Audio By Carbonatix
According to a number of user complaints on Google's product forums, the Google Home voice-activated smart speaker isn't being very receptive to verbal commands.
Some customers have reported receiving the error message, "Something went wrong, try again in a few seconds," whenever they try to talk to the device.
I've been unable to replicate the problem in the CNET Smart Home, and a Google representative assured me over email that the company is "looking into the situation" and that it has only heard complaints from "a small set of Google Home users."
When it's working properly, the Google Home listens for your spoken commands and acts as a personal assistant, smart home controller and entertainment hub that plays music and even controls your TV. Lots of complaints note that they've been unable to do anything with the Home -- starting in mid-February -- after it had been working fine before.
Other users have had particular problems getting their Google Home to control Philips Hue's smart bulbs. The two platforms are supposed to work together, and again, the complaints note that everything had indeed worked fine at one point. When I asked Philips, a company spokesperson referred me to Google, and declined to comment separately.
The posts started in mid-February, and as of a couple of days ago, some users have reported that their problems have been fixed. Google wouldn't provide any further info regarding whether or not the problem is solved, or what the problem actually was in the first place.
The news comes just days after the company admitted its device was answering questions about the news with false information.
This problem could just be the growing pains of a relatively new device -- we've experienced plenty of issues from other smart home tech in the CNET Smart Home. Still, whether or not it's fixed, glitches like this don't help Google gain ground over the competing Amazon Echo.
Latest Stories
-
Prada to launch $930 ‘Made in India’ Kolhapuri sandals after backlash
17 minutes -
Gov’t moves to fix Armed Forces housing crisis with 2000 new units and jets
31 minutes -
Boy, 13, shot dead as youth torch mining vehicles in Adelekezu
45 minutes -
‘Architects of AI’ named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year
1 hour -
GPL 2025/26: Berekum Chelsea edge Hohoe United to end winless run
1 hour -
GPL 2025/26: Mensah’s penalty helps Bechem United beat Eleven Wonders
2 hours -
Did Ghana need 110 brand new hospitals at once?
2 hours -
Benin: Ex-president’s son arrested after foiled coup attempt
2 hours -
Reconsidering Ghana’s presidential age limit: Why Article 62(b) of the 1992 Constitution deserves review
2 hours -
ECOWAS unanimously endorses President Mahama for African Union chairmanship
2 hours -
Douri-Naa predicts victory for ‘Second Dombo’ Bawumia in NPP primaries and 2028 election
3 hours -
2025/25 GPL: Asante Kotoko pip Dreams to end 4-game winless run
3 hours -
2025/26 GPL: Swedru All Blacks beat Vision FC 2-0
4 hours -
Ghanaian PhD students petition UK prime minister over unpaid scholarships and deportation fears
4 hours -
2025/26 GPL: Simba Sylvester Brace Powers Basake Holy Stars Past Samatex
4 hours
