LibbyVideo calls are all the rage now, thanks to the Covid Crisis, we’re all hunkering down for the foreseeable future. But that doesn’t mean complete isolation. The Google Nest Hub Max aims to make intuitive video conferencing, connecting you with coworkers and loved ones near and far, using the resourceful Google Duo app. With well documented fails from presenting as a potato to family members walking in, the tech may be intuitive but the user has to keep up their end of the bargain too! With that, we’ve got a few tips and tricks to help make the most of your time, so keep your pants on, literally, here’s our list of best practices for video calls, for any device.
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Top Tips for Video Calls with Google Nest Hub Max
Tip #1: Location, Location, Location
From a noisy kitchen in an open concept setting to poor lighting in a dank basement, the environment in which you plan to take the call is almost as important as the content you’re set to deliver. So take away the Titanic-feel and ensure you’re in a quiet, well-lit and level area.
Tip #2: Invite anyone, Invite everyone!
If you’re drafting a wordy email to your boss, or a lengthy-tell all to your bestie, maybe the medium is really the message, so convey the clearest thoughts directly, and straight away with a video call. Worse case, they don’t answer. Make it personal and put yourself out there.
Tip #3: Audio Issues? Turn on captions
Using the Meet’s live caption service you can be sure what everyone is saying even in a noisy setting or without fancy audio headphones. Take the guess work out of that quiet talker and make sure you’re all on the same page.
Tip #4: Security First
With Duo all your calls are encrypted, which means they’re private to you and the person you’re calling. House Party, Zoom and a few other conferencing-style services are currently under attack for lax security measures. Opt in for Google-level security and ensure everything stays between the intended audience.
Tip #5: Put Your Best Face Forward
No one is expecting a glamour shot these days, so please don’t bother, but you can at least ensure your teeth are free of last night’s nacho party. Wearing a bright coloured top can also help with your no doubt pale complexion, and you may even lift the spirits of the one you’re calling.
Technical Specs:
- 10″ HD touchscreen (1280×800)
- Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz/5GHz) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Chromecast built in
- 6.5-megapixel camera with 127-degree wide field of view and auto-framing, Face Match technology, Quick Gestures, Camera and microphone on/off switch
- Stereo speaker system (2x 18mm 10W tweeters, 1x 75mm 30W woofer)
- Face recognition software curates content just for you
- Compatible with Android, iOS
Learn more about the Google Nest Hub Max or catch our first overview of this nifty tech here.
Thanks Google for partnering with us for this review. We did receive this product free, but all our opinions are our own.
All photos by Libby Roach.