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Google Nest Hub Max Smart Display Launch Date Leaks

The Nest Hub Max product listing on the Google Store was briefly updated to state it would be available on Sept. 9.

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

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If you're a fan of Google's Nest Hub, but wanted a larger smart display and a camera for video calls, then the Nest Hub Max can't arrive soon enough. Now we think we know when it's going to launch because somebody messed up at Google.

As Droid Life reports, the Google Nest Hub Max has been listed on the Google Store for a while now, but always with a "Coming soon" tag rather than a launch date. However, yesterday it changed to read Sept. 9, confirming we have less than seven weeks to wait to buy one. But just as quickly, the listed date changed back to coming soon.

Clearly someone at Google pushed an update too soon and the company isn't ready to share the date just yet. I'd be very surprised if it didn't re-appear unchanged in the near future, though.

When PCMag reviewed the Nest Hub we found it to be a relatively inexpensive, small, and useful touch screen smart home device, but it had weak audio and no camera meaning video calls couldn't be made. It was good enough, but ultimately lacking.

The Nest Hub Max certainly aims to fix those shortcomings. It ships with a larger 10-inch display, upgrades the audio experience with two front-facing tweeters and a rear-facing sub woofer, and adds the camera necessary for video calls. At $229, it's certainly not over priced, either.

In our hands on with the Nest Hub Max, we found the camera to be capable of much more than just video calls. It allows for some innovative gesture interactions, and only triggers them when it can detect eyes and a hand. Facematch will also feature, allowing the Nest Hub Max to automatically display information specific to the person using it in your household. The privacy conscious will also be happy to hear it includes a hardware switch to electronically disable both the camera and microphone.

Unless we hear otherwise, the Google Nest Hub Max should arrive on Sept. 9 for $229. You can join the waitlist now if you want to be the first to hear when it can be purchased.

About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

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