Key Points:
- Pixel Tablet now supports doorbell alerts with Two-way Talk and Quick Response features.
- Google Home app updates include sensor information and clip creation on mobile devices.
- Google Home widget automation and Wear OS features are on the horizon.
Google has rolled out several significant updates to its Home app, including the introduction of doorbell alerts on the Pixel Tablet, now available in Public Preview. This enhancement allows users to see who’s at the front door and communicate through the Pixel Tablet using Two-way Talk and Quick Response, provided the tablet is locked and docked on its charging speaker dock. This feature requires a compatible Nest Doorbell (wired, 1st and 2nd gen) or Nest Doorbell (battery).
In addition to the doorbell alert integration, Google has announced upcoming support for automation in the Google Home widget, although this feature is still in development and not yet widely available. The latest version (3.18) that introduces the Favorites widget remains limited to Public Preview participants.
The Google Home app has also been enhanced to provide more detailed information on the device page, including sensor data like battery percentage and compatibility with other devices. Users can now create and download video clips directly from their mobile devices, a feature previously restricted to the web interface.
Furthermore, Wear OS has seen improvements with the Google Home app now allowing users to adjust fan rotation, speed, and humidifier settings directly from their smartwatches. The update, which includes the Favorites Tile and device complications, is still in the process of being widely distributed. These advancements signify Google’s ongoing commitment to enhancing smart home interconnectivity and user convenience.
