A:AnswerI have Echo speakers and a Google Nest Hub display. For streaming music and audiobooks, I prefer the Echo devices because they support streaming over WiFi for more services. With the Google Nest Hub, you can stream using Bluetooth if the service is not supported, but I find that is less convenient. Also, the sound quality of my Echo speakers is better than the Nest Hub, but that's to be expected, since the speakers are larger.
But for controlling my smart home devices, the Google Nest Hub wins hands down. I think it's much better than Alexa for that. The Nest Hub also offers a lots of video features that an Echo speaker obviously does not. I have not compared the Google Nest Hub to an Echo Show device, such as the new Echo Show 5, but if you search YouTube, there are videos where reviewers compare the two devices.
A:AnswerI had no idea that I needed a Google Home when my daughter gave me one for Christmas last year. It turned out to be the gift that I have used more than any other! Every day, I listen to music on it and control my smart devices on it. I pre-ordered the Google Home Hub and have absolutely loved the addition of the screen as a digital photo frame and the touch-screen functionality. The sound quality of the Google Home is amazing. My daughter got the Google Home Mini included with her Pixel phone and says that it is all she needs.
You will have to decide for yourself what features you will use to determine which device is right for you.
A:AnswerProbably just needs a reset and to re-connect to you Google home app. I've found occasionally it gets mixed up. Usually it fixes itself if you just wait a little while. But if that doesn't help try doing a hard reset. Should fix the problem I'd expect.
A:AnswerThe Documentation says it will connect via Bluetooth. I have not used this feature but often cast audio to it from phone apps. Just now, confirmed that video casts as well from youtube to the Google Home Hub.
A:AnswerGoogle home has a power transformer that plugs into a 120 volt outlet, no battery powered option is available that I know of. I do not know about the mini, but I would guess it is the same.
