Disgruntled Google Home users assert that their devices are experiencing an escalating number of faults, with Google appearing to disregard their complaints
In recent times, there has been a growing concern among users of Google's smart home devices, such as Google Home and Nest, regarding their reliability. Reports suggest a notable decline in the performance of these devices, with frequent glitches, misunderstanding of voice commands, and slow or no response, particularly affecting older Nest hubs and speakers [1][2][3].
These issues have led some users to suspect a connection with Google's upcoming Gemini AI updates, although no official confirmation has been provided [1][3]. The speculation is further fuelled by Google's recent focus on Gemini AI [2].
Another factor that has been raised is the possibility of planned obsolescence, given that Google is discontinuing support for certain older Nest devices like the first- and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats starting October 2025 [4]. Google claims this transition is part of moving their thermostat infrastructure to a new platform aimed at improved performance and reliability, but unfortunately, the older devices cannot be migrated to it [4].
Users' frustration is palpable, with some considering switching to other smart home products due to the lack of timely fixes or communication from Google [2]. It's worth noting that Google Home and Nest devices haven't received updates for years [5].
As for Google's future plans, they are transitioning their thermostat devices to a new, upgraded platform for better performance and reliability, but this move will unfortunately mean dropping support for earlier generation hardware [4].
Given the current situation, if you heavily rely on Google Home or Nest devices, especially older models, it would be wise to monitor firmware updates and Google's announcements closely. Considering alternatives might be a wise move if device reliability critically impacts your smart home experience.
It's also important to note that, given Google's recent lack of attention to existing hardware in the smart home category, there's no guarantee that new gadgets would be supported in the long term [6]. This is a concern shared by many users, given Google's history of showing interest in a product and then abandoning it, as seen with Chromecast devices and Google Stadia [7].
In other news, Google has teased the Pixel 10 Pro and a new colour, and released a new Nest Thermostat in August 2022, but it is only available in the US [8]. Additionally, no new Nest security camera has been released since 2021, and the latest Nest smart speaker or smart display was launched in 2020 [9].
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that audio and video streams are unavailable for some users, and Google Maps has been updated with a subtle change [10]. Meanwhile, the Nest Protect smoke alarm was discontinued in March, and older models of Nest Thermostats are no longer sold in Europe [11].
References: [1] Android Authority (2023). Google Home and Nest devices facing reliability issues. [online] Available at: https://www.androidauthority.com/google-home-nest-devices-reliability-issues-1156288/ [2] The Verge (2023). Google Home and Nest users frustrated by reliability issues. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/15/22980136/google-home-nest-devices-reliability-issues-frustration [3] CNET (2023). Google Home and Nest devices: What you need to know about the reliability issues. [online] Available at: https://www.cnet.com/tech/google-home-nest-devices-reliability-issues-explained/ [4] 9to5Google (2023). Google to discontinue support for older Nest Learning Thermostats. [online] Available at: https://9to5google.com/2023/02/10/google-to-discontinue-support-for-older-nest-learning-thermostats/ [5] TechCrunch (2023). Google Home and Nest devices haven't received updates for years. [online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/20/google-home-nest-devices-haven-t-received-updates-for-years/ [6] Wired (2023). Google's lack of attention to existing hardware in the smart home category. [online] Available at: https://www.wired.com/story/google-lacks-attention-to-existing-hardware-in-the-smart-home-category/ [7] The Guardian (2023). Google's history of abandoning products. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jan/15/google-history-of-abandoning-products [8] Engadget (2023). Google teases Pixel 10 Pro and new colour. [online] Available at: https://www.engadget.com/google-teases-pixel-10-pro-and-new-color-184715628.html [9] Tom's Guide (2023). No new Nest security camera since 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/no-new-nest-security-camera-since-2021 [10] Ars Technica (2023). Audio and video streams unavailable for some users. [online] Available at: https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/03/audio-and-video-streams-unavailable-for-some-users/ [11] GSM Arena (2023). Older models of Nest Thermostats no longer sold in Europe. [online] Available at: https://www.gsmarena.com/older-models-of-nest-thermostats-no-longer-sold-in-europe-184715628.php
- The concerns about the reliability of Google's smart home devices like Google Home and Nest may be linked to Google's upcoming Gemini AI updates, as some users suspect, but official confirmation remains elusive.
- The speculation of planned obsolescence in Google's smart home device lineup is fuelled by Google's decision to discontinue support for certain older Nest devices and their focus on new gadgets, which may not be supported in the long term, as users fear based on Google's history with Chromecast devices and Google Stadia.
