Google Home’s getting ready for summer with camera upgrades, new automations, and much more
Published: (May 5, 2026 at 01:01 PM EDT)
2 min read
Source: Android Authority
Source: Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google Home’s latest updates include new features for older cameras and an overhauled in‑app UI.
- New automations help control devices like robotic vacuums and your entertainment system.
- Users enrolled in Home’s Public Preview can also check out Ask Home on the web.
Camera Experience Updates
Google has highlighted several improvements to the camera experience in the Google Home app:
- Face detection enhancements.
- Better support for older Nest cameras.
- More useful event history with animated previews that show important actions instantly.
- Event filtering options and event descriptions displayed directly on the timeline.
Automation Enhancements
Automations now include new starters, conditions, and actions, making smart‑home routines more powerful.
Security & Access Control
- Arm and disarm: Arm security systems and check their status.
- Door lock monitoring: Detect states such as locked, unlocked, jammed, forced open, or ajar.
- Binary sensors: Simple true/false detection (contact/no contact, leak/no leak, freeze/no freeze).
Appliance & Cleaning
- Appliance state (Start & Stop): Control washers, dryers, coffee machines, etc., with Start, Stop, Pause, and Resume commands.
- Robot vacuums: Commands to dock, pause, or resume cleaning sessions.
Lighting & Environment Control
- Lighting control: Adjust brightness, toggle On/Off, and manage light effects.
- Colored lights: Change color or color temperature of bulbs, LED strips, etc.
- Window coverings: Open/close blinds or query position percentage.
- Climate: Monitor relative humidity via thermostats.
Media & Entertainment
- Playback control: Monitor states like playing, paused, or buffering.
- Volume: Check and manage volume levels on media devices.
Device Health & Inputs
- Power management: Monitor battery levels and charging status.
- Switch events: Detect smart switch inputs, including initial press, long press, and release events.
Ask Home on the Web
If you’re away from your phone, you can still access Ask Home via the web to search camera history, set automations, and more (available in Home Public Preview).
Quick Action Buttons
Notifications now include Quick Action buttons that let you jump directly to device controls, automatically pulling up the appropriate property when managing multiple smart homes.
Sources: