Science

Google finally explains glitch that bricked Home and Home Mini devices 


Google accidentally turns some Google Home smart speakers into useless bricks with software update – and only admits it a MONTH later

  • Google quietly reveals a firmware update is ‘bricking’ some devices 
  • The tech giant says it will replace affected units regardless of warranty
  • Users have complained of bricked Home devices since the end of last month  

Google has apologised to its customers after a ‘firmware update’ broke many Google Home and Google Home Mini devices.

The tech giant has said that it is working on a fix, and will replace all devices that have been affected by the issue.

‘We are aware that a small number of Google Home and Google Home Mini devices are affected by an issue that causes the device to stop working,’ Google said in a statement provided to 9to5Google.

Google has said that it is working on a fix, and will replace all devices that have been affected by the issue

Google has said that it is working on a fix, and will replace all devices that have been affected by the issue 

Google will be replacing all units of the smart home devices regardless of whether they are covered under warranty.

The company will also start rolling out a fix ‘soon’ that will prevent the issue from happening on other devices in the future, it said on Tuesday.

Google Home owners have taken to forums over the last month to complain about the lack of responsiveness from their devices, which were stuck with all four lights showing.

A Google community specialist responded to customers at the end of September, apologising for the issue and offering troubleshooting steps, with users advised to proceed with a factory reset if the steps were ineffective.

Google will be replacing all units of the smart home devices regardless of whether they are covered under warranty

Google will be replacing all units of the smart home devices regardless of whether they are covered under warranty 

Google Home users were waiting for nearly a month before the company provided another update that a firmware update was responsible for the issue.

Google is yet to provide a response to the issue via its official channels.

Google Home and Google Home Mini smart devices are the predecessors to the company’s new and improved Nest Hub and Nest Mini. 

At a media event last week, while announcing an update to its Nest-branded line, Google’s Rick Osterloh admitted he tells visitors to his home that it is populated with smart home devices, because of immense audio and video surveillance abilities.

Google also released an upgraded version of the Home Hub last month, known as the Nest Hub Max.

WHAT IS GOOGLE’S NEST HUB MAX?

Nest Hub Max will launch this summer for $229

Nest Hub Max will launch this summer for $229

Google’s latest smart home device has a built in camera for video-chatting and even indoor security.

At the annual I/O developer conference, the firm unveiled the $229 Nest Hub Max that combines the features of Nest and Home Hub devices.

It has a 10-inch HD display, smart camera, and a rear-facing woofer to provide ‘full stereo sound.’

Nest Hub Max can be used to keep an eye on your home when you aren’t there, and comes with the ability to enable notifications for motion or unfamiliar people.

Google Duo capability also means it can be used for video calling on iOS and Android devices. ‘You can also use Duo to leave video messages for other members of your household,’ Google notes.

Nest Hub Max will launch in the US this summer for $229, along with the UK (£219) and in Australia (AUS$349).

The Nest Hub Max has a built-in camera with a wide-angle lens and 10-inch display

The Nest Hub Max has a built-in camera with a wide-angle lens and 10-inch display

 



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