Google Home Adds Wi-Fi Presence Detection for Smarter Routines.

Google has introduced a new Wi-Fi presence detection feature to the Google Home app, enabling a more accurate and automated way to manage your smart home routines. This update, included in version 3.39 of the app, allows the system to determine if you are home or away simply by monitoring your mobile device's connection to your home Wi-Fi network.

This new capability enhances Google Home's existing suite of presence-sensing methods, which already includes using a phone's location data and triggers from smart home devices like motion sensors and voice commands.

How does it work?

The new Wi-Fi presence detection feature works by providing a simple, passive trigger for your "Home" and "Away" routines. For instance, when your phone disconnects from your home Wi-Fi, the Google Home app can automatically initiate an "Away Routine," a command that could turn off all lights, lock the doors, and adjust the thermostat to save energy. When your phone reconnects to the network, the app can then trigger a "Home Routine," which might turn on the lights, unlock smart locks, and set the temperature to your preferred comfort level.

This feature offers a reliable and seamless method for automating your home, as it relies on a consistent connection to the Wi-Fi network rather than the occasional location data updates from a phone's GPS. This could lead to fewer false triggers and a smoother, more efficient smart home experience.

Also Read: Google Acknowledges Home Assistant Glitches, Teases Major Gemini-Powered Upgrades.

Google Acknowledges Home Assistant Glitches, Teases Major Gemini-Powered Upgrades.

Key Takeaway.

• Google admits reliability problems with Home and Nest Assistant and apologizes for user frustrations.
• The company plans significant Gemini-based upgrades this fall to improve performance and user experience.

Google has admitted that its Assistant for Home and Nest devices has been struggling with reliability issues and has promised significant improvements later this year. The announcement was made by Anish Kattukaran, the Chief Product Officer for Google Home and Nest, in a candid post on X (formerly Twitter) addressing growing user dissatisfaction (e.g. commands not executing or smart devices not responding).

In the post, Kattukaran expressed regret over the current user experience and reassured that Google has been working on long-term fixes. He also hinted at “major improvements” coming in fall 2025, likely in sync with the wider rollout of Gemini-powered enhancements already previewed in other areas of Google’s smart-home system.

Users Report Multiple Failures in Home Assistant.

Smart-home users have experienced frustrating behavior such as voice commands being misunderstood, routines failing to execute, and devices not responding at all. These issues seem more severe compared to previous years, which has led to increased public criticism. In response, Kattukaran stated, "We hear you loud and clear and are committed to getting this right," and emphasized that Google is dedicated to creating a reliable and capable assistant experience.

He acknowledged that the current state does not meet user expectations and offered a sincere apology for the inconvenience. The company is working on structural improvements designed to stabilize performance and restore trust before rolling out more advanced features.

What to Expect from Upcoming Gemini Integration.

Google has already introduced limited Gemini-powered upgrades across its product ecosystem. These include smarter search capabilities and more natural language home automations. The promise of major improvements this fall suggests that Gemini will play a central part in improving Assistant reliability, responsiveness, and overall smart-home control.

Kattukaran’s message indicates that this update will go beyond surface tweaks to address deeper architectural issues. It could cover better camera integrations, improved routines, and more robust voice control across all Home and Nest devices. Google plans to reveal details in the coming months, possibly timed with its Pixel 10 launch event.

Why This Matters.

A trustworthy voice assistant is now expected to integrate seamlessly with everyday smart-home devices. When lights refuse to turn on or routines break, it disrupts the convenience and confidence users have come to expect. Google’s open acknowledgement of these issues demonstrates accountability. More importantly, the company’s Gemini-driven focus shows it recognizes that better AI is the next step toward restoring reliability across its ecosystem.