All articles tagged with #google home app
Google has rolled out a new update to the Google Home app, enhancing features like Familiar Face detection with better quality images, improved animal identification distinguishing cats from dogs, more accurate animal colors, refined descriptions in Home Brief, and more detailed AI descriptions for longer videos, aiming to improve user experience.
Google TV has introduced a faster and simpler setup process that eliminates the need for the Google Home app, allowing users to set up new devices like Walmart's Onn 4K Plus in under five minutes by scanning a QR code and confirming preferences, significantly improving user experience.
Google has launched several new features for its Home app, including picture-in-picture support for Nest Cams on Google TV, expanded AI controls via Gemini, enhanced camera footage navigation, improved automation options based on presence sensing, and expanded support for third-party Matter-enabled smart locks. Additional updates include better safety monitoring for Nest Protect, customizable favorites, web controls, and a new Home Summary widget for Pixel phones, most of which are available now in public preview.
Google has enabled the management of all Nest Cam models, including the Nest Cam IQ indoor and outdoor cameras, through the Google Home app via a public preview. This integration allows users to review video history, access camera settings, and set up automations without switching between the Nest and Google Home apps. Users can join the public preview to transfer their cameras, with the option to reverse the transfer for Nest Cam IQ models. The update also includes management of Nest Hub Max devices, although these cannot be transferred back to the Nest app.
Google's efforts in the smart home, particularly the Google Home app and Nest hardware, have faced criticism, with users expressing frustration over missing features and unreliable performance. Despite improvements in the Google Home app, such as better integration with Nest hardware, users continue to voice concerns about the overall experience. While there are alternative smart home camera offerings, Google Nest remains a simple option without complicated setup or high fees, but there is still significant room for improvement.
Google is introducing a new feature to its Nest security cameras that can detect and alert users when their garage door is left open. Leveraging AI image detection, the feature can identify if the door is closed, opened, or left open. Users can set the duration before receiving an alert and will receive a snapshot and video recording when the door opens or closes. The feature requires a Nest Aware subscription and a compatible Nest Cam. Additionally, Google is bringing the first-gen Nest Outdoor Cam to the Google Home app and allowing users to create custom clips in the app.
Google has announced that it is adding support for older Nest Cams to the Google Home app, starting with the first-generation Nest Cam Indoor. The support is currently available in the public preview of the app, with instructions on how to participate on Google's website. However, it may take a few weeks for all eligible users to gain access. Google had previously stated its plans to add support for legacy Nest Cameras to the app, and the first-gen Nest Cam outdoor is set to receive Home app support next. Users who prefer the Nest app can still transfer their cameras back to it, as there are no immediate changes to the Nest app.
Google has announced that it will be deprecating the Nest app for its earlier generations of security cameras and moving all functionality over to the Google Home app. This means that users will be able to access and maintain their Nest security cameras from the same app. The update is currently in the testing phase and allows users to scrub through the camera's feed history, reducing reliance on the Nest app. However, some key features are still missing, and once users switch to the Google Home app, they can no longer access the camera through the Nest app. Google plans to update other older model cameras in the future.
Two years after the reboot of the Nest brand, Google has yet to fix the software issues plaguing Nest cameras and doorbells. While the Google Home app has seen considerable improvements, there are still persistent bugs such as videos not loading and gaps in recording history. Additionally, the ability to create clips from footage is missing, leaving users unable to save important moments or incidents. Despite promises of updates, these crucial features have not been implemented, causing frustration among users.
The Google Home app is improving support for various smart home devices, including curtains, heaters, and appliances such as washers and refrigerators. The app now includes better control over robot lawnmowers, and ovens can show more modes and settings. The Home app is becoming a central point for all smart home gear, and it's very useful.