Google Home Gets Smarter—And a Whole Lot More Handy
It’s official: Google has quietly rolled out a suite of upgrades to its Home app that promises to make managing your smart home more like streaming your favorite show—smooth, intuitive, and slightly magical. The updates, many of which are now available in public preview, range from AI-integrated controls to video enhancements, and they've got us wondering: is your house getting smarter than your phone?
One of the biggest changes? The introduction of picture-in-picture (PiP) support for Nest Cams on Google TV. Just like skipping ads on YouTube, now you can monitor your front door while binge-watching Bridgerton. No more awkwardly switching inputs mid-drama.
But that's not all. Let’s dive into the newest features transforming Google's Home app from a basic remote control to a futuristic command center.
What’s New in the Google Home App?
Video Forwarding & PiP for Nest Cams
Yes, it’s finally here. Nest Cam users can now fast-forward or rewind in 10-second chunks—just like you do when you miss a line on Netflix. And thanks to PiP on Google TV, you can watch your dog bark at leaves without ever leaving your movie.
Smarter AI with Gemini Integration
Google’s AI model, Gemini, is now fully flexing in the Home app. You can use it to search specific footage in your security history or broadcast voice commands to speakers throughout your home. Think: "Find the moment the pizza guy arrived" or “Tell the kids it’s bedtime” from across town.
Automation Enhancements
Home automations are now more customizable and faster to set up. With presence sensing via your phone or Nest devices, your smart home can now anticipate whether you're home, away, or just avoiding another Zoom call.
App & Device Upgrades
- Control third-party Matter locks directly from the Home app.
- Add more tiles to your Favorites section—including full-home light switches and temperature dashboards.
- New web interface controls allow for smart home tweaks even if your phone battery gives out.
Safety & Accessibility
Nest Protect integration now lives inside the Home app—no more toggling between apps to hush a burnt toast alarm or check carbon monoxide levels. Safety checkups and alerts? All in one place.
Pros & Cons of the Google Home Updates
Pros
- Streamlined controls: Centralized app for safety, automation, and video feeds.
- Enhanced security features: Better camera navigation and real-time alerts.
- Customization galore: Personalized dashboards, deeper automation, and device-specific Favorites.
- AI integration: Gemini brings smart context-based search and voice broadcasting.
Cons
- Still in public preview: Features might not be fully stable or widely available yet.
- Google TV required for PiP: Sorry, Roku users.
- AI voice controls are limited: You’ll need to type your Gemini queries for now.
- Learning curve: More power means a bit more complexity for non-tech-savvy users.
What Does This Mean for Small & Medium-Sized Businesses?
Here’s the big question: So what?
For SMBs—especially those in hospitality, real estate, co-working, or retail—these upgrades present both opportunities and speed bumps.
Good News:
- Improved security management: You can monitor premises while multitasking. No need for bulky surveillance systems.
- AI-powered footage search: Saves time when reviewing incidents, deliveries, or customer flow.
- Smart automations: Schedule lighting, temperature, and even lock/unlock access—all based on employee presence.
- No third-party app juggling: The new consolidated Home app makes smart device management much less of a headache.
Not-so-good News:
- Device dependency: Google-centric setup means you’re locked into their ecosystem.
- Preview-phase reliability: Early access often comes with the occasional crash or glitch.
- Voice feature limits: Not ideal for businesses wanting full hands-free control.
Workarounds & Winning Moves for SMBs
- Start with hybrid setups. Don’t replace everything at once. Test PiP with one camera. Try Gemini on non-essential footage.
- Train key staff on new features. Assign one or two “smart tech leads” internally.
- Use presence-sensing for energy saving. Automatically shut off devices when the shop’s empty.
- Leverage safety integration for compliance. Businesses needing fire and air safety monitoring can now keep it all in one app.
Final Thoughts—Are We Entering the Era of the AI-Powered Office?
In a nutshell, Google’s Home app update is less about the bells and whistles and more about practicality. Whether you're a smart home enthusiast or a business owner looking to cut costs and boost efficiency, this is a quiet evolution worth noticing.
Google has made smart living and working just a little more accessible—one fast-forwarded security clip at a time.
Want to Make Smart Tech Work for Your Business?
Contact Epoch Tech Solutions today for a free consultation. Let’s help you build smarter workflows, safer spaces, and streamlined systems—without the headache.
