FCC filing reveals mysterious new Google device, but no one knows what it’s for

By Georgina Torbet Updated June 1, 2019

Google Home Mini

A new Google media device has appeared in information on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) website, but so far no one is quite sure what the device is or what it will do.

The FCC information was discovered under Google’s FCC ID by Droid Life. The device is listed only as A4RH2B, or model number H2B. It is speculated to be a Google Home device because of its similarity to previous model numbers. Per Droid Life, Google Home Mini was H0A, Google Home Max was H0B, Home Hub was H1A, and the Nest Hub Max is H2A.

The likelihood is good that the new device is either for the Google Home or Nest product lines. And there are some more clues about what it could be based on the information on the FCC site.

Firstly, this schematic of the bottom of the device appeared on the FCC information:

FCC

The rounded shape suggests it is designed to be placed on a flat surface and possibly to be visually attractive from the front and the back, which is important for a device intended to be on display in people’s homes. But the image doesn’t have any indication of scale, so the device could be of any size.

Secondly, the FCC tested the device for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. The information reveals that the device has a lithium ion battery, suggesting it needs to be plugged in and charged because there is no internal power source. Alternatively, it could take replaceable batteries.

Another clue is in the fact that the FCC label information appears printed on the bottom of the device. Droid Life suggests this means the device may not have a screen. When a device has a screen, this information typically appears as an e-label buried somewhere within the software. This is the case with the Nest Hub Max.

Finally, in the general description part of the FCC information, the device is described as a “Media Device.” Previous devices like the Home Hub were described as “Video Streaming Device” so the new device could be something different.

Some of the suggestions for what the device could be include a portable in-car device, a home security device of some kind, or a smart remote. For now, it’s anyone’s guess what the new mystery device is for.

Topics

Georgina Torbet

Space Writer

Georgina is the Digital Trends space writer, covering human space exploration, planetary science, and cosmology. She…

Smart Home

Google Home (Nest Audio) vs. Amazon Echo

Echo 4th Gen

If you're thinking about buying a smart speaker, you might be undecided on what to get. We hear you. With all the news and info you hear about the two most popular voice assistants, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, it's hard to know which one to choose. Given their usefulness from playing music to some other stuff you probably didn't know they could do, it's no wonder they're so invaluable.

While the original Google Home speaker has long been discontinued (the name lives in the all-purpose Google Home app), Google's line of smart Nest speakers, like the Nest Mini and Nest Audio, carry on the tradition with updated features.

Smart Home

How to remove a device from Google Home regardless of Wi-Fi network

nest-audio-lowes-listing

Once you’ve started building a smart home setup with Google Home, you might reach the point where you need to remove one of your devices from your Google account. It may be because you’ve replaced that device with a newer model and decided to sell the older one, or you might have set up the device and then decided to give it to a friend or family member. Whatever the reason, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips on removing a Google Home speaker or device from your Google account -- even if you're not on the same Wi-Fi network.
How do I remove a device from Google?

To remove any devices from your Google Home account, you’ll need to open Google Home and tap on the device you want to remove. This will bring you to the screen for that device. Near the top of the screen, you’ll see a Settings cog icon. Tap the cog icon to see a menu of options for that device. At the bottom of the list, tap Remove Device. Your device will be removed from Google Home. If you don’t see Remove Device, it may have been linked through a third-party app. Read on to see how to remove those types of devices.
Why can't I remove a device from my Google account?
If your device has been linked through a third-party app (SmartHome, Philips Hue, robot vacuums, Kasa, etc.), you’ll need to unlink it before you can delete it from Google Home. Open the Google Home app, scroll down to the device you wish to remove, and tap it. Near the top of the screen, you’ll see a Settings cog icon. Tap that icon, and you’ll enter a menu of options for that device. Near the bottom of the list, you should see Un-link and the name of third party app link. Tap that entry and a dialog box asking you to confirm will appear. You may also be able to access these settings by going into your vacuum's app (for example), seeking out Google settings, and unlinking from there.

Smart Home

Google has three new Nest Cams, but there’s really only one you should buy

A hand adjusting the Google Nest Cam (battery).

If you didn’t know yet, Google announced a trio of new security cameras in its Nest Cam lineup. The upgrades were long in the making given that the original Google Nest Cam was released in 2015, followed by the outdoor variant in 2016 and subsequently two cameras in the Nest Cam IQ series -- the Nest Cam IQ Indoor and Outdoor in 2017. The toughest part about Google’s new Nest Cams is that they’re all similarly named, but they essentially break down to a battery-powered model, another with a floodlight, and an indoor cam that requires a wire for power.

While the indoor model is Google’s lowest-priced security camera ever with a $100 sticker price, I would actually vouch for choosing the battery-powered model instead. It’s without question the most versatile of the bunch. Here’s why.
Double duty security, inside and out
Google Nest Cam (Battery)