The Google Nest Hub max is your personal assistant (PA) and is still commanding the smart display industry with its 10-inch high definition screen. The smart display made an entry into the market just the other day in September of 2019 and still retails at a rather high price when compared to the JBL link view whose prices is a little bit low ranging between $200 and 299, while the Nest Hub Max retails at about $366 depending with the seller.
JBL on the other hand is known for producing the best sound systems, the reason why the link view boasts of an incredibly rich stereo sound complete with deep bass. Though offering the best sounds, the unit seems to have compromised on screen size, as it is only 8inches. The screen is, however, high definition and highly responsive to touch.
The features on both the Nest Hub Max and the JBL Link View are almost similar with very minimal differences, so it all depends on your needs. The below excerpt seeks to establish the differences between the two smart displays and establish the best performing unit, let us dig in.
Tired of doing things the old way, check out the Google Nest Hub Max and the JBL Link View
The Google Nest Hub max and the JBL Link View have literary lifted off so much baggage off our backs and simplified lives by consolidating about 80% of our day’s activities into one high definition screen. Therefore, all you need to do is find a comfortable position from where you can interact with your family members, have your questions answered by the Google Assistant and the best of all you can get a glance of the happenings in your home, more so if you are away for an extended period.
Application
The Nest Hub Max has been equipped with the Google Assistant to help ensure that you keep your family members close even when the economy is too demanding and you have to spend 90% of your time working. You can, therefore, make video calls via the Google duo or even leave video messages for your loved ones.
Google Assistant will also provide you with information about the weather and all you need to do is ask, you can also request the application to find and play your favorite music. And if you would like to bring out the chef in you just ask and the Google Assistant will provide you with the best online recipes for the mushroom soup among many other recipes.
There is actually no limit to the number of things that the Google Assistant can do for you from checking your schedule on the calendar to setting the timer. The same application is used to run your JBL Link View, and here you can equally ask the Google Assistant questions, give it voice commands to switch the lights on or off and to play your best music. All the above including being provided with the best recipe are hands-free, all you need is your voice.
The one thing that stands with the JBL link view is its ability to multi-task, for example, you could be watching your step by step recipe as you cook and at the same time set your timer and still not lose your place in your recipe.
Sound quality
As we mentioned earlier JBL is more about sound and this is very visible in the JBL Link View, as the smart display is equipped with two sets of speakers, one on the right and the other one on the left. Well, this in some way explains why the screen is rather small; as regards sound quality, the JBL smart display tends to offer a stronger bass, and mind you, you will not be able to balance the EQ settings for smart displays.
Google, however, does allow users to balance the EQ settings for the smart displays; JBL also has the capability of making lighter tracks sound good, even with the predominant vocals. For the Nest Hub Max, you might have noticed that the speaker has been concealed at the back but it is still highly functional nonetheless.
The Nest Hub Max, therefore, has been equipped with two 18mm tweeters, which aim forward, and a 75mm woofer that aims backward. The above makes the speaker sound good, and is, therefore, able to fill a room without sounding too loud or too shrill; sound production on this device can however not be compared with what JBL offers. You will, therefore, have to choose between a more polished sound and a large screen.
Smart Home Control
There is actually no device that the JBL Link View cannot control in your smart home; for as long it is linked with the Google Assistant, when you give a voice command, additional onscreen sliders and buttons that operate some of the devices such as the smart switches and the thermostats will be availed to you.
The Nest Hub Max also allows users to control their smart homes and by swiping down you will be provided with the smart plugs that will customize your lights, the security cameras, and thermostats.
Google Nest Hub Max Overview
The Nest Hub Max has been equipped with a camera, which apart from using it to video call, it can double up as a security camera thus help you watch your home, it will also allow individuals with smart homes to control their smart home devices from one place. And with the 10inch high definition screen and the stereo speakers that engulf your home with immersive sound, you can enjoy videos on youtube, watch sports and even listen to music from your favorite streaming services be it Spotify, Google play music or Pandora.
Important to note is that you will require a Google account before you can watch and make videos, and you will also need to subscribe before you can use the YouTube TV and the music services.
Pros
- Works with almost all smart home devices
- The Nest Hub Max can integrate with the gaming consoles
- Equipped with a high definition 10-inch screen display
- The sound system is studio quality
Cons
- The camera mute switch disconnects both the microphone and camera
- Familiar face alerts not provided for EU and Illinois
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JBL Link View Overview
The one obvious thing about JBL is that it does not compromise on sound, so music from your favorite streaming services will be enhanced to sound even better. The smart display has integrated with the Google assistant to allow full customization of our smart home and all the smart devices. The incorporated front camera is 5mp enabling you to enjoy the high definition video calls, additionally, the link view is splash-proof and rather easy to clean thus you can use it in the high moisture areas, such as the kitchen.
The unit is compact and portable thus you can carry it to your office, and take it back home in the evening.
Pros
- The smart display is splash-proof
- Incorporated a privacy switch
- Provides rich stereo sound with deep bass
- Can integrate with the devices in a smart home
Cons
- The screen is a bit small
- The privacy switch mutes the microphone and shuts down the camera
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Final Verdict
The Google Nest Hub turns out to be the better smart display because it has a 10-inch high definition display thus images and videos, are enhanced a lot clearer. And while the sound system might be able to beat JBL’s, it does offer an immersive experience that is also studio quality.
Hawkins Grant
Hawkins Grant is a home automation expert and with about two years working on the ground, he does agree that there is a lot that needs to be done before people can fully comprehend the home automation concept. He reiterates that older folks are having a hard time inviting the new technology into their homes when they need it more than the other age groups. According to Hawkins, smart devices are not only a lifesaver but they are economical, and as innovation continues to take center stage in the home appliances, it is his sincere hope that the information compiled will reach the right audience and encourage change.
