Feel really guilty, my one family member gave me this. I don’t use much google stuff anymore and I really dislike the company as it gets more intrusive. Is there anything I can do with this thing besides give it away? Nothing is worse than getting a gift that you can’t use.
Looks like it’s technically possible to replace the OS, if you wanted to explore that option https://fredericb.info/2022/06/breaking-secure-boot-on-google-nest-hub-2nd-gen-to-run-ubuntu.html
It might* be worth trying this and installing home assistant.
*I say might because I just got some IoT stuff on sale and installed home assistant before realising there’s nothing useful in home automation except zoned heating. Fun to play with though, I guess.