Google Home gets extended web app and upgraded automations

The web app for Google Home announced in 2022 was previously limited to surveillance cameras and automation systems. Now users can also control other devices in their connected home without having to reach for their tablet or smartphone. Among other things, users can now set one-off or more complex automations in the Home app.

Lights off via browser

This new tab in the navigation bar in the web app was introduced back in June but only now seems to have reached the first users as a public preview.

Visually, the web app looks very similar to the Home tablet app. The three options, Cameras, Devices, and Automations, can be found on the left-hand side. To the right, all rooms, and devices in the home are listed alphabetically under "Devices". The "Devices" bar can be used to quickly scroll to a specific grouping.

Not all devices are currently operable. Google Nest devices or integrated speakers, for example, cannot be accessed. If you click on them, the web app says: "The controls for this device are not yet supported" and refers you to the Home app.

However, users can switch all integrated light sources on and off and dim them using the controller as in the Home app, provided the lighting supports it. Smart thermostats can also be controlled directly in the web app. Each connected thermostatic valve displays the temperature in a control panel, which can be regulated using the plus and minus buttons. Televisions with Google's Chromecast can also be switched on and off. The web view does not offer any other operating options as in the Home app.

Extended automations

In addition to the upgraded web app, Google has also expanded the smart home automations. Google explains that the new editor, which is located in the Home app under "Automations", enables "more intelligent automations". For example, users can now create automations "that only start when certain criteria are met". It is possible to create "smarter, more context-sensitive automations" for the home.

For example, it is now possible to automatically adjust the lighting to the time of day or whether someone is at home. One-off automation processes are also possible with the update. Previously, automations could only be created as recurring events – "every Thursday, for example". The update also includes "numerous starters, conditions and actions" with which users can create complex and intelligent automations, explains Google. New functions will be added regularly, according to the company.

(afl)