How to Use the Best New Features of the Google Home App
Google Home 2.27 adds a number of new features to the app, including new in-app controls for Nest home security products on iOS and Android, and enhanced device support for Power Menu shortcuts in Android 11. Oh, and finally on Android there is a dark mode, although it can be tricky to turn on. Here’s how to access all the new features.
New Nest Camera and Smart Lock Features (iOS and Android)
Nest users who have migrated to Google Home as their primary control app will be pleased to know that the app gets several handy features specifically designed for Nest products. You can use it for:
- View all Nest cameras on the cameras page. If you are using multiple Nest cameras at home, you can now watch all live streams at the same time in the Google Home app, just like in the Nest app. To view all Nest cameras at once, open the Google Home app and tap the Cameras option under your home name.
- Unlock smart locks (coming soon). Nest Smart Lock users will soon be able to remotely unlock their devices from the Google Home app. Google teased the upcoming featurewith a sketch starring Fred Armisen and mentioned it in the 2.27 release note for Google Home on iOS , but it’s not yet available on the Android app . Chances are Google just needs to flip a switch, which will hopefully happen soon.
More devices supported in Android 11 power menu
Android 11 lets you control connected smart home devices from the Google Home power menu. Version 2.27 expands Power Menu support to smart for all Nest and Chromecast devices, including products with Chromecast built-in.
To add a device to the power menu:
- Open Google Home.
- Go to the Power menu.
- Tap the menu icon next to your home name.
- Click Add Controls.
- Select the devices you want to control using the power menu shortcuts. (If the device is controlled by another app on your phone, tap View More Apps. )
- Click “Save”.
- Back in the Power menu, briefly tap on a device / group tile to turn it on / off, or click one of the shortcuts at the top of the menu to perform an action for all applicable devices.
Dark theme for Android
According to Android Police, the Google Home dark theme is also part of the 2.27 update. It looks like you can only enable it by enabling the dark theme at the system level of your Android device – there is no toggle in the app (at least not yet).
Android dark mode settings can be changed by going to Settings> Display> Dark theme or by searching for “dark theme” in your device’s settings app (location may vary depending on phone and Android version).