Google Home scores 8 out of 10 on the scale of repairability

By Karthekayan Iyer | Updated on 09-Nov-2016

09-Nov-2016

HIGHLIGHTS

Google Home uses dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, 512MB DDR3 SDRAM from Samsung and 256MB Toshiba NAND flash

At the October event, Google unveiled its Home speaker along side Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones. Ahead of Google Home's launch, rumours indicated that the speaker won't be based on Chromecast and will offer Google's Cast feature.

Now that Google Home has started shipping to customers, iFixit has put out its official teardown which confirms the hardware is same as the one on 2015 Chromecast. iFixit reveals the Home's processor, flash memory and RAM are exactly the same as the one found on Chromecast 2. The only major difference being the use of an audio amplifier to justify its name.

Google Home uses dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, 512MB DDR3 SDRAM from Samsung and 256MB Toshiba NAND flash. The portable home speaker also offers connectivity options like WLAN, Bluetooth and NFC. The audio amplifier used here is from Texas Instruments.

Google Home scored an 8 out of 10 on iFixit's scale of repairability thanks to the minimal moving parts and use of standard screws and connectors. iFixit's teardown is mostly positive with Google gaining appreciation for use of modular components, which can be replaced individually.

The only downside seems to be the touch board, which is strongly adhered to the upper case. The DC-in port on the other hand is soldered to the motherboard but iFixit says it is unlikely to experience much wear.