Nest Hub update refreshes UI design, including a new swipe down shortcuts menu

Google has started to roll out an update to some of its Nest Hub devices. The update features a redesigned user interface (UI) which hasn’t changed since 2020.

The updated design includes a new swipe down menu of setting shortcuts; previously, the gesture took you to the Home Control tab. The date is shown in the top-left corner of this new menu panel, with the time noted on the other side alongside any status icons.

Below this is a row of controls for brightness, volume, Sleep Sensing mode, Do Not Disturb mode, setting an alarm and access to all settings. The volume control bar is now continuous rather than a scale of dots. At the bottom of the panel are tiles for your connected smart devices with their settings and a “View rooms” shortcut.

Swiping up from the bottom of the screen now opens the app launcher in full screen, rather than a bar of settings tools. This week, the update has been rolling out to some 2nd gen Nest Hub and Google Nest Hub Max devices.

However, the new software has caused bootloops for a few customers, such as four dots in Google’s brand colors circling continually on a white background. You can disconnect your Nest Hub from power and then reconnect it to remedy the bug. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to factory reset your device.

The update is found on devices with firmware version 1.56.290464 and software 46.32.13.418036576. It is currently unclear when a full roll-out of the update will occur.

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