Key Points:
- Enhanced Home Control: Google Home 3.18 introduces the long-awaited Favorites widget, providing users with seamless control over their smart devices directly from their phone’s home screen.
- Customization Options: Users can tailor their widget experience by selecting either the synced favorites from the Home app or hand-picking specific devices. The flexibility extends to arranging the tiles in the preferred order and adjusting widget settings via the corner pencil icon.
- Security Measures: To uphold user safety, sensitive actions such as accessing smart locks or viewing cameras require varying levels of authentication, ensuring that users retain full control over their home environment.
In the latest update to Google Home, version 3.18 brings forth an exciting addition: the Favorites widget, now available for preview. This widget revolutionizes the way users interact with their smart devices, offering unparalleled convenience and customization options.
Upon updating to Google Home 3.18, participants in the Preview Program will gain access to the new widget via the Play Store. The widget’s functionality is straightforward yet powerful: users can effortlessly toggle lights, plugs, blinds, and more directly from their home screen.
The widget’s versatility shines through its customization options. Users can opt to sync their favorites from the Home app or hand-select devices unique to the widget. Furthermore, the ability to rearrange tiles and adjust settings ensures a tailored experience that suits individual preferences.
However, Google prioritizes user safety above all else. Sensitive actions, such as unlocking smart locks or accessing cameras, are subject to stringent authentication measures. This ensures that users retain full control over their home environment, safeguarding against potential security breaches.
Notably, the widget refreshes its status every 30 minutes, ensuring real-time updates without draining device resources. Whether users prefer a compact 2×1 tile or a full-screen display, the widget seamlessly integrates into any home screen layout.
As of now, the Google Home for Wear OS Tile, which incorporates the Favorites Tile, is not widely available. Nevertheless, the imminent rollout promises to extend the convenience of the Favorites widget to wearable devices, further enhancing the smart home experience.
