Google has introduced one of the biggest updates to the Google Home app to date, bringing a drastic expansion of automation and significant improvements to the Nest Cam cameras.
The new version of the system significantly expands the number of possible actions, triggers and conditions for smart home automation, while simultaneously introducing AI functions and improved control of security devices.
Google Home can now automate practically the entire house
Google has seriously expanded the automation capabilities within the Google Home app. Users can now create much more complex smart home scenarios, including controlling security systems, lighting, air conditioning, home appliances and media devices.
The system now supports lock status checking, open door detection, robot vacuum control, device battery level monitoring, blind control and advanced lighting control including light color and temperature.
Functions have also been added to automate household appliances such as washing machines, dryers and coffee machines, with the ability to start, pause or resume work directly through automated routines.
A big focus was also placed on AI assistance. Google confirms that the new options will first be available through standard automation procedures, while later they will arrive in the AI ”Ask Home” and “Help me create” functions that allow the creation of automation processes using natural language.
In addition, Nest Cam systems get a completely redesigned view of events and recording history. Users now get animated previews of events, improved navigation through the “timeline” and much more precise filters to search for events such as package detection or specific activities.
Google is further improving the Familiar Faces feature, which uses AI for facial recognition. The system now automatically discards blurry and low-quality facial shots to make the recognition base more accurate.
Even older Nest cameras manufactured before 2021 get Gemini AI event descriptions and advanced zoomed-in activity views.
Google states that some of the new features require a Google Home Premium subscription, but the complete update is already being gradually distributed to all users outside of the Public Preview program, reports 9to5Google.