Google Tests Big Firmware Update for Older Speakers
Google is currently testing a major new firmware update targeted at several generations of its smart speakers, introducing numerous performance and connectivity enhancements.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Major Firmware Update in Testing
Google is testing a significant firmware update across several generations of its smart speakers, according to a recent report by 9to5Google. The company has long operated a Preview Program for speaker firmware, allowing users to test upcoming software before a wider rollout. Version 3.79.550760 was posted recently, bringing a variety of notable improvements to older devices.
The latest software package is currently being evaluated for multiple legacy hardware models, including the original Google Home (2016), the Home Mini (2017), the Nest Mini (2019), and the Nest Audio (2020). Meanwhile, the Google Home Max has been running older firmware for some time, and the Home Speaker was omitted from this particular testing wave.
Key Improvements and Features
The new 3.79 update focuses heavily on refining the core functionality of the tested devices. Specifically, the firmware package outlines five primary areas of enhancement: audio and media streaming and volume improvements, setup and connectivity fixes addressing Wi-Fi issues, Google Assistant entry experience enhancements, and overall performance and stability improvements.
According to the details shared regarding the software release, the update refines smart home control alongside the general Wi-Fi and audio performance. References to the Google Assistant entry experience presumably relate to Gemini integrations on these supported hardware items.
Eligible Devices and Hardware Coverage
The broad compatibility wave reaches back nearly a decade to include the initial smart speaker released by the company. Devices like the Google Nest Mini benefit from these modern firmware revisions, helping extend the operational lifespan of hardware deployed in households worldwide.
While the Google Home Max continues to run older software branches, newer devices that launched recently may already incorporate some of these improvements out of the box, explaining their exclusion from this specific testing wave.
How to Join the Preview Program
Users interested in receiving the update early can enroll their devices through the official Preview Program. Registration can be handled directly from the Google Home application by navigating to the specific device page, tapping the settings gear icon in the top-right corner, opening device information, and selecting the preview option.
Once enrolled, system updates happen automatically overnight. It is expected to take a few weeks for version 3.79 to graduate from the testing phase and roll out broadly to the production channel for all remaining users.
Sources
- 9to5GoogleOld Google Home and Nest speakers getting big firmware update
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