Google Home update adds Matter energy data and Wi-Fi 7 fix

Google has pushed one of its larger Google Home updates in a while. The 29 October release notes cover the Home app, Gemini for Home, older Nest cameras and a batch of speaker firmware, and several of the changes are aimed squarely at Matter devices.

Matter devices get better support

Two changes stand out for anyone building a smart home on the Matter standard:

• Energy data (Android): compatible Matter smart plugs and energy monitors that measure cumulative usage now show both real-time power and total energy consumed in kWh on their device tiles and control screens.
• Correct closures (Android): the app now recognises specific Matter closure types, including garage doors, gates, windows, blinds and cabinets, and shows the right icon and controls. Until now, Google says, every closure was treated as a generic gate.

There is also a new one-tap energy-saving shortcut for thermostats, which sets your home to an energy-saving temperature from the thermostat controller or the home view. If you're still choosing a thermostat, our smart thermostat buying guide explains what to look for.

Fixes for older Nest cameras

Nest Cam Indoor and Outdoor (1st gen), Nest Doorbell (wired, 1st gen, formerly Nest Hello) and Nest Cam IQ models that have moved to the Google Home app get firmware fixes. Google lists more stable Wi-Fi reconnection, faster switching to night vision on the 1st-gen Nest Cams (it could take 15–20 seconds), better audio and video sync on the wired doorbell and a fix for a status light that pulsed blue as if the camera needed setup. The doorbell also gets improved person and Familiar Face detection at a distance. On foldable Android phones, the camera live view no longer gets stuck loading when you fold or unfold the phone.

Speaker firmware: audio and a Wi-Fi 7 fix

As 9to5Google reports, Google also detailed new firmware for its speakers. It brings smoother streaming on the Google Home, Home Mini and Nest Audio, retuned volume on stereo pairs to reduce boomy bass, and faster local discovery in the Home app. Bug fixes include Bluetooth audio pausing after a voice "resume" command, speaker groups and stereo pairs vanishing from the app, Google Meet calls that couldn't be ended by voice and, notably, speakers failing to connect to Wi-Fi 7 access points using WPA3. Google hasn't listed version numbers for this release. Our earlier report covers the preview firmware for these speakers.

Gemini for Home tweaks

For households in Gemini for Home early access, Google says it fixed speakers saying "Sorry, I didn't understand" when no one had spoken, mix-ups between sleep timers, timers and alarms, unreliable YouTube TV commands on smart displays and timers or alarms that were set to zero volume. Moving music between rooms by voice ("bring the music here") should also work better.

How to get it

Google says the changes are rolling out now. Update the Google Home app from Google Play or the App Store; speaker and camera firmware installs automatically over time.