I was super excited to buy my Google Home Mini. As soon as I got the email notification that it was available in stores I ran to my local Best Buy to purchase the Google Home Mini. It wasn’t even on display on the sales floor yet. I had to ask for assistance and the associate looked up the inventory in the computer to verify that they did have some in stock and then proceeded to get me one. I also lucked out because the Google Rep was also in the store when I was there and he verified that they were in stock.
Best Buy came in “clutch†as my daughter would say! They assisted me and didn’t care that I was requesting a brand-new item that wasn’t even on the sales floor yet. They took care of me like they always do and I was on my way to getting familiar with my Google Home Mini. It was very easy to set up out the box. Partly because I already have the Google Home App on my phone and tablet as well as the original Google Home Smart Assistant. The Google Home Mini is going to compliment my Google Home.
Out the box I found an area in my living room where it would live and I could plug it in. One of my book shelves seemed to be the perfect spot. Once it was powered up I opened the Google Home App on my phone so I could add my Google Home Mini. Once I followed the prompts and added my new device I was ready to play around and connect my smart home devices to my Google Home Mini. Within minutes I was up and running at full speed. I start with “Okay Google†or “Hey Google†to wake it up!
I’m on Team Android so I try to keep my phone at a distance so it won’t respond when I’m speaking to my Google Home or Google Home Mini. I love that my Android has a built in Google Assistant that syncs seamlessly with my Google Home Devices. I can operate my smart home devices from my phone as well. It comes in handy when I need to turn on the lights before I walk in the house or turn off the lights if I forget to when I’m not home. I have Philips Hue Lighting in my home.
I love the style of the Google Home Mini, it’s more attractive than the Echo Dot in my honest opinion. The chalk was my color of choice to match my Google Home and it’s the perfect size. The sound and volume is impressive for a device of its size. You can tap the left or right side of the Google Home Mini to control the volume and you can also give it a verbal command to change the volume. Also, tap it to play or pause music and you have a switch to turn your mic on and off.
I added my Philips Hue Lighting and Logitech Security Camera to my Google Home Mini. It was so easy to add the devices via the Google Home App. In minutes I was verbally turning on and off my living room lights. The Google Home Mini can also manipulate the brightness or dim the lights. The Google Home Mini will listen to a command request to see a live view of security camera feed on my TV using Chromecast or TV with built in Chromecast. Having a connected home is awesome! This is the future of technology!
I had to stop myself and laugh when I told the kids, you don’t have to use the Hue Lighting Dimmer anymore to work the lamps just use the Google Home Mini and command it with your voice. So, here’s what we’ve done so far with our Google Home Mini outside of lighting and security cameras. We’ve asked about our day and gotten a rundown of my agenda. We’ve asked about weather, traffic and my son has even asked for help with a math problem. I also create grocery lists using my Google Assistant.
I’ve set reminders and alarms to wake me up because I’m all about that midday nap life! Also streamed music from Google Play and have Pandora set up as well on my Google Home. We also can make calls from our Google Home Mini. I’m totally satisfied with my Google Home Mini and like how it compliments my Google Home. Side Note: The Google Home Mini is automatically synced with my Google Home so it can turn on my lights upstairs as well and devices I didn’t necessarily pair it with. So, my Google Home & Google Home Mini can work all the devices regardless of what room they are in and which devices I individually connected them to. I think it’s cool!
So, it’s reasonably priced at $49.00 and well worth every penny! It’s a holiday gift guide item for me!