# Google Home Max to Discontinue Sound Detection Feature in 2025
Google has revealed that it will be discontinuing the **sound detection feature** from its **Google Home Max** smart speaker in **May 2025**. This update will impact users who depend on the feature as part of their **Nest Aware subscription**, which delivers security notifications for sounds like **glass shattering** or **smoke alarms**.
## What Is Sound Detection?
The **sound detection feature** enables Google Home and Nest devices to monitor for potentially hazardous sounds, including:
– **Glass breaking** (signifying a potential break-in)
– **Smoke or carbon monoxide alarms** (warning users of possible fires or gas leaks)
When these sounds are detected, the device transmits a **push notification** to the user’s smartphone, assisting them in reacting swiftly to possible emergencies.
## Why Is Google Removing Sound Detection from Home Max?
Google has not disclosed a definitive reason for the removal of the feature from the **Home Max**, but there are several likely explanations:
– **Aging hardware**: The Google Home Max was launched in **2017** and ceased production in **2020**. As the device ages, it may struggle to support more recent software updates effectively.
– **Firmware discrepancies**: Reports suggest that the **Google Home Max** operates on an older firmware version (**1.56.275994**) compared to other Google Home devices, like the **Google Home Mini**, which operates on a much more advanced version (**3.75.456944**). This indicates that the Home Max may not be equipped to handle the latest security features.
Even though it is discontinued, the **Google Home Max** continues to receive updates, but this alteration implies that Google might be steadily reducing support for the device.
## Will Sound Detection Still Function on Other Google Devices?
Yes. While the **Google Home Max** is losing sound detection, this feature will remain functional on other **Google Home and Nest devices** for users subscribed to **Nest Aware**.
## What Should Google Home Max Users Consider?
If you depend on **sound detection** for home security, it might be wise to explore alternative options:
1. **Upgrade to a newer Google Nest device** – Newer Google Home and Nest speakers will maintain support for sound detection.
2. **Utilize a Nest security camera** – Nest cameras equipped with **Nest Aware** can also recognize sounds and offer security notifications.
3. **Look into third-party smart home solutions** – Other smart security systems, including **Ring or Arlo**, provide sound detection and monitoring features.
## Final Thoughts
The elimination of **sound detection** from the **Google Home Max** represents another phase in Google’s slow withdrawal of older smart home devices. While the speaker will still operate, users who rely on **sound detection for security notifications** may need to think about upgrading to a more modern device.
For those continuing to use the **Google Home Max**, the feature will stay active until **May 8, 2025**. After this date, users will have to depend on other Google or third-party smart home devices for sound detection and security monitoring.
