Google’s October 14 Google Home update moves existing Philips Hue bridges to local Matter control through Google Home hubs. Google’s release notes say the switch happens automatically in the background, with no re-pairing. The rest of the release is a set of smaller fixes, including several for Gemini for Home early-access users.
Philips Hue bridges get local Matter control in Google Home
Google describes the change in its release notes:
Existing Philips Hue bridges now automatically upgrade in the background to local Matter control through Google Home hubs, delivering faster response times and greater reliability with no re-pairing required.
The speed and reliability gains are Google’s own claim, and the notes include no measurements. They also give no schedule for when a given bridge will switch over. The notes refer to existing bridges without saying whether every Hue bridge model qualifies.
A separate Matter item in the same release brings local control to other compatible Matter devices on a compatible Matter hub. Our October 1 Google Home update coverage lists the previous round of fixes.
Gemini for Home fixes (early access only)
These changes sit under Google’s Gemini for Home early-access heading, so they apply only to users in that program.
- Stop command: saying stop could be read as ending the conversation instead of stopping media, a timer or an alarm. Google says that’s fixed.
- Goodbyes: Gemini now signs off more politely when a conversation ends.
- Temperature units: Gemini now uses temperature units consistently.
- Smart displays: Google lists a change to on-screen scroll speed.
The rest of the update, in brief
- Favorites: reordering Favorites by drag and drop is smoother.
- Safety alerts: a banner now appears after a smoke or CO alarm clears.
- Cameras on iOS: fixes for recovering a camera’s live view.
- Cameras on Android: fixes for event-video playback.
- Device controls: redesigned controls for third-party lights, plugs and switches.
- Quick access: a swipe-up panel on most device pages.
When the update arrives
Google’s notes name no rollout region and give no per-device timing for the Hue switch. Because the Hue upgrade is automatic, there is nothing to re-pair on your side. The app changes arrive as the Google Home app update reaches your phone.
Source: Google Home Help
