Google Home and Nest Speakers Get Major Firmware Update: New Features and Supported Devices

Google is testing a new firmware update for several of its older smart speakers, potentially improving their audio performance, Wi-Fi connectivity and smart home controls. The update, version 3.79.550760, is being rolled out through the Google Home Preview Program before its expected wider release.

The latest firmware targets devices including the original Google Home, Google Home Mini, Nest Mini and Nest Audio. Although these speakers have been available for years, the update suggests Google continues to refine their everyday performance through software improvements.

According to the release notes, the update focuses on audio and media streaming, device setup, wireless connectivity, assistant interactions, smart home controls and overall system stability.

Rather than introducing a completely new feature set, the release appears designed to make existing functions work more reliably.

Google Home Firmware Update 3.79: What’s New?

The firmware update includes several improvements intended to address common issues experienced by smart speaker users.

1. Better Audio Streaming and Volume Control

Google is working on improvements to audio and media streaming, alongside refinements to volume performance. These changes could help make music playback and other audio experiences more consistent.

The release notes do not specify exactly how the improvements will affect individual devices, so the extent of the changes will become clearer as the update reaches more users.

2. Improved Wi-Fi Connectivity and Device Setup

The update also addresses setup and connectivity, particularly problems associated with Wi-Fi.

Reliable wireless connectivity is essential for smart speakers because many of their core functions depend on an internet connection. Improvements in this area could make initial configuration and everyday use less frustrating for users experiencing connection difficulties.

3. Refined Google Assistant Experience

Another area receiving attention is the entry experience for Google Assistant. The release notes do not explain the precise changes, but the improvement could relate to how users begin interacting with the assistant.

Whether this update also introduces changes connected to Google’s Gemini-powered assistant experience remains unclear. Users should not assume that the firmware itself introduces Gemini features unless Google confirms them.

4. Better Smart Home Controls

Google is also improving the smart home control experience. This is particularly relevant for households that use their speakers to manage connected lights, switches and other compatible devices.

The release notes do not identify specific new controls or supported devices. For now, the focus appears to be on improving the existing experience rather than announcing a new smart home feature.

5. Overall Performance and Stability Improvements

The final listed improvement covers general performance and stability. Such refinements can help address software issues and make devices more dependable over time.

Google has not provided detailed technical information about individual fixes, so the practical benefits may vary across supported speakers.

Which Google Home and Nest Speakers Are Getting the Update?

The firmware is currently being tested on four speaker models through the Preview Program.

The Google Home Max is not included in this reported update wave and has reportedly remained on older firmware for some time.

The newer Google Home Speaker is also absent from the list. Given its more recent launch, it is possible that some comparable improvements are already available on that device, but this has not been confirmed by the release notes.

Importantly, inclusion in the Preview Program does not mean every eligible speaker will receive the update immediately. Testing and availability can vary by device and rollout stage.

How to Join the Google Home Preview Program

Google allows users to opt into its Preview Program through the Google Home app. Participants can receive firmware updates before they become available through the standard public release channel.

To check the option for a compatible speaker:

1. Open the Google Home app.

2. Select the relevant speaker from your device list.

3. Open the device settings using the gear icon.

4. Select Device information.

5. Look for Preview program and follow the available instructions.

If the option is available, follow the app's prompts to enrol your device. The availability of enrolment may depend on the device and Google's current programme settings.

Updates are generally installed automatically during overnight hours, according to Google's Preview Program guidance. Users may therefore not need to initiate a manual installation.

Joining the programme means testing software before its full public release, so the experience may differ from the final production version.

When Will the Update Reach All Google Home Users?

Firmware version 3.79.550760 is being tested through the Preview Program before its expected transition to the standard release channel.

The reported rollout timeline suggests that wider availability could take a few weeks. However, Google has not provided a guaranteed public release date in the supplied update information.

Users who are not enrolled in the Preview Program may need to wait until Google begins distributing the firmware through the regular channel. Availability can also vary across eligible devices.

For anyone experiencing persistent Wi-Fi, audio or smart home control issues, it is worth checking the speaker's firmware information in the Google Home app and keeping the app updated.

Why This Update Matters for Older Smart Speakers

Smart speakers rely heavily on software to maintain compatibility, connectivity and performance. Even when a device's hardware remains unchanged, firmware updates can improve the way it handles everyday tasks.

For owners of the original Google Home and older Nest speakers, this release could help extend the usefulness of devices that remain part of their connected homes.

The update also highlights the importance of software support in the smart home market. Consumers increasingly expect speakers to remain reliable long after purchase, particularly when those devices are used to control other connected products.

Although firmware version 3.79 does not appear to introduce a major new headline feature, its focus on connectivity, audio and stability could still make a noticeable difference for some users.

Final Takeaway

Google's firmware update 3.79.550760 brings a set of reported improvements to the original Google Home, Home Mini, Nest Mini and Nest Audio through the company's Preview Program.

The changes focus on audio streaming, Wi-Fi connectivity, device setup, assistant interactions, smart home controls and overall stability. The update is still in testing, and its final availability and benefits will depend on Google's wider rollout.

For owners of older Google smart speakers, the release is worth watching. While it does not promise a complete transformation, improved reliability could help these devices remain useful in an increasingly connected home.

Sources By Agencies