Google Home Review

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How Does Google Home Work?

Once you receive your Google Home, plug it into the wall. After a few minutes, the device will light up and start searching for your phone. Be aware that there is no on/off switch for the device, and that once it’s plugged in, it’s always “on.” You will next need to download the Google Home app from Google Play or the App Store, making sure to turn on location permission. Make sure your device is connected to our home’s WiFi, as this is what Google Home will connect to as well.

You will need a Google account in order to set up the Home device, which is as simple as heading to Gmail.com to set one up. Once you’ve signed in and set the location of your Google Home hardware, you can begin to link your music service. Google Home supports four music services: Google Play Music, YouTube, Spotify and Pandora.

Next, you’ll go through a quick tutorial, change your news preferences, and have Google Home call you before you add your home electronics. Once that’s completed, you’ll use the wake-up prompt “Okay, Google” to begin exploring the device.

What Makes Google Home Stand Out?

This device’s appearance immediately makes Google Home stand out from the crown. The round speaker with customized finishes make the Home look more like a pretty bookend than a wireless speaker. Compared to other, more utilitarian speakers on the market, the thoughtful design of the Google Home certainly makes it stand out.

Common Reviews of Google Home

Reviewers have stated that the April 2017 re-launch of Google Home has remedied many of the concerns that plagued its 2016 debut. The biggest improvement has been the addition of third-party skills, although the device still has a long way to go before it catches up to other devices currently on the market. Reviewers also state that the device is easy to use but may require very specific phrasing of questions in order for it to understand your query. Some reviewers have also noted that the sound quality can be a bit anemic in large rooms but that the sound is warm in moderately sized spaces. Other reviewers noted that they were not impressed that the device could not read or respond to emails, especially since this was a Google-based product.

Is Google Home For Me?

If you are looking for an introduction to voice-controlled devices in your home, Google Home is an affordable choice. Customers that are already familiar with Google’s platform through their mail or search services will be pleased that the search engine powerhouse will not disappoint when answering your many questions. Customers that are also looking for a sleek design that is unobtrusive in their home decor will find Google Home a pleasant choice in wireless speakers.

About the Author

Jeff Hindenach

Jeff Hindenach is the co-founder of Versus Reviews. He graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. He has a long history of journalism, with a background writing for newspapers such as the San Jose Mercury News and San Francisco Examiner, as well as writing for The Huffington Post, New York Times, Business Insider, CNBC, Newsday and The Street. He believes in giving readers the tools they need to get out of debt.