What you need to know
- Google is rolling out a late October patch for Gemini for Home and its smart home app, upgrading its capabilities and introducing major fixes.
- The patch notes state Gemini’s “Sorry, I didn’t understand” response has been fixed, as users would receive this when nothing was explicitly said.
- Fixes for “zero-volume” alarms and timers are rolling out, alongside new additions for Matter devices on Android.
Google concludes the week with a substantial update for Gemini for Home and its smart home app that users should keep an eye out for.
The company detailed the update in a lengthy changelog today (Oct. 29). Gemini for Home, which is still in early access, spearheads the list of fixes this week. According to Google, this week’s patch includes a fix for Gemini’s frustrating “Sorry, I didn’t understand” error messages. The funny thing is, this was happening when users hadn’t said anything. This issue reportedly affected displays and speakers, and should be patched in this update.
Gemini should now better understand when a user tells it to switch music to a device in another room. Google states it’s rolling out more “reliable” commands for YouTube TV. It says this should help content play as intended whenever the user asks for it. Volume control is another area where Gemini has been shaky.
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Google states it’s rolling out a fix for “zero volume timers and alarms.” In some cases, users would set an alarm, but its volume would drop to zero, meaning they’d never hear it. Elsewhere, Google is solving an issue “where asking to adjust the volume on a speaker or display in another room could accidentally change the volume on the device you were speaking to if the other device couldn’t be found.”
The Google Home app is also receiving quite a few bug fixes/updates this week, beginning with Matter devices. The patch notes state Android devices can now view energy data for supported Matter products. It adds that compatible plugs and energy monitors will soon “display both real-time power (mW) and total energy consumed (kWh) directly on their device tiles and controller screens.”
Additionally, users can quickly shift their devices into power-saving modes through the app. Improved icons and controls are also rolling out for Matter devices on Android. Google says the Home app will now organize devices by type: garage doors, gates, windows, blinds, cabinets, and more.
Google Home Premium users can now find their benefits by tapping on their Profile > Google Home Premium > Features (to enable, too).
There are also extensive updates for smart home cameras
A long road of changes
Google’s been down a long road with Gemini for its smart home environment. The company has rolled out purposeful patches to fix issues users have experienced with the AI’s responses. In one update, Google worked on improving Gemini’s response times. It stated that it quickened the AI by 40%, but it also rolled out additional fixes to make good on that promise.
In a patch in April, Google improved Gemini’s smart home understanding. Users won’t have to bore themselves with exact commands. The company said Gemini could understand “casual phrases and context better.”
