CNET reviews: The best Google Assistant-compatible gadgets
Google Home lets you control other smart devices, remember and recall information, make calls and much more. Credit: CBS Interactive
If you haven't yet placed at least one or two voice-controlled devices around your home, chances are you will soon, and one big question is which voice platform to choose. Earlier, we looked at products that were compatible with Alexa, Amazon's voice assistant; this time CNET offers its picks for the best gadgets that play well with the Google Assistant platform.
Lutron Caseta In-Wall Wireless Smart Lighting
CNET rating (out of 5)
4.5 stars (outstanding)
THE GOOD Lutron's in-wall smart switches are reliable performers that work with Alexa, Nest, IFTTT, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant. The app is easy to use and offers plenty of helpful features, including geofencing, scene management and a security mode that'll help make it look like you're home when you're not.
THE BAD You can’t program your lights to fade on or off over a custom length of time.
THE COST $119.90
BOTTOM LINE These are the best-performing, most fully-featured smart switches currently available.
Nest Hello video doorbell
CNET rating (out of 5)
4 stars (excellent)
THE GOOD The optional facial recognition feature and advanced integrations with the Nest Cam IQ Indoor and Google Home speakers set this smart buzzer above the rest.
THE BAD A seemingly unnecessary "chime connector" accessory comes with your purchase and is a required part of the installation for "power management" purposes whether you have a manual or a digital doorbell chime. There's no free video clip storage.
THE COST $199 to $229.99
BOTTOM LINE This is the smartest video doorbell available today, and a solid choice for anyone.
Philips Hue White LED Starter Kit
CNET rating (out of 5)
4 stars (excellent)
THE GOOD The plain vanilla version of Philips Hue's smart LEDs don't change colors, but they do enjoy all the benefits of Hue's well-connected platform. They're also bright, good-looking bulbs with easy-to-use smarts, and you can add extras to your setup for just $15 each.
THE BAD The two-bulb starter kit still comes with a fair share of sticker shock.
THE COST $69.95
BOTTOM LINE It's practically a must-buy if you're serious about smart lighting.
Google Home
CNET rating (out of 5)
4 stars (excellent)
THE GOOD It's loaded with cool features that allow it to make calls, control your smart home, help out in the kitchen and more. It even sounds pretty good when playing music and can control your TV.
THE BAD Google's marquee smart speaker still can't do a couple of basic tasks such as take notes. Its sound quality won't be good enough if you're an audiophile.
THE COST $129.96
BOTTOM LINE This is a great smart speaker with a ton of capabilities.
The following CNET staff contributed to this story: senior associate editors Ry Crist, Andrew Gebhart and Megan Wollerton, and senior editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, visit cnet.com
'It's depressing, it's frustrating' A Newsday investigation revealed that Grumman Aerospace knew toxic chemicals were leaking into the ground in Bethpage. Newsday Associate Editor Paul LaRocco and Deputy Editor David Schwartz explain.
'It's depressing, it's frustrating' A Newsday investigation revealed that Grumman Aerospace knew toxic chemicals were leaking into the ground in Bethpage. Newsday Associate Editor Paul LaRocco and Deputy Editor David Schwartz explain.
