Reply from multiple device (smartphone and Nest audio)

[c3k]

I'm using Google Assistant since many years with different smartphone and different home speaker and never had this problem.

A month ago I switched from a Samsung S23 to a Samsung Z Fold7. Since this change every time I ask a question to Google Assistant at home I got two (different) replies from the smartphone and from the speaker and I can't take it anymore...

I did a lot of the test, the most important clue is that this problem happen only with device locked. If is unlocked it works as expected: assistant interface popup but it didn't reply and let the speaker do the job.

Here's what I've tried:

- reset the speaker (software and hardware way)

- switch between Google Assistant and Gemini

- clear Google app data

- clear Gemini data

- clear Google home data

- reset voice model

- check presence settings

- remove sharing (family) account from Google home

- check lock screen data access setting

- leave public beta

Please help I'm going crazy

[c3k]

I have spent some additional time analyzing and debugging this issue. The problem appears to be directly related to the dual-screen/foldable form factor.

In fact, when the screen is locked but the device is unfolded, everything works correctly. The issue only occurs when the device is locked and folded.

I captured and compared logcats across different scenarios, and I noticed these specific lines coinciding with the issue:

I dohz : Conversation start failed

I bdag : Start Presentation on Secondary Screen

This suggests that when the foldable is locked, the system attempts to switch from "Conversation" mode to "Presentation" mode (targeting the secondary/cover screen). I suspect that this specific "Presentation" mode does not correctly handle interoperability/coexistence with Nest Audio devices.

I hope Nest Support reads this and forwards these technical details to the Gemini / Google Assistant Android app team, so this frustrating issue can be resolved.

[virnab]

Hi c3k,

Thanks for reaching out to our community.

I understand that you have been using Google Assistant successfully for so many years. However, since switching to your Samsung Z Fold7, you are now getting two separate replies (one from your phone and one from your Nest Audio) every time you ask a question when your phone is locked and folded.

I appreciate you sharing the detailed Google Assistant behavior, your findings, and the extensive troubleshooting efforts you’ve taken, as this information is crucial for providing you with the best assistance, and I'm happy to look into this for you.

Before we proceed with further troubleshooting, I have a few clarifying questions:

• Does the issue happen with any other Google speakers or devices linked to the same Google account, or is it specific to the Nest Audio?
• To clarify, are you currently using Google Assistant or Gemini on the smartphone?

Please provide the information requested above so we can proceed with effective troubleshooting.

Best regards,

Virna

[c3k]

Hi, thank you for supporting. Here's the replies:

• I own only the Nest Audio at the moment
• I'm using Gemini, but I did a test with Google Assistant too, same problem

[Googz]

I am experiencing exactly, precisely the same problem with my Fold 7. It's extremely irritating and I'm glad to find I'm not the only experiencing this. I'm a bit shocked that this problem remains even after multiple Fold 7 software upgrades and Google Home upgrades. How do we elevate this 100% reproducible problem? If my phone is open or unlocked everything works as expected, and as it always has. But if my phone is closed and locked, the phone responds as if it is not part of my home or isn't aware that I'm home. This is not an intermittent problem as it happens each and every time and has behaved this way since the Fold 7 was released. I'm surprised more people aren't complaining about this. Glad to find this thread and I appreciate the work you've done to investigate and bring it to attention.

[Googz]

This behavior is the same after recently upgrading my system to Gemini for Home. I had hope that the Gemini upgrade would fix it, but it hasn't.

[c3k]

From my analysis, it seems the bug is in the Google app. I couldn't test it, but I would expect the same result with an earlier generation of Fold or even the Flip devices. The fact remains that it is a HUGE bug: for example, I can no longer play music at home because it starts playing on two devices and I have to find my phone to stop the playback. I truly hope that this issue has reached or will reach the eyes of the developers very soon @virnab 

[virnab]

Hi c3k,

Thanks for your prompt response. Based on this information, I recommend the following instructions to avoid the double response from your devices:

• Ensure that your Samsung Z Fold7 is updated to the latest software version.
• Verify that all Google apps (Google Home, Google app, Gemini/Assistant) are fully updated.
• Temporarily disable any secondary screen or “Presentation” features on the Samsung Z Fold7, if possible, and test voice commands again with the phone locked.
• Ensure “Lock screen data access” is correctly set.
• Verify that “Use Assistant on this device” and “Personal results” settings are configured appropriately:
  • Open the Google app.
  • Tap the profile icon in the top right.
  • Go to Settings.
  • Select Google Assistant.
  • Tap Hey Google & Voice Match and confirm “Use Assistant on this device” is turned on.
  • Go back one screen, open Personal results, and make sure it’s enabled.

• Check with a voice command, and observe which device responds.

Please let me know how it goes.

Best regards,

Virna

[c3k]

Hi, I've double checked the settings except disabling the secondary screen: the "presentation" screen (the external one, the most used) is part of the device and can't be manually disabled.

All other settings attached.

I've tried to reach the Gemini app developer through the support email, let me know if you can reach them with my logcats, thank you.