Feature Request: Interactive Voice-Driven Automation Flows

[theunlimited64]

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:

1. Motion sensor detects user sitting on the couch
2. System initiates cinema mode automation
3. Google Home proactively asks: "Would you like me to enable cinema mode?"
4. User can naturally respond with "yes" or "no"
5. 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

[El_Antonio]

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

[theunlimited64]

@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 

[El_Antonio]

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

[theunlimited64]

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 

[El_Antonio]

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

[tajennifer]

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

[El_Antonio]

@@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.

[tajennifer]

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

[El_Antonio]

done (i think ;-))