The smart home may be too messy even for Google

Android Police reports that Google's smart home ecosystem has become inconsistent for users compared to its launch performance. While early experiences with Nest speakers were described as reliable for controlling lights, temperature, and music, current users may face commands that do not work, slow responses, or irrelevant answers. The outlet notes that basic features are still missing and suggests that Apple's new HomeView smart home hub and HomePod Mini 2 could pose a challenge to Google.

Reolink has announced the Home Hub 2 at IFA 2026, a device priced at $199.99 that stores video feeds from up to eight security cameras locally. According to Android Authority, the hub allows users to search for key events using AI without a subscription fee. This contrasts with Google Home Premium and iCloud+ services, which require monthly subscriptions to access AI features that detect faces, pets, and vehicles or summarize video events.

The Home Hub 2 allows for the use of 2.5-inch SATA hard drives, which increases the maximum supported storage to 16TB. While Reolink devices work with Google Home, the hub functions as a specialized device for managing security cameras and storing video feeds locally. The unit also retains one of the two microSD card slots found in the previous generation.

Brief written by urgent.news from 9to5Google, Android Police, Android Authority — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.