These features are on their way out.
Essential Information
- Users of Nest devices received a notification indicating that “phone actions and automations” will be removed from Google Home during the first week of May.
- This has raised concerns among users, and Google has made it clear that while they are not eliminating automations entirely, they are removing “phone-related actions” from those automations, leading to user frustration.
- As one feature is set to be discontinued, Google has introduced “Continued Conversations” to Gemini for Home, which facilitates follow-up questions and additional queries more easily.
Recently, Google’s smart home devices have been alerting users about an impending feature removal.
A discussion was initiated in the Google Nest Community, highlighting a warning given by a user’s smart device regarding phone actions and automations (as reported by 9to5Google). While engaging in their evening routines, the smart device notified the user that “phone actions and automations will no longer be available” starting in the first week of May. The user expressed their unease with this announcement, mirroring the sentiments of others in the community discussion.
One user responded that they utilize this feature “multiple times each day” and would be disappointed if it were discontinued. The publication found another case of users mentioning this warning on their Nest Hub and other devices on Reddit, where users likewise voiced their dissatisfaction with this unexpected removal of automations from Google Home; however, the situation may not be as dire as it appears.
A Google Community Specialist replied on the main forum and Reddit, providing clarification. According to their statement, “we are not eliminating automations in May.” They have specified that only phone-related actions within the automations are what will be terminated. The representative provided examples such as checking the battery level, setting/unsetting Do Not Disturb, and adjusting the phone volume. All aspects of your home will stay the same, but it seems Google is discarding anything related to your phone.
Features ebb and flow
Despite the clarification, it seems that users will miss these phone-related actions. Google has not yet addressed inquiries regarding possible workarounds for what is set to vanish in (potentially) a week. There may be an official update from Google at that time, so we will have to remain patient.
As Google looks to remove one feature, it has recently introduced another for Gemini, which now keeps its “ears” attentive for extended periods. The company launched “Continued Conversations,” allowing users more chances to discuss prior tasks or requests with Gemini. This feature, currently in Early Preview, was prompted by user feedback. Now, Gemini will “remember” the conversation, maintaining its microphone active for follow-up questions or additional tasks. Meanwhile, Nest Hub users have reported a curious issue with their devices, as they inaccurately indicate the time.
It’s not the clock that’s incorrect, but rather the way the AI communicates about it. Some users have observed that when they set an alarm for 3 pm, their device instead states “3 am.” Nevertheless, the alarm that was requested has been set.
