Is Google's Nest Hub Still the Best Smart Display?

February 1, 2023

Smart displays haven’t been around all that long—just five years. But in tech terms, that can be an especially long time. However, the same players are still in the game as when it started, Google, Amazon, Meta, etc. And the Nest Hub didn’t offer a smart display until 2018. In our top story, Andrew checks in on the still-nascent tech to see if the Google Nest Hub is still the leader of the pack. He runs down the features of the Nest Hub, compares it to the competition, and lets you know if it’s still worth buying three and a half years after its debut as a smart display.

Other Highlights:

• NBC says no more freeloaders on Peacock.
• BMW recalls EVs for being too quiet.
• Apple Music lets you relive 2023 in February.
• … and more!

— Danny

The Google Nest Hub is a very modest-looking device, especially when compared to some of the wacky smart displays offered by Amazon. But we still believe that the Nest Hub is the best smart display available today. It’s got plenty of flaws, but unlike the competition, it stays true to its purpose. Read More »

Windows makes the world go round, so why not master everything it has to offer? Windows 11 For Dummies will teach you everything you need to know, from how to get around the newly updated Windows 11 interface, to how to troubleshoot when things go wrong, and so much more!
Download your free copy today to get started.

It seems like there’s a subscription for everything nowadays. With classics like Netflix and more niche subscriptions like Meowbox, Hunt-A-Killer, or Puzzle Exchange, it’s difficult to decide where your money should go. If you love playing video games, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate should definitely be a subscription you consider throwing your money at. Read More »

Impact drivers are among the most inexpensive tools you can buy that will instantly improve your DIY life. I waited years before purchasing an impact driver and immediately regretted not buying one sooner. Don’t be me—get one now. Read More »

Seagate is a well-known name in digital storage, and it’s taking its brand to a galaxy far, far away with the FireCuda Special Edition Luke Skywalker External Hard Drive. While a capable device that eases many of your storage qualms, it’s the Star Wars branding that really sells this hard drive. Read More »

Wordle was just too easy, wasn’t it? You probably left that behind and moved on to Quordle, the true “hard mode” of the word-guessing game format. But now you’re stuck and so close to failing. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with a hint—and if you really need it, today’s Quordle Answers. Read More »

Remember the Commodore 64? Well, it’s back as a mini-retro-gaming console. Well, it’s not exactly the classic Commodore machine, but it sure looks like one. The C64 has 64 classic games and even an old Commodore 64 BASIC V2 programming screen that lets you revisit the old times and program your own games. It has two USB-A ports, an HDMI out port, and a joystick. Plus, it even comes equipped with a CRT TV filter for that ultimate retro-gaming nostalgia feel.

Are you a huge fan of Wordle and absolutely stuck today? Let me guess; you’re hanging out on guess four or five and feeling the pressure. We get it entirely: nothing feels worse than losing your streak. If you’re not ready to outright cheat, we have you covered with hints and today’s Wordle answer. Read More »

If you’ve been thinking about getting the Galaxy S22 Ultra, now might be a perfect time. With the Galaxy S23 Ultra launch event taking place on February 1st and getting released a few weeks later, I’d typically recommend people wait for the latest phone, but that’s not the case this year. Read More »

CES 2023 is bringing a lot of great new audio tech into our lives. The most impressive example of which is the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro. This beamforming PC soundbar features an infrared camera that detects where your head is and tracks it to deliver the best 3D spatial audio possible. Read More »

While NBC’s streaming service Peacock has a lot to offer for paying subscribers, those who don’t need the latest movies and shows could still stream limited content with a free account. However, the freebies are gone, and now all new Peacock accounts will cost at least $5 per month. Read More »

OnePlus trademarked the name “OnePlus Pad” back in 2021, and rumors have been swirling ever since that the company has a new tablet in the works. Now, it looks like it’s finally going to happen, as OnePlus is openly teasing the device ahead of its launch event next month. Read More »

Electric vehicles are much quieter than your typical gas-powered car, but they’re actually required by law to make noise to alert pedestrians. As a result, you’ll hear a subtle “hum” or electric sound as one backs up or drives by. However, BWM just recalled select models for being too quiet. Read More »

Apple Music doesn’t wait until December to curate your most-listened-to songs of the year. Rather, the music giant updates its personalized Replay playlist every week of the year. And now that enough of the new year has elapsed, Apple Music has launched Replay 2023 for subscribers. Read More »

We’re still deeply impressed by Samsung’s T7 Shield, a durable and portable SSD that launched in the summer of 2022. But we’ve been a bit frustrated by this drive’s capacity—it only comes in 1TB and 2TB variants. Now, Samsung is solving the problem with a 4TB T7 Shield. Read More »

Modern phones and tablets can stand in for a desktop computer, at least for basic tasks. So, if you aren’t interested in dropping a fortune on a big PC, you could try pairing Plugable’s new USB-C Stand Dock (UDS-7N1) with your mobile device. Read More »

Smart locks are an excellent addition to any house, even if you don’t have a smart home. And while most smart locks are perfect for your front door with a deadbolt, Schlage’s newest Encode Smart Lever brings that same functionality to other doors. Read More »

Laptop messing up? Spilled your coffee? You should probably check to see if “Mercury is in Retrograde”, according to the slightly odd person in the cubicle next to you. What the heck are they even talking about? Read More »

Let’s face it: groceries are expensive at the moment, especially when you’re buying high-quality animal produce. Here are five delicious and nutritious options if you’re ready to jump on board with Meatless Mondays and save some cash by switching up your protein for a plant-based source. Read More »

No one starts their day expecting to see literal flames from their computer, but it happens more often than you think! If you never want a PC fire, or want to know what to do if it happens, take notes. Read More »

VyprVPN is an independent VPN service owned and operated by Switzerland-based Golden Frog. It has a strong reputation for privacy and also is at the forefront of efforts to fight internet censorship. I took it for a spin to see how it performs. Read More »

You know to clean your countertops, cabinets, and bathroom fixtures, but you might be missing one important area in both your bathroom and kitchen—the sink’s faucet. Over time, hard water buildup and limescale can accumulate, and while it seems like a pain to remove, there’s a simple solution—a lemon. Read More »

If you’ve ever watched The Wedding Planner, you probably remember the scene where Dr. Steve Edison, played by Matthew McConaughey, tells Mary Fiore, the titular wedding planner, played by Jennifer Lopez, that he only eats brown M&Ms because he assumes they have less artificial colors. So, is he right? Read More »

You may have heard in the past that when your hard drive seems slow, it’s time for a defragmentation session. But does that advice hold up in the age of solid-state drives (SSDs)? Let’s find out what defragging does and whether your SSD needs it. Read More »