Google Finally Confirms New Nest Hub After 4-Year Hiatus

After four years of radio silence, Google has finally confirmed what many Nest Hub fans have been desperately waiting to hear. The Nest Hub product line isn't dead, but Google's approach to reviving it feels more like a cautious whisper than a triumphant shout. Google's Home division recently acknowledged that smart displays remain a priority, though the timeline for new hardware remains frustratingly vague. The company's extended absence from the smart display market has left existing users with aging hardware and mounting frustrations, while competitors like Amazon keep rolling out fresh Echo Show models. The reassurance is welcome, sure, but the smart home landscape needs actual innovation right now, not more teases.

Bottom line: cautious optimism with a reality check

Google's renewed commitment to smart displays sounds promising, but let's be honest about the package. This is not a roaring comeback, it looks like damage control after years of neglect. Amazon recently revealed two new Echo Show models featuring enhanced AI capabilities, while Google users juggle devices that are breaking down and losing features.

Gemini could genuinely elevate the smart display experience, with more natural interactions and better control over the home. AI that speeds up automation creation and camera search would be a real upgrade. Still, Google's track record with smart home hardware consistency is not exactly confidence-inspiring, and their "soon" could stretch well into 2025 or beyond.

For current Nest Hub owners facing failing hardware and degraded software, this news offers hope, not relief. Google has earned a second chance to get smart displays right, but trust returns only when new products ship and work better than what they left behind in 2021. Until then, cautious optimism, and a finger hovering over the power button.