Google Home app Archives

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

This one app has made my life easier and my wife happier

The author has at least 35 different smart home devices, leading to a fragmented experience with multiple apps and services. They are considering using Home Assistant as a central hub for device control, which supports various protocols like Matter, Thread, Zigbee, HomeKit, and Nest. Home Assistant can be installed easily on devices like Raspberry Pi or Virtual Machines, requiring a constant network connection. Once set up, it consolidates controls into one interface, allowing for custom dashboards and automations. Recent developments, such as Google discontinuing support for older Nest Thermostats, have prompted users to seek alternatives like Home Assistant for a unified control experience. The introduction of customizable lock screen shortcuts in Android 14 allows users to replace the Google Home app with Home Assistant. Users are encouraged to start simple and gradually expand their system.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Google Home updates are finally more transparent and easier to track

Google has updated the Google Home app to include detailed release notes that clarify updates, moving away from vague messages. The latest update, dated March 4, 2025, includes enhancements such as more consistent device setup flows and several bug fixes: - Resolved an issue where the app would fail during the “Finalizing Network” step after deleting and setting up a new home. - Addressed the missing notification toggle option under Sound Check in Smoke & CO device settings. - Fixed multiple notifications for Alarm silenced triggered for Smoke & CO Heads-Up or Emergency Alarm. - Corrected an error where “Couldn’t connect” or “Unable to save settings” appeared when toggling On/Off Emergency shutoff options. - Corrected the Activity tab showing an incorrect device list. - Fixed the “Allow Monthly Sound Check” toggle button not enabling properly.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Google could give the Home app a spring clean with these changes (APK teardown)

The latest version of the Google Home app for Android (version 3.32.69.1) includes several user interface enhancements. The settings menu has been integrated into the Google account menu in the top right corner, removing the need for a separate settings tab. A new floating action button for scanning QR codes has been added within the devices tab, simplifying the setup process for Matter-enabled devices. Additionally, a search button has been implemented in the favorites tab, allowing users to search for specific devices or actions. These updates aim to improve user experience and streamline smart home management.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

The Google Home app seemingly has a few small changes for its UI in the works

Google is enhancing its Home app to simplify smart device management with user interface modifications. Upcoming updates will include a dedicated QR scanner in the Devices tab and a search bar in the Favorites section. In December, Google began a Public Preview test for the "Help me create" feature, which uses Gemini AI to help users automate their smart home systems by defining a Starter, Condition, and Action. Additionally, a separate Public Preview test for "Gemini in Assistant" aims to improve responses for Nest devices, allowing users to interrupt or request clarification from the Assistant.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Google Removes Assistant Settings from Android App: Here’s What’s Changing

Google is removing direct access to Assistant settings from the Google app on Android devices as part of a strategy to transition users to its AI-powered platform, Gemini. Users will now need to use the Google Home app or system settings to manage Assistant preferences. This change was implemented in Google App version 16.12, where the Google Assistant option was removed from the profile menu settings. Features previously accessible through the Google app, such as routines and voice settings, will now require navigation through the new methods. The rollout of Gemini is occurring in phases, starting with Pixel smartphones.

AppWizard

April 13, 2025

Google app removing Assistant settings on Android

The Google app version 16.12+ has removed the link to "Google Assistant" from the profile menu under Settings, affecting how users access Assistant settings. Users can still manage Assistant settings through the Google Home app or by navigating through System Settings on their mobile device. Some users have also noted that "Gemini" is not present in the Google app settings, which primarily focuses on Google Search functionalities.

AppWizard

November 22, 2024

The Google Home app is still so bad, Nest cam users are jumping ship

Google's integration of Nest cameras into the Google Home app has led to user dissatisfaction due to the loss of several features, including the ability to change Wi-Fi networks without a factory reset, adjustable microphone sensitivity, zoom and enhance capabilities, timelapse recordings, safety clips, livestream sharing options, email notifications, Assistant on device, and social sharing of saved clips. Users have expressed frustration, particularly about the Wi-Fi setting issue, prompting some to consider alternatives like UniFi cameras. A poll indicates that a majority of Nest camera users prefer the original Nest app over the Google Home app.

AppWizard

November 19, 2024

Older Nest cameras are getting the Google Home app treatment

Google has launched a public preview of the Home app that supports Nest Cam IQ models from 2017, consolidating all Nest cameras released since 2015 into a single platform. The transition from the Nest app to the Home app allows users to manage Nest cameras in one location, providing features like video history and camera settings. Advanced functionalities include quick access to live streams, automation with smart lights, and viewing camera feeds on devices like the Pixel Watch 3 or Google TV Streamer. The rollout began in late 2023, with users able to join the Public Preview program through the Home app or home.google.com. Users can revert their Nest Cam IQ cameras back to the Nest app, but the Nest Hub Max cannot be returned once moved to the Home app. The Supersight feature from the Nest Cam IQ is not yet available in the Home app, and Google plans to integrate more features from the Nest app in the future.

AppWizard

November 12, 2024

Google Home tipped to integrate support for dangerous air quality sensors

A recent exploration of a test version of the Google Home app has revealed code strings suggesting potential support for carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, allowing users to receive alerts about hazardous air quality and sensor testing. Currently, the Nest app is the only platform managing these sensors, but integration into the Google Home app could create a more unified control system. The Matter 1.2 upgrade includes provisions for smoke and CO detector support, aiming to reduce the number of apps needed for device management. The timeline for the launch of a potential "future Nest Protect" remains unclear.

AppWizard

November 12, 2024

Google Home could soon support smoke and CO sensors (APK teardown)

The Google Home app is expected to integrate support for smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) sensors, enhancing user experience for smart home safety. An APK teardown revealed code indicating the app will allow location-based functionality for managing smoke and CO devices, notifications for detection alerts, testing capabilities for device functionality, and alerts for device maintenance. This integration aims to consolidate control over safety devices within the app, improving automation and user convenience. Compatibility with the existing Nest Protect model is still uncertain.