Google's smart speaker is difficult to use due to update, so it's perfect for patent questions

Google Home app update

　Updated on January 8th to Google's smart home -related management app "Google Home".47.79.5) was delivered. Although the content of the update can be controlled at once with the physical volume button of Pixel 6 Pro, the content of the update is common, "I made bug corrections and improved functions", but there is a function that can not be used when updated. I don't like that and I haven't applied updates yet (because of this, the update of the Android app is set as a manual). If you update, you will not be able to use the function of controlling the volume of the grouped smart speakers and smart displays (hereinafter, "Smart Kun"). We use two NEST mini to stereo, and the NEST HUB in the living room and the nest hub max in the kitchen are put together in one group, and the same music is played in the house, so it is inconvenient if this cannot be used. Why did this happen?

Sonos appeals for patent infringement

　ITC acknowledged that SONOS appealed to ITC (US International Trade Commission) that "Google is infringing our patents!" If Google does nothing, Google products that are infringing patents (although not specifically specifically specified, at least smart smarts should be) can be imported to the United States (Google is in the United States. Although it is a company, the product manufacturing is mainly in China, so it is "imported", so if it cannot be imported, it cannot be sold). So, Google asks ITC to "change the function so that you don't infringe a little patent, so wait," and the measures you took for the time being are an inconvenient update for this user. ITC is not a court, but it is a quasi -judicial institution, which is like a court due to trade -related issues. In 2013, Apple vs. Samsung's patent lawsuit issued an order to import and sell some iPhone models to the United States. At this time, President Obama has been veto in this injury order, so the iPhone was not allowed to import. This time, I don't think it's suddenly banned. However, the current Biden administration is somewhat critical of Big Tech, so it may not be activated. However, SONOS has filed Google not only to ITC but also to the Central District Court of California, and if Google wins in this trial, both sides can avoid import prohibitions while maintaining mens. There is a possibility. Or, as SONOS says, Google pays a patent fee. However, Google says in the official statement that "protect himself from SONOS 'frivolous claims" is not intended to pay a patent fee because patent infringement is a mess. As a user, I really don't want to be a quarrel between companies. The physical volume buttons of the Android smartphone were used unconsciously, but it was also useful, but it is convenient. I can't use this either. There may not be many users who have a group of smarts, but maybe the number of remote work has increased. According to the comments on the official blog explaining the function change, "This is useless. The reason for purchasing Google's speaker is completely gone" or "Google is sued to SONOS and do we pay for it? There are more than 200 comments from users, including hiring a good lawyer and winning a lawsuit, paying a loyalty to SONOS, or refunding to customers. " By the way, what will Google do? I say "SONOS's unfounded claim", but I don't think SONOS's Patrick Spence CEO is a completely unfounded claim. I want you to resolve the back of the peace and revive the useful functions. * This article is a column of "Google -san" series that loosens Google's trends.

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