Voice assistant improvements

Google has updated its smart home control apps, enhancing the capabilities of its Gemini voice assistant and connected devices. The assistant now better handles requests to move music between rooms, such as "move Mozart to the living room," according to Google's blog.

Addressing misunderstandings

The updates fix previous issues where Gemini would respond with "Sorry, I didn't understand" when no one was speaking, which gave the impression that the device was speaking on its own. These fixes apply to Gemini for Home, which remains in early access and is available in about twenty countries, including France, through the Google Home app.

Volume management improvements

Volume management has also been improved. Previously, when changing the volume in another room and the targeted device was unreachable, the device being addressed would change the volume. This issue has been corrected.

Voice command reliability

In the United States, YouTube TV subscribers may see more reliable voice command execution on connected screens, though this service is not available in France. Alarms and timers previously had a defect that set their volume to zero, but now their volume follows that of the device.

Distinguishing features

Gemini now better distinguishes between regular timers, multimedia playback sleep timers, and alarms. The application also gains precision in recognizing different types of Matter locks, such as garage doors, gates, windows, blinds, and cabinets, with appropriate icons and commands.

Energy monitoring

Compatible connected outlets and energy counters on Android now display real-time power consumption and cumulative consumption in kWh. A shortcut on the thermostat screen allows switching to energy-saving temperatures with a single gesture.

Camera performance fixes

For cameras, Google has fixed performance issues. On iOS, scrolling through event history is more reliable, and an "Unavailable Video" error no longer appears at the end of an event. On Android foldable phones, live streams no longer get stuck on a loading icon when the device is folded or unfolded.

Improved face detection

Doorbell detection of people and familiar faces improves on the first-generation wired Nest Doorbell (Nest Hello), including when visitors are far away or at an angle.

Interface improvements

Nine interface fixes have been implemented. On iOS, a device no longer briefly displays "Offline" after a short connection interruption. On Android, unrecorded settings are no longer lost when rotating the screen.

Tablet and screen adjustments

On Pixel Tablet, voice commands for a single device close automatically. On Android tablets, parental controls display correctly in landscape mode.

Router and speaker updates

Updates for speakers, routers, and Chromecast have also been released. Nest Wifi and Nest Wifi Pro handle DNS requests better when a server does not respond. The Nest Wifi Pro automatically switches to the ISP's DNS if the public DNS is blocked.

Mesh network improvements

The mesh network gains reliability, especially on the 2019 Nest Wifi. Chromecast with Google TV HD and 4K move to the August 2026 Android security patch, with improvements in connectivity, streaming, and display.

Wi-Fi 7 support

Google speakers can connect to secure Wi-Fi 7 access points using WPA3. First-generation Google Home, Google Home Mini, and Nest Audio offer smoother streaming playback. The Google Home Speaker, Nest Audio, and Nest Mini are detected more quickly by the app.

Audio improvements

Speaker pairs have less intrusive bass, and the sound remains audible at the minimum volume. Google also fixes the disappearance of speaker groups and stereo pairs in the app, as well as Bluetooth playback that would pause after a voice command to resume.

Stable connections for cameras

More stable connections for cameras have been achieved. Five older models receive an update that stabilizes Wi-Fi reconnection: first-generation Nest Cam Indoor and Outdoor, the Nest Hello doorbell, and the Nest Cam IQ Indoor and Outdoor.

Night vision improvements

On first-generation Nest Cams, night vision now activates without the 15 to 20-second delay previously observed. The Nest Hello corrects an audio-video desynchronization that could cause restarts. On Nest Cam IQ, the light circle no longer flashes blue erroneously when the Wi-Fi connection drops.

Updating the app

For the app's new features, users can update Google Home from the Play Store or App Store. Firmware for speakers is installed in the background, and users cannot force its installation. Owners of Chromecast with Google TV can initiate a firmware update search in the device's settings.

Gemini's role in documentation

Google notes that these version notes were written with the help of Gemini and may contain errors.