According to Android Authority, Pixel phones have recently come up with a weird interruption while connecting to smart home devices. Some users in the US and Canada failed to set up their devices if they haven’t connected to Wi-Fi for some time, or ever. Google Home, Nest speakers, and Chromecasts are experiencing the interruption. If you are using Android and Google TV, the good news is these devices aren’t affected at all, at least so far.
Google says Sonos is responsible for recent interruptions
As per Google’s blog post, users might see a warning message saying “Device needs to be activated before setup” in the Google Home app. This happens when users try to set up a device. Google blames Sonos for the interruptions in smart home devices. But it refused to clarify how the audio-maker company is responsible for that. Sonos also reacted to Google’s accusations, saying Google has infringed the patents instead of licensing them. “Google’s Pixel disruption is the direct result of its decision to infringe Sonos’ patents rather than license them, as the International Trade Commission ruled,” Sonos spokesperson told Android Central. “It is entirely Google’s decision to inflict further harm to its customers rather than behave responsibly. And it’s the height of arrogance to try to blame the company whose innovations it’s misappropriating.”
Google says it is working on the issue
Smart home devices are an essential part of Google’s business. So the company promised to solve the issue as soon as possible. In an statement provided to 9to5Google, Google says, “This decision temporarily impacts a small number of Pixel users who set up a speaker or display for the first time with the Device Utility App. We will work with them to minimize disruption. Our support teams are on hand to fix any issues they have and if needed, we will send replacement devices or offer a Google store credit. Over the years, we have worked hard to make sure that our shared customers would have a positive experience and are disappointed that Sonos continues to use the legal system in a way that deliberately creates issues for these users.” The affected users who are living in the US and Canada can contact Google for extra information on the issue. Users outside of these regions can follow the instructions provided by the company.
