| Google Home | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Other names | Home |
| Developer | |
| Operating system | Android,Wear OS,Android TV,ChromeOS,iOS, andiPadOS |
| Type | Home automation |
| Website | https://home.google.com/welcome/ |
Google Home is asmart home platform developed byGoogle that lets users configure, communicate with and controlsmart appliances using devices that run Google-made operating systems. Google Home communicates with devices using HomeKit, thesoftware framework and communication protocol developed by Google, and the openMatter standard.[1] By designing rooms, items, and actions in Google Home, users can enable automations in the home through a voice command toGemini, through Google's Home app, or third party apps.[2] With Google Home, developers are able to create complex applications in order to manage accessories at a high level.[1]
Google Home primarily competes with smart home platforms fromAmazon andApple. As of 2024, Google lists over 10,000 devices compatible with Google Home, compared to 1,000 for Apple and 85,000 for Amazon.[3]
The platform was initially created to manage only Google's own smart speakers (one of which was also called Google Home) and Chromecasts, but gradually expanded in subsequent years. The Google Wifi app was rolled into the platform in July 2021, and support for the old Nest app is gradually being phased out.[4]
On December 18, 2019, Google announced it would be working closely with Samsung, Amazon, and Apple to create an open standard for smart home automation calledMatter.[5] Matter aims to reduce fragmentation across different vendors, and achieve interoperability among smart home devices and Internet of things (IoT) platforms from different providers.[6] The project was delayed to fall 2022 due to "unprecedented interest" by theConnectivity Standards Alliance (CSA).[7] Version 1.0 of Matter was published on the October 4, 2022.[8] Matter has been supported in Google Home sinceAndroid 8.1 and its forks.[9]
While the Home app was introduced in 2016, it initially did not offer support for many smart home functionalities. That came later in 2018, with support for devices that were developed forGoogle Assistant.[10] More features have since been added, such as Automations in 2022, and Home APIs for developers in 2024.[11][12]
Android TVs with theGoogle TV interface can control Google Home devices using a home panel. The panel can only show devices marked as "favorites". But voice commands can still be utilized to interact with non-favorite devices.[13]
TheGoogle Home speaker was the first smart speaker to support voice commands for Google Home via Google Assistant. These devices can unlock or open secure appliances such as locks, provided a PIN is supplied verbally.[13]
Initially, hubs were not required for the use of Google Home, as it was primarily a cloud-to-cloud-based service, but since the adoption of Matter andThread to the platform, which utilize local connections, they have become required for users that seek to utilize such standards. Google-made hubs that include both technologies are the Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro, and the Google TV Streamer (4K).[14]
Google Home currently supports the following device categories (an extended list):[15]
| Device group | Device type | Matter | Cloud-to-cloud | Home APIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting | Light |  | | |
| Outlet | | | | |
| Switch | | | | |
| Climate | Thermostat | | | |
| Air conditioner |  | | | |
| Air cooler | | | | |
| Air freshner | | | | |
| Air purifier | | | | |
| Blinds | | | | |
| Curtain | | | | |
| Dehumidifier | | | | |
| Fan | | | | |
| Heater | | | | |
| Humidifier | | | | |
| Radiator | | | | |
| Window | | | | |
| Boiler | | | | |
| Bed & bath | Shower | | | |
| Bathtub | | | | |
| Bed | | | | |
| Blanket | | | | |
| Closet | | | | |
| Shutter | | | | |
| Outdoor | Sprinkler | | | |
| Awning | | | | |
| Mower | | | | |
| Pergola | | | |
