Google's Home device introduces a fresh Automations Editor in its Public Preview phase.
Google Home is testing a new automation editor for controlling smart homes, aiming to provide improved flexibility and convenience. The new editor is available in the US as part of the Public Preview program for Android users.
Modernized Interface for Easier Use
The new automation editor features a modernized, Material 3 Expressive-style interface. This design offers larger touch targets, more vivid use of color, and a cleaner layout, making it easier and more intuitive to use compared to the older version.
Customizable Household Routines
The editor includes slides for defining the Starter, Conditions (optional), and Actions of a routine. Users can define "Starters" (which trigger the automation) and "Actions" (what happens when the routine runs), providing more precise customization.
A key new feature is the ability to add conditions that must be met for the automation to run. For example, routines can be restricted to certain times of day or only activate when Google Home detects someone is present in the home. This adds much-needed flexibility to when and how automations operate.
Simplified Access and Control
To access the new editor on Android, go to Google Home's Automations tab and tap the "Create" FAB (Floating Action Button). For users enrolled in the Google Home Public Preview Program, this editor becomes the default creation interface, but they can revert to the old editor if preferred.
Household members need to opt in to Public Preview to have the ability to edit Routines on Android devices. They can edit the Routines they have access to, providing a streamlined way for household members to collaborate on smart home management.
Expanded Use Cases
The updated Google Home app supports routine automations such as starting coffee brewing, turning on lights, playing music, adjusting thermostats, and controlling Nest devices—all customizable within this new workflow.
Google is actively working to move all existing features to this new automation editor. This means that users will soon be able to manage all their automations using the new, improved interface.
In summary, the new automation editor greatly improves the customization possibilities for Household Routines by allowing conditional triggers in addition to event-based starters, alongside a cleaner and more modern design to simplify smart home management.
The new automation editor, available as part of the Public Preview program for Android users, not only boasts a modernized interface that enhances user-friendliness, but also introduces household routines with customizable conditions, thus expanding the home-and-garden lifestyle and technology integration possibilities. With this update, Google Home users can now tailor routine triggers to specific times of day or people's presence in the home, enhancing the flexibility and convenience of their smart homes.
