Google is rolling out an unexpected update for Nest Mini and Audio smart speakers – and it’s all thanks to Gemini

• A new firmware update has landed for Google Nest and Audio speakers
• Owners are reporting that their speaker's lights now flash in Gemini's colors
• The update arrives a week before Gemini for Home's US launch on October 28

Google recently treated us to new Nest smart home devices ahead of the arrival its new Gemini for Home assistant in late October – and now the company has started rolling out firmware updates for its existing Nest Audio and Mini smart speakers.

As 9to5Google reports, Google has rolled out new colored lights colors to the above smart speakers to users in Google’s Preview Program (version 3.77.500695). When you use the command ‘Hey Google’, the four-dot light on your Nest speaker will swiftly flash rainbow colors before displaying its traditional white light – which is reminiscent of Gemini’s branding palette.

It’s a very subtle difference, one which was first spotted in action by a user on X. Google Nest owners on Reddit have also shared a look of the new upgrade (see below), with many commenting that they weren't aware that their speaker could even display colored lights.

Nest Mini changed the Colors of the Dots from r/googlehome

While the update is merely decorative, it shows that Google hasn’t totally forgotten about its existing lineup of smart speakers – in fact, Google has promised to bring Gemini (in some form) to every smart home device it's release in the last decade.

As mentioned, it’s only being rolled out to users with early access, but you can always sign up to Google’s Program Preview if you’re intrigued. It’s not too long before Google rolls out Gemini for Home to its Nest devices publicly on October 28 – but this will be US-only to start with.

What else is coming soon?

With that said, this unexpected upgrade isn’t the only new thing that’s on the way for Google’s smart home speakers.

Along with its new AI-powered Nest doorbells and security cameras, Google is reviving its flagship smart speaker with a new model simply named the Google Home Speaker – dropping the Nest name. It’s not coming out until spring 2026, but Google is already preparing us for its launch.

As well as sporting 360-degree audio, it’ll be Google’s first flagship speaker to pack Gemini’s smarts, where you’ll be able to make use of its extensive capabilities.

Not only will you be able to ask topical questions and control other smart home devices, Gemini for Home promises to offer more natural, conversational-based responses. Gemini for Home is also coming to every Google smart home device, which includes the Nest Audio and Mini.

Though Gemini for Home will come with basic functions, you’ll need a Google Home Premium subscription to take advantage of its more-advanced features, which will cost you $10 / £8 a month or $100 / £80 a year for the Standard tier, and $20/ £16 a month or $200 / £160 a year for the Advanced tier. Australian pricing hasn't yet been confirmed, but Nest Aware cost AU$15 a month / AU$150 a year and Nest Aware Plus set you back AU$30 a month or AU$300 a year.

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