With an update, Google will soon once again make it possible to add Nest and Chromecast speakers with Google TV devices to multiple groups in the Home app. The company is doing this in response to a judge’s decision related to a patent lawsuit filed with Sonos.
The restriction in question will be lifted immediately and must be implemented within the next 48 hours for the Home Android app Google reports. The company says the same change will be coming to the iOS version of the app “soon.” The Google devices below can once again be assigned to multiple groups at once after the relevant home page update.
- Google Nest Mini (2nd generation)
- Google Nest Audio
- Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
- Chromecast with Google TV (HD)
- Google Nest Hub (2nd generation)
- Google Nest Hub Max
- Google Nest WiFi Point
- Pixel Tablet (in Hub mode)
About a month ago, Google removed the option to assign specific devices to multiple groups in the Google Home app. Although not explicitly stated, in retrospect this was an action related to a patent lawsuit with Sonos; The audio brand said it has a patent for the technology. Google was also initially fined for this.
On the other hand, it was announced yesterday that Sonos’ claim was unjustified according to a federal judge, as Sonos only applied for a patent years after introducing the controversial concept. However, the matter has not been decided yet. Immediately after the ruling, Sonos announced that the company would appeal the ruling because the decision was “factually and legally incorrect.” If a judge later rules in Sonos’ favor, the devices listed may again be restricted in terms of number of combinations.
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