3 times to get it to activate
sigh... :(
@@AutomateYourLife although I do see it works slightly more responsive if you have 50+Mbps upload speed on your home internet.
"Do we trust Google?" My answer... Not til Brian calls it. I have spent enough on mediocre. Alexa does more and does it better.
*bows*
I have a love-hate relationship with Google. On the one hand they offer the biggest and most used services out there like RUclips which have tons of potential but I feel like instead of innovating they just get worse and get more bugs.
There is obviously so much potential but they're ruining that by killing services and not improving/not innovating on them.
It really feels like they're using their monopoly by not caring about the user experience since they make money anyway.
I remember using my Alexa years ago and it was so much more capable compared to the latest and greatest Google Home speaker I'm currently using.
I remember I could install skills for Alexa and do all kinds of things like doing quizzes etc. and I could even whisper to it and it whispered back.
Google on the other hand after saying the long "Okay Google" understands almost everything wrong and does the wrong action or either is incapable of doing that. It feels like I'm talking to a robot from the nineteen hundreds whereas Alexa felt so much more intuitive, natural and advanced.
I really hope Google is gonna greatly improve things with the Gemini era.
We can dream!
I love my Chromecast I just wish it had a little more memory and a little more storage
Yeah? I got tired of the slow responses and the lack of camera and speaker features. :(
@@AutomateYourLifenest audio with as ht speakers would have been great. Amazon and Apple did a good job with this
Also started with Google but quickly left the nest and went to Home Assistant instead.
Cloud is just not the way to go.
Glad you have it figured!
I have one google home item left… Alexa and Apple stuff and that’s it…
Great video with valid points. Maybe I am late to the show here, with AI integrating with everything, I wouldn't be surprised Google ditches all there current tech just to turn around and sell us more. I also wouldent be surprised if we see more companies dive into the smart home game, Microsoft maybe, possibly NVIDIA getting more involved in the smart home game?
I hope more do, but right now...companies are getting out more than they are getting in. I think AI will open doors though as it continues to get better!
Impressive. You certainly didn't hold back here Brian. I appreciate your honest opinion and advice.
Like you I started out with Google then tried Amazon. For me the draw of Amazon was/is that (a) Amazon seemed to care more by releasing more innovative new stuff more regularly than Google, (b) the audio performance of all my Amazon devices is way better than Google in terms of hearing the wake work more reliably (and the fact that it is a single word rather than a clunky "Hey Google" phrase is a big plus on its own) and they false activate far less often than the Google devices I still have in every room right next to my Amazon devices and (c) Alexa responds way faster than the very noticeable delays I get from Google Assistant requests.
I hardly ever use my Google devices now so maybe I should unplug them all and sell them - perhaps quickly before Google releases the new stuff and makes them one more generation out of date!
It does look like an announcement is coming! Could be at Google IO 2024!
Also - did you know that I’ve seen a few videos from you on a different channel. Do you have more than one channel?
We do :)
Just been trying out some different formats!
Okay cool! lol I was like… is this channel taking your videos? But very good!
Thanks for checking! Much appreciated!
In addition, to me it looks like the various departments within Google are more or less doing their own thing. And top management doesn't mind as long as the money keeps rolling in.
Truth, and they keep re-organizing those groups. Someday maybe we'll see something coherent
4:00 "NOW" it always was
Thanks Brian. Cheers.
Thank you sir!
Enjoyed the content as usual….Do we trust Google? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣….ah…Hard NO.
😂😂😂
Thoughts on Gemini
Slow, not useful for smart home, inaccurate some of the time. Weak option at the moment but potential
its to bad because i love the 24/7 recording of my older nest cams and my new nest cams only do events. even to I pay for recording
Yeahhhh, some reductions on those new cameras :(
I'm still waiting for Google home/TV/chonecast 8K and no lag
Me too!
I hear the new Walmart version has no lag.
When I upgraded my TV I switched to an Apple TV and haven't looked back.
Kept the Google TV plugged in to see photos only.
Which reminds me that Google is missing a great opportunity by not releasing a photo app for Google TV for browsing albums on the TV.
You have to wait for the screen saver to kick in. How ridiculous is that?
Late to the show to comment, but even though I love the Google ecosystem, it is poorly supported here in New Zealand, with no official sources selling it as a local product. It is either imported or "use at your own risk" kind of product because not many partners come onboard to support and provide for the ecosystem. That and also, they don't sell most of the Google products like retailers do with Amazon devices. Most sellers sell and never reorder stock on Google products and suddenly, the CCwGTV 4K is a relic, just like that. I would on the other hand, love to use Amazon speakers but because it's quite fiddly with Android and iOS devices (in terms of ecosystems), with no support for RUclips Music, yes I use that because it's cost saving for me and my family, I'm stuck with the Google Nest of Things.
