- Google’s Next Audio smart speaker has been detailed in an early unboxing.
- The speaker was purchased from Walmart for $100.
- It’s apparently fairly heavy but packs better sound quality than the Google Home.
Google’s having a tough time keeping its new smart home products under wraps. After its upcoming Google Chromecast received a top-to-toe reveal this week, the forthcoming Google Nest Audio has now received a similar shakedown.
Appropriately-named Reddit user throwGNestAudio (via 9to5Google) uploaded a carousel of live-action shots detailing the charcoal-colored speaker’s packaging and exterior. The device was reportedly purchased from Walmart for $100, matching the price spotted in earlier listings.
The box itself doesn’t reveal the Nest Audio’s specs, but the user does put its size into context. It’s about as tall as half the length of an Apple Keyboard but about as wide as one. The Nest Audio also seemingly sticks with the barrel power port used by the original Google Home too, which may be annoying for those hoping for a USB-C port.
As for audio quality, the Nest Audio’s new owner believes it “blows the original Google Home out of the water.” Both a tweeter and subwoofer are mounted within the unit, which may account for the “very heavy” build mentioned by the user. A retail listing spotted yesterday hinted at a weight of around 1kg, which is substantially heavier than Google’s Nest Mini products.
And as for the boot-up sound, the Nest Audio now features a “guitar, maybe a bass, and then the signature piano key.”
It’s unclear why Walmart is pushing Google’s new smart home devices so early, but it’s not the first global retailer to ruin Google’s surprises. UK retailer John Lewis revealed official shots of the Pixel 4a 5G this week, in what seems to be an erroneous update to a Pixel 4a listing.
Google is set to host a reveal event for its upcoming devices on September 30, but don’t be too surprised if you spot more user unboxings and reveals aided by retailers in the days leading up to it.
