Google has announced that it’s expanding what users can do with Nest devices across multiple rooms. It pointed out that you can already manually group Nest devices to play music on several speakers at once but today’s update allows you to dynamically group them.
According to Google, if you have more than one Google Assistant-enabled smart speaker or Smart Display, you should be able to tap the icon in the bottom left corner of the screen when audio content is playing to add and remove other devices throughout your home. Giving some examples of how the new controls can be used, Chris Chan, Product Manager, Google Nest, suggested the following:
- “Move music from one room to another: Stream transfer lets you easily move music, videos, podcasts and more between compatible devices in your home using your voice, the Google Home app or the touchscreen on your Nest smart display.
- Experience stereo sound: Stereo pair two Nest Mini or Google Home Max devices in the Google Home app for room-filling sound and even more immersive left and right channel separation.
- Get new music recommendations: YouTube Music and Spotify Premium subscribers can ask, “Hey Google, recommend some music” and Google Assistant will offer multiple choices from artists and genres that they like, and others like them to choose from.”
The new multi-room control interface is going to begin rolling out to the Nest Hub, Nest Hub Max, and other compatible Assistant-enabled Smart displays from today. The same functionality will arrive on the Google Home app in the fall for those without a Smart Display device.
