Technology giant Google on Monday launched its first smart display device ‘Google Nest Hub’ in India with a price tag of ₹9,999. The device comes with Google Assistant built in, making it simpler for users to control all connected home devices such as lights, security cameras, ACs and televisions, besides giving easier access to other Google services such as Search, YouTube, Google Photos.
“India is an important market, hence we are bringing all Made by Google products here...In many markets, including India, this is new category. Whatever the base is, we expect it to grow very fast,” Mickey Kim, director, Asia Pacific Business, Google, said.
The 7-inch device is expected to heat up the competition in the voice-enabled smart home devices segment. The new product will compete with Amazon’s Echo Show 5 that comes with a 5.5 screen and is priced at ₹8,999. Unlike Amazon Echo Show 5, the Hub does not come with a camera. “We consciously decided not to include a camera on Google Nest Hub, so you feel comfortable placing it in the private spaces of your home, like the bedroom,” Saurabh Arya, India business lead, Google Home and Nest Products, said.
Mr. Arya added that the ‘home view’ feature on the Hub lets users control more than 200 million connected devices from over 3,500 brands globally. “With a simple tap or voice command, you can control products from Xiaomi, Syska lights, Oakter Plugs, Philips Hue, LG and more.”
As an introductory offer, the company will be bundling a Mi Security Camera with its Nest Hub devices. Available in chalk and charcoal colour variants, much like the Google Home devices, the Hub will be retailed via partners such as Flipkart, Croma, Reliance and TATA Cliq.
