Along with releasing the Android 16 update for supported Pixel devices, Google has also showcased a number of features coming to its Home app. First up is PiP, also known as picture-in-picture mode, which will be available for Nest Cams on any Google TV device you own.
It’ll be similar to YouTube’s PiP, with which you must be familiar with. A small window will appear in a corner of the TV screen, allowing you to view your Nest Cams without interrupting your viewing experience. The feature is currently in public preview, and you can enroll to try it out before its public release.
Another YouTube feature that Google is adding to its Home app is the ability to jump 10 seconds forward or backward in recorded videos. This feature ensures that you don"t have to go through the entire footage to locate the moment you’re looking for.
Google mentioned in its blog post that it is adding more controls to the Google Home web app. Currently, the web app offers limited functionality, such as setting automations and viewing cameras, but soon you’ll be able to manage more things through it, such as adjusting lighting, controlling temperature, and locking or unlocking the door.
Google’s AI model, Gemini, is also getting more controls in the Home app. You can use natural language in the Gemini app to search for specific footage in the camera history. Furthermore, the fallback assistant experience that broadcast commands use is also being updated. You’ll now be able to use your voice to broadcast messages through the connected speakers in your home.
The Google blog post also mentions that you are no longer required to use the standalone Nest app to receive smoke and other critical alerts. You can now view the Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) status directly in the Home app. You’ll also be able to run safety checkups and hush alarms through the Home app.
In addition to all these features, Google is also making the automation creation process much quicker, will allow you to add more tiles to the Home app Favorites section, and will let you create different Favorites for any other device you use, such as your smartwatch. The Home app will now also support third-party Matter locks. Similar to the Nest x Yale lock, you’ll be able to control various settings of these third-party locks, like managing household access, creating guest profiles, and more.