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Google Home app delivers improved controls for connected garage doors
The Google Home app is now offering a more streamlined experience when it comes to opening and closing connected garage doors.
The Google Home app has received a welcome update that brings physical onscreen controls for garage doors. This change is a big one, as users previously had to rely on voice command and Google Assistant, making the process a bit more convoluted. However, one thing to note is that the update looks to only available in the Public Preview version of the Google Home app.
Dropcam and Nest Secure support ends in 2024; Google offers free replacements and discounts
Google has announced its dropping support for these products but is also offering some excellent upgrade options for those affected.
While the writing has been on the wall for some time, Google made things official today by letting users know that it would be discontinuing support for its Nest Secure, Dropcam, Works with Nest products. While they'll continue working for now, Nest Secure and Dropcam will stop receiving support next year. Users relying on Works with Nest can expect support to end towards the end of this year. As you can imagine, most of this isn't great news, but Google understands this and does have some solutions for its current owners of these products.
SwitchBot Smart Home Controls Review: Your smart home starter pack
Introduce smart home components into your existing 'dumb' home with the innovative SwitchBot range of home automation devices.
SwitchBot offers a range of products to introduce smart components into your home. From automated curtain openers to hands-off light operation and security devices, the SwitchBot range could ease your journey into smart home products
Turning off/on lights via Google Home now only controls lights in the same room as the speaker
Previously, if you said "turn off lights," it would turn off all the lights. Now it will only control lights in the same room as the Google Home.
Home automation doesn't require smart speakers, just like smart speakers are useful for more than home automation. But the two make a great combination. It's super handy to be able to control things around your house with your voice. One of the most basic functions is turning lights on and off. Google Home can, of course, do this, but now it works a little differently.
[UPDATED] Smart Home & Home Automation Protocols Guide: Creating Your IoT Paradise
This thorough article will tell you everything you need to know about the sate of smart homes and how to set up your own internet-of-things paradise!
Smart home popularity has risen substantially over the past few years, and even the past few months. CES 2017 set the scene for another small explosion of these devices as Apple, Google, and Amazon all expanded their smart home ecosytems – albeit at different rates – with Amazon’s Alexa assistant boasting the most growth.