Yeahhhh, big problems internationally with Google gear nowadays. This sounds worse than I'd heard in most other countries though
@@AutomateYourLife Even smart TVs that come with Google TV is lacking support by the manufacturer, with no push to do better. Brands like Sony go along the lines of "as long as RUclips is working on your TV, we can't promise any other features to work properly." Home screens of Google TVs in other countries are litted up so well with content from both local and international media providers while in New Zealand, we don't get RUclips TV and other apps to co-exist with the Google ecosystem well. It's a horrible mess honestly.
2:53 they didn’t buy ADT… they only invested in the company.
Multiple times now! They're on a path to own as much decision making as possible
I think they are more than likely on a path to trying to make their Nest purchase be more profitable.
While Google sucks, I trust them as a company far more than Amazoon. Google hasn't been caught giving your video to the police without your consent or a warrant. Google hasn't been caught reviewing and sharing your videos with staff and their contractors.
You do you! Amazon isn't perfect for sure.
Google was at one point caught sending voice recordings to contractors. They said they stopped that like Amazon and Apple, too.
Maybe they don't get caught because they are better at it and not because they don't do it.
I hate when we buy hardware that's WiFi dependent and the company can make your hardware worthless.
It's happened several times to me. I really liked my iHome iSS50 five sensor, the QSee security camera system -- all worthless now.
iHome was a sad story wasn't it...
An honest review..what is this world coming to? 🤣
I keep hearing that!
I tend to stay away anything google nowadays. Not exactly sure why I trust Amazon more but that’s how I’ve gone.
Ok I guess you explained why :)
For me, Amazon has just felt clearer in their vision. They're going to make money opening services and selling hardware.
Google, I still don't know
My Google home devices used to be so good. They could clearly hear and understand me from across the other side of the room but now I have to put up with issues like this ... Google Nest shows a picture so I say "send that picture to dad", it replies "Home or Mobile ?" which is a stupid question as you cant send pictures to a home phone line but anyway ... I reply "mobile" to which it then starts telling me what a mobile phone is ! Dammn this tech got awful !
Brutal degradation. And there's another layer to that...
Send that picture to Dad should have been something you could have shortcut(Ed) down to just happening with one command.
Google has gone to crap since Sundar took over as CEO. They have become more about money than innovation like they once were.
Yeahhhhh...I think that was his job
So I do not understand. I have a Google system and I have had it for years. I do not have any issues all my routines work as they should. I have even been able to get Door Contacts sensors to work automations I am unable to follow why people do not like this system I do not feel like I have lost any features. I do not mind talking to the speakers. When I sit in my chair, I just speak out certain commands and it happens. I am absolutely love my Google Home and I’m sorry for anyone who does not have the same experience.
Glad it's working so well for you! :)
I think a lot of folks have been struggling, and I myself have struggled to get accuracy and reliability.
Reading all these comments, I agree. Google has been killing, reviving, and killing again so many great features. I relied on Google skills to play at least Pocket Casts and lists, not from notes. The only thing they have going is casting, but honestly, I think I can live without it. For now, I'm going with SmartThings and Alexa, and maybe in the future, Home Assistant. 4:57
Casting and media seems to be holding a few people into Google these days
Great video 👍🏽
Appreciate it! 😀
If they drop the crap assistant in my car or in nest or on my phone and replace with something like gemini, these tools will be fun. But agree --> Currently all these items suck
Amazon automations are suffering from lack of competition with Google. Amazon automations could improve, but they don't much. Try setting up a Routine to happen at sunrise/sunrise then push the plus... and then note that everything listed but "Voice" is grayed out. Very dissappointing that there has been no progress. So one cannot say After Sunset, make the motion detectors turn on lights or anything else. I also have, and loved the Amazon Recast, but after a perfect launch, they are slowly subtracting features... now one cannot control their TV through the Amazon Cube using Voice commands as before. Only when watching a recording. Any quadriplegic now has problems that they can't complain about because of their impediments.
I do wish Amazon would keep going with their automation engine.... They could have cornered the whole market I think!
For years I am a google smart home products till I used alexa very recently and I'm thinking of changing to amazon
You gotta do what's right for you!
I was all in with Google from my home to my car, and of course even my phone, and have been since 2016 when Google Home came out(I think). You are absolutely right, Google could have, and should have, owned the market...now I want to give all this crap away because it doesn't feel ethical to sell it to someone. Prime example, the first gen Nest Cams were awesome! Speedy, great app interface. As they died off with old age I replaced them with the second Gen, and they suck! When the 1st gen easily out performs the second gen, you should know you have made a foolish compromise. I hate to say it, mainly because I'm stuck with all of these expensive, unreliable products, but Google sucks man.
It feels good to say it though, doesn't it?
It's just a shame Google Nest team just do not care, they have 100% problems that. There seems to be zero direction for google home, hardware or assistant which is a shame at the nest hub is the best looking smart home display you can get even though not good sound quality, but that's Google all over.
