Google Home App Update: Faster Controls & Immersive UI
▼ Summary
– Google Home app 4.3 introduces improved device controls for lights, plugs, and switches, offering quicker access to frequently used options.
– The app now supports Matter-enabled devices on Android, allowing them to work offline and improving reliability and response times.
– Home and Away automations have been upgraded with a new editor, enabling customization with advanced conditions, actions, and starters.
– AI-powered camera activity descriptions are provided through Gemini integration, with feedback options to improve accuracy and familiar-face detection.
– The update includes bug fixes for device setup crashes, casting issues, onboarding problems, and thermostat photo display errors, and is rolling out gradually to users.
The latest update to the Google Home app introduces significant enhancements aimed at improving user experience with faster controls and a more immersive interface. Version 4.3 brings quicker access to frequently used settings for lights, plugs, and switches, alongside a new edge-to-edge design on Android devices. One standout feature is the ability for Matter-enabled devices to function reliably even without an internet connection, reportedly doubling response times for many users.
These updated controls are currently accessible to those enrolled in the Public Preview program, with a gradual rollout planned for the stable channel. If you update the app and don’t immediately notice the changes, don’t worry, they will become available to everyone over time.
Home and Away automations have also been upgraded to the new automation editor, allowing for deeper customization with advanced conditions, actions, and triggers. While the fundamental way these automations activate remains unchanged, users now have greater flexibility to tailor their smart home routines.
On devices running Android 15 and later, the app now utilizes an edge-to-edge layout, allowing content to extend fully behind the navigation and status bars for a more seamless visual experience.
Several quality-of-life improvements accompany this release. Thanks to Gemini integration, the app now provides AI-generated descriptions for recorded camera footage. Recognizing that artificial intelligence isn’t always perfect, Google has made it simpler to offer feedback directly within the app. A feedback card appears below each AI description, and thumbs-up/thumbs-down buttons help improve familiar-face detection over time.
Additional fixes in this version address various stability issues. The update resolves crashes that occurred during certain device setup processes and while casting media on Android. It also corrects a problem where the Ask Home onboarding prompt would reappear after being dismissed, and fixes an issue causing duplicate photo icons during thermostat setup.
Google Home app version 4.3 is already available for iPhone users and will reach all Android devices in the coming days.
(Source: Android Police)
