topic Re: Feature Request: Interactive Voice-Driven Automation Flows in Home Automation

Feature Request: Interactive Voice-Driven Automation Flows

theunlimited64 — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 21:29:18 GMT

Current Limitation

Currently, Google Home's automation system lacks the ability to create interactive, context-aware flows that can adapt based on user feedback without explicit wake word activation.

Proposed Enhancement

I propose implementing a more sophisticated automation system that enables dynamic, conversational interactions between Google Home and users. This would significantly enhance the natural flow of home automation and improve user experience.

Use Case Example

Consider this common scenario:

Motion sensor detects user sitting on the couch
System initiates cinema mode automation
Google Home proactively asks: "Would you like me to enable cinema mode?"
User can naturally respond with "yes" or "no"
System executes the appropriate action based on response

Key Benefits

More natural and fluid interaction without requiring "Hey Google"
Enhanced user experience through context-aware automations
Improved accessibility for guests and family members
Greater flexibility in automation flows
More intuitive and human-like smart home experience

Technical Feasibility

This feature should be relatively straightforward to implement given:

Existing on-device voice processing capabilities
Current automation framework
Already available voice recognition technology

Impact

This enhancement would revolutionize how users interact with their smart homes, making automations more intelligent and adaptable to real-world scenarios

Re: Feature Request: Interactive Voice-Driven Automation Flows

El_Antonio — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 08:47:53 GMT

Also a “hey google start the washing machine at 15:30’ would be a great enhancement

Re: Feature Request: Interactive Voice-Driven Automation Flows

theunlimited64 — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 08:52:21 GMT

@El_Antonio that should theoretically be already possible, at least with lights (smart plugs can be configured to be a light smart plug).

But starting something could be forbidden die to security reasons. But I agree it would be nicer if it wasn't that restrictive

Re: Feature Request: Interactive Voice-Driven Automation Flows

tajennifer — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:22:26 GMT

Hi theunlimited64,

Thanks for posting and all the information provided. I understand that you are requesting an interactive voice-driven automation flow feature. We appreciate your feedback. We're constantly working on improvements, and your input helps us shape future features.

Please don't hesitate to share any additional questions or ideas you may have.

Regards,

Jenny

Re: Feature Request: Interactive Voice-Driven Automation Flows

El_Antonio — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:07:50 GMT

Thank for thinking with me. Tried the suggestion but no result ;-(

Re: Feature Request: Interactive Voice-Driven Automation Flows

El_Antonio — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:12:27 GMT

@@Kenny, it does not have to be interactive, it just needs to be able to understand when to start based upon a verbally given time. And it would also be great if it could work with a duration or ends time in the same command. Example: hey google start jojo at 14:35 for three hours.

Re: Feature Request: Interactive Voice-Driven Automation Flows

theunlimited64 — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:17:33 GMT

It may be because it's not configureable as a socket (the action you're requesting).

Do you have home assistant? Then you may be able to do this a bit hacky. Define a binary switch in HA. Name it washing machine and have it inside Google home as a smart plug.

Then you can say turn on washing machine at 15;30. Then Google will turn it on at given time.

Home assistant then listens for that state change and turns on the washing machine for o

You

Re: Feature Request: Interactive Voice-Driven Automation Flows

tajennifer — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:22:14 GMT

Hi El_Antonio,

Thanks for the additional information provided. For us, it is important your request for the interactive voice-driven automation flow feature. Google would appreciate you taking the time to provide feedback, as it helps us improve the service for everyone in the future.

Regards,

Jenny

Re: Feature Request: Interactive Voice-Driven Automation Flows

El_Antonio — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 10:04:33 GMT

Thanks for thinking with me. But I really have no idea how to do that.
sorry!

Re: Feature Request: Interactive Voice-Driven Automation Flows

El_Antonio — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 09:41:35 GMT

done (i think ;-))