Google’s Home Max is no more. The Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG)(NASDAQ: GOOGL) division has stopped production of its attempt to tackle a premium smart speaker Sonos (NASDAQ: SONO) and Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL).
According to the website Engadget, Google has discontinued production of the expensive audio device and the remaining stock has sold out. But because it still produces Nest branded speakers, Google stays in the mix for consumers’ ears.
An exploded view of the Home Max speaker. Image Source: Google.
The Home Max launched in 2017 at a price of $ 300 in an effort to compete with the Sonos Play: 5 and Apple’s HomePod in hi-fi audio, but sales never really took off. And given Google’s more recent focus on improving the sound quality of the Nest Mini and Nest Audio, it was probably a matter of time before the tech giant killed the device.
All manufacturers have improved the audio experience on mini devices as the low-cost end of the market begins to merge seamlessly with premium devices. While audiophiles can probably tell the difference, these mini speakers are more than enough for the vast majority of users.
Additionally, Google’s Nest is now regarded as a leading player in this field when it comes to sound quality. Still, the competition is getting fierce as Apple recently released the $ 99 HomePod Mini and Google’s own Nest Audio goes for a similar price.
Earlier this year, Sonos took both Apple and Google to court, accusing them of stealing proprietary speaker technology for their own audio equipment.
Google says existing Home Max users should not worry as their devices are still supported and will continue to receive software updates and security fixes.