Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) gains sleep stages and Sleep Sensing pricing

When we reviewed the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) in March 2021, we were impressed with most of the standard smart display aspects of the device. It sounds better than the original, it’s cheaper, and it regularly receives new software updates. However, we found its sleep tracking implementation to be quite basic. Also, Google released the device and told us Sleep Sensing (its name for sleep tracking) would be a paid feature sometime in 2022, though it didn’t tell us how much it’d cost.

Today, Google is giving us important updates on all of those issues. For starters, the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) can now track your sleep stages — light, deep, REM — as well as how often you were awake during the night. Considering sleep stage tracking is available on just about every wrist-based wearable out there, Google is definitely playing catch-up to most other sleep trackers with this update. Sleep stage data will show up in the Duration and Quality screens in the Google Fit app. You can also view these stats right on your Nest Hub every morning.

Google has also given us details on how much Sleep Sensing will cost for Nest Hub owners. To access it in 2023, you will need to sign up for Fitbit Premium, which currently costs $9.99/month or $79.99/year. Google initially told us Sleep Sensing would be a paid feature in 2022, but it has moved that back to 2023.

Our review: Is Fitbit Premium worth it?

Here at Android Authority, we are continually on the fence about Fitbit Premium’s value. While it does provide useful additional insights for Fitbit devices, we aren’t thrilled that Fitbit locks extra features behind a monthly fee. However, if you own a Fitbit device and use a Nest Hub for additional sleep tracking data, that $10/month price tag just became a little bit more valuable.

You can sign up for Fitbit Premium at the link below.

Two additional updates are coming to the smart display. Google says the Nest Hub will now only display coughs and snores from your dedicated sleeping area in your bed — any other coughs and snores from a partner or a dog will now appear in an “other sounds” timeline.

And in December 2021, the Calm app is coming to the Nest Hub via Google Assistant. You can ask the Assistant to start a meditation or listen to a Sleep Story. Non-premium Calm members will have access to several free tracks in December, but the full catalog will only be accessible by Calm Premium members.

All of these updates will begin rolling out to 2nd Gen Nest Hub devices today and should make their way globally over the next few weeks.