I Made My Own Google Nest Hub with an ESP32 and Claude Code, but I Don’t Recommend It
In the world of smart home technology, the Google Nest Hub has become a popular choice for many households. Its sleek design, voice-activated controls, and integration with Google Assistant make it a convenient addition to any modern home. However, for those who enjoy tinkering and experimenting with technology, the idea of creating a DIY version of the Nest Hub can be quite appealing. This is exactly what I attempted to do using an ESP32 microcontroller and Claude Code. While the project was an interesting learning experience, I must admit that I do not recommend it for most people. In this article, we will explore the process, challenges, and reasons why this DIY approach may not be the best option for everyone.
The Inspiration Behind the Project
The idea of building a custom Google Nest Hub stemmed from a desire to understand how smart home devices work and to create something unique. The ESP32, a powerful and versatile microcontroller, seemed like the perfect choice for this project. With its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, it could potentially handle the tasks required for a smart display. Additionally, Claude Code, an advanced AI model, was used to assist in programming and troubleshooting the device. The goal was to create a functional smart display that could rival the Google Nest Hub in terms of features and usability.
The Components and Setup
To begin the project, I gathered the necessary components, including an ESP32 development board, a small touchscreen display, a speaker, a microphone, and various sensors. The ESP32 was chosen for its dual-core processor, which could handle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as processing voice commands and displaying information on the screen. The touchscreen display was selected for its compatibility with the ESP32 and its ability to provide a user-friendly interface.
The setup process involved connecting the touchscreen to the ESP32, integrating the microphone and speaker for voice interactions, and adding sensors for environmental monitoring. The code was written using the Arduino IDE, with assistance from Claude Code to optimize the programming and debug any issues that arose.
The Challenges Faced
Despite the initial excitement, the project quickly revealed several challenges that made it difficult to achieve the desired outcome. One of the primary issues was the limited processing power of the ESP32 compared to the more advanced hardware used in commercial smart displays. This limitation affected the device’s ability to handle complex tasks, such as voice recognition and real-time data processing, which are essential for a seamless user experience.
Another significant challenge was the lack of a robust operating system. Unlike the Google Nest Hub, which runs on a specialized version of Android, the DIY version had to rely on custom firmware. This made it difficult to implement advanced features, such as smooth animations, multitasking, and integration with third-party services. Additionally, the touchscreen interface was not as responsive or intuitive as that of the Nest Hub, leading to a less satisfying user experience.
The Role of Claude Code
Claude Code played a crucial role in the development process, providing valuable insights and suggestions for optimizing the code. However, even with the assistance of this advanced AI model, there were limitations to what could be achieved with the hardware at hand. The code had to be carefully optimized to run efficiently on the ESP32, which often meant sacrificing certain features or functionalities.
Moreover, the integration of voice recognition and natural language processing proved to be a significant hurdle. While Claude Code could assist in writing the necessary algorithms, the ESP32’s limited resources made it challenging to implement a reliable and accurate voice recognition system. This was a critical shortcoming, as voice control is a key feature of any smart display.
The Final Outcome
After weeks of troubleshooting and refining the code, the DIY Google Nest Hub was finally functional. It could display basic information, such as weather updates and calendar events, and respond to simple voice commands. However, the overall performance was far from the smooth and seamless experience offered by the commercial Nest Hub.
The device was prone to lag, especially when running multiple tasks simultaneously. The voice recognition system was often inaccurate, requiring users to repeat commands multiple times. Additionally, the lack of integration with popular smart home platforms, such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa, limited the device’s functionality and appeal.
Why I Don’t Recommend It
While the project was a valuable learning experience, I do not recommend building a DIY Google Nest Hub for several reasons. First and foremost, the time and effort required to achieve a functional device are significant. For most people, the convenience and reliability of a commercial smart display far outweigh the benefits of a DIY project.
Secondly, the performance and user experience of a DIY device are unlikely to match those of a professionally designed product. The ESP32, while powerful for a microcontroller, simply cannot compete with the hardware and software optimizations found in commercial smart displays. This results in a device that is less responsive, less reliable, and less feature-rich.
Finally, the lack of ongoing support and updates is a major drawback. Commercial smart displays receive regular firmware updates, which improve performance, add new features, and address security vulnerabilities. A DIY device, on the other hand, would require manual updates and maintenance, which can be time-consuming and challenging for non-technical users.
Alternative Options
For those interested in smart home technology, there are several alternative options that offer a better balance of performance, features, and ease of use. Commercial smart displays, such as the Google Nest Hub, Amazon Echo Show, and Apple HomePod, provide a seamless and reliable experience with regular updates and support.
Alternatively, for those who enjoy DIY projects, there are simpler and more achievable options available. For example, creating a basic smart home controller using a Raspberry Pi and open-source software can be a rewarding project that does not require the same level of complexity and resources as a full-fledged smart display.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while building a DIY Google Nest Hub with an ESP32 and Claude Code was an intriguing project, it is not a practical or recommended endeavor for most people. The challenges of hardware limitations, software development, and user experience make it difficult to achieve a device that can rival commercial smart displays. For those seeking a reliable and feature-rich smart home solution, investing in a commercial product is the best option. However, for those who are passionate about learning and experimentation, the project can still serve as a valuable educational experience, providing insights into the complexities of smart home technology.