How does a Google Nest (Mini) work?

Google Nest (Mini) is a smart speaker. Why make a device that plays music ‘smart’? In this case, “smart” means that you can give the device voice commands. In this way you operate the device and, for example, the volume can be adjusted. But the Google Nest (Mini) will just as easily look up things for you using a voice command. The weather forecast, André Rieu’s date of birth, the bonus offers at Albert Heijn, the number 1 in the Top 2000: Google Nest patiently answers all questions.

To use Google Nest (Mini), you need a Wi-Fi connection, Google account, a smartphone/tablet and the Google Home app.

Because Google Nest and Google Nest Mini work the same, we’ll talk about Google Nest in the rest of this article. Previously, the device was called Google Home, so you can still come across that term online.

The smart speaker is connected to other devices via WiFi. So apart from a power cable you will not find any cables. Connect the device like this:

• Connect the power cable to the Google Nest.
• Plug the adapter into the wall socket.
• Google Nest starts up. At the top, some colored lights light up briefly and the device starts speaking in different languages.

Set up the Google Nest with the free Google Home app for smartphones and tablets. Then operate the device with the app or via voice commands. You do not need the mobile device for the latter.

Download Google Home

• Google Home – Play Store (Android device)
• Google Home – App Store (iPhone/iPad)

Need help downloading an app? Then read the tip ‘Download an app from the Play Store (Android)’ or ‘Download an app from the App Store’.

Set up the speaker using the Google Home app.

• Open the app on your tablet or smartphone Google Home.
• Google Home wants access to bluetooth. Tap on OK.
• Tap on To work.
• If you have already set up a Google account on the smartphone or tablet, this account will be displayed. Then tap on the account > OK.
• Isn’t that the case?
  • Tap on login.
  • Tap on Continue to log in via the Google.com website.
  • Tap on Email address or phone number and type your email address.
  • Tap on Next one.
  • Tap Enter your password and type the corresponding password.
  • Tap on Next one.
• Tap on To work.
• Tap on Set up new devices.
• Tap on Make another house.
• Tap on Next one.
• Tap on nickname for house and type a name of your choice.
• Scroll down a bit and tap residential address.
• Type the address and tap a given suggestion.
• Tap on Next one.
• Google Home wants to access your location. Tap on When using app.
• The app searches for nearby devices. Once a device is found, the app will ask if you want to set up the device. Tap on Next one.
• The connection is established with the device. When connected, the speaker makes a sound. Tap on Yes when you hear a sound.

• The demand comes to share data to improve the functionalities. We don’t do this. Tap on new.
• Tap where the device is located and then tap Next one.
• Tap the desired Wi-Fi network to connect the speaker and tap Next one.
• Tap on password, type the password and tap To connect.
• Tap on Next one.
• Tap on More.
• Tap on No thanks not to store any contact details.
• Google Assistant helps you perform tasks through Google Home. Indicate whether you want to use this. Tap on Yes, I’m in or on No thanks.
• Tap on Get on.
• Tap on I agree so that the Assistant can recognize your voice.
• Swipe down and tap I agree.
• Google Home wants access to the microphone. Tap on OK.
• Say the texts that appear on the screen. If all texts have been pronounced correctly, your voice is set. Tap on Get on.
• Tap on I agree to set personal results.
• Tap the desired music service to play music by default.
• Tap on Next one.
• Link an account of the service if requested.
• It is also possible to link a video service, such as Netflix. We’ll skip this now and tap Not now.
• You can make audio calls through the speaker via Google Duo. We’ll skip this for now and tap Not now.
• It is possible to stay informed about Google hardware products. We don’t want this and choose No thanks.
• View the summary of everything you set and tap Next one.
• Tap five times Next one to view the speaker operation.
• Tap on Get on.
• Tap on Complete setup.

Google Nest is there for you day and night. The device listens for your command when you say “Ok Google” or “Hey Google” first. The colored lights on the top will light up. After this you can ask a question or give an order. For example, say “Hey Google, good morning” and the device will tell you something about the weather and the latest news.

Google Nest has a lot of possibilities. Below we give a few examples of possible commands.

• Weather: “Okay Google, what’s the weather going to be like today?”
• Turn on timer: “Okay Google, set a timer for 1 minute.” And turn the timer off again with ‘Okay Google, stop’.
• Set an alarm: “Okay Google, set an alarm in … minutes” or “Okay Google, set an alarm at 10.”
• Calculator: “Okay Google, how much is 295 plus 326.”
• Translation: ‘Okay Google, how do you say hello in Spanish?’
• Set a reminder: “Okay Google, I want to set a reminder.”
• Listening news: “Okay Google, let’s hear the news.”
• Listen to music: “Ok Google, play “.
• Asking questions: “Okay Google, how hot is the sun?”
• Shopping list: “Okay Google, add to my shopping list.” In the store, then view the list in the Google Home app. Tap on Institutions, scroll down and tap shopping list. Tap the box for a product to tick it off.