Ultimate guide to Google Assistant and Google Nest products

Whether you're unwrapping some brand new Google Nest smart speakers or revisiting your strained relationship with Google Assistant, we've got your back. Learn how to enhance your smart home with this guide.

People often use the terms “Google Home” and “Google Assistant” interchangeably. But they’re actually two distinct products from Google. (Thankfully, Google replaced the Google Home smart speaker with the less-confusing Nest Audio.) We totally get it. Google Home is a lot easier to say (or type) than Google Assistant. For the sake of simplicity, here’s how we’ll describe each product from here on out:

• Google Home is a mobile app for controlling smart home devices that work with Google Assistant. It works a lot like the Apple Home app or the Amazon Alexa app.
• Google Assistant is voice control software like Amazon Alexa and Siri.

Think of Google Assistant as the brains and voice, while the mobile app is the body. Google Home app is mostly a convenient interface, and the smart speaker just helps Google Assistant talk to you.

Because Google Assistant is the real mastermind behind every Google smart home device, we’re going to focus our efforts on helping you learn what it can do.

Whether you need a digital helper or a fun way to keep the kids busy, we think Google Assistant is a worthy rival to Amazon’s Alexa as one of the best smart home hubs.

If you have a compatible device (phone, speaker, etc.), you can get Google Assistant’s attention by saying one of two wake words: “OK Google” or “Hey Google.” Then, you make a request or ask a question.

Google Assistant quickly deciphers your vocal instructions using the same technology that powers Google’s outstanding search engine. The reaction time is so fast that you’ll usually get an answer within a few seconds.

If you ask a question, the Assistant gives you a brief answer and sometimes sends the top search result to your phone so that you can learn more.

Google Assistant doesn’t just answer questions. It works with oodles of services so you can check the traffic for your commute and squeeze in a quick yoga workout before you head to work.

Google Nest smart speakers use microphones so you can talk directly to Google Assistant anywhere in your home. Google smart speakers come in different sizes with varying sound quality. While all of the smart home devices in this table have built-in Google Assistant voice controls, you’ll pay a premium for better sound quality.

Google smart displays expand the formula behind smart speakers to give you a more engaging experience. With a simple vocal command, you can watch cat videos on YouTube, control your army of smart home devices, or get help with recipes in the kitchen.

Let’s take a room-by-room tour of ways you can turn your house into a Google Assistant smart home.

While Google Assistant can’t bring you breakfast in bed, it can make you feel like you never need to leave your warm cocoon again. Here are some ways that you can turn your bedroom into a command center.

Google can help you start the day by waking you up with a simple alarm. It’s up to you whether you set the alarm every night or create a recurring alarm by using commands like “weekdays” or “every day.”

During a chilly winter morning or a scorching evening in the summertime, you can ask Google to adjust the temperature on your air conditioner smart controller.

Ease yourself out of bed by having Google turn on the smart lights when your alarm goes off. Or you can invite sleep at night by dimming the lights before you hop in bed and turning them off once you wrap yourself in your favourite blanket.

Ask Google to share the weather and top news stories to see if climbing out of bed is worth the effort. Depending on the news, you might decide to get another 10 minutes of shuteye for good luck.

The biggest similarity between a home assistant and imaginary friends is that both like to answer all of the questions kids have, except you can actually hear Google’s reply. Here are some ways Google Assistant can be a playmate and friend for your child.

Kids are probably the reason jokes exist because they’ll laugh at anything remotely funny. It doesn’t matter if it’s a good joke or a bad Dad joke, Google’s got the goods to crack some smiles.

Google Assistant knows all the rules and has infinite patience to play hundreds of games with kids. Kids can pass the time with classics like Trivia Crack and Rock Paper Scissors.

Give your kids a break from the TV by asking Google to tell them a story.

It’s hard to keep up with kids sometimes—how do they fit so much energy in their little bodies? Host a dance party with YouTube Music or Spotify to help them use this extra energy.

Timers can help your kids do basic tasks like brushing their teeth and washing their hands. They can also motivate kids to devote a few minutes to homework before they plop down in front of the TV.

Google Assistant works with some home security cams and baby monitors and can help you look after a napping baby.

As the social center of your hub, the living room is an ideal place for one or more smart speakers. Here are a few ideas to help take your living room to the next level.

Keep up with the latest news by asking Google for news from your favourite source. If you want something more than headlines, you could try a new podcast about sports, pop culture, or philosophy.

