What you need to know
- Google is updating older Nest speakers, with firmware version 3.79.550760 being tested through the Home Preview Program.
- The original Google Home, Home Mini, Nest Mini, and Nest Audio are eligible for the update.
- Google expects to release the update more broadly over the next few weeks, but hasn’t announced an exact date.
Some love is coming to a few of Google’s older Nest speakers in the form of updates designed to make them more useful around the house, but don’t expect a dramatic transformation from hardware that has been around for years.
The update, version 3.79.550760, is now in testing through Google’s Home Preview Program. This includes the original Google Home from 2016, Home Mini, Nest Mini and Nest Audio. The Google Home Max isn’t included in this testing round.
The release comes as Google continues to refine its smart home experience, where voice commands and connected devices are supposed to work together without users having to fight their setup. It’s especially the case for older smart speakers, which still have utility for basic tasks as Google’s newer hardware and software evolve.
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The original Home Mini was released in 2017, followed by the Nest Mini in 2019 and Nest Audio in 2020. These speakers can still handle everyday requests, but their age means they’re not necessarily getting the same attention as Google’s newer products. That said, better software can extend their usefulness.
For owners, the bigger question is whether these changes will just keep existing speakers ticking over or make them more reliable and convenient. Smart speakers are only as good as the assistants inside them, and Google’s software updates could help older Nest speakers remain useful, even as newer hardware and features arrive.
But software updates can only go so far. Older speakers can still manage basic smart home tasks and play audio, but those expecting a major upgrade should temper their expectations.
Google’s latest moves prove it hasn’t totally forgotten about its older Nest lineup. That’s good news for those who would rather keep a perfectly functional speaker than replace it just to stay “current.”
Owners can join the preview
Owners who want to give it a try can go to the Google Home app, tap on their speaker, go to Settings > Device information > Preview program, and sign up if they are eligible. The firmware will install automatically overnight. Google expects to roll it out more widely over the next few weeks but hasn’t given a specific date.
There’s a separate October Google Home update too, improving Gemini for Home conversations, voice commands, weather responses and device controls in the app.