Key Points:
- Google introduces “Home runtime,” enabling more TVs, including Chromecast with Google TV, to serve as hubs for Matter devices in Google Home.
- Home APIs unlock new functionalities, like ADT’s “Trusted Neighbor” feature, expanding the capabilities of Google Home setups.
- Select Google TVs running Android 14 or higher, along with eligible LG brand TVs, will support Home runtime, potentially transforming TVs into central smart home hubs.
In a bid to further streamline the smart home experience, Google has unveiled plans to empower Chromecast with Google TV to act as a hub for Matter devices within Google Home. This significant development comes alongside the introduction of Home APIs, a suite of tools facilitating enhanced functionalities for Google Home setups. Notably, these APIs will pave the way for innovations such as ADT’s upcoming “Trusted Neighbor” feature.
Central to Google’s strategy is the implementation of “Home runtime,” a feature set to augment the capabilities of various devices by enabling them to function as hubs within the Google Home ecosystem. This expansion will see select Google TVs running Android 14 or higher, including Chromecast with Google TV and eligible LG brand TVs, assuming the role of hubs later this year.
While this move won’t directly empower users to control their smart homes via Google TV interfaces, it underscores Google’s commitment to integrating entertainment and home automation seamlessly. By leveraging existing hardware to extend control and support for Matter devices, Google aims to elevate the role of televisions, making them indispensable components of modern smart homes.
