Nest Mini, Nest Audio, and the first Google Home are getting a big update. You can try it out in advance

The original Google Home from 2016 or the small Nest Mini from 2019 now feel more like speakers that are just serving out their time. However, Google is preparing new firmware 3.79.550760 for them, as well as for the Home Mini from 2017 and Nest Audio from 2020. The update promises improvements in five areas, from music playback to Wi-Fi connectivity.

This is currently a test within the Preview program, which any owner of a supported speaker can join. For others, the update should arrive within a few weeks.

Better Sound, More Reliable Wi-Fi, and Smart Home

The changelog is brief and general. Google promises improved streaming, media playback, and volume control, easier setup, fewer Wi-Fi connectivity issues, better smart home control, and overall higher performance and stability.

The fifth point is improved assistant invocation. 9to5Google assumes this refers to Gemini, but Google does not explicitly state this in the changelog.

However, don’t expect a major transformation. Android Central points out that a dramatic change cannot be expected from hardware several years old, and those expecting a significant upgrade should temper their expectations. Nevertheless, better software can extend the useful life of these speakers.

Google Home Max Remains Aside

The update applies to the original Google Home, Home Mini, Nest Mini, and Nest Audio. The large Google Home Max is missing from the list, as it has been running on older firmware for some time.

How to Get the Update Earlier

In the Google Home app, open the speaker’s page, tap the gear icon in the top right, and proceed to Device Information and the Preview program. If the speaker is supported, you can sign up. The firmware will then install itself overnight.

While Droid Life writes that the update is already heading to all mentioned speakers, other sources speak of a testing phase. In any case, Google releases firmware gradually, so it cannot be forced. You can find the current version in the device settings in the Google Home app.

Google has not set an exact date for the widespread release, only anticipating a few weeks. Independently of the speaker firmware, the October update for the Google Home app is also being released. This improves conversations with Gemini for Home, voice commands, responses to weather queries, and device control within the app.

Are you still using an older Nest Mini or the original Google Home at home, and what bothers you most about it?

Sources: 9to5google.com, droid-life.com, androidcentral.com