{
  "id": 2232449,
  "title": "Google Home update lets you set light color temperature to your favorite kelvin using voice commands",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/google-home-update-lets-you-set-light-color-temperature-to-your",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-20T21:53:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "9to5Google",
    "slug": "9to5google",
    "url": "https://9to5google.com/2026/08/20/google-home-update-improves-voice-controls/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Google Home has unveiled a significant update aimed at addressing some of the most common frustrations users face with the voice assistant. The update, rolled out on August 20, introduces a host of improvements that should enhance the overall experience for Google Home owners.\n\nOne of the key changes is an improvement in Spotify command recognition. Google claims that the update \"improves how [it] recognizes the songs, artists, and playlists you request on Spotify.\" This should help eliminate the hit-or-miss nature of music requests that many users have experienced, preventing random tunes from playing at inconvenient times.\n\nAnother significant change is the way broadcasts are handled. The update introduces a two-step process for broadcasting messages. Users will first ask Gemini to broadcast a message, and then provide the message itself. This should reduce the likelihood of miscommunication that has plagued previous attempts to use this feature.\n\nPerhaps the most exciting feature for many users is the ability to control the color temperature of smart lights using voice commands. The update allows users to specify the exact color temperature they want, down to the kelvin. For example, you can now say \"Hey Google, set the living room lights to 2700 kelvins\" to achieve the desired warm, soft lighting. This feature, once available only through the app, is now accessible through voice commands.\n\nThe update also brings several adjustments to the Google Home app. These include consistent temperature unit measurements across all devices, support for European-style door locks, and improved offline camera controls. Google has also addressed issues that have been plaguing iOS users, including fewer app crashes and better offline camera controls.\n\nOn the Android side, the update fixes an issue where camera streams were getting stuck at 360p. Affected cameras should now stream at their full resolution, provided the connection allows. Additionally, failed payments for Google Home Premium will now result in a clear alert, preventing any lapses in features or camera storage.\n\nThis update comes after Google recently added support for more third-party cameras. Android users should notice these improvements starting from August 20. For more information, check out 9to5Google on YouTube.",
  "summary": "Google Home is rolling out an update that addresses some of the most overlooked pain points for the voice assistant, like refined broadcast commands, better Spotify request recognition, and granular smart light color temperature control down to the kelvin. Don’t be shy; we all have a favorite kelvin rating.",
  "key_points": [
    "Google Home update released on August 20",
    "Improves Spotify command recognition",
    "Enables voice control of smart light color temperature"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}