Google tests multicolor wake light on Nest speakers ahead of Gemini

Google has begun rolling out a preview firmware update that adds a brief multicolored light animation to Nest Mini and Nest Audio smart speakers after they recognize the wake phrase Hey Google. The change, appearing in Preview Program firmware version 3.77.500695, is being distributed to enrolled devices ahead of the U.S. early access launch of Gemini for Home on October 28, 2025.

After the hotword is detected, the four-dot indicator on affected Nest speakers now cycles through multiple colors, including blue, red, yellow and green, before returning to the standard white illumination. The effect is most noticeable on Chalk and Charcoal finishes and less visible on Coral models. The current stable firmware remains at version 3.76.495998; users must enroll their devices in the Google Home app Preview Program under Device information to receive the new release.

Google has been preparing its smart home lineup for integration with Gemini, its artificial intelligence assistant platform, and the timing and palette of the light change align with Gemini branding. Google has said it plans to bring Gemini for Home to devices released over the past decade, though not all older hardware will...