Key Takeaways
1. Google Home app update fixes the “Video not available” error for camera notifications and recorded events.
2. New automation features include triggers for humidity levels, robot vacuum docking status, and device battery levels.
3. Enhanced binary state checks for devices, such as window status and leak detection, are now available.
4. Not all features are universally available; some triggers and conditions are limited to the automation editor and not compatible with other features.
5. Improvements benefit Nest camera owners and enhance automation for mixed-device smart homes, helping Google Home compete with other platforms.
Google has rolled out updates to its Google Home app, which includes a key fix aimed at addressing the persistent “Video not available” error. This error often pops up when users tap on a camera notification or attempt to view a recently recorded event.
Update Details
According to Google’s release notes, this fix is part of “camera close-to-live playback improvements” and is accessible in the Google Home app version 4.8 or newer.
Enhanced Automation Features
The latest batch of updates also broadens the options for initiating automations within the Google Home app’s automation editor. New triggers and conditions now include humidity levels, robot vacuum docking status, device battery levels, and a fresh option for “switch or button is pressed.” This new feature supports various press types, including multi-press, long-press, and long-press release actions (starter-only).
Additionally, Google is introducing more “binary state” checks for compatible devices. These checks include whether windows are open or closed and whether sensors indicate a leak or no leak. There’s also a new action for automations that enables smart lights to be set to a specific color or color temperature.
Availability of Features
However, these enhancements are not universally available. Google clarifies that the new triggers, conditions, and actions are currently limited to the automation editor in the Google Home app and are not yet compatible with the Gemini-driven “Ask Home” or “Help me create” features.
There are also indications that button automations may vary in performance across different device ecosystems. Reports from external sources highlight issues with IKEA’s affordable Bilresa Matter-over-Thread button functioning reliably with Google Home automations. IKEA has confirmed that some users are facing challenges with Matter setup and connectivity in certain home environments.
Key Benefits for Users
For users of Google’s hardware, the main advantage comes for Nest camera owners who have struggled with the “Video not available” alert when trying to access new events from notifications.
In contrast, for smart homes with mixed devices, the expanded automation triggers represent a significant development. Enhanced smart buttons and improved sensor, robot vacuum, and battery conditions allow Google Home to better compete with platforms that have provided greater physical control and automation options for several years.
Conclusion
In summary, these updates to Google Home provide valuable improvements for both hardware users and those with mixed-device environments.
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