Google tests new firmware for Google Home, Home Mini, Nest Mini and Nest Audio

Google's older smart speakers are getting attention again. The company is testing firmware version 3.79.550760 for the original Google Home, Google Home Mini, Nest Mini and Nest Audio, Android Authority reports.

What the update lists

According to the release notes, the firmware brings improvements to:

• audio and media streaming, plus volume controls;
• device setup and Wi-Fi connectivity;
• smart home controls;
• the Assistant experience — which, on these devices, increasingly means Gemini for Home;
• overall performance and stability.

Google hasn't explained the changes in more detail, so it's hard to say how noticeable they'll be. For owners, though, steadier Wi-Fi and more reliable voice control are exactly the things that tend to slip on ageing speakers.

Who gets it, and when

For now the build is limited to the Google Home Preview Program. A wider rollout is expected after testing, but Google hasn't given a date.

To check whether your speaker is eligible, open the Google Home app, go to the speaker's settings and choose Device information → Preview program. Enrolled devices update automatically.

The wider October update

Separately, Google's October update for the Home platform improves Gemini for Home conversations, voice commands and weather answers, as well as device controls in the Google Home app. Taken together, the two updates suggest Google intends to keep its earlier hardware working well alongside newer devices — at least for now.