Google Home App Prepping for Nest Aware Emergency Calls
There is a new setting within the Google Home app (although it isn’t yet live) that would enable Google Nest owners to enter an address to be used for emergency services such as 911. In the past, Google blocked emergency calling through its speakers, but that will change with the new Nest Aware plans that are supposed to become available in early 2020. At that point, if you receive an alert that your Google speaker or smart display picked up the sound of a smoke alarm, you’ll be able to call the 911 service closest to your home, through the Home app on your phone. If you are home but can’t get to your phone, you’ll be able to tell your speaker or display to call.
The NPD Take:
- Google has long been criticized for keeping its Nest assets off to the side and not fully integrating them within the Google ecosystem. These steps to shore up the functionality between Google software and Nest hardware should be a welcome addition for users.
Nest Cam Events Coming to Google Home App Feed
Google is rolling out Nest Cam events to the Google Home app, soon showing those updates in the centralized Feed section. These are supposed to include the ability to watch video clips and listen to audio clips right from the Feed, as well as an overview of device activity from the past 48 hours. The changes are supposed to roll out over the next two weeks, potentially coinciding with the launch of the new Nest Aware.
The NPD Take:
- This is another good move on the part of Google to deepen the integration with Nest – being able to view clips from your camera without actually having to launch the Nest app separately.
Android 11 Could Make Smart Home Control Easier
The latest Android 11 Developer Preview shows a new Quick Controls option in the power menu that appears to make smart home shortcuts easier to access. A long press of the power button brings up the Quick Controls view, which should – at the very least – allow users to do things like turn smart lights on and off. Real details on the new functionality probably won’t come until the Google Home app is updated and Google officially announces the next Android update.
The NPD Take:
- As consumers’ collection of home automation products grows, it will become increasingly complicated to control these devices through each manufacturer’s app. Having a centralized means of control – whether that be through the Google Home app or a smart display or by using voice commands – is a key component of the smart home ecosystem.