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AppWizard

June 8, 2025

5 Android apps I run on my Raspberry Pi to improve my home

Running Android on a Raspberry Pi allows users to enhance their smart home experience by utilizing Waydroid to execute Android applications. The Shelly Smart Control app provides a user-friendly interface for managing Shelly devices, offering local control and cloud syncing. The Home Connect app enables control of smart appliances from brands like Bosch and Siemens, allowing centralized monitoring and automation. Fully Kiosk Browser turns the Raspberry Pi into a wall-mounted dashboard for displaying smart home information. The Aqara Home app facilitates local control of Aqara sensors and hubs, integrating with Home Assistant for device management. The Home Assistant Companion app provides seamless access to Home Assistant functionalities, including notifications and custom dashboards.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Google TV might be adding a proper sleep timer for nighttime watching

Android TV currently has a basic sleep timer feature, but it is limited, particularly in the Google TV ecosystem. Recent updates to the Google TV Home app suggest that Google plans to enhance the sleep timer functionality significantly, as indicated by code strings found in version 1.0.756918669. The new features may include the ability to pause and resume sleep timers, notification warnings at various intervals, and interactive functionalities that allow users to extend the timer directly from notifications. This marks a shift from relying on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for sleep timer interfaces to a more integrated experience within Google TV.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

Google Home kicks off a Gemini-backed ‘Voice Assistant’ test for Android

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 Home details ‘summaries’ test and Gemini-powered automation

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 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.