Google has officially opened up its smart home platform to developers, allowing them to integrate compatible devices and automation into their apps.
Google has officially opened up its smart home platform to developers, allowing them to integrate compatible devices and automation into their apps. This important move allows the Home toolkit to communicate with any device that supports the universal Matter standard or the proprietary Works With Google Home framework. This new feature can be accessed in both Android and iOS applications.
This initiative will significantly expand the capabilities of the smart home ecosystem. Several companies have already been granted early access to expanded support for Google Smart Home, and we have a waiting list for additional developers who want to join. Anish Katukaran told The Verge that the first apps leveraging the expanded Home framework are expected to launch this fall.
One of the early adopters, ADT, is leveraging this technology to introduce “Trusted Neighbor” functionality. This option allows the user to temporarily access her home through her Google device, increasing security and convenience. Meanwhile, Eve, known for her Apple-centric HomeKit hardware, is leveraging the tool to deliver on her promise to deliver Android apps.
In a further expansion of its platform, Google announced that Google TV devices, including the recent Chromecast, will now act as Home and Matter smart home hubs. This update also applies to certain LG TVs, allowing them to function as smart home hubs. Additionally, current Google smart home hubs, such as the second-generation Nest Hub and Google Wifi routers, will receive an update that will allow for local control when your smartphone and hub are on the same Wi-Fi network.
These enhancements will significantly accelerate the adoption of Google smart home devices and give it a competitive edge over Amazon's Alexa. More importantly, it opens the door for embedding smart home functionality into a variety of apps that was previously out of scope. For example, a home rental app can be designed to turn on lights when a guest arrives, improving user experience and convenience.
The rollout of the Home Toolkit represents a strategic move by Google to unify and expand the smart home ecosystem. Google supports both the Matter standard and Works With Google Home to ensure broad compatibility and ease of integration for developers. This dual support means developers can create apps that work seamlessly across a wide range of devices, giving users a more consistent and interconnected smart home experience.
The expanded capabilities of Google TV devices and updates to existing hubs highlight Google's commitment to making smart home technology more accessible and versatile. These updates not only simplify the integration process for developers, but also improve the user experience by providing more options for controlling and automating smart home devices.
As developers begin to explore the possibilities offered by open home toolkits, users can expect a proliferation of innovative smart home applications. The potential applications are vast, from enhanced security features to improved home automation.
Google's move to open up its smart home platform could foster a new wave of creativity and functionality in the smart home industry, benefiting developers and consumers alike.
In conclusion, Google's decision to open up its smart home platform to developers marks an important milestone in the evolution of smart home technology. Google helps developers create innovative solutions that improve the smart home experience by providing access to a versatile and comprehensive toolkit. The future of smart home technology is looking more promising than ever, as the first apps leveraging this enhanced framework will be available later this year.