The Preview Program is a user opt-in channel that updates your Google streaming device, Google Nest or Home speaker or display with the latest firmware version before it's made broadly available. This gives members of the program early access to features and improvements on their device, and helps Google find and fix bugs before features are released to everyone.
Note: The Preview Program is distinct from Public Preview, which is for early access to the latest features for Google Home app on mobile, WearOS, and the web.
Why join the Preview Program?
Why join the Preview Program?- Test drive newest features: You’ll get to experience new features when you get the latest software updates sent to your streaming device and speaker or display before they’re released broadly.
- Give early feedback: If you have a great idea or you found a bug while you’re using the Preview firmware, send it our way. Your suggestions could help make the product even better.
- Stay up to date: Never worry about missing a single update. You’ll be emailed as soon as your device receives the newest firmware.
Is this a Beta program?
This isn't “beta” software. We don’t make features available to the Preview Program until we believe they are ready to release to all users. You'll simply get earlier access to new features before they’re released broadly.
As with any new feature, Preview Program firmware updates may have issues that impact how products work. Our teams closely monitor the Preview Program to keep these issues to a minimum and correct them quickly.
The Preview channel is updated shortly before the full push of our production firmware versions.
What devices are eligible for the Preview Program?
Chromecast, Chromecast (2nd gen), Chromecast (3rd gen), Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast Audio, and Google Nest and Home speakers and displays are eligible to join the Preview Program.
How to join the Preview Program
How do I join the Preview Program?- Open the Google Home app
.
- Tap Favorites
or Devices
.
- Tap and hold your device's tile.
- At the top right, tap Settings
Device information
- If you can't find the "Preview Program," we're unable to accept new members at this time. Please continue to check back as opportunities become available.
- Choose whether to receive email notifications by moving the slider to the right or left. Note: It's recommended to allow email notifications so you’ll know when new updates are pushed to your device.
- If you opt-in to email notifications, you'll be asked to sign into your Google Account if you haven’t already.
- Review the contents of that page, and tap Join Program.
- Review the contents of the page, then tap Ok, got it.
- Open the Google Home app
- Tap Favorites
- Tap and hold your device's tile.
- At the top right, tap Settings
- If you're a member, you'll find "On" or "On (Preview firmware: #)." If you'd like to become a member, refer to the “Join Preview Program” instructions above.
If you opt-in to the Preview Program email list, you’ll receive an email each time we release a Preview firmware to your device.
To opt out of email notifications:
- Open the Google Home app
- At the top right, tap your account.
- Tap Home app settings
- Turn Preview program for Chromecast and Google Nest off
.
If you can't find the setting, it means we're unable to accept new members into the Preview Program at this time. Please continue to check back as opportunities become available.
What are the different Preview statuses?
This list of Preview statuses will help you understand the current status of the Preview Program on your device.
| Status | Description |
|
On (Waiting for next preview firmware update) |
You’ve joined the Program and are ready to receive the next Preview firmware. |
|
On (Preview firmware: #) |
A new Preview firmware has been pushed to your device. |
|
Off (Waiting for next public firmware update) |
You've chosen to leave the Program and are waiting for the next production firmware to be pushed (this could take a week or 2). |
| Off | You're not part of the Preview Program. |
Leave the Preview Program
How do I leave the Preview Program?- Open the Google Home app
- Tap Favorites
- Tap and hold your device's tile.
- At the top right, tap Settings
- You'll now find "Leaving" under Preview Program within Device Settings.
Important: Although your device is set to “Leaving” status, you'll have to wait for the next production firmware to be pushed to officially exit the program. This may take a week or 2.
Submit feedback about the Preview Program
If I run into an issue with my device, what should I do?When you provide detailed feedback about your issue, it will help us fix the problem.
Important: Please provide feedback from your mobile device, not Chrome, if possible.
How do I submit feedback about my experience?
- Share feedback about Chromecast or Google TV Streamer devices and the Google Home app
- Share feedback about speakers or displays
Important: Please provide feedback from your mobile device, not Chrome, if possible.
Thank you for taking time to submit feedback. We appreciate your help. In most cases, we won't be able to send you an individual response, but we'll investigate your report and use the information you provide to improve streaming devices and speakers and displays.
I factory reset my device. Do I need to rejoin the Preview Program?
If you need to factory reset your device, you'll have to opt back into the Preview Program and potentially wait for the next Preview firmware to be pushed out before being able to test again.
Can I leave the Preview Program if I factory reset my device?
- Factory reset your Chromecast or Google TV Streamer
- Factory reset speakers or displays
While a factory reset of the device immediately removes your device from the Preview Program, it doesn't immediately update the firmware on your device. You must wait for the next production firmware to be pushed before your device is no longer on the Preview firmware. This may take a week or 2.