Google Home - SlashGear

Nest Hub Media View makes managing smart speakers easier

JC Torres | Jan 26, 2020

The Google Nest Hub, previously the Google Hub, is designed to be the nerve center of the smart home. As far as giving information and controlling bulbs go, that's pretty much the case. The one thing it ironically doesn't do well is being the conductor to your multiple smart speakers. That is finally a thing of the past thanks to an update that brings all that control and knowledge at your fingertips, though not exactly at your verbal command.

Google Home speakers quietly lose Guest Mode feature

Brittany A. Roston | Jan 13, 2020

It appears that Google has quietly removed the Guest Mode feature from its Google Home speakers. Users have noticed that the feature is no longer available for the speakers within the Google Home app, though it remains available for Chromecast devices (for now). Seemingly underscoring the permanent nature of this change is Google's removal of its Support pages related to the now-defunct feature.

Hulu finally adds voice control for Chromecast and Google smart displays

Brittany A. Roston | Dec 18, 2019

Live and on-demand streaming service Hulu has finally added voice control support for Chromecast and Google's smart displays. With this new capability, Hulu users can tell Google Assistant to play a particular show or movie on their preferred Google smart display device or television with Chromecast. This marks the latest expansion of Google voice control support with Hulu joining competitors like Netflix and CBS.

Amazon Echo smart speakers’ sales surpass Google Home by a wide margin

JC Torres | Nov 15, 2019

Smart speakers were, at a time, the hot thing in the tech market but they've become so common now that you almost don't hear much about them in between product launches and privacy scandals. You might be surprised then, that they have apparently grown by almost 45% since the third quarter last year. And, depending on which team you're rooting for, you might be surprised or not that Google is the biggest loser in that market.

Google Home update bug is bricking some smart speakers [Update]

Brittany A. Roston | Oct 22, 2019

Some Googe Home users are reporting issues with a recent software update that has bricked some smart speakers. According to impacted device owners, the update results in perpetually illuminated LED lights on the updated Google Home or Google Home Mini speaker, something they aren't able to fix by factory resetting the device. Google has acknowledged the issue, but it appears that users who aren't covered by warranty may be out of luck.

Spotify’s Google Home Mini promo is back: Here’s what you should know

Eric Abent | Oct 22, 2019

Around this time last year, Spotify decided to run a promotion in which it handed out Google Home Mini speakers to Premium Family subscribers. That promotion is back this year, but this time around, Spotify is expanding eligibility. Not only are Family plan subscribers eligible to receive a Google Home Mini, but those on individual Premium accounts are eligible as well.

Nest Aware subscription prices rebooted with new Google Home app

Chris Burns | Oct 15, 2019

Today the Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus system was revealed - or re-revealed, depending on how you look at it - for smart home systems. This is Google's full home security system coverage subscription service for Google Home / Google Nest products. Google also revealed the Nest Mini today for $49 USD - making it pretty much a new Google Home Mini with a slightly different hardware package - just a TINY bit different.

Google Home Mini given away to some users in these apps

Chris Burns | Oct 11, 2019

A select number of Android users over the past day have seen Google show them a pop-up with an image of a Google Home Mini. This pop-up - or block, rectangle, whatever you'd like to call it - included the following text. "Enjoy a gift for using the Google Assistant," said the Google note, with the one catch: "Just pay for shipping."

Google ‘Nest Mini’ 2nd-gen smart speaker leaks with major upgrades

Brittany A. Roston | Aug 21, 2019

In 2017, Google launched a small, relatively inexpensive smart speaker called the Google Home Mini. This UFO-shaped speaker offers users direct access to Google Assistant at a price point lower than the larger Google Home speaker. According to a new report, Google plans to update that device, launching it as the 'Nest Mini' with major new features.

Google Nest sending 100k Home Minis to people with paralysis

Eric Abent | Jul 26, 2019

Smart assistants can make life easier in a lot of ways, but for folks living with disabilities that limit their mobility, their usefulness can skyrocket. With that in mind, Google Nest has teamed up with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to give out 100,000 Google Home Minis to people living with paralysis. Not only that, but the company is making it easier for Google Home users to donate to the Reeve Foundation and help its cause.

Google Home gets a small but useful new feature

Eric Abent | Jul 24, 2019

Virtual assistants are definitely handy when it comes to things like home automation, but they could still use a lesson in situational awareness. Today, Google Assistant is getting just that, at least within the context of Google Home. Now, when you ask Google Home or Nest Hub to turn off your lights, it won't play its usual response where it confirms that it's turning off said light, but with a simple chime instead.

Google Nest Hub Max release date briefly appears in support document

Brittany A. Roston | Jul 23, 2019

In early May, Google took the wraps off its new Nest Hub Max, a smart display featuring a built-in camera and 10-inch screen. The device has been available to preorder through the Google Store in the months since its unveiling, but the company has kept the product's release date a secret. That briefly changed earlier today when a shipping date appeared on a Google Support product web page.