Google is testing a significant firmware update, version 3.79.550760, for several older Google Home and Nest smart speakers. This update promises improvements to Wi-Fi, audio, and smart home control, potentially extending the life of these devices for Indian users.
Google is currently testing a significant firmware update, version 3.79.550760, for several of its older smart speakers, according to a report by 9to5Google. This welcome refresh is aimed at the original Google Home (2016), Home Mini (2017), Nest Mini (2019), and Nest Audio (2020) models.
For Indian users who have invested in these speakers over the years, this update means their existing devices are getting a fresh lease on life. Many households across India still rely on these affordable and capable smart speakers for everything from playing music to controlling smart home devices. It is a good sign that Google is not forgetting its older hardware.
What the 3.79 Update Brings
The firmware update, currently available through Google's Preview Program, focuses on five key areas. These improvements are designed to enhance the overall user experience on these devices:
- Improved setup experience
- Better Wi-Fi experience
- Enhanced audio performance
- More robust smart home control
- Updates related to Google Assistant, presumably referring to Gemini, Google's AI model
The mention of 'Google Assistant' presumably refers to integration or improvements related to Gemini, Google's advanced AI, which could bring smarter and more natural interactions to these older devices. While specific details on how Gemini will manifest on these speakers are not yet fully clear, the prospect is certainly interesting.
How to Get the Update and Rollout Timeline
If you own one of the listed speakers and are keen to try the update early, you can sign up for Google's Preview Program. This is done directly through the Google Home app. Navigate to the specific device page, tap the settings gear in the top-right corner, then go to 'Device information', and finally select 'Preview program'. Updates in this program typically happen automatically overnight.
For those not in the Preview Program, the general rollout to the production channel for all users is expected to take a few weeks. So, you might need to wait a bit longer to see these improvements on your device.
Interestingly, the Google Home Max has been running older firmware for some time and is not included in this wave. Similarly, the recently launched Home Speaker was also not part of this specific update wave, though it might already incorporate these improvements from its launch. This update specifically targets the workhorse older models that have been staples in many smart homes.
