Google quietly rolled out nine impressive new features for its Home app, and they’re making waves in the smart home world. From picture-in-picture for Nest Cams on Google TV to expanded Gemini smart home controls, this update is packed with goodies. Let’s dive into the details.
One of the most exciting additions is the long-awaited picture-in-picture functionality for Nest Cams on Google TV. Now you can easily keep an eye on your home while enjoying your favorite shows – a feature many users have been requesting. This is currently available as a public preview for Google TV users.
Google’s AI integration continues to expand. Gemini now boasts broader smart home controls, allowing you to use voice commands through connected speakers and search your camera footage with text-based queries. While voice dictation for these searches isn’t yet available, this enhancement significantly streamlines smart home management.
For those who frequently review camera footage, navigating recordings just got a whole lot easier. A simple double-tap on the left or right side of your screen allows for quick forward and backward jumps in second intervals, similar to fast-forwarding on YouTube. This will save you time searching for specific moments in your recordings.
The update also focuses on enhancing the customization and efficiency of the Home app itself. Automations are now simpler to create, with more granular control over specific actions. You can now trigger automations based on presence sensing, using phone location data and Soli sensors in compatible Nest devices to detect if someone is home.
Safety features are also improved. Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors now directly integrate with the Home app, providing critical safety alerts, check-up options, and the ability to silence alarms, all without needing the separate Nest app.
Google has expanded Matter support for third-party smart locks, bringing a host of customizable features directly into the Home app. Manage guests, edit passcodes, and receive lock notifications – all from a single, convenient location.
The ‘Favorites’ section has also received a significant boost. You can now pin more types of tiles, including an indoor temperature dashboard, Wi-Fi actions, and a master light switch for controlling all your home’s lights at once. Moreover, you can now customize Favorites for various devices, including smartwatches and tablets.
Even if you’re away from your phone, you can still control your smart home via the Google Home web interface. While initially limited to adjusting lights, setting temperatures, and unlocking doors, the public preview offers more capabilities.
Finally, the Home Summary widget, initially showcased at I/O 2025 for Pixel phones, is now available for testing on an invite-only basis. This widget provides a quick overview of your smart home’s status.
Overall, this update to the Google Home app represents a significant step forward in smart home integration and convenience. Many of the new features are available now in public preview, so jump in and experience the improvements for yourself!
