The Preview Programme is a user opt-in channel that updates your Google streaming device, Google Nest or Home speaker or display with the latest firmware version before it's made broadly available. This gives members of the programme early access to features and improvements on their device and helps Google find and fix bugs before features are released to everyone.
Important:
Google Home has multiple preview programmes that focus on different parts of your smart home. These include:
- Early access for Gemini for Home voice assistant: Lets you sign up to express interest in Gemini for Home voice assistant. Learn how to request early access to Gemini for Home.
- Public Preview for Google Home app: Lets you test new features and updates within the Google Home app.
- Preview Programme for Google smart speakers and displays, and streaming devices: Allows early access to device firmware updates, such as bug fixes and performance improvements.
Why join the Preview Programme?
Why join the Preview Programme?- Experience new features: You get the latest software updates sent to your streaming device and speaker or display before they're released to the general public.
- Give early feedback: If you have a great idea or you find a bug while you’re using the Preview firmware, send it our way. Your suggestions could help make the product even better.
- For more details, go to Share feedback about Chromecast or Google TV Streamer devices and the Google Home app
- Share feedback about speakers or displays
- Stay up to date: Never worry about missing a single update. We'll email you as soon as your device receives the newest firmware.
Is this a beta program?
This isn't 'beta' software. We don’t make features available to the Preview Programme until we believe that they are ready to be released to all users. You simply get earlier access to new features before they're released broadly.
As with any new feature, Preview Programme firmware updates may have issues that impact on how products work. Our teams closely monitor the Preview Programme to keep these issues to a minimum and to correct them quickly.
It's updated shortly before the full push of our production firmware versions for the following:
- Chromecast
- Chromecast (2nd gen)
- Chromecast (3rd gen)
- Chromecast Ultra
- Chromecast Audio
- Google Nest and Home speakers and displays
How to join the Preview Programme
How do I join the Preview Programme?- Open the Google Home app
.
- Tap Home
All
, then touch and hold your device's tile.
- At the top right, tap Settings
Device information
- If you can't find the 'Preview Programme', we're unable to accept new members at this time. Keep checking back for opportunities as they become available.
- Tap Join programme.
- Review the contents of the page, then tap OK, got it.
.
Device information - Open the Google Home app
- Tap Home
- At the top right, tap Settings
- If you're a member, you'll find 'On' or 'On (Preview firmware: #)'. If you'd like to become a member, refer to the 'Join Preview Programme' instructions above.
If you opt in to the Preview Programme email list, you'll receive an email each time we release a Preview firmware to your device.
To opt out of email notifications:
- Open the Google Home app
- At the top right, tap your profile picture or initial.
- Tap Home settings
Notifications
Notifications This list of preview statuses will help you understand the current status of the Preview Programme on your device.
| Status | Description |
|
On (Waiting for next preview firmware update) |
You’ve joined the programme and are ready to receive the next preview firmware. |
|
On (Preview firmware: #) |
A new preview firmware has been pushed to your device. |
|
Off (Waiting for next public firmware update) |
You've chosen to leave the Programme and are waiting for the next production firmware to be pushed (this could take a week or two). |
| Off | You're not part of the Preview Programme. |
Leave the Preview Programme
How do I leave the Preview Programme?- Open the Google Home app
- Tap Home
- Tap Settings
- You'll now find 'Leaving' under 'Preview Programme' within 'Device settings'.
- Although your device is set to 'Leaving' status, you'll have to wait for the next production firmware to be pushed to officially exit the programme. This may take a week or two.
Submit feedback about the Preview Programme
If I run into an issue with my device, what should I do?- Share feedback about Chromecast or Google TV Streamer devices
- Share feedback about speakers or displays
If you need to factory reset your device, you'll have to opt back into the Preview Programme. You may have to wait for the next preview firmware to be pushed out before being able to test again.