Get ready to rethink how you manage your smart home—Google is rolling out a game-changing redesign of its Home app, and it’s not just a facelift. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the updates promise smoother control, they also overhaul familiar features, leaving some users wondering if it’s a step forward or a leap into uncharted territory. Let’s dive in.
Beyond the buzz around Gemini, Google’s Home app is quietly undergoing a transformation through its Public Preview program, spotlighting ‘Improved device controls’ that aim to redefine how you interact with your smart gadgets. Google claims these changes are ‘significant,’ designed to give you more intuitive command over your smart home ecosystem. Third-party devices, especially lights, plugs, and switches, are getting a fresh ‘look and feel’—but is it an upgrade or a learning curve?
And this is the part most people miss: the redesign isn’t just about aesthetics. Take smart lights, for example. The pill-shaped slider is still there, but the percentage indicator now sits below it, with haptic feedback and a left-side percentage display when you adjust brightness. Here’s the twist: tapping inside the slider no longer toggles the light on or off—it only adjusts brightness. Instead, a traditional power button now sits in the top-right corner. When off, the slider transforms into a rounded rectangle. Love it or hate it, it’s a bold departure from the old system.
The three-dot overflow menu now opens a full-screen settings sheet, complete with a row of actions like adding devices to favorites, viewing device history (for Google Home Premium subscribers), sending feedback, and getting help. Color options have shifted from a grid to a carousel, and the Color and Temperature pickers have been modernized. But here’s the delightful detail: smart plugs now feature a charming animation when toggled on or off—a small touch that adds a bit of joy to the experience.
Now, for the tech enthusiasts: Google highlights local Matter control for Android users with compatible devices and hubs. This means faster response times and improved reliability—a win for those tired of laggy smart home responses. But it also raises questions: Will this local control become the standard, or will it remain a niche feature?
These updates are available today in the Google Home Public Preview program on both Android and iOS. So, here’s the burning question: Does this redesign make smart home management easier, or does it complicate what was once simple? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re eager to hear if you’re team ‘love it’ or team ‘needs work.’
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