Google Home Update: New Features and Customization Options Added

Key Takeaways

1. Users can now customize their Favorites tab with additional controls, like temperature tracking and light management, with device-specific settings.
2. A new simplified automation setup process in Public Preview for Android users reduces the number of steps needed to create routines.
3. Google Home can now determine presence for Home and Away routines based on user activities, eliminating the need for specific presence sensors.
4. The update includes video review enhancements for camera users, allowing quick navigation by double-tapping the screen.
5. Support for Nest Protect alarms and third-party Matter smart locks, such as the Aqara Smart Lock U300, has been added.

The Google Home Spring 2025 update has arrived. This update comes about six months after the Fall 2024 update, which introduced various features powered by Gemini into the smart home environment.

New Features for Users

With the Spring 2025 update, users are getting even more features. You now have the ability to add additional controls to your Favorites tab. For instance, you can include a tile that lets you keep track of the temperature in different rooms or a tile to turn off a set of lights in your house. Furthermore, users can personalize their Favourites for each device, meaning you can set distinct Favourites on a smartwatch compared to a tablet.

Automation Made Easier

In the United States, Android users can try out a Public Preview of a new, simplified automation setup process that involves fewer steps. Additionally, this update enables you to create Home and Away routines based on presence sensing; instead of needing a specific presence sensor, Google Home can understand when you’re ‘at home’ by observing your activities, like playing music or watching a show. For those who have cameras, while reviewing video, you can double tap the screen to skip forward or rewind ten seconds. The update also includes support for the Nest Protect smoke and CO alarm, along with third-party Matter smart locks, such as the Aqara Smart Lock U300 (currently priced at $179.99 on Amazon).

Where to Find More Information

You can check out the full release notes for the Google Home Spring 2025 update on the company’s forum. This update will be accessible via the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

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