Latest news with #GoogleHome
Android Authority
14 hours ago
- Android Authority
Google is rolling out a fix for Home smart light voice control
TL;DR Google Home has been suffering from multiple connectivity issues going back about a week. Users have complained in particular about not being able to control smart lights via voice command. Google is currently deploying a fix for that smart light issue, but it sounds like others might remain. Google has a smart home problem. When you've got an entire household of smart devices all configured and running through Google Home, it's no surprise that glitches will occasionally pop up. Any while many of us will tolerate Google Home frustrations for years, things definitely feel like they've all of a sudden gotten much worse. But even as lawyers solicit users for a possible class-action response, the situation may finally be shifting back towards the better, as Google shares word of a new fix headed out. This most recent spate of incident reports started up about one week ago. Users described Home failing to control their devices, and Google was reasonably quick to acknowledge that this was, indeed, a new problem affecting Home. While that was a great start, and Google said that it would be working on a fix, that solution was not immediately available. Over the next few days, the problem only seemed to get worse, with controlling groups of lights emerging as a particular point of failure. We can't say yet just if this will resolve all the overarching issues impacting Home, but Google has finally shared that a fix for the glitch 'impacting the ability to target and control some lights using voice commands' has been created and is currently being distributed. In fact, the company itself seems uncertain just how effective this measure might be, and in its comments revealing the fix on Reddit, Google asks that any Home users still experiencing problems either reply there or submit feedback through the app. Even if Google does manage to resolve this current buggy behavior, will you still stick with Home, or are you tempted to drop it for an alternative like Alexa? For as annoying as setting everything up all over again sounds, at least we live in a world where we have our pick of multiple smart home solutions. Follow
Android Authority
16 hours ago
- Android Authority
Crippling Google Home issues spark potential class action response
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR A US law firm is investigating a possible class action against Google. The class action would be focused on the deteriorating performance of Home and Nest devices. Recently, users have reported that their smart home devices are increasingly misunderstanding commands or failing to respond. It's been rough for Google Home users as of late. A growing number of them have been experiencing issues with their smart home devices, ranging from misheard commands and delayed responses to devices performing the wrong actions or completely ignoring instructions. Although Google has promised that improvements are just around the corner, that may not be enough to prevent a class action that could be on the way. Kaplan Gore LLP, a US law firm, says it has started an investigation into a possible class action lawsuit against Google. According to the agency, it's exploring this potential course of action as a result of Google's failure to 'remedy increasing problems with its Google Home 'smart home' service.' It notes that many users have reported functionality issues, despite those devices previously functioning normally and having a steady internet connection. The firm also mentions that instead of fixing the problem, 'Google is allowing the issues with Google Home to increase in scale and frequency nationwide, and is not providing the service it promised users.' The problems plaguing Google Home In a long Reddit thread that we reported on last week, numerous Google Home users recounted the errors they were running into. 'Now, I can barely get it to understand any command, or do anything that I could before. Nothing works, and all I get is — Sorry, something went wrong, try again later,' one user wrote. Another spoke about how they can't play white noise in their child's room, as the sound will only play in whatever room they are in. Some users have even reported strange malfunctions, like asking Google to turn off a fan, only for it to turn off the lights. Not long after these comments surfaced, Google acknowledged the problem, stating that it would share an update as soon as possible. Following this acknowledgment, Chief Product Officer for Google Home and Nest, Anish Kattukaran, issued this statement: Hey everyone, I want to acknowledge the recent feedback about Google Assistant reliability on our home devices. I sincerely apologize for what you're experiencing and feeling. We hear you loud and clear and are committed to getting this right and making sure we have a long-term solution that provides better reliability and capability. We have been actively working on major improvements for some time and will have more to share in the fall. If you're one of the many users who are experiencing issues with Google Home, Kaplan Gore recommends filling out the form on its website. Completing the form will allow you to find out if you have a potential claim. Follow
Tom's Guide
16 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Google Home speaker debacle worsens with more failures — lawsuit imminent
Last week, Google acknowledged the mounting frustration withs some of the best Google Home speakers and promised "major improvements." Not even a week later and it sounds like the issues are getting worse. The problems appeared to be related to Google Assistant, the current voice assistant that Google is going to replace with Gemini AI. The assistant has already been losing features ahead of its successor. Aniah Kattukaran, the Chief Product Officer for Google Home Nest, admitted to problems on X. "We hear you loud and clear and are committed to getting this right — and making sure we have a long term solution that provides better reliability and capability," he wrote. He added that the company is working on major improvements and would have more to share in the fall. Unfortunately, the bugs are occurring now and people are not interested in waiting. Despite acknowledging the problems, users are unhappy and Android Police found a Reddit thread on the Google Home subreddit with people reporting that voice controls for smart lights were totally out of commission. Usually device subreddits are filled with questions about products or attempts to solve problems but a glance through the Google Home subreddit shows a number of posts complaining about voice controls. It's so bad that an official Google moderator for the subreddit popped into that post twice in response to complaints. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. "We're aware of an issue with using voice commands to control some lights. We'll share an update as soon as possible, thanks for your patience," they wrote. Another response from June 28 claimed that a fix for the issue was being rolled out, though it was tempered with "some users might still be experiencing issues." One frustrated user commented, "You're not adding how do you manage to screw up the old ones that worked?" Not something you want to see when Google has already promised to fix the problem. These complaints have gotten so so bad that a potential lawsuit may be in the works. The law firm Kaplan Gore announced (via TechRadar) that it is looking into a possible class action suit against Google for "failing to remedy increasing problems with its Google Home service." With so many complaints rolling in, Kaplan Gore says that "rather than fixing these issues, Google is allowing the issues with Google Home to increase in scale and frequency nationwide." The law firm is asking affected customers to fill out a form where they can explain what problems they are having with Google Home. That information would help the firm decide if it has grounds for pursuing a lawsuit. Unfortunately, it looks like Google's Home problems may get worse before they get better. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai's DEWA processes 7.2 million digital transactions in first half of 2025
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has processed more than 7.2 million transactions across its digital platforms during the first half of 2025, achieving a digital service adoption rate of 99.5 per cent. The transactions were distributed across multiple channels: 1.1 million through the DEWA website, 2.6 million via the smart app, and 3.5 million through partner-supported platforms. DEWA enabled customers to seamlessly complete more than 7.2 million transactions across several digital platforms during the first half of 2025. #DEWANews — DEWA | Official Page (@DEWAOfficial) July 28, 2025 DEWA's digital excellence reaches new heights The utility completed more than 100 integration projects with 65 government and private organisations by the end of June 2025. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said: 'In line with the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we continue our tireless efforts to enhance the quality of digital life and accelerate the digital transformation process in DEWA and the emirate of Dubai. 'We are keen to advance our leadership in employing AI innovation and the latest technologies to provide more efficient, effective and quality services, and to develop innovative digital solutions that enhance the experience and happiness of stakeholders, helping to reduce their carbon footprint and supporting sustainability efforts.' Al Tayer said the organisation remains committed to advancing leadership in artificial intelligence innovation and technology deployment to provide more efficient services and develop digital solutions that enhance stakeholder experience whilst reducing carbon footprint and supporting sustainability efforts. 'At DEWA, we have a secure and advanced digital infrastructure that keeps pace with our ambitions for digital transformation and our efforts to make Dubai a global centre for innovation and technology. We adopt the 'Services 360' policy in all our services to reduce procedures, achieve zero bureaucracy and help to establish a leading global system in government work,' Al Tayer added. DEWA operates a comprehensive ecosystem of digital channels, including its website, smart app and customer care centre systems. All platforms operate through green data centres that rely entirely on clean energy. The utility provides services through Rammas, its virtual employee supported by ChatGPT. Rammas is available across multiple platforms, including DEWA's website, smart app, Facebook page, Google Home, service robots, WhatsApp Business at 04-601 9999 and Amazon's Alexa.
Hi Dubai
a day ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
DEWA Powers Over 7.2 million Digital Transactions in H1 2025, Achieves 99.5% Digital Adoption
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) recorded over 7.2 million digital transactions across its digital platforms during the first half of 2025, marking a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey. The transactions included 1.1 million via DEWA's website, 2.6 million through its smart app, and 3.5 million through partner-supported channels, resulting in a digital adoption rate of 99.5%. His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, reaffirmed the authority's commitment to enhancing the quality of digital services in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He highlighted the utility's ongoing efforts to integrate AI-powered innovations, reduce customer carbon footprints, and promote sustainability through green digital solutions. DEWA completed over 100 integration projects with 65 public and private sector organisations by the end of June 2025, supporting its vision for a connected and efficient digital ecosystem. The authority continues to expand its offerings through platforms like Rammas, its AI-powered virtual assistant, now integrated with ChatGPT and accessible via DEWA's website, app, WhatsApp, Facebook, Google Home, Alexa, and service robots. Built on a secure and sustainable infrastructure, DEWA's digital channels operate from green data centres powered by clean energy, aligning with the 'Services 360' policy aimed at reducing bureaucracy, streamlining service delivery, and positioning Dubai as a global leader in digital governance and innovation. News Source: Dubai Media Office
