The Google Home October 29 update is rolling out now, delivering improvements for Nest Cam owners, Matter devices and more. Detailed on Google's changelog, the release touches the Google Home ecosystem, including the Home app, firmware for home devices such as Chromecast with Google TV and Nest Wifi Pro, and Gemini for Home fixes. Many changes appear directly in the Home app, and the changelog describes the October 29 update as one of the biggest in recent memory.

Feature list

  • New Google Home Premium features & benefits hub
  • Improved event timeline scrolling on iOS
  • Live camera viewing fixes for foldable Android phones
  • Offline device status bug fix on iOS
  • "Visual polish" and display bug fixes on Android
  • Single-device voice controls now auto-dismiss on Pixel Tablet
  • Matter energy data through Home for Android
  • Correct icons and controls for Matter closure types

What Matter changes mean

The update is most visible for Matter devices. The Home app now supports showing energy data from compatible Matter devices through Home for Android, and Matter-connected doors and windows will now show the correct icons and controls through the app.

Google explains: "The app now recognizes specific Matter closure types—including garage doors, gates, windows, blinds, and cabinets—displaying the correct device icon and controls instead of treating every closure as a generic gate."

The app also adds new one-tap shortcuts for thermostats, designed to help users save energy during colder months.

Firmware and Gemini for Home fixes

Google is also rolling out firmware updates for various home devices, including Chromecast with Google TV, and details new firmware for Chromecast with Google TV and Nest Wifi Pro.

Gemini for Home gets a broad set of fixes and improvements. The assistant can transfer music between rooms. The update fixes "Sorry, I didn't understand" replies, clarifies the distinction between a timer and a sleep timer, fixes YouTube TV commands on smart displays, improves volume controls, and fixes timers and alarm volume that had been set to zero.

All of the updates are rolling out now. Users can check for Google Home app updates on Android and iOS for the latest.

Changelog

The October 29 update adds a Google Home Premium features & benefits hub, improves event timeline scrolling on iOS, fixes live camera viewing on foldable Android phones, corrects offline device status on iOS, adds Android visual polish, and makes Pixel Tablet voice controls auto-dismiss. It also adds Matter energy data, thermostat shortcuts, firmware for Chromecast with Google TV and Nest Wifi Pro, and Gemini for Home fixes.

Impact for readers

For readers, the update matters because it touches the parts of Google Home that owners use most often: camera timelines, device icons, energy controls, voice-assistant behavior and media playback. Nest Cam owners may notice camera-related fixes, Matter owners get clearer controls and energy data on Android, and Gemini for Home users get corrected commands, better music handling and volume fixes.

Related Google Home items from the source

The source also referenced related Google Home coverage: Amazon's latest Echo smart displays and speakers reinforce Google Home's lost lead; Nest's Halloween doorbell chimes are live now through November 1; and Old Google Home and Nest speakers are getting a big firmware update.

The source's favorite Google Home gear list included Walmart Indoor Google Home Camera, Wyze Bulb Cam, Narwal Freo 20, Nest Thermostat and Nest Cam (indoor, 3rd gen). The source also included an affiliate disclosure: "We use income earning auto affiliate links. More."