Nest Audio Drop-In PCB - Open Source Replacement (Following the Mini's Success!

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I’m excited to announce a new open-source project: a drop-in PCB replacement for the Google Nest Audio that converts it into a fully local Home Assistant voice assistant!

Background
This project is inspired by the amazing nest-mini-drop-in-pcb by @iMike78. After seeing the success of converting Nest Mini speakers, I wanted to tackle the bigger brother - the Nest Audio with its superior speaker drivers.

Current Status

  • :white_check_mark: Project initialized
  • :white_check_mark: GitHub repo created
  • :white_check_mark: Documentation started
  • :arrows_counterclockwise: 3D scanning at local library (next week!)
  • :hourglass_flowing_sand: PCB design (waiting for measurements)
  • :hourglass_flowing_sand: Prototype testing

Hardware Specs (Planned)

  • ESP32-S3R8 (WiFi, BLE, wake word)
  • XMOS XU316 DSP (AEC, beamforming)
  • Compatible with Nest Audio’s dual speakers
  • USB-C + 14V barrel power
  • Drop-in replacement (uses original mounting)

Why This Matters
The Nest Audio has much better audio hardware than the Mini but is still locked to Google’s ecosystem. This PCB will unlock it for Home Assistant users who want high-quality local voice control.

Get Involved
:octopus: GitHub: GitHub - rauli2780/nest-audio-pcb: Open-source drop-in PCB replacement for Google Nest Audio with Home Assistant integration
:clipboard: Looking for: Measurements, testing help, feedback
:speech_balloon: Discussions: This thread!

License: CERN-OHL-S v2 (fully open source)

Would love feedback from the community, especially:

  • Anyone with Nest Audio teardown experience?
  • Suggestions for audio amplifier selection?
  • Interest in beta testing prototypes?

Let’s make this happen! :rocket:

#voiceassistant #opensource #nestaudio Hardware

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Nice to see interest expanding beyond the Mini :slightly_smiling_face:

Just to add some context from my side: the Nest Audio is also on my long-term roadmap. However, since it’s a higher-priced speaker with significantly lower market penetration compared to the Home/Nest Mini, it naturally ended up lower in priority.

My focus so far has been on serving the largest existing user base — people who already own Minis in large numbers and want to give them a second life and/or de-Google them.

Looking forward to seeing how this evolves, and best of luck with the project.

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FYI, also see that @rauli2780 has started his own discussions forum about this specific project in his GitHub repository for it to collect community feedback and input in the public (which I think is great for full transparency), see:

By the way, also check out this related general thread that discusses overall ideas about all these projects with drop-in replacement PCBs for different Google Home and Google Nest speakers that should be based on the generic Home Assistant Preview Edition circuit board design combining ESP32 chips with XMOS DSP and made for running ESPHome:

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I’m guessing these would probably require a little bit more powerful amplifier. Very cool to see another project implement it other than satellite1. Following!