Over the past couple of years, more companies have been investing time and resources into products called smart speakers. Amazon was the first major contributor with the Echo and later the Echo Dot; Google followed a year later with the Google Home; and Apple decided to get in on the action as well when they unveiled the HomePod earlier this year. Recently, Amazon widely expanded on their Echo product line, including devices with video capabilities. Today, Google also adds to their Home line by debuting a second Google Home product to add to their line-up today, called the Google Home Mini.
Appropriately named, the Google Home Mini comes in a much smaller size than its progenitor. The device is round and comes in three colors: Chalk, Coral, and Charcoal. When the device is listening, four white dots will appear, similar to the multicolored LEDs on the original Google Home. The Google Home Mini also does not offer swappable bases, and needs a plug-in to operate. You can control the Google Home Mini with voice or tap.
At just $49, the new Google Home Mini is half the price of the original Google Home and offers most of the same capabilities. It may not be the center of attention visually at such a small size, but if functionality and the Google Assistant are your main reasons for buying one then the Google Home Mini might be just the thing for your smart speaker needs.
Google Home Mini pre-orders begin today, and will arrive in retail stores on October 19th.
Readers, what are your thoughts on the Google Home Mini? Would you prefer the smaller, more subtle Google Home Mini over its larger counterpart?