Hey Google Nest Community,
Last year, we made it even easier for you to control your smart home devices with so many new features in Google Home. Let’s take a look back together at the updates and new features made available to your home in 2024, starting with Gemini and the Google Home app.
We expanded controls and customizations for your home with AI, making your devices work even better for you.
Help me script - Public Preview
"Help me script" allows you to enjoy the benefits of home automation via natural language prompts and generative AI, even if you don’t have technical expertise. With help me script, simply describe what you want. Like, "When the TV turns on after sunset, dim the living room lights and close the blinds" and it will generate a script for you to edit and use. Available on Google Home for web in Public Preview.
Learn more and try it out for yourself!
Google Home extension for Gemini app
Get an extra hand around the house right in the Gemini app on your phone.1 Use it to control your lights, thermostats, blinds, and more.2 Available now in the Gemini app for Android users who are opted into Public Preview. Read our help center article to learn what the Google Home extension can and can’t do.
We made your home more accessible than ever, from anywhere, on the most devices.
Control smart home devices faster with Google Home app for Wear OS
Quickly access your most used devices with Pixel Watch by creating shortcuts, and view live Nest Cam feeds on your watch.3,4
You can also access and control your favorite devices with just a swipe on your watch with the new Wear OS favorites tile.3,4 The Google Home Update (Spring 2024) post has all the details!
Manage your home without missing a scene with the home panel now on Google TV
Control your smart lights, thermostats, cameras, and more5,6 through the home panel — all without pausing your shows. Learn how to set it up in our help center.
Google Home app Favorites widget on Android and iOS:
With the Favorites widget, you get quick access to the most important smart home devices5 right from your phone home screen.6 Available now on Android, and on iOS in Public Preview.
We rolled out exciting camera features to help you monitor your home with ease.
Updates for Google Home for web
Easily navigate your video history in Google Home for web with an optimized experience for keyboard and mouse. You can also adjust the start and end time of your clips, and download them, directly from your web browser.7,8
Be sure to opt into Public Preview to try the newest features before they become widely available. Just click the Public Preview button in the top right of your browser at home.google.com.
Doorbell notifications on Pixel Tablet
Your Pixel Tablet can now show you who’s at the front door when they ring the doorbell. Talk to them with Two-way Talk or send a Quick Response.9,10
We released some new devices for your home.
Nest Learning Thermostat, smarter and sleeker than ever
Last year, we released the completely reimagined Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen), our smartest and most beautiful thermostat yet. And, it comes with a redesigned Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) in the box! Learn more by checking out our announcement blog, or head over to the Google Store to snag one for yourself.
Simplify streaming with Google TV Streamer
Your favorite entertainment, personalized to you. Watch your favorite movies and TV shows in 4K HDR with Dolby Vision for cinematic, true-to-life visuals and Dolby Atmos for immersive sound. Google TV Streamer also doubles a smart home hub allowing you to control compatible smart devices from the TV. Find out more in the announcement blog!
Available now from select retailers and the Google Store.
And so much more.
- AI descriptions: Your camera clips in the Google Home app can have detailed descriptions if you want them and opt in, making it easier to find what you're looking for.8
- Search camera history: You can search your camera history using simple questions like, "Did the kids play in the backyard this afternoon?" or "Was a delivery truck here today?"8
- Home panel screen saver for Pixel Tablet: Easily access and control your smart home devices with a new home panel screensaver.
- Member access: Member access lets you share your smart home with those you trust, without giving anyone more control than they need. Choose between full Admin access or customizable Member access (like for roommates, kids, grandparents, babysitters, etc.) when you add a new person to your Google Home.6,11
We’re very grateful for all of our Google Nest Community members and hope you’re just as excited for all of these new features and devices as we are. We’re looking forward to bringing you even more exciting updates throughout 2025.
‘Til next time,
The Google Home & Nest Team
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1Available on select devices and in certain countries. Works with compatible accounts. Some extensions require setup. Check responses for accuracy. Feature availability varies based on subscription and language.
2Available only in English. Requires compatible smart devices (sold separately).
3Requires a smartwatch that runs Wear OS 3 or newer, a Google Account, the latest version of the Google Home app on both your watch and phone, and working internet and Wi-Fi.
4Requires compatible smart devices.
5Home control features require compatible smart devices (sold separately).
6Some features, including mobile and browser notifications, remote control, video streaming and video recording, require working internet, Wi-Fi, a Google Account, and the latest version of the Google Home app.
7Some features, including mobile and browser notifications, remote control, video streaming and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi.
8Only available on Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery), Nest Cam with floodlight, Nest Cam (indoor, wired, 2nd gen), Nest Doorbell (battery), Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen), and 1st-gen Nest Cams that have been transferred to the Home app.
9Requires Nest Doorbell (wired, 1st and 2nd gen) or Nest Doorbell (battery).
10Pixel Tablet must be locked and docked on the charging speaker dock in order to see a full screen live view.
11Feature access requires Public Preview enrollment.
