Concern About Future of Google Nest Speakers with Home Assistant for Notifications and Media Playback

Hardware
1

Hi everyone,

I’ve invested heavily in Google Nest speakers (they are all over my home) and use them primarily with Home Assistant for:

1. Audio Notifications: Sending Text-to-Speech (TTS) alerts and announcements.
2. Media Playback: playing audio streams or files through the speakers.

I’m starting to worry about the future of these devices. If Google were to discontinue the Nest speakers or stop supporting them, would they still work for these purposes?

I’ve built a significant part of my smart home around these devices, and I’m concerned that my investment could be at risk. If there are any recommendations for more future-proof alternatives, I’d love to hear them as well but primarily I would like to stick with Google nest devise as they are very easy to setup. I am not an ESP expert so setting anything around that would be challenging for me.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

2

If all you use them for is audio out then you could just setup some generic DLNA speakers instead or for places where you already have decent speakers setup just get a device to cast to with a HDMI audio extractor for the connections the speakers use.

i.e a device like this should be able to work with speakers with a 3.5mm input:

https://www.amazon.com.au/Wireles-Wireless-Streamer-Supported-Receiver/dp/B0D9FWL6P1

3

There’s also a Home Assistant voice assistant / speaker due out before Christmas (hopefully, if all goes well).

4

Thank you so much for providing alternate solutions. As I mentioned in my initial post, I have already invested in Google Nest Mini speakers. I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on how their functionality might be retained even if Google discontinues support or service. For example, are there any third-party APIs or alternative solutions available?

I’ve also done some research on DLNA, which seems like an intriguing option. However, it appears that only a limited number of compatible devices are currently available on the market.

5

That’s the problem with buying cloud dependant devices. If they shut down the cloud service your device stops functioning.

Pretty much your only option is to gut the speaker and use the case. See: GitHub - justLV/onju-voice: A hackable AI home assistant platform

?

DLNA is an interoperability standard that has been around since 2004. It is supported by an enormous number of devices but as you said you are not interested in alternate solutions I’m not sure why you bring this up.

6

As Tom said, most ‘smart’ media devices are DLNA compatible. I guess that they just don’t list it in descriptions.

1 Like
7

Thank you all for your responses—they were incredibly helpful! After considering the potential risks of Google Nest devices becoming obsolete if Google discontinues support, I decided to purchase two alternatives:

  • AudioCast M5 and;
  • Xiaomi Smart TV Box (Gen 2).

Both devices have performed well.

The AudioCast M5 stands out because it remains connected at all times and doesn’t go into sleep mode, ensuring uninterrupted performance.

The Xiaomi Smart TV Box (Gen 2) is also a great option, especially for notifications or alarms that don’t require instant alerts. You can power it on using an IR blaster, allowing your notifications or alarms to play. However, since the power-on process takes a few seconds, it may not be ideal for time-sensitive situations. One advantage is its 3.5mm audio jack, enabling audio output without the need for a connected screen.

Thanks