Google restores the ability to add Nest speakers to multiple Home groups

Google will soon make it possible again through an update to add Nest speakers and Chromecast with Google TV devices to multiple groups in the Home app. The company is doing this in response to a judge’s decision surrounding a patent lawsuit with Sonos.

The restriction in question will be lifted immediately and must be implemented within the next 48 hours for the Home Android app, so reports Google. 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 simultaneously after the relevant Home update.

• Google Nest Mini (second generation)
• Google Nest Audio
• Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
• Chromecast with Google TV (HD)
• Google Nest Hub (second generation)
• Google Nest Hub Max
• Google Nest WiFi Point
• Pixel Tablet (in Hub mode)

Roughly a month ago, Google removed the option to assign certain devices to multiple groups in the Google Home app. Although not explicitly stated, in retrospect this was a measure regarding a patent lawsuit with Sonos; the audio brand said it had a patent on this technology. Google was initially also fined for this.

Yesterday, on the other hand, it was announced that Sonos’ claim was not justified according to a federal judge, as Sonos only applied for a patent years after the introduction of the controversial concept. However, the matter is not yet concluded. Immediately after the ruling, Sonos announced that the company would appeal because the decision was ‘both factually and legally incorrect’. If a judge subsequently rules in favor of Sonos, the listed devices may once again be limited in terms of the number of groups.