Google Nest users report devices failing to activate lights upon command
Google Home Users Face Issues with Smart Light Controls
Google Home users are encountering problems with controlling their smart lights using voice commands, due to a bug affecting Google Assistant's integration with smart lights. This bug has caused Google Assistant to either fail to recognize light groups, activate incorrect lights, or not respond at all to commands like "Hey Google, turn off the lights."
The issue appears linked to Google Assistant's deteriorating reliability as it is being phased out for Google's new Gemini AI system. Some users have found partial workarounds, such as reconnecting the light services through the Google Home app or using the command “Hey Google, sync devices” to resync smart home integrations, but these are inconsistent and not practical for large numbers of devices.
According to reports from a writer for Android Authority and several Reddit users, the problem has been widespread. Some users can control individual lights but not groups of lights, while others report that individual bulbs won't turn on or off. Google acknowledged the problem on r/googlehome, confirming that voice command functionality for some smart lights is impaired.
Google has started rolling out a fix aimed at improving the ability to target and control lights via voice commands, especially for specific fixtures or rooms. However, some users may still experience intermittent problems during the rollout.
The crisis over Google Home gadgets may be getting worse, with users criticizing the "enshittification" of Google Home smart speakers and hubs. Redditors have been complaining about glitches, delayed responses, and the deterioration of several basic features on Google Home.
Anish Kattukaran, Chief Product Officer of Google Home and Nest, reassured users that Google is actively working on major improvements. Meanwhile, US law firm Kaplan Gore is investigating a possible class action against Google for failing to remedy increasing problems with its Google Home 'smart home' service.
Sources:
- Android Authority
- Tech Radar
- r/googlehome
- 9to5Google
- The bugs in Google Assistant's smart light control integration, as seen in the Google Home, have been reported widely, even on platforms like Android Authority, Tech Radar, and r/googlehome.
- Google has begun implementing a fix for voice command issues with smart lights, hoping to address the increasing complaints from users about the "enshittification" of Google Home gadgets.
- As Google works on significant improvements, US law firm Kaplan Gore has opened a probe into the possibility of a class action lawsuit against Google for continued problems with its Google Home smart home service.
- Amidst these problems, Anish Kattukaran, the Chief Product Officer of Google Home and Nest, has consoled users, promising active efforts to enhance the Google Home and Nest services.
- The AI-powered tech giant, Google, is grappling with wider issues in its smart home devices and Android gadgets, as users continue to encounter problems like glitches, delayed responses, and AI deterioration.
