Updated
Updated · 9to5Google · Jun 23
Google Rolls Out Home Early-Access Update, Speeds Gemini Voice and Nest Camera Features
Updated
Updated · 9to5Google · Jun 23

Google Rolls Out Home Early-Access Update, Speeds Gemini Voice and Nest Camera Features

2 articles · Updated · 9to5Google · Jun 23

Summary

  • Google has begun rolling out a Google Home early-access update that speeds Gemini commands for alarms, timers, lists, Spotify and YouTube playback, while reducing accidental hotword triggers and background-speech responses.
  • Gemini for Home is also expanding to everyone in a household, including kids, and now answers questions about currently playing media while more reliably ending follow-up conversations when told to stop.
  • Nest Cam and other Google Home cameras gain stronger Gemini support through auto-updated Familiar Faces and audio-based event descriptions that can identify sounds such as barking, alarms or footsteps.
  • The app update also targets device control: Android gets a faster camera event interface, iOS gets a smoother camera timeline, most Nest Thermostats can flag possible HVAC issues, and Matter switch controls are simplified.
  • The release remains limited to Google Home's early-access program for now, alongside bug fixes aimed at lower crash rates, faster widgets and more reliable Android TV, location and camera controls.

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