Google did not unveil a smart display alongside its recent slew of home releases, but the door is very much open.
In a conversation with The Verge, Google Home’s Anish Kattukaran said the team is “definitely committed to smart displays” and hinted that news is coming soon.
He also described the smart display as a natural fit for Gemini in the home, thanks to the mix of microphone, speaker, screen, and camera that lets you see, hear, and touch your way through tasks.
Still room for a better Hub
Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max were last refreshed back in 2021, and they still function with Gemini for Home.
They do not feel like 2025 flagships, though – especially compared to the vast array of new Echo Show devices recently launched by Amazon. A next-gen model would have to speed up responses, run more features on the device for privacy and reliability, and tighten the handoff between voice and touch.
There is also the quiet question of branding. Google has been using “Google Home” more widely, so a new screen might lean that way instead of Nest.
Making it feel genuinely new
A credible follow-up would likely bring a faster chipset, better far-field mics, a brighter and sharper screen, and a more capable camera with privacy controls that are obvious at a glance.
Local Matter control is table stakes now, so stronger local automations and scene suggestions would help. Gemini is the real swing. If the assistant can use the camera for visual understanding, show context cards that update live, and keep your household routines running without cloud delays, the experience would finally match the promise.
A good smart display cuts through the noise, shows what you need, and lets the whole household get things done without juggling phones. Lean into that, and the Hub idea makes sense again.
