Google Nest will more often replace a verbal response with a sound signal

Google Nest speakers will no longer provide a verbal response to many given commands. Instead, a small sound signal is given. Google already does this for commands related to lights, but now the company is expanding it to other devices.

Commands related to sockets, switches, TVs, speakers, fans and shutters, among other things, will now be answered with a confirming sound signal, instead of with a verbal response such as: “Okay, I’ll turn on the TV.” let Google know. The precise list of devices to which this applies is not mentioned.

This only applies if the smart devices are in the same room as the Google Nest, otherwise a verbal response will still be given. Apple’s Homepod and Amazon’s Echo smart speakers have long emitted an audio signal instead of a verbal response, regardless of which room the smart device is in. Google will release this functionality ‘in the coming weeks’.

Google Nest speakers