“Hey Google, Wish Mom a Happy Mother’s Day”

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Do you remember the red Batphone that gave Commissioner Gordon a direct line of communication with Batman in the classic 1966 TV series? Well, after years of not being able to convince my mom to get her own cell phone (she doesn’t need one, she says), I’ve gifted her with my own version of the Batphone: a Nest Hub Max.

And effectively, it’s her Batphone to me as well. The Nest Hub Max offers my mom an instant connection — via Google Duo for voice and video calls — that’s easy to use, and doesn’t require memorizing specific commands or confusing menus. Being able to speak naturally to Google Assistant also helps eliminate the intimidation factor of modern tech, which is an important aspect for someone who grew up in an analog era.

For too long, my method of trying to reach my mom was leaving “breadcrumbs” to indicate that I had called. Since she gets too many spam calls on the land line, she keeps the ringer off. This would force me to talk aimlessly into the answering machine, hoping she’d hear its broadcast, or try my dad’s cell phone only to find that it had been turned off and put in a drawer somewhere. And it’s not like I can drive from California to Texas to check on her.

With the Nest Hub Max, there’s no worry about whether it’s out of batteries, if the ringer is off, or if it’s not in plain view. When I initiate a video call, my mom can see a live preview of me on the screen, giving her confidence that it’s not a voice phishing scam.

And the wide angle camera with Smart Framing lets me enjoy my favorite pastime, hanging out in the kitchen with my mom while she cooks. The Nest Hub Max automatically keeps Mom in view so she’s free to move around and grab ingredients or cookware, making it feel like we’re in the same space together.

Now, we get to chit chat way more often and share funny stories about our day. And I think all moms would agree that these shared moments are the best gifts that anyone could give for Mother’s Day.

More Ways to Enjoy Mother’s Day with Google Assistant

Every Nest smart speaker and smart display offers access to Google Assistant, and there are a lot ways that this virtual helper can make your busy day that much easier. Here are some phrases you could try saying to Google Assistant to help you prep for Mother’s Day.

“Hey Google, order flowers”

If your personalization and payment methods are active, Google Assistant will add the available item from Google Shopping into your cart. All that’s left to do is confirm checkout and wait for the item(s) to conveniently arrive at your home.

“Hey Google, make a group call”

Help mom feel closer to all of her friends and family with an easy group call. People can join the group call with their phone, smart speaker, smart display, laptop, or any device that’s compatible with Google Duo.

“Hey Google, book a table at [restaurant] for Mother’s Day”

Mother’s Day brunch is a big tradition for my family and many others, so it’s best to have a table waiting for you on that busy Sunday. After Google Assistant asks you a few follow up questions, like what time/date and for how many people, it will attempt to make an online reservation or call the restaurant on your behalf.

“Hey Google, remind me to call Mom on Sunday”

Since my mom lives in a different time zone, I use this feature a lot to make sure I don’t forget to call until it’s too late and they’re already asleep. You can set these types of reminders well into the future, too. I also have a reminder to call my mom for her birthday.

“Hey Google, show me a recipe for [favorite dish]”

If you’re hosting mom on the special day, Google Assistant on the Nest Hub Max can display step-by-step recipes for you follow along with. You can even use your voice or wave your hand to pause and resume the recipe as you’re cooking.

Share a Live Album to display on Mom’s Nest Hub Max

This one isn’t a phrase for Google Assistant, but it’s a really cool feature that lets mom see your best photos on her own smart display. Create and share a Live Album with Google Photos, and Nest Hub Max will play a slideshow which automatically updates everyone’s devices whenever you add new photos.