Whether you’re up for a house party or a quiet night alone, Google Assistant can help you set the right mood. Start by asking Google to dim the lights and turn up the music.

If you have Chromecast devices, you can ask Google to play videos from many streaming platforms like Netflix, Stan, Disney+, Binge, and Paramount+. You can also ask to skip episodes, fast-forward, or rewind a few seconds to catch a critical scene that you missed.

Google Assistant can help find any smartphone linked to your Google account. You could also get a remote tracker like a Tile to attach to your keys.

We’ve all gone through this—you buy some camping equipment or a secret present for a friend and store it away only to forget where it is when you need it. Google Assistant can help you remember where it is.

Just ask, “Hey Google, remember that Sarah’s gift is in the hallway closet upstairs.” If you need help jogging your memory later on, you can ask Google where it is.

Using Google Home devices in the kitchen is like having an assistant chef (you still do all the cooking, for now). You can get help with your favourite recipes, make shopping lists, or keep your kitchen squeaky clean by ordering out.

A compatible Wi-Fi power plug can turn even the oldest, most basic kettle into a smart kettle. As long as there's a physical switch on the kettle itself that you can pre-set to the "on" position, simply asking Google to "turn on the kettle" will trigger the power and get the water boiled before you've even jumped out of bed.

Nix the pen and paper—make your shopping list through Google Assistant. When you run out of eggs, avocados, or fancy mustard, just ask Google to add some to the list. You can find the list on your phone while you’re at the store.

When the fridge is empty and you don’t feel like week-old leftovers, treat yourself by asking Google to order some pizza with the Domino's Australia action.

If you can’t figure out what to make with potatoes that doesn’t involve frying or mashing, ask Google for potato recipes or anything else you have on hand. If you have a Google Nest Hub in the kitchen, you can see or listen to the ingredient list and steps with a quick voice command.

Tasty food doesn’t always have the nutrients you need in a balanced diet. If you’re keeping an eye on your health, you can ask Google Assistant to tell how much fibre is in a cup of oats or what vitamins are in an apple. You can also get info about how many calories are in your favourite dessert.

Bathrooms don’t seem like a prominent place to put a smart speaker. But there are some surprising ways Google Assistant can streamline these havens of privacy and personal grooming.

It’s easy to tell if you left the hairdryer on, but a bit harder with other styling tools—especially if you’re halfway out the door. By pairing a smart outlet with Google Assistant, you can cut the power and prevent a fire.

When supplies run low, you add more to your shopping list. Now you can focus on your hygiene without shaking out every last drop of shampoo or finding an empty roll of toilet paper after it’s too late.

Instead of setting a timer, you can ask Google to help you wash your hands. You’ll hear a song for 40 seconds while you scrub away every last germ.

While Google Assistant can remind you about anything, medication is probably a high priority for most people. Following the doctor’s instructions to the letter just got a whole lot easier.

Although Google speakers aren't weatherproof, Google Assistant is compatible with a lot of smart devices outside your home. It can help boost your security or give you a bit more light for nighttime parties and projects. Here are some of our favorite things for the front yard.

Install a video doorbell or an outdoor security camera to see what’s happening at your front door on your Google Nest Hub. The Nest Doorbell (battery) is one of the better options for Google smart homes because of its package detection and quick replies to tell visitors you’re coming to the door.

Does your heart drop after you pull out of the driveway because there’s a small possibility you left the door unlocked? It happens to everyone. You can get a smart lock or smart garage door opener to keep your castle safe, even if you occasionally need to ask Google to pull up the drawbridge.

Keep some smartbulbs on your porch to make it easier to work or chill outside after the sun goes down. It's even better now that Google Assistant allows you to create sunrise and sunset routines. For an extra touch of security to startle unwelcome guests, consider a motion-activated light. 

The backyard is your personal playground (some even have a playground). It’s where you have fun, but it’s also a lot of work to keep up. Here are some ways Google Assistant can help you spend less time on chores while enjoying your backyard even more.

Saving water isn’t just good for the environment; it’s an excellent way to cut your expenses. With a Wi-Fi sprinkler system, you can easily set watering schedules. When the forecast calls for rain, you can ask Google Assistant to hold off on watering to save on your water bill.

Robot lawnmowers are expensive, but we won’t judge if you want to steer clear of the hot summer sun while keeping your yard neat and tidy.

Whether you cook your steak with a timer or a smart meat thermometer, Google Assistant can give you grilling tips to help master the BBQ. You could also find recipes for the best rubs and marinades.