Google Home is a voice-controlled speaker designed to answer common queries such as the weather for this weekend or travel times between destinations. Additionally, it can read calendar appointments, work out travel times and add items to a shopping list.
Connect it to other compatible speakers for multi-room audio playback and synchronised music streaming.
Voice control
Google Home max white is a voice-controlled virtual assistant capable of performing all the usual smart speaker tricks – playing music, setting reminders and alarms, making calls, checking the weather forecast etc. Additionally it can control various smart home devices as well as streaming content over Chromecast when connected.
Google Assistant stands out from competitors like Apple Siri and Microsoft Cortana by having access to all the knowledge stored within its search engine, meaning you can pose more precise queries – for instance asking how to reach Charles Darwin’s house will give a full answer including directions and public transport options.
As with other smart speakers, Google Assistant can be activated by saying ‘Ok Google” or “Hey Google”. Other wake words and the ‘Continued Conversation’ feature allow for easier use without constantly saying the wake word each time. All Google Home models allow you to mute their microphones when they should not hear you speaking.
Music playback
If your Google Home speaker isn’t responding when you request music, try rebooting by unplugging and replugging in. If that doesn’t help, it could be due to lack of connectivity with music services in your region or no link being established with them.
Once your preferred music service has been setup, use Google Home to play music by artist, album or genre – you can even ask it to shuffle or play from specific playlists!
If you have a Plex server running on a desktop computer, Nvidia Shield TV Pro, or compatible NAS device, using the Plex app you can stream media files directly to a Google Home speaker using Chromecast devices (including Home speakers). iOS, Android and web versions all support casting to these Chromecast devices as well. Plus you can link multiple Google Home speakers together creating multi-room audio systems with synced playback.
Controlling smart home devices
Google Home speakers serve as a central hub for smart home management. They allow you to control other Google products – like Chromecast and Nest thermostat – as well as third-party gadgets from manufacturers like TP-Link and Lifx, such as lighting, switches, plugs and thermostats.
Google Home makes it possible to set alarms, get directions and watch video content from services like Netflix and Spotify using voice-enabled technology. Some devices require a hub or bridge while others work natively; check our list of compatible devices for more information.
Google Home can serve as your virtual butler with just a few steps of setup. It will answer questions on your schedule, read off upcoming calendar appointments, and play songs to wake you up each morning. Furthermore, its powerful routine feature enables it to activate smart home devices at specific times; such as turning on interior lights at wake-up time before playing an audio file as you get ready for work.
Getting started
Google may have entered the smart speaker race late, but its entry makes up for lost time by offering an impressive variety of voice commands that make life simpler. Plus, its integration with other Google services such as calendar and search functions provides added benefits.
Once you’ve downloaded and installed the app, follow on-screen instructions to set up your speaker. When asked whether or not to enable personal results and connect music/radio apps such as Spotify, simply choose not to permit these options and set them up later if desired.
People often find their speaker’s default voice annoying, so the Settings menu offers you multiple choices for switching it out. There’s even the ability to use multiple voices on one device and add ambient noise like running water or babbling brook. Plus, create routines that turn on interior lights or play an audible dog bark when your motion sensor detects movement outside your home!
