- A new firmware update has arrived for Google Nest and Audio speakers
- Owners report that their speaker lights are now flashing Gemini colors
- The update comes a week before Gemini for Home launches in the US on October 28.
Google recently treated us to new Nest smart home devices ahead of the arrival of its new Gemini for Home assistant at the end of October, and now the company has started rolling out firmware updates to its existing Nest Audio and Mini smart speakers.
As 9to5Google reports, Google has rolled out new colored light colors on the aforementioned smart speakers for users of the Google Preview Program (version 3.77.500695). When you use the “Hey Google” command, your Nest speaker’s four-point light will quickly flash rainbow colors before displaying its traditional white light, reminiscent of the Gemini brand palette.
It’s a very subtle difference, which was first spotted in action by a user on X. Google Nest owners on Reddit also shared a look at the new update (see below), with many commenting that they didn’t know their speaker could even display colored lights.
Nest Mini changed dot colors from r/googlehome
While the update is purely decorative, it shows that Google hasn’t completely forgotten about its existing line of smart speakers; In fact, Google has promised to bring Gemini (in some form) to every smart home device it has released in the last decade.
As mentioned, it’s only rolling out to early access users, but you can always sign up for Google’s Program Preview if you’re intrigued. It’s not long before Google publicly launches Gemini for Home on its Nest devices on October 28, but to start, this will only be in the US.
What else is coming soon?
That said, this unexpected update isn’t the only new thing on the way for Google’s smart home speakers.
Along with its new Nest doorbells and AI-powered security cameras, Google is reviving its flagship smart speaker with a new model called simply Google Home Speaker, dropping the Nest name. It won’t be released until spring 2026, but Google is already preparing us for its launch.
In addition to having 360-degree audio, it will be Google’s first flagship speaker to include Gemini intelligence, where you can make use of its extensive capabilities.
Not only will you be able to ask topical questions and control other smart home devices, but Gemini for Home promises to offer more natural, conversation-based responses. Gemini for Home will also come to all Google smart home devices, including the Nest Audio and Mini.
Although Gemini for Home will come with basic features, you’ll need a subscription to Google Home Premium to take advantage of its more advanced features, which will cost you $10/£8 per month or $100/£80 per year for the Standard tier, and $20/£16 per month or $200/£160 per year for the Advanced tier. Australian pricing is yet to be confirmed, but Nest Aware costs AU$15 per month/AU$150 per year and Nest Aware Plus costs AU$30 per month or AU$300 per year.
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