Google Nest Hub Max smart display may soon lose two of its most useful features

Date:
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 20:49:47 +0000

Description:
Support for both Zoom and Google Meet is ending soon as the company shifts priorities and angers users

FULL STORY ======================================================================

Googles Nest Hub Max will soon be terminating support for both Google Meet
and Zoom as the company continues to axe features on the display.

This news comes from a user on the Google Home subreddit stating they have received messages informing them that they wont be able to make calls via Google Meet by the end of September. More specifically, September 28, according to 9To5Google . Zoom, on the other hand, will live just a bit longer.

A Zoom support page explains it will go offline on the Nest Hub as of September 30. The post makes the point the app will ultimately stop working
on the device and no further updates will be made available. You wont even be able to install Zoom or sign-in on the Nest Hub Max after that date. Its
going dark for good.

When asked by 9To5Google why they're doing this, a Google spokesperson claims the company wants to shift focus on making Google Assistant more helpful as
it plans on implementing generative AI capabilities. Because of this shift, some underutilized features have to be cut in order to make room. Totally cutoff

As you can imagine, people online are none too pleased with this decision. A user on the subreddit says this effectively turns the Nest Hub Max into a giant paperweight.

Zoom arrived on the Nest Hub Max during the COVID-19 pandemic as an easy way to initiate and join group video calls without another external device. Plus, it gave the smart home display an extra level of utility, allowing it to be integrated into a remote work setup. People flocked to the smart home display because of its usability, but now, one of its purposes for existing is leaving.

You could argue Zoom is being dropped because the company doesnt want third-party competition on its hardware. Fair enough, but that doesnt explain why first-party services like Google Meet are being dropped. Maybe it was ignored by the user base. Assuming this is the case, we cant help but wonder what else will get the ax. This past June, on-device games were removed . At this rate, the Nest Hub Max may become an island, completely cut off from the rest of Googles ecosystem. Uncertain future

Its unknown if the smart display is even capable of making video calls anymore. A set of instructions on how to use Google Duo on the Hub Max is still live on the Nest Help website. However, if you recall, Duo merged into Google Meet last year so it probably wont work. We asked Google to clarify if the device can still make video calls, and, if so, how will that work? This story will be updated at a later time.

After seeing this change, you are probably thinking of getting a replacement for your Nest Hub Max. We recommend checking out TechRadars list of the best smart displays for 2023 if you want some suggestions. You might also like Amazon Echo Show 10 review Smart speaker vs smart display: Which is best for you? The best cheap smart home devices and gadget deals for 2023




======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/home/smart-home/google-nest-hub-max-smart-display-ma y-soon-lose-two-of-its-most-useful-features


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)