Google not only presented hardware highlights like the Pixel 7 and the Pixel Watch at its I/O 2022. On top of that, the tech company announced that its in-house smart home software is to receive an extensive update. The brand-new standard is to go by the name “Matter” and will also work on already available smart home products from the manufacturer.
More features for Google Nest
As part of the update, Google would like to expand the range of functions of the small Google Nest, among other things. Thus, in the future, they should also be able to act as independent controllers. With this, Google primarily wants to facilitate the operation of smart-home capable devices in the household. The broad product range that is included in the update is praiseworthy. From the very first Google Home, the Google Mini and the Nest Mini to the two generations of the Nest Hub, the Nest Hub Max, Nest Audio and Nest Wifi, many different devices will receive the update. The newer Nest products will also get the feature to simulate a so-called “thread border router”. This is supposed to allow you to control smart home devices while on the go. However, this feature is only reserved for the Nest Wifi as well as the Nest Hub in the second generation.
“Works with Hey Google” becomes “Works with Google Home”
Devices that could be integrated into a Google Home smart home setup were previously labeled “Works with Hey Google” by manufacturers. With the update to Matter, this is to be changed. From now on, the corresponding packaging will be emblazoned with the words “Works with Google Home”. In the course of Matter, Google obviously hopes for active support from developers. After all, the corresponding SDKs for Google Home Mobile and Google Home Device are supposed to be launched at the end of June. With the help of these tools, it should not only be possible to develop practical apps. They are also the basis for designing new smart home devices.
