Google Nest speakers just lost a key feature — and buyers are fuming

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Volume settings on groups of Google Nest and Home speakers will now have to be tweaked individually

Google Nest Audio review
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Google devices rank among the best smart speakers, but it looks like some have just lost a major feature after a patent ruling against the tech giant in a case with Sonos.

On Thursday, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled against Google in a case brought by Sonos regarding patent infringement. Now, Google has outlined the changes to its line of Nest Audio and Google Home speakers to ensure it’s in line with the outcome — and some users aren't happy.

The most significant of the changes affect people with more than one speaker in their home, as volume will now need to be adjusted individually for each one, rather than done together as a group. Speaker group volume also won’t be adjustable using the volume controls on your phone in the Google Home app. 

Instead, it urged Google to pay royalties for the functionality — but the search giant has seemingly chosen the former option, regardless of the reaction from its users.

Customer backlash 

It’s likely that many owners of a Nest Audio or Google Home device will be unaffected, as you would imagine plenty of users only have one smart speaker in their home. Nonetheless, those who do buy more than one are, by definition, the company’s most enthusiastic customers, and this decision does risk angering them.

At the time of writing, the post announcing the changes has amassed 179 comments, and the overwhelming majority are unsympathetic about the situation. “Completely negates why I bought into Google speakers for the house,” reads the top-rated comment. “I believe a rebate is in order, your devices no longer work as advertised and as sold,” it continues.

“Either get some better lawyers and win the suit or pay Sonos a royalty or start issuing refunds to customers,” echoes another.

As the post is on the Google Nest Community blog, tags can be added to posts by anyone and, at the time of writing, 12 unflattering terms have been added by aggrieved users including “BaitAndSwitch,” “Cheapskates” and “False Advertising.” 

While consumer backlashes are almost always louder online than in the real world, it’s clear that some of Google’s most loyal customers are upset and looking for alternatives. Amazon could see this as a real opportunity to convert them to one of the best Alexa speakers instead.

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Alan Martin
Alan Martin

Freelance contributor Alan has been writing about tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are found all over the web and in the occasional magazine too. When not weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, you'll probably find him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. He also handles all the Wordle coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game for the last several years in an effort to keep his streak forever intact.