Google Brings Smart Home Control to TV Devices
Last week, Google announced that it would extend the software features from its new Google TV streaming device to all Google TV devices. These new features include a new sports page, Gemini powered features, and access to Google’s Home control panel. Access to Google’s smart home dashboard is the biggest benefit to smart home users. From a new tile in the quick settings panel, users can turn on/off devices, dim or brighten connected lights, and trigger automations directly from the TV. Security camera feeds can also be accessed from the screen including notifications when a connected doorbell is rung.
The Circana Take:
- Enabling access to Google’s Home platform across devices draws upon a strength for Google, access to the company’s many services across hardware products.
- Increasing access to Google’s properties will drive engagement with the ecosystem and increase the value and versatility of the hardware products. Google TV has more than 270M monthly active devices presenting an opportunity to drive Google Smart Home adoption among a large base of users.
Home Depot Releases a New Smart Door
Home Depot’s new Smart Glass Door, manufactured by Feather River Doors, is the newest connected product to join the retailer’s Hubspace platform. The fiberglass door switches between a transparent and frosted window to allow in light while also maintaining a measure of privacy. At $799, this door is more affordable and less feature-laden than last year’s $6,500 model that featured a built in Ring doorbell and Yale smart lock.
The Circana Take:
- The doorway continues to be an area where consumers want control and monitoring capabilities- as evidenced by growing Smart Lock sales. At $799 the Smart Glass Door is more expensive than non-smart doorways but the addition of app control and the ability to let in light or increase privacy is a differentiated experience from what smart doorbells and smart locks offer. Security remains a top driver of Smart Home purchases so an offering that combines security features with app control in the door (at an affordable price) would be a value.