Google Home Mini is a speaker that is voice-controlled. It is an innovative device that is used for a wide range of purposes such as:
- Answering trivia questions
- Controlling your smart home gadgets
- Editing your shopping list
- Playing music
- Plying videos on a screen enabled by Chromecast
- Updating calendar appointments
A recent upgrade of the Home Mini allows you to place phone calls from the speakers. You can also use the Home Mini speakers to track down your phone. It also helps in controlling your home’s connected smart home gadgets such as smart lights and thermostats.
Here are a few smart home devices you can control with Google Home Mini.
1. Google Nest Hub Max
This device is an all-in-one smart home display that comes with the following features:
- Excellent speakers
- Privacy switch blocks
- A camera and microphones
- Intelligent motion-tracking
Although it only enables video calls using Google Duo, it is hailed as one of the best devices compatible with Home. The display can be used as an entertainment device. Alternatively, you can use it to control some of your smart home gadgets.
2. August Smart Lock Pro
August Smart Lock Pro tells you whether or not you locked your door…if you ask. If you have not, you can issue a voice command and have it locked. This is a very convenient device as you do not have to leave the warmth of your bed to check the door.
It has the following features:
- Uncomplicated installation
- Versatile settings
- Convenient Auto/Unlock
3. Ecobee 5th Generation
This is a thermostat that comes with a built-in Alexa speaker. However, it is an excellent Google Home compatible device that comes with features such as:
- Magnificent remote sensors
- Ample speakers
- Ability to work with Spotify
With your voice you can regulate the temperature in your home. You also have the alternative to use the improved remote sensor (no worries if laryngitis happens).
If you buy the latest Ecobee, you will get a much better speaker and Spotify support.
4. Google Chromecast
Being able to simply issue a command and the device obeys is strangely satisfying. Google Chromecast is a diminutive device designed to integrate easily with your gadgets via Wi-Fi. It is a streaming device that is fast and smart. It features the following:
- Fast performance
- A stripped-down design
- Intuitive interface
- Pocket-friendly
5. WeMo Mini
It is one of the widest smart plugs but it allows you to fit them in pairs in every outlet without obstructing power access. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant and others. It comes with the following features:
- Home and away mode
- It connects easily to smart home platforms
- It is wider than many of the other smart plugs
It has a switch on the plug if you prefer to operate it manually.
6. Nest Learning Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat features a large display and intuitive interface. Installation is straightforward. The one downer is that it is not built to monitor the temperature in many rooms. It allows you to monitor the temperature in the room right from the couch.
All you have to do is to use Google Home Mini to control the device. You can use your voice too:
- Ask what the current temperature
- Ask what the thermostat is set to
- Lower or raise the temperature to your liking
This device also supports Google Assistant and is environment-friendly. It helps to save energy using special Eco temperature settings. This also helps you to save on energy bills. It is great to have a device that adjusts to customized temperature preferences in every room in your home.
7. Nest Cam IQ
This device allows you to view live footage on your camera on your Chromecast-enabled device. Hence, you can see whatever is happening at home in real-time. It does not come with local storage keys. You will, therefore, need to get a cloud subscription.
It costs quite a bit of money but it is money well spent. You get clear and sharp pictures and a device designed to recognize individual faces. If there is a sound, it is capable of zooming in to the location it came from.
Some of the features of the devices include the following:
- Superb audio quality
- Fine video quality
- Smart software
- Excellent design
Conclusion
These devices can be controlled with Google Home Mini to give you a perfectly automated home. They allow you to issue voice commands or control your connected devices remotely. Being able to lock your door from the comfort of your bed, if you forget to, is quite reassuring.
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