Google has officially discontinued the Nest Mini, a popular smart speaker, amid the launch of its new Google Home Speaker, which is priced at $99. This decision leaves the company without a low-cost smart speaker option, marking a significant shift in its product lineup after nearly ten years of offering affordable devices. The Nest Mini, previously available for just $35, gained popularity due to its functionality and affordability, making it accessible to a wide audience.
The new Google Home Speaker does not serve as a direct replacement for the Nest Mini, as it lacks certain features like the built-in screw mount for easy installation. Additionally, its design and price point may not cater to all the same use cases as its predecessor. While Google is optimistic about the sound quality of the Home Speaker, there are concerns that it may not match the audio performance of the Nest Audio.
Despite the discontinuation, the Nest Mini is expected to remain available through third-party retailers and the secondhand market for the foreseeable future. Google's move to phase out the Nest Mini highlights a transition in its strategy within the smart speaker market, as the company seeks to attract a different consumer base.