Audio-aware AI capabilities

Cameras now include improved sound detection that identifies specific sounds—such as dogs barking, alarms, or footsteps—and incorporates them directly into AI-generated video event descriptions . This means the Home app can tell you not just that a person or car was detected, but also what audible events occurred, even if they happened off-camera. Users can also search video history by asking, "Did the dog bark during the delivery?" This feature requires an Advanced plan subscription .

Gemini voice assistant: household availability

The Gemini for Home voice assistant is now available for everyone in the family, including children, in all supported countries and languages . This enables kids to ask questions, get help spelling words, or hear jokes using Gemini. Google also provides parental guidance tools to manage the child's Gemini experience . This marks a significant expansion from earlier limited-access phases.

Thermostat improvements

A new System Health alert allows Nest thermostats to detect potential issues with a heat pump or air conditioning compressor and notify the user on the device, in the app, or via push notification . Supported on all models except the Nest Learning Thermostat 1st and 2nd generations. Additionally, a one-tap Nest Pro support feature lets users tap directly on phone numbers or emails within HVAC health alerts to instantly contact their certified installer .

Matter switch improvements

Support for Matter switches has been improved: users can now configure actions for individual buttons directly within the device tile. Multi-button switches are consolidated into a single, unified device tile for a cleaner view, with all controls accessible from one central place .

App and bug fixes

• Camera Playback Responsiveness (Android): Reduced loading spinner times and accelerated video playback start times .
• Camera Timeline Improvements (iOS): Scrolling through camera history is now faster and smoother, with continuous loading as the user scrolls (no need to pause) .
• General bug, reliability, and performance improvements were also included in the v4.20 Google Home app release .

Audio-aware AI capabilities

Cameras now include improved sound detection that identifies specific sounds—such as dogs barking, alarms, or footsteps—and incorporates them directly into AI-generated video event descriptions . This means the Home app can tell you not just that a person or car was detected, but also what audible events occurred, even if they happened off-camera. Users can also search video history by asking, "Did the dog bark during the delivery?" This feature requires an Advanced plan subscription .

Gemini voice assistant: household availability

The Gemini for Home voice assistant is now available for everyone in the family, including children, in all supported countries and languages . This enables kids to ask questions, get help spelling words, or hear jokes using Gemini. Google also provides parental guidance tools to manage the child's Gemini experience . This marks a significant expansion from earlier limited-access phases.

Thermostat improvements

A new System Health alert allows Nest thermostats to detect potential issues with a heat pump or air conditioning compressor and notify the user on the device, in the app, or via push notification . Supported on all models except the Nest Learning Thermostat 1st and 2nd generations. Additionally, a one-tap Nest Pro support feature lets users tap directly on phone numbers or emails within HVAC health alerts to instantly contact their certified installer .

Matter switch improvements

Support for Matter switches has been improved: users can now configure actions for individual buttons directly within the device tile. Multi-button switches are consolidated into a single, unified device tile for a cleaner view, with all controls accessible from one central place .

App and bug fixes

• Camera Playback Responsiveness (Android): Reduced loading spinner times and accelerated video playback start times .
• Camera Timeline Improvements (iOS): Scrolling through camera history is now faster and smoother, with continuous loading as the user scrolls (no need to pause) .
• General bug, reliability, and performance improvements were also included in the v4.20 Google Home app release .