Google Tests New Smart Display Interface for Nest Hub Max
May. 19, 2020Google is testing anew smart display interface for less tech-savvy usersto make it easier for them to use theNest Huband Hub Max. According to Google’s blog post, the new experience adds apre-loaded shortlist of contactsto get started with video calls.
The company has also addednew “What can you do?” cards for quick shortcutssuch as alarms and weather. As you can see in the image above, this approach familiarisesAssistant commands.
Google is currently testing the new experience among seniors in Washington. As part of the initiative, thecompany gave almost 1,000 Nest Hub Max devicesin seven Merrill Gardens retirement communities for the residents to use.
“It’s important for seniors’ mental and emotional health to stay connected, and social isolation during this quarantine makes doing that especially hard.”,wrote Google’s Molly McHugh-Johnson in a blog post.“As I learned with my grandma, Nest Hub Max and Duo video calling can help keep us “together” while we’re apart.”
Google is claiming that the newfeatures have been built with privacy in mind. To make this possible, Google uses a signed-out mode in these devices. That is,no audio will be stored and all activity will be anonymous. The company says it manages the devices on Nest’s fleet management system.
Google has not mentioned if allNest Hub Max userswould get this update. However, a Google spokesperson toldEngadgetthat a new experience ‘based on the same goal’ will be rolling out eventually.
Subin writes about consumer tech, software, and security. He secretly misses the headphone jack while pretending he’s better off with the wireless freedom.
