Google Home closes a long-standing gap in its automations with the update to version 4.8: Smart Buttons can now be used directly to control devices and actions in the smart home. Until now, these physical buttons, which have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to Matter, were not compatible with Google Home. The new function opens up a whole range of possibilities, from simple light controls to complex processes that react to button presses.
- Smart Buttons can now be used as triggers in automations
- Support for single-press, multi-press, long-press and long-press release
- Other new automation triggers: humidity, robot vacuum cleaner docking, battery status
- New options for controlling light color and temperature
Google Home update: Smart buttons as central control for automations
With version 4.8 of Google Home, physical Smart Buttons can be integrated into automations, allowing users to finally link concrete hardware interactions with digital processes. The buttons work for both single and multiple presses, long button presses and releasing a button. Of particular interest to users is the ability to trigger different actions depending on the type of button press – for example, switching on the light with a single press or starting a scene with a long press.
- Also interesting: Google Home: Devices can now start routines on their own
Although compatibility is initially being tested for some models – such as IKEA’s inexpensive BILRESA buttons – the update shows that Google is significantly advancing the integration of physical smart home controls. This not only makes operation easier, but also opens up more flexibility when designing individual processes for different rooms or situations in the home.
Further new automation triggers and intelligent control options
In addition to Smart Buttons, Google Home expands the automation options with several practical triggers:
- Humidity: actions can be triggered as soon as a certain humidity level is reached, e.g. to activate a dehumidifier.
- Robot vacuum cleaner: A process that starts automatically when the device is docked.
- Battery status: Automations can be linked to the charge status or low battery of a device.
- Binary states: For supported devices, actions can be started by open/closed, triggered/not triggered or leaking/not leaking states.
Google Home is also expanding lighting control: smart lights can now be set to a specific color or color temperature, such as a cool blue in the study or warm white light in the bedroom.
There is also an important improvement for Nest Cam owners: the update provides a “fundamental fix” for the frequently reported “video not available” errors, which should make video streams more stable.
Conclusion
With Google Home Update 4.8, the smart home finally becomes more interactive: smart buttons can serve as central triggers for automations, while additional conditions such as humidity, battery status or robot docking increase flexibility. Users also benefit from improved light controls and more stable Nest Cam streams. The update is available now and brings important new features for anyone who wants to make their home even smarter and more customizable.
Source: Google
