Google Home Update Integrates Smart Buttons into Automations
The new update to the Google Home app expands physical control options in home automation systems by enabling the use of smart buttons in automations.
Google Home platform has released an update that addresses a significant gap in home automation systems. The platform now supports using smart buttons as triggers in automation scenarios. This development offers users a physical alternative to voice commands and mobile apps for controlling smart home devices.
Expanding Physical Control Options
Smart buttons had become more popular in recent years, especially with the proliferation of the Matter standard. However, these buttons could not work integrated with Google Home automations. This has changed with the new update bearing version number V4.8. Users can now set actions like pressing a button, double-clicking, or long-pressing as the starting condition for an automation that activates other devices.
New Triggers and Conditions
Alongside smart button support, the update introduces a series of new triggers and conditions for automations. These include:
- Humidity Sensor Trigger: Automations can be initiated when ambient humidity reaches a certain level.
- Robot Vacuum Dock: A robot vacuum docking or leaving its dock can be used as a trigger.
- Battery Status Condition: An automation can be run when a device's battery level is low or when it is charging.
- Binary States: Data such as 'open/closed', 'leak detected/no leak' from supported devices like contact, window/door sensors can be defined as conditions.
Additionally, the option to set smart lights to a specific color or color temperature has been added among automation actions.
Other Improvements
Google announced that with this update package, it has also distributed a fundamental fix for the 'video unavailable' errors that Nest Camera users had long complained about. This error occurred when accessing live streams or recorded footage.
Technology analysts note that Google Home's addition of smart button support strengthens the platform's capabilities in AI and automation with a complementary physical layer. This move is considered a significant step towards personalizing and making the user experience more accessible.
