It previously turned Google Assistant-powered smart displays and speakers into pesky sidekicks.
Update, January 19 (3:56AM ET): Google has fixed the Assistant’s white noise issue.
what you need to know
- Google has changed ambient white noise on Nest devices.
- However, the new voice apparently angered many Nest users because of its “quieter” or “deeper” sound.
- As a result, many customers have been unable to sleep.
Google Assistant can do a variety of tasks, including lulling you to sleep by playing white noise. However, recent changes to the feature have been a major annoyance for many Google Nest device owners.
Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s decision to change the white noise on the Google Nest community forum page and on Reddit (via 9to5Google). The change made it difficult for many to fall asleep, which defeats the purpose of the feature.
Complainants generally agreed that the new white noise was “much quieter” and sounded “muffled.” Another complaint is that it loops every 10 minutes, which is much shorter than the original one hour loop. This change is especially severe, as these white noises can last up to 12 hours on Google’s best smart displays and Nest speakers.
Fortunately, a Reddit user uploaded 1-hour and 12-hour versions of the original white noise sound. This Google Drive link will take you to the download page where you can get it. Alternatively, you can check out some of the best white noise machines already on the market.
Google was not immediately reached when Android Central contacted Google for comment.
However, given the growing number of complaints about the new white noise sound (there are currently more than 170 on Nest forums), the company may reverse this change.
Update, January 19 (3:56AM ET) ― Google has brought back white noise on Nest and Home devices
Google has finally addressed the latest issues with its Assistant-powered smart speakers and displays.
A Google employee responded to the initial complaint on the Google Nest community forum, saying “there is an issue affecting our white noise experience.”
The company representative added that the issue has been resolved. This means that white noise on your Nest or Home device should now work as it did before.
Nest Hub (2nd generation)
$100 at Best Buy $95 at Walmart
Google’s second-generation Nest Hub smart display features a 7-inch display and far-field microphone that lets Google Assistant hear you from across the room, making it easy to control your smart home products.
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