Fresh leaks have finally confirmed what we’ve suspected for some time – Google is making a pint-sized version of its excellent Google Home. This Echo Dot-like digital butler will be a good deal cheaper, smaller and a bit less feature-packed than its larger sibling.
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It’s about time, too. The Echo Dot has so far been a fantastic alternative to those pricier digital assistants, and it’s been in dire need of some competition. This move to a smaller device was inevitable, and it’s sorely needed.
Despite the initial leak, coming to us from Droid Life, not much else is known about the Google Home Mini. We’re yet to receive any official details from Google themselves, although a launch event – along with the grand unveiling of the Pixel 2 – is scheduled for 4 October 2017. This article will be regularly updated as new information is released.
Here’s absolutely everything we know so far about Google Home Mini, including UK price, UK release date, specifications, features and design.
Google Home Mini UK release date: When’s it coming out?
The Google Home Mini is scheduled for a grand unveiling on 4 October, during the firm's “Made by Google” event. Starting at 5pm, Google will finally spill the beans on the Google Home Mini and lift the lid on the Pixel 2, Chromebook Pixel and new Daydream View.
Google Home Mini UK price: How much will it cost?
According to the Droid Life leak, the Google Home Mini will retail for $50 (~£37). That’s a good $80 cheaper than the regular Google Home and just $5 more than the latest Echo Dot.
Google Home Mini features: What’s so special?
But what’s the difference between the Google Home Mini and its regular-sized alternative? Well, aside from it being smaller and cheaper, this mini version scraps the high-quality speakers of its bigger brother, with the focus solely on Google Assistant.
The devices are also said to need a power adapter and aren't intended to be portable, just like the Echo Dot.
Google Home Mini design: What does it look like?
The hockey puck-like Google Home Mini comes in three colours: chalk, charcoal and coral. You won’t be able to swap colours or buy different base textures like you can with the regular Home, so choose wisely.
Google Home Mini: Early verdict
At first pass, the Google Home Mini looks like a step in the right direction. We don’t all have £129 to spare for a digital helper, so offering a cheaper alternative is more than welcome.
Whether or not the Google Home Mini will be a better purchase than the Echo Dot is anyone’s guess. One thing's for sure: we’ll find out very soon.