Google brings new smart home features to Pixel Tablet, Pixel Watch 2, Pixel 8 and other Pixel devices with latest Google Home updates
The Google Home app has received several new features in its latest stable update, initial details of which we covered yesterday. On the one hand, the company has introduced a new Google Home widget for Android that provides overview controls of user-defined smart home devices. Additionally, this widget is available in multiple sizes, contrary to what the picture below implies.
Nonetheless, it is now possible to activate a camera's live feed or interact with smart bulbs on your home screen without delving into the Google Home app or the Device Controls quick settings menu tab, should your device support the latter. Moreover, the Google Home Android app itself can now show more information about certain smart home devices, including an air purifier's battery level. As a result, it seems that Google is continuing to hoover up information that would have otherwise previously been restricted to a manufacturer's app. In other words, the latest round of Google Home updates should further limit the need to switch a third-party manufacturer app to check or perform some functions.
On the other hand Google has also brought new smart home features to the likes of the Pixel Watch 2 (curr. $299.99 on Amazon). Specifically, it has added additional watch face complications for controlling selected smart home devices directly from the watch face itself rather than opening up the Google Home Wear OS app. On top of that, the Google Home Tile for Wear OS has gained more smart device control options.
Furthermore, Google has finally added proper Ring Video Doorbell video feed support to the Pixel Tablet, which has been missing since launch. Although it was possible to view a doorbell's camera feed through the Google Home app before, the Pixel Tablet lacked two-way talk and quick response support that has been present on Nest products for years. Likewise, the tablet would not notify you when someone had pressed a paired doorbell. Please note that Google is currently restricting this improvement to its Preview Program, which it stresses is a vehicle for people to receive early access to new stable software before a broader rollout rather than a beta program.
