Tag: Google Home

  • Google Home 4.8 Update: Fixes Camera Issues and Adds Smart Buttons

    Google Home 4.8 Update: Fixes Camera Issues and Adds Smart Buttons

    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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  • Walmart and Google Unveil Affordable Security Camera Under $25

    Walmart and Google Unveil Affordable Security Camera Under $25

    Key Takeaways

    1. Affordable Pricing: Walmart has launched the Onn Indoor Camera for $22.96 and the Onn Video Doorbell for $49.86, making smart home security more accessible.

    2. Impressive Specifications: The indoor camera features 1080p HDR video, night vision, and two-way audio, while the doorbell offers 1600 x 1200 HDR video and IR night vision.

    3. Strong Google Integration: Both devices work seamlessly with the Google Home app, allowing users to set up, stream live footage, and access recorded videos easily.

    4. Free Recorded History: Users receive three hours of free recorded event history without a subscription, alleviating concerns about ongoing costs.

    5. Subscription Options: For enhanced features and storage, a Google Home Premium subscription is available, offering up to 60 days of event history and advanced AI features.

    The smart home security camera market usually requires a hefty investment, especially for those with cutting-edge AI tech. But a new collaboration between Walmart and Google is here to shake things up. They have introduced an affordable Onn camera and video doorbell that work perfectly with the Google Home app and its Gemini AI features.

    New Affordable Options

    Walmart has launched two wired security devices under its Onn tech brand: the Onn Indoor Camera priced at $22.96 and the Onn Video Doorbell at $49.86, both available since October 1st. Even though they’re budget-friendly, their specs are impressive and stack up well against previous offerings from Google Nest. The indoor camera delivers 1080p HDR video at a rate of 30 frames per second, featuring a 130-degree diagonal field of view, night vision, and two-way audio.

    Impressive Features

    Similarly, the video doorbell is packed with features, providing 1600 x 1200 HDR video in a 4:3 aspect ratio, a 165-degree diagonal field of view, IR night vision, and it works with existing door chimes. The price of the indoor camera is quite attractive, and the $50 doorbell is cheaper than competitors like Amazon’s Blink. What sets these Onn devices apart is their strong integration with Google’s ecosystem. Users can set up, stream live footage, and watch recorded videos all through the Google Home app.

    Strategic Expansion

    This collaboration is part of Google’s plan to broaden the availability of its Gemini features beyond its own devices. Anish Kattukaran from Google Home mentioned, “We don’t want to limit Gemini to just one brand, one OEM, one form factor, and one price point.” He continued, “So we’re collaborating with a diverse range of partners. Walmart is our first. It was a really deep collaboration.” For those worried about ongoing costs, Walmart has indicated that the cameras come with three hours of free recorded event history, which means you can review video clips without a subscription.

    For users needing more storage and additional features, a Google Home Premium subscription is available. Starting at $10 a month, you can get 30 days of event history and smart alerts; for $20 a month, you can access 60 days of history plus 24/7 continuous recording. This subscription also unlocks advanced Gemini features, such as AI-generated text descriptions of events and a refined camera search function in the app. While the cameras do provide smart alerts for various activities like people, pets, and package deliveries, it’s not clear if these notifications necessitate a paid subscription.

    Google, Walmart, and Android Authority have joined forces to redefine smart home security options.

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  • Google Home Update: New Features and Customization Options Added

    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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    Google Home Update: New Features and Customization Options Added

     

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  • Google Fixes Casting Issues for 2nd Gen Chromecast Users

    Google Fixes Casting Issues for 2nd Gen Chromecast Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. Second-generation Chromecast devices, including Chromecast Audio, are experiencing casting issues reported by users on Reddit.
    2. Users attempted various troubleshooting steps, like resetting devices, but were unsuccessful in resolving the problem.
    3. Two workarounds emerged: resetting the device and setting the date before March 9, 2025, or using a specific tool with settings adjustments.
    4. Google has not officially acknowledged the issue, but customer support confirmed awareness and is working on a fix.
    5. The problem may be linked to an expired intermediate certificate authority, causing authentication failures for these devices.

    A peculiar global “casting” issue appears to be impacting second-generation Chromecast devices, which include Chromecast Audio. The first mention of this problem surfaced on Reddit, catching attention on the r/googlehome subreddit, where numerous users expressed their inability to cast content using their devices.

    Troubleshooting Attempts

    Users have shared (via Android Police) their attempts at resolving the issue, which included resetting their devices, but none of the steps have been successful. It’s possible that this problem stems from a faulty update that Google may have released. Users reported encountering one of two error messages: either “We couldn’t authenticate your Chromecast” or “Untrusted device: [device name] couldn’t be verified. This could be caused by outdated device firmware.”

    Workarounds Found

    As Google works on a solution, two workarounds have emerged on Reddit. One user, reading_crows on r/googlehome, mentioned that they managed to get their device functioning again by resetting it and manually setting the date to before March 9th, 2025. This method should enable users to re-add their devices through the Google Home app.

    The second workaround is a bit more complex, requiring the download of a specific tool and some adjustments to settings. Although Google has yet to officially recognize the outage, customer support informed one user that the company was “aware of the problem and waiting for a fix.”

    Theories Behind the Issue

    One Reddit contributor speculated that the problem might be linked to “an intermediate certificate authority that expired March 9th, 2025.” This expiration appears to be causing authentication failures on Google’s servers for the second-generation Chromecast devices. It was suggested that this could be “an unintentional mistake by Google where they failed to account for the CA expiry.”

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  • Nest Protect Now Integrated with Google Home App

    Nest Protect Now Integrated with Google Home App

    Google is nearly finished with its shift from Nest to Google Home. The Nest Protect smoke and CO alarm, the final device that was solely part of Nest, has successfully transitioned to Google Home. This change means users no longer need to switch between different apps to get alerts or manage their connected devices. Smart home enthusiasts can now operate all their Nest devices along with compatible third-party gadgets entirely through the Google Home app.

    Android Users First

    Currently, only Android users who are part of the Public Preview program for Google Home can take advantage of the Nest Protect’s features. Support for iOS is anticipated to arrive soon. According to a blog post from Google’s Nest team, those who migrate their Nest Protect smoke alarms will have access to status alerts and emergency notifications. They can perform safety checks, conduct automatic sound tests, and view their live camera feed if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected. Additionally, Nest Aware subscribers in the US can use the Google Home app to contact local emergency services.

    Expanding Smart Lock Features

    Google is also broadening the feature set for Matter-compatible smart locks within the Google Home app. For instance, password management is now more comprehensive, allowing homeowners to control access, modify passcodes, and set up guest profiles with clear labels like “dog walker” or “landscaper.” Public preview participants now have several new settings to customize their smart locks, such as one-tap lock and unlock, along with a timed automatic relock feature. There is also a new “Vacation mode” in the Home app, which effectively turns off the touchpad, preventing code entry. Just like the Nest Protect update, these enhancements are currently available for Android users in the Public Preview, but Google has promised support for iOS by “early 2025.”

    Limited Availability

    Not all Matter-compatible smart locks will be able to access these new features, but Google has specifically mentioned the Nest × Yale lock as an eligible option. You can purchase it now for 10% off on Amazon.

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    Nest Protect Now Integrated with Google Home App

     

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