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Google is rolling out updates this week to the Google Home app that bring several changes, plus the Gemini for Home voice assistant service is getting even bigger upgrades.
To start, the Google Home app is seeing new automation starters and conditions through the automation editor. You can now setup actions for when your security system is armed, if a device is plugged in, and if a device (like a Pixel Tablet) is docked.
Google is also expanded Nest x Yale Lock support to a general availability through Google Home. You should be able to manage this lock “with ease” now, by viewing history, receiving notifications, checking battery status, managing passcodes, and a lot more. You’ll see the rest of the changes for it in the official changelog below.
Finally, the Gemini for Home voice assistant (which is still early access) is getting all sorts of changes. For one, there is improved targeting that should help control intended devices. This is for those with multiple homes or if you might have unassigned devices in rooms that you’d like not affected by commands. Categorization of devices is improved too, down to things like a table lamp being better identified from manufacturer metadata.
This update is also bringing improved reliability and accuracy of commands that relate to notes and lists, reminders, calendars, timers, and alarms. There are upgraded answers, thanks to the use of more recent Gemini models, reduced instances where you might be cut off prematurely while speaking, more reliability in triggering user-created automations by voice, and a “Live Search” that’ll tell you about the current state of your home (that’s a Premium feature).
There’s a lot more going on, so I suggest reading through the full changelog below.
We are constantly improving our automation editors and abilities. Today, we are adding support for more starters and conditions. These are only available in the Google Home app using the automation editor. They are not yet supported by Ask Home or Help me create.
Starters/Conditions:
Manage your Nest x Yale Lock with ease. You can now view your lock’s history, receive notifications, check battery status, manage passcodes, schedule guest access, and change advanced settings directly from the Google Home app. Previously available in Public Preview, these features are now entering general availability and beginning a gradual rollout to all users.
// Google Home
