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What it's like inside a life-size Google Home Max

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Massive Google Home Max
Tucked away on a grassy hill at Shoreline Amphitheater sits a life-size Google Home Max.
The speaker made its first appearance backstage at this year's Coachella festival, where artists and influencers had the chance to check it out.
The entire enclosure measures 15 x 10 x 10-feet.
At Google I/O, it was our turn to get a tour.
Google I/O 2018
Published: May 9, 2018 -- 19:47 GMT (12:47 PDT)
Photo by: Jason Cipriani/ZDNet

Caption by: Jason Cipriani
The entrance
A glass door with the Google logo is the only barrier between the outside world and musical nirvana.
Google I/O 2018
Published: May 9, 2018 -- 19:47 GMT (12:47 PDT)
Photo by: Jason Cipriani/ZDNet

Caption by: Jason Cipriani
Yes, the outside lights work
The front panel of the real Google Home Max lights up as you interact with it. Not to let any detail go, Google built the same lights into the front panel. It's hard to see them lighting up here, but at night, the lights shine bright.
Google I/O 2018
Published: May 9, 2018 -- 19:47 GMT (12:47 PDT)
Photo by: Jason Cipriani/ZDNet

Caption by: Jason Cipriani
A single speaker awaits you
To start the demo, Google has a suggested query. However, after the initial song selection you can ask the Home Max anything you normally would ask the Google Assistant smart speaker.
Google I/O 2018
Published: May 9, 2018 -- 19:47 GMT (12:47 PDT)
Photo by: Jason Cipriani/ZDNet

Caption by: Jason Cipriani
Lights -- it's all about lights
Each song is limited to a 30-second clip due to licensing requirements, but the light show that accompanies each clip is unique and always changing.
Google I/O 2018
Published: May 9, 2018 -- 19:47 GMT (12:47 PDT)
Photo by: Jason Cipriani/ZDNet

Caption by: Jason Cipriani
It's a little trippy
A series of mirrors and 85 LED panels work in unison to make the entire experience immersive.
There are a total of 22 acrylic ribs inside, adding to the lighting effects.
Google I/O 2018
Published: May 9, 2018 -- 19:47 GMT (12:47 PDT)
Photo by: Jason Cipriani/ZDNet

Caption by: Jason Cipriani
Google Home Max
During the opening keynote, Google announced a series of new features coming to Google Assistant and its Home devices.
Google I/O 2018
Published: May 9, 2018 -- 19:47 GMT (12:47 PDT)
Photo by: Jason Cipriani/ZDNet

Caption by: Jason Cipriani
Assistant gets smarter
Assistant will gain six new voices, extended listening times for a more conversation-like experience.
Google even showed a demo of Duplex, an upcoming feature where Google Assistant makes calls on your behalf to schedule haircuts or an oil change. It was both creepy and impressive at the same time.
Google I/O 2018
Published: May 9, 2018 -- 19:47 GMT (12:47 PDT)
Photo by: Jason Cipriani/ZDNet

Caption by: Jason Cipriani
It's worth a visit
My favorite part of being inside a Google Home Max wasn't the music, but the air conditioning.
If you have a chance to check out the mega-sized Google Home Max in your city, it's worth a quick tour.
Google I/O 2018
Published: May 9, 2018 -- 19:47 GMT (12:47 PDT)
Photo by: Jason Cipriani/ZDNet

Caption by: Jason Cipriani

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Despite its size, the giant speaker can be moved and will begin showing up in random cities across the US.

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The entrance

A glass door with the Google logo is the only barrier between the outside world and musical nirvana.

Google I/O 2018

Published: May 9, 2018 -- 19:47 GMT (12:47 PDT)

Caption by: Jason Cipriani

2 of 9 NEXT PREV

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