Old Google Home and Nest speakers getting big firmware update

9to5google.com Oct 15, 2026

Old Google Home and Nest speakers getting big firmware update

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 15, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Google is testing a major firmware update, version 3.79.550760, for its legacy smart speakers—including the 2016 Google Home, 2017 Home Mini, 2019 Nest Mini, and 2020 Nest Audio. The preview, rolled out through the Google Home app’s Preview Program, adds five key enhancements: streamlined device setup, improved Wi‑Fi connectivity, boosted audio performance, refined smart‑home control, and an updated Google Assistant likely powered by the Gemini model. The update does not yet cover the Google Home Max, which remains on older firmware, nor the newer Home Speaker, which may already incorporate the changes. Users can enroll via the app’s device settings; updates install automatically overnight. Google expects the preview to run for several weeks before the build reaches the production channel for all customers.

💡 Why It Matters

· The upgrade revives older hardware with AI‑driven features, extending the lifespan of devices that might otherwise be retired.

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No, Siri AI is not coming to the first-generation HomePod mini

Apple confirmed that the first‑generation HomePod mini, powered by the S5 chip, will not receive the new Siri AI feature. The company clarified that only the HomePod mini 2 and select older Apple TV 4K models will be upgraded. The announcement follows earlier rumors suggesting the original HomePod mini would gain the AI capability. Apple’s decision underscores a selective rollout strategy, reserving the feature for newer hardware while maintaining the existing functionality on older devices.

💡 The move signals Apple’s focus on newer models for AI integration, potentially influencing consumer upgrade decisions and shaping the competitive landscape for smart speakers.

appleinsider.com · Oct 15

Les Benjamins takes fashion to the sky with iPad-designed hot air balloons

Les Benjamins celebrated its 15th anniversary with “From Earth to Sky,” a runway show in Turkey’s Cappadocia that featured ten floral‑inspired garments and three custom hot‑air balloons. Designer Bunyamin Aydin used an iPad Pro, Freeform, Procreate, and an Apple Pencil Pro to sketch, refine, and share designs with his team. The balloons were engineered by Pasha Balloons, while French filmmaker Neels Castillon captured the event on an iPhone 18 Pro Max, using 4K 120 fps footage and ProRes RAW for post‑production. The final film premiered on Apple’s Instagram on October 16.

💡 The collaboration demonstrates how high‑tech tools can merge traditional couture with innovative aerial staging, expanding the creative possibilities for fashion presentations worldwide.

appleinsider.com · Oct 15

Latest HomePods can output Mac system audio in compatible configurations

Apple announced the HomePod mini 2, featuring an updated S10 chip and new audio capabilities. The device can now serve as a system audio output for Macs equipped with Wi‑Fi 6E, mirroring the functionality of the second‑generation HomePod. Compatible Macs include 2023‑2024 MacBook Pro, Air, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro models. Users can pair a stereo HomePod or HomePod mini 2 pair to route all system sounds, including notifications, to the speakers. The feature will be managed in System Settings → Sound, pending macOS updates.

💡 This integration expands the HomePod ecosystem into everyday computing, offering a seamless, high‑quality audio experience for Mac users without additional hardware. It also positions Apple’s smart speakers as a primary audio solution for professional and home environments.

ign.com · Oct 15

The $849 ABS Cyclone RTX 5060 Gaming PC Is More Powerful AND…

Walmart is selling the ABS Cyclone Aqua gaming PC for $849, featuring an Intel Core i5‑120 6‑core, 12‑thread CPU, GeForce RTX 5060 GPU, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and a 1 TB NVMe SSD. The RTX 5060 delivers 20‑30% more performance than the RTX 4060 and supports DLSS 4, enabling consistent 60 fps at 1080p in most titles. The unit outperforms the $1,049 Steam Machine, which uses a low‑power CPU and a custom GPU comparable to an RX 7600 or RTX 4060. The lower price and higher specs make the Cyclone a compelling budget option.

💡 The deal offers gamers a high‑performance rig at a price that undercuts a comparable premium model, reshaping the value proposition for entry‑level gaming PCs.

9to5google.com · Oct 15

Google Fitbit Edge hands-on: Pixel Watch Lite, take two

Google is set to release its new Fitbit Edge fitness tracker on October 27, positioning it between the screen‑less Fitbit Air and the Pixel Watch 5. The Edge replaces the Charge 6’s design with a larger display that mirrors Pixel Watch aesthetics, including watch faces and panel layouts. It adds a tactile side power button, retains core health sensors—heart‑rate, sleep, workout tracking—and integrates data with the Google Health app and equipment. The device also shows notifications, supports calls, and includes GPS linked to Google Maps, though it omits Google Wallet, a feature present on the Charge 6. Hardware is simple; it uses the same active‑band style as the Pixel Watch and shares the Air’s charger. Pre‑orders are open, and a review will follow.

💡 By adding a full‑color screen and tighter Pixel branding, Google blurs the line between basic trackers and smartwatches, expanding its wearables ecosystem without cannibalizing the Pixel Watch lineup.

9to5mac.com · Oct 14

iOS 27 adds brand new widgets for your iPhone’s Home Screen

Apple’s iOS 27 introduces over 15 new pre‑installed widgets, including a new “extra‑large” size that spans a 4×6 grid, effectively filling an entire Home Screen page. The largest previous widget, “large,” occupied a 4×4 grid. Extra‑large widgets are available for several Apple apps, allowing users to display more content—such as detailed calendars, to‑do lists, or notes—on any iPhone, though they are especially suited to the larger iPhone Duo. The update expands customization options for Home Screen users.

💡 The new widget size gives users a practical way to view more information at a glance, improving productivity on larger screens. It also signals Apple’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the iPhone’s user experience through incremental interface improvements.