Google’s Nest Hub Max will soon end support for both Google Meet and Zoom as the company continues to cut on-screen features.
This news comes from a user on the Google Home subreddit stating that they have received messages stating that they will no longer be able to make calls via Google Meet by the end of September. More specifically, September 28th according to 9To5Google. Zoom, on the other hand, will live just a little longer.
A zoom support page explains that it will go offline on the Nest Hub from September 30. The message makes it clear that the app will eventually stop working on the device and that “no further updates will be available.” After that date, you won’t even be able to install Zoom or log in to the Nest Hub Max. It’s getting dark forever.
When asked by 9To5Google why they are doing this, a Google spokesperson claims that the company wants to shift its focus to making the Google Assistant “more useful” while planning to implement “generative AI capabilities.” Because of this shift, “some underutilized functions” will need to be eliminated to make room.
Totally cut off
As you can imagine, people online are not too happy with this decision. One user on the subreddit says this essentially turns the Nest Hub Max into a “giant paperweight.”
Zoom has arrived on the Nest Hub Max during the COVID-19 pandemic as an easy way to start and join group video calls without another external device. Additionally, it gave the smart home display an additional level of functionality, allowing it to be integrated into a remote working setup. People flocked to the smart home screen because of its usability, but now one of its existing purposes is to abandon it.
You could say that Zoom is being dropped because the company doesn’t want third-party competition on its hardware. Fair enough, but that doesn’t explain why first-party services like Google Meet are being dropped. Maybe it was ignored by the user base. Assuming this is the case, we can’t help but wonder what else will get the axe. Last June, games on the device have been deleted. At this rate, the Nest Hub Max could become an island, completely cut off from the rest of Google’s ecosystem.
Uncertain future
It is unknown whether the smart display can still make video calls at all. A set of instructions left how to use Google Duo on the Hub Max is still live on the Nest Help website. However, if you remember, Duo was merged with Google Meet last year so it probably won’t work. We asked Google to clarify whether the device can still make video calls, and if so, how does that work? This story will be updated at a later date.
After seeing this change, you’re probably thinking about getting a replacement for your Nest Hub Max. We recommend checking out TechRadar’s list of the best smart displays for 2023 if you want some suggestions.