It was last October when Google first showed off the new Google Home Experience Then in November, a program was opened for users to test Google’s updates, and it remained there for several months. This week, Google seems happy with where the app is and is actually rolling out the update to all users around the world.
Google says that more than half a million people have signed up to test the latest Google Home app, which doesn’t shock me, because the original screenshots of the app looked really colorful and beautiful. After being accepted into the program, I could tell there was a lot of work to be done, but now that it’s been a few months, I can confirm that the app is in a much better place. On top of the work Google has already done, the Nest team says they’ve made more than 50 improvements to the app, such as the ability to rearrange your preferences, a new inbox where you’ll get actionable notifications, an improved Activity tab, and more.
For Wear OS users, preferences can now be accessed from the wrist, along with improved camera notifications featuring animated previews for your camera. Google also took the time to announce that real Nest cameras will soon be supported within the app, with the public preview first getting access to it in July.
The last part is only for Pixel owners. In next month’s feature drop, Google will introduce an exclusive Home panel for Pixels, giving you one-tap access to your Google Home directly from the Android lock screen or Quick Settings. “It will make it quick and easy to control the devices, automations and actions you use most often, such as turning off lights, adjusting the temperature or viewing the camera, navigating apps and finding what you’re looking for, without the need to open your device,” Google explains.
Google Home users will start seeing the updated app on iOS and Android this week.