Google (store.google.com) Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
by Google · March 2021
The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is a smart display with a 7-inch touchscreen and Google Assistant. It features Sleep Sensing radar technology that tracks your sleep without a camera, Ambient IQ that adjusts the display to match room lighting, and Thread/Matter support for next-generation smart home control. The deliberate omission of a camera makes it a more privacy-conscious bedroom device.
Capabilities
Specifications
Physical
Sensing & Perception
Computing & AI
Connectivity
Other
Pricing and Availability
This robot is currently available for purchase from the manufacturer or authorized retailers.
AI, Data & Privacy
Good - EU data processing option available
This robot offers multi-region cloud processing, which typically includes EU-based server options. EU residents may be able to ensure their data stays within EU borders, though this depends on the specific configuration. Check the manufacturer's privacy policy for region selection details.
How to keep it private
Sleep Sensing runs entirely on-device using Soli radar. Wake word detection ("Hey Google") is processed locally. All other Assistant features require cloud processing. Basic photo frame and alarm clock features work without internet.
Available privacy controls
The Nest Hub 2nd Gen deliberately omits a camera, making it more suitable for bedrooms and private spaces
Granular controls in Google Account settings to pause or auto-delete Web and App Activity, including voice recordings
Sleep Sensing radar data is processed entirely on-device with only sleep summaries optionally synced to Google Fit
Enable Guest Mode to prevent interactions from being saved to your Google Account
Enable auto-delete for Web and App Activity (3-month or 18-month). Use Guest Mode when you want interactions not linked to your account. The lack of a camera is a genuine privacy advantage over competing smart displays. Sleep Sensing data stays on-device by default. EU users benefit from GDPR-compliant data processing in European data centers.
What this means for EU residents
Google processes voice data in regional data centers. EU users can have data processed in European data centers. Activity controls allow users to manage what data is saved. Sleep Sensing data is processed on-device with only summary results optionally synced to Google Fit.
What the AI can do 8 capabilities
Security features 4 features
- encrypted-in-transit
- on-device-sleep-processing
- no-camera
- wake-word-only-listening
Configurability details App Only
Google Home app for device setup, routines, smart home control. Google Activity Controls for privacy management. No public SDK for hardware. Supports Matter for third-party device integration.
Research notice
The information above is compiled from manufacturer documentation, published privacy policies, independent security research, and community findings as of the dates listed in our sources. AI capabilities, privacy features, and data handling practices may change with firmware updates or policy revisions. We make every effort to be accurate, but errors are possible. Always do your own research before purchasing. Check the manufacturer's latest privacy policy and terms of service directly for the most current information.
Sources
All information on this page is based on the following sources. Links open in a new tab.
- Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) Product Page - accessed 2026-03-29
- Google Nest Privacy Commitments - accessed 2026-03-29
- Google Activity Controls - accessed 2026-03-29