Google Home isgetting a fresh update with improvements to reordering your favorite devices, redesigned controls for third-party smart home devices, and some much-needed fixes for Gemini commands.
I can’t speak for everyone else, but the Favorites tab in Home probably accounts for nearly all of my interactions with the app, which is why it’s so exciting to see Google making some big changes here. This month’s changelog suggests any “instability” seen while dragging and dropping tiles across your Favorites view has been smoothed out, and as someone who has absolutely given up on trying to manage that page in the past, I couldn’t be more grateful.
Of course, if you prefer controlling your lights or speakers with voice commands, you’ll know it’s Gemini that really needs some attention within Home. Google says it’s rolling out a bunch of fixes to how Gemini works with its smart home app, including more reliable “stop” commands to prevent misinterpretations and easier-to-read answers on smart displays. For my money, though, it’s the move to implement “more natural ways” to stop your conversation with Gemini that’s the highlight of the bunch, allowing you to quickly end your chat with a simple “thank you” to cease talking and close the mic.
Other Gemini fixes include the ability to better differentiate between relaxing music and ambient sounds — you’d think AI would know the difference between soothing spa music and white noise without a specific update, but alas — and consistent temperature units for weather based on the preference set within your Home settings. Outside of Gemini, you’ll find large smoke alarm banners within the app, complete with event time information, a more responsive progress bar when scrubbing along paused video on Android, and Matter control for Phillips Hue lights with existing bridges.
You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
