Sound QualityThe Google Nest Hub has fair overall sound quality. What little bass there is has little impact is subdued and deep bass is lacking. Midrange is grainy, thin and somewhat hazy. Treble is dry, papery and upper treble is muted. Doesn't do a good job of recovering room ambience and is somewhat congested. No significant difference between WiFi and Bluetooth sound quality. The monophonic speaker provides adequate listening volume for a small sized room better suited for near field listening - music streaming only - however, YouTube videos generally played louder.
Versatility
Versatility is very good. It's a mono speaker, with multi-room support but lacks stereo pairing support with another Google Home Hub. Wireless: WiFi supports dual-band and this unit has Bluetooth and can output to another speaker but lacks speakerphone functionality. Communications: Has support for calling and messaging, but lacks support for texting. Digital Assistant Muting: Has a dedicated switch to disable the digital assistant by muting its microphones. Audio Connections: Lacks analog audio input and outputs. Audio Tailoring: Has treble and bass controls. OS Support: Android and iOS. Other connections and features: Lacks a USB device port. Display: Has a touchscreen information display. Streaming by voice command: Supports voice command of many common streaming services such as Google-Play Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-In, iHeart Radio. Voice ID: Supports voice identity - a feature which allows the account holder with their "voice print" to access personal information.
Ease of Use
Overall ease of use of the Google Home is very good. Wireless setup: Requires an app downloaded to a mobile device, it's easy and intuitive - needs instructions which are included in app, may or may not involve inputting WiFi network password, and account setup. Bluetooth: This feature is only available after WiFi setup - However, it can be initiated in app device settings but this method is less intuitive; a verbal command works best, for example "Ok Google start Bluetooth pairing" then prompt with verbal instructions. Note: Instructions can be requested of "Ok Google" which provides clear instruction on verbal commands. Console controls: The volume controls are unlabeled and on the rear of unit, and once familiar is touch screen control is available after swiping up. Volume may also be controlled via a natural language command which has a non-persistent graphical position marking on the display. Audio mute: Well marked, but not prominent, and has a non-persistant indication on unit when muting is engaged. Microphone mute: This control has a low contrast marking, not prominant - on the rear of unit, clear indication when it is engaged. Video Mute: Lacks a physical switch/control. Source selections: Requires app to be installed, app installation is straight forward. Once app is installed switching between inputs requires selecting the "cast" icon in a 3rd party supported app. Fairly intuitive but subject to 3rd Party implementation of cast selection. App remote: Volume control not obvious due to extremely poor placement - only available when content is playing; however, it is repeatable with clear graphic and index of setting. Mute: The marking is not the most obvious, although there is a clear indication when it is engaged. Voice transport controls: Natural language control of transport (Play/Pause/Skip/Mute), volume controls and source selection was easy and intuitive except where noted for the mute function.