Google has released a new update for the Google Home. The update introduces new automation starters and conditions, expanded controls for Nest x Yale Lock, multiple improvements to Gemini for Home in Early Access, and a software update for Nest Wifi Pro.
Anish Kattukaran, Chief Product Officer, Gemini for Home, Google Home & Nest, said on X (formerly Twitter) that Early Access feedback helps improve quality and reliability as features roll out to more users.
Google Home app: New automation starters and conditions
Google has expanded automation capabilities within the Automation Editor in the Google Home app. These additions are available only in the automation editor and are not yet supported in Ask Home or “Help me create.”
Newly added starters and conditions:
- Security system is armed
Example: “When the security system is armed…” - Device is plugged in
Example: “If the device is plugged in…” - Device docked
Example: “Send me a notification if the Pixel Tablet is not docked by 9pm.”
These triggers allow automations based on device state and security status.
Nest x Yale Lock: Expanded controls in Google Home
Google has expanded Nest x Yale Lock support inside the Google Home app. Users can now:
- View lock history
- Receive notifications
- Check battery status
- Manage passcodes
- Schedule guest access
- Change advanced settings
All controls are available directly within the Google Home app.
Gemini for Home (Early Access): Updates and improvements
Google has introduced several updates focused on device targeting, reliability, and conversational performance.
Improved device targeting
- Commands such as “turn off all lights” now apply only to the currently selected home for users managing multiple homes.
- Room-based requests like “turn off the kitchen” now affect only relevant device categories, such as lights.
- Devices with unique names, such as “Table Glow,” are categorized using manufacturer metadata to ensure correct inclusion in lighting-related commands even if “light” is not part of the device name.
Location-based responses
Gemini now uses the home address configured in the Google Home app to improve responses for queries such as weather and local news.
Reliability and performance improvements
- Improved accuracy for notes, lists, reminders, calendars, timers, and alarms
- More consistent triggering of user-created automations via voice commands (for example, “Ok Google, Party time”)
- Improved reliability when playing newly released songs
- Reduced instances of users being cut off while speaking
- Smoother turn-taking during live conversations
Updated Gemini models
Informational queries now use more recent Gemini models for improved response accuracy.
Live Search for camera streams (Premium plan)
Subscribers to the advanced Google Home Premium plan can now use Live Search to check the current state of camera streams. Previously, camera search was limited to past recorded events.
Nest Wifi Pro: Software update
The latest software update for Nest Wifi Pro includes:
- Security improvements
- Stability enhancements
- Improved mesh performance
Availability
The latest Google Home update is rolling out, with new capabilities, features, and bug fixes released every couple of weeks, and some features may take time to reach all users.
- Expanded Nest x Yale Lock features are entering general availability with a gradual rollout.
- Gemini for Home improvements is available in early access.
- Camera Live Search is available for users subscribed to the advanced Google Home Premium plan.
The March 2026 software update for Nest Wifi Pro is also rolling out.