Google has rolled out another major update for Google Home, and this time, it isn’t just about making Gemini smarter. The latest release also brings a long list of fixes for Nest cameras, smart speakers, Wi-Fi routers and Chromecast devices, addressing several frustrating issues across its smart home ecosystem.
The update is part of Google’s regular fortnightly releases, but the latest changelog is particularly extensive. Alongside improvements to Gemini for Home, the company is tackling problems with audio playback, device connectivity and even alarms that could unexpectedly become silent.
For Gemini users, voice commands should now work more reliably, particularly when moving music between rooms. Google has also reduced instances where the assistant responds with ‘Sorry, I did not understand’, sometimes without anyone speaking to it. Voice controls for YouTube TV on smart displays have also been improved.
Another useful fix addresses a bug that could set alarm and timer volumes to zero. Google says affected devices will now match their alarm and timer volume to the device volume. Meanwhile, asking Gemini to adjust the volume in another room should no longer accidentally change the speaker you’re talking to.
The Google Home app is getting some attention, too. On Android, compatible Matter devices such as garage doors, gates and windows will now display more appropriate icons and controls. Matter-enabled smart plugs and energy monitors can also show real-time power consumption and cumulative energy usage directly within the app.
There’s also a new shortcut for switching compatible thermostats to an energy-saving temperature before leaving home, while foldable Android phones get improvements to camera live viewing when switching between folded and unfolded modes.
Perhaps the most welcome changes, however, are for Google’s existing hardware. Google Home and Nest speakers are getting smoother streaming, clearer audio at lower volumes and adjustments to overly heavy bass. Fixes also address disappearing speaker groups, Wi-Fi 7 connection failures and Bluetooth playback unexpectedly pausing.
Older Nest cameras haven’t been forgotten either. Google has improved Wi-Fi reconnection, addressed delayed night vision activation on first-generation Nest Cams and fixed audio synchronisation problems and unexpected restarts affecting Nest Hello. The older doorbell also gets improvements to person and Familiar Face detection.
Elsewhere, Nest Wifi routers and points receive improvements to mesh reliability and DNS fallback, while Chromecast with Google TV HD and 4K devices get the August 2026 security patch alongside streaming and connectivity fixes.
It’s a substantial update, particularly for households still relying on older Nest hardware. Gemini might be getting most of Google’s attention lately, but keeping the devices people already own working properly is arguably just as important
