Google announces Home Hub, its Assistant-based smart display

Google is holding its annual hardware event today, where it's launching a variety of devices like the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel Slate, and the Home Hub. The Home Hub is the latest member of the Google Home family, which is powered by Google Assistant.

But this one actually has a screen. Interestingly, while Google spent a fair amount of time discussing the product onstage, the concept isn't new. Lenovo already did this with its Smart Display, which is also powered by Assistant.

The screen adds an additional dimension to Assistant. Not only is it a hub for all of your smart devices, but you can now get visual answers to questions, and even watch YouTube videos. You can ask for the weather and get a full forecast, or you can ask for a recipe and have the device guide you through cooking something.

There's also a Home View, which allows you to view all of your devices. You can use this to control your cameras, turn your lights on and off, and so on. With the Home app, you can also control these things when you're not at home.

There's a downtime mode for when you don't want to be interrupted, although it will automatically shut off the screen when you're asleep and not home. Downtime mode will be interrupted by critical tasks like alarms.

You can pre-order Home Hub beginning today for $149, and it will be available on October 22. It also comes with six months of YouTube Premium.