Sound QualityThe Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) has Fair overall sound quality. Bass has so-so impact, is subdued and deep bass is lacking. Midrange is somewhat thin, raspy, plasticky, and hazy. Treble is fairly extended, but is dry, somewhat smeared and a bit prominent and sizzly. Does a so-so job of recovering room ambience and is somewhat congested. The speaker is monophonic. No significant difference between WiFi and Bluetooth sound quality. Provides adequate listening volume for a small sized room, but is better suited for near field listening.
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 an excellent number of common streaming services such as Apple Music, Google-Play Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-In and 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 Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is very good. Wireless setup: Setup requires an app downloaded to a device or device connection, easy and intuitive - need instructions (may be included in app), may or may not involve inputting WiFi network password, and account setups. Console controls: Volume control buttons are on the rear of unit and are unlabeled, best control is verbal, 2nd is touch screen control after swiping up. Screen has non-persistent numerical display. Audio mute: Well marked, but not prominently placed, but has non-persistent indication on unit when muting is engaged. Microphone mute: Unmarked, not well placed (behind or under unit) with clear indication when it is engaged. 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 available until after content is first played. Mute: (Remote) Dedicated control but the marking is not the most obvious, clear indication when it is engaged and mutes line in if it exists. Voice transport controls: Natural language control of transport (Play/Pause/Skip/Mute), volume controls and source selection was easy and intuitive.
