Google Home

AppWizard
June 17, 2025
Google has released an update to its Google Home app, version 3.33, which improves the experience of scrolling through video history on Nest cameras for Android devices, enhancing framerate and loading times. The update, dated May 28, introduces a general release of a limited-access member tier for sharing smart home setups while maintaining control over visibility and management. It also includes several bug fixes for stability, addressing crashes in areas like the Automations tab, Wi-Fi and Climate categories, and notification permissions, as well as issues with inviting household members and accessing service settings. User feedback has been mixed, with some expressing satisfaction and others noting ongoing performance issues.
AppWizard
June 11, 2025
Six innovative features have been introduced for Android users to enhance personalization. One feature is an AI-generated audio show that curates content based on individual interests. Google Home Favorites have been updated to allow users to customize selections across devices, making favorite playlists, news sources, and smart home controls easily accessible. These features are designed to adapt to users' lifestyles and preferences.
AppWizard
June 10, 2025
Android 16 introduces several new features, including enhancements to RCS group chats, a redesigned Google Photos editor, and improved functionality in the Google Home app. RCS group chat updates allow users to customize group chats with unique icons and names, check RCS status of friends, and mute notifications for specific groups. The Google Photos app features a new image editor with AI-driven suggestions, a Reimagine feature for creative expression, and an Auto frame function for better image cropping. The Google Home app now includes device-specific shortcuts for easier management of smart devices and an upgraded Safety Check feature for scheduling check-ins. WearOS smartwatches can now tap city transit cards even when the Google Wallet app is closed, provided the feature is activated.
AppWizard
May 26, 2025
Google Home's app on Android is rolling out a Public Preview test called "Voice Assistant," which allows users to control access to the experimental AI feature, Gemini, on their smart home devices. Gemini was first tested on Nest devices last December and is now being integrated into Google Home with improved AI-generated automations and new features. The "Voice Assistant" experiment enables users to manage how household members can access Assistant experiments, but requires "Voice Match" setup for access. Gemini enhances the Assistant's capabilities by providing more comprehensive answers and allowing follow-up questions. At the I/O 2025 event, Google announced additional features for Google Home, including a "Home Summary" widget for Pixel devices and improvements to the "help me create" feature for automation.
AppWizard
May 23, 2025
Google announced enhancements for its Home app, including the integration of Gemini, an AI tool for creating and automating routines through conversational interaction. A test phase for a "Home Summary" widget is being introduced for select Pixel users to provide an overview of smart home activities. The Home API is being updated to support various partners, including First Alert, Yale, Cync, iRobot, Motorola Moto Tag, and Tuya Smart. Additionally, at the I/O 2025 event, Google previewed Android 16 and showcased Gemini 2.5, aiming to develop it into a "World Model" for better understanding and simulation of real-world complexities.
AppWizard
May 15, 2025
This afternoon, there are new deals on Android games and applications, coinciding with the launch of Sony's XM6 headphones. Discounts are available on smart home devices like ecobee’s HomeKit and Google Home Smart Video Doorbell Cam, and Ring’s Battery Doorbell Pro. The Galaxy Tab S10+ has dropped in price, along with the ASUS 2024 Chromebook CX1. The game "Down in Bermuda" invites players to help an aviator named Milton navigate challenges on six unique islands while solving puzzles and collecting magical orbs. Subscribing to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel offers updates on technology and gaming.
AppWizard
May 3, 2025
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 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 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.
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