It was a huge year for smart home products from Google Nest and the Google Home app. Gemini for Home is busy replacing Google Assistant, all-new cameras were released with advanced AI tricks and I’m waiting for spring when a new Google smart display should ship. Exciting times — but you may feel flummoxed when it comes to exploring all the latest features.
During my years with Google devices, I’ve come up with several must-have settings tweaks and implementations that turn Nest devices from curiosities to home management powerhouses. Here’s what you should try.
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1. Use your Google Calendar
Use your Google devices to add to your lists, hands free.
Everyone with a Google Home speaker or display should try this trick. It’s very easy, simply head into your Google Keep and create a new note. Name it something you would use regularly, such as a To-Do List or Shopping List. Make sure it’s in the format of checkboxes, which allows Google to understand that the list is itemized.