Best looking stuff with what started out as genius... 🤦
I agree with EVERYTHING. Been using Google Home for years. It actually gotten worse. In tech... how does it get worse? It ALWAYS gets better. I hate Apple, I don't want a salesman Amazon device in my home... but that's where I'm leaning... and I hate Google for that.
I don't know whether to 👍 or 😭
@@AutomateYourLife My mom is blind and needs it... cry or hate. I'm hating on Google.
@@Zonker66 I'm sorry she's not getting the help she needs. I'd be angry
Even then I think I still prefer google as it's integrated into my life unlike the rest... But then again so is Microsoft... but not amazon... we pay for prime and that's it... I only shop on it 50% on the time and my grandparants have fire sticks... However if micrcosoft or GE came out with a doorbell camera I would do that... But till then I'm kinda stuck.... Unless amazon cameras work flawlessly on smart home meta then I won't be.
I'll hope for you! And pass along messages I can to Amazon :)
@@AutomateYourLife Thanks!
Google is no longer just a company it has become a global blight on humanity
Yikes! That's next level!
I don’t see what’s wrong with Google assistant or their cameras. The cameras work well, I have four plus the doorbell, and I own a Google hub. It controls my alarm, my lights and we hardly have issues. Their router is iffy sometimes but nothing worse than other standard routers.
But I also build my smart home so it works with multiple platforms. My lights are also on HomeKit and Alexa. My alarm system is on both Alexa and Google Home. My thermostat (Google Nest Thermostat 2020) is matter enabled, and connected to HomeKit, Alexa and Google Home.
But I agree Alexa is the best smart assistant. But Google isn’t far behind. And Apple is… Apple. We’ll see what they have in store.
Anyway.. I may be a little biased. I’ve own the Google Nest Secure, and I have worked for ADT for 12+ years. But I’ve used Google Assistant (and Alexa) for a long time now. HomePod Mini is new for me, but o mainly use that for my Apple TV.
First off, I'm glad you're happy! But when I read your post, My favorite part of the Google system has been their Nest Wi-Fi and Nest Wi-Fi pros. They took some time to get solidified but now they're great
@@AutomateYourLifeI have the google nest WiFi pro since Jan 2024, and my internet has had issues because of the router. Internet slows (same normal speeds direct to modem when router disconnected), WiFi goes to a hault basically until I reboot.
It’s not the end of the world, these things only happens three or four times. But when I had Plume WiFi it worked flawlessly for over a year. I only switched bc I wanted WiFi 6E and needed more coverage. I could have upgraded my Plume but Google was cheaper.
But I do like the Pro has a thread border router. I plan on getting more thread devices over time.
It had some of those issues for me...but it really evened out. I tried a move of one of the nodes but never had the internet connection issues you were. I hope it gets better!
I have Google wifi and use the google home app to use its but I have Apple home as the main hub all my Aqara stuff will show up in the google app but the stuff like nanoleaf lights that are supposed to work with google don’t just show unresponsive it’s a shame I have RUclips music because of the google home mini and I love that service wouldn’t have gotten it without the google smart home stuff but it’s gone to crap now my Google wifi won’t even flash red when the internet goes offline so even stuff that was good gotten bad
That's why I signed up for YT music too. But I think I'm about to cancel that too
I agree. Rick Osterloh discontinued tablets ... he should be removed. Actually I hope Sundar Pichai goes as well.
Tablets is a big one, and the Pixel Tablet wasn't the return we all needed. Everything has been so half-completed...
The Lenovo Smart Displays are still the only screen based smart assistant devices I own. But would I buy anymore Google smart home devices…..HELL NOOOOOO!
So you're saying you're buying 2
@@AutomateYourLife of each 💷
I must stay faithful to Ms. A. She would be so angry and spiteful if I didn't!
Yeahhhhh she might get revenge 🤣
@@AutomateYourLife
Yeah, when I recognized that 4 years ago, I stopped supporting them and buying their products.
So you're saying you might be just a little smarter than I? 😜
@@AutomateYourLife lol
Yes I turned off Google and Alexa. I don't want them in my bed life or home. HA all the way
Glad you're happy!
@@AutomateYourLife ty
They remind me of Microsoft. 🤪
Microsoft of now, or of old?
@@AutomateYourLife
Old
Nest died when google bought them. Sadly the home hubs/nest hubs don’t support local connections either. The entire product is useless unless you have everything cloud connected. 0/10 don’t buy
0/10! 😂
No. I don’t trust Google. Period….
More than a few folks saying that today Ed
Good video, Brian!
Hey! You used an emoji!
I really do not understand google, their smart speakers are so old now, Amazon has like 20 million different speaker types, why doesn't google update anything? such a weird company.
Tell me about it!