Google Home App 4.3 Introduces Edge-to-Edge Design and Enhanced Automation Features
Google has unveiled version 4.3 of its Home app, bringing a suite of enhancements aimed at refining user experience and device management. This update is currently available on iOS and is gradually rolling out to Android users.
Edge-to-Edge Design for Android
For devices running Android 15 and newer, the Home app now boasts an edge-to-edge design. This design choice allows content to extend behind system bars, offering a more immersive interface. While the top and bottom bars remain fixed, the central feed benefits from this expanded view, enhancing visual continuity.
Enhanced Device Controls
The update introduces improved controls for lights, plugs, and switches. Android users can expect up to twice the response speed when managing these devices. This improvement is particularly noticeable with Matter-compatible devices, ensuring more reliable and swift interactions.
Advanced Automation Customization
The Home and Away automation features have been upgraded with a redesigned editor. Users can now fully customize these automations by setting specific conditions, adding new actions, and incorporating various triggers. Additionally, there’s enhanced control over presence-aware actions for cameras and thermostats. Users can adjust these settings individually by navigating to each device’s settings page.
Streamlined Camera Feedback
Providing feedback on camera AI descriptions has been simplified. Users can now utilize feedback cards beneath descriptions to report issues, such as missed familiar faces. There’s also the option to give thumbs up or down on specific faces identified in clips, aiding in refining the familiar face detection feature.
Bug Fixes and Performance Enhancements
The update addresses several issues to improve app stability:
– Device Setup Crash: Resolved crashes occurring during certain device setup processes.
– Casting Crash: Fixed crashes affecting some casting sessions on Android devices.
– Ask Home Onboarding: Corrected an issue where the Ask Home onboarding prompt would reappear after being dismissed.
– Thermostat Photo Display: Fixed a problem where taking a photo during thermostat setup resulted in duplicate photo icons.
Additional Features
Beyond the primary updates, version 4.3 introduces:
– Improved Camera Feedback: Enhanced mechanisms for users to share feedback on camera AI descriptions, including options to report missed familiar faces and rate identified faces in clips.
– Improved Device Controls (Public Preview): Refreshed controls for devices like lights, plugs, and switches, offering quicker access to common actions through new shortcuts. Android users can now locally control their Matter devices, leading to improved reliability and faster response times.
– Fully Customizable Home and Away Automations: An upgraded automation editor allows for comprehensive customization of Home and Away routines, including setting conditions, adding new actions, and utilizing various triggers. Users also have more control over presence-aware actions for cameras and thermostats, adjustable via each device’s settings page.
– Edge-to-Edge Design for Android: A more immersive app experience on Android 15 and later, with content extending behind system bars.
Conclusion
The Google Home app’s 4.3 update signifies a significant step forward in enhancing user experience and device management. With its edge-to-edge design, improved device controls, advanced automation customization, and streamlined feedback mechanisms, users can expect a more intuitive and responsive smart home experience.
