Google is set to enhance the user experience of its Home app with a significant redesign, introducing a feature called ‘Ask Home.’ This update aims to provide users with a more intuitive and conversational method to manage their smart home devices.
The ‘Ask Home’ feature is prominently displayed as a bar at the top of the app’s interface. This addition suggests a shift towards a chatbot-like functionality, enabling users to control their smart home devices through natural language commands. This approach is reminiscent of earlier versions of the Google Home app, which included an Assistant floating action button (FAB) in the bottom navigation bar.
However, unlike the previous integration that utilized the system-wide Google Assistant, ‘Ask Home’ appears to be a standalone feature within the Home app. While it is likely powered by similar underlying models as the Gemini assistant on Android, ‘Ask Home’ seems to operate independently, focusing specifically on smart home management.
In addition to the ‘Ask Home’ bar, the redesign incorporates several other interface changes. The Home/Away switcher is now integrated within the ‘Ask Home’ field, streamlining the process of setting the home’s status. A new ‘plus’ icon is introduced, potentially replacing the previous floating action button, to facilitate the quick addition of new devices and the creation of routines.
The update also brings a more compact design to the categories for Cameras, Lighting, and Wi-Fi, optimizing the use of screen space. Despite these changes, the device tiles and live feed displays remain consistent with the previous design, ensuring continuity for users.
This redesign reflects Google’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user interaction with smart home technology. By integrating conversational controls through ‘Ask Home,’ the company aims to make smart home management more accessible and user-friendly.
As of now, Google has not announced a specific release date for this update. Users are encouraged to stay tuned for further announcements regarding the rollout of the redesigned Google Home app with the ‘Ask Home’ feature.
