Google Nest users have a widespread complaint: that the verbal command “turn off the lights” isn’t working.
A writer for Android Authority pointed out that the device didn’t work for her, and several users on Reddit have reported the same issue. Some Google Home users say they can still control individual lights, but not groups of lights; others report individual bulbs won’t turn on or off; and other times, the Google devices can’t understand the difference between lights in separate bedrooms.
The issue seems to be contained to using Assistant voice commands, with most users saying that the controls work as they normally should within the Google Home app.
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Google responded to several posts on r/googlehome, acknowledging the problem: “Hey all, We’re aware of an issue with using voice commands to control some lights. We’ll share an update as soon as possible, thanks for your patience.”
This onslaught of complaints follows criticism from Google Home users over the “enshittification” of Google Home smart speakers and hubs. Redditors have been complaining about glitches, delayed responses, and the deterioration of several basic features.
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Anish Kattukaran, Chief Product Officer of Google Home and Nest, responded to these complaints earlier in July, reassuring users that Google is “actively working on major improvements” and that the team would have more to share in coming months.
The crisis over Google Home gadgets may be getting worse. According to Tech Radar, US law firm Kaplan Gore has begun investigating a possible class action against Google for “failing to remedy increasing problems with its Google Home ‘smart home’ service.” The law firm is asking Google users to share complaints over failing features, such as “unrecognized voice commands, automations and routines not functioning.”
