Google Home can use Nest speakers to detect user present

Google Home may use Nest speakers to sense the user’s presence. This can be done through interaction with the speakers. The function is opt-in and is not activated by ambient noise, emphasizes Google.

It was already possible for Google Home to detect the presence of the user through interaction with, among other things, the Nest thermostat in combination with the location of the paired smartphone. Since Friday it is also possible to apply that function to Nest speakers, let Google know.

For example, if the user talks to a Nest Audio speaker or taps the Nest Hub’s screen, Home can turn on the light. Second-generation Nest Hubs can also use their Soli radar chip to detect movement. Presence detection can be enabled in the Google Home app for Android and iOS by going to settings and selecting ‘Features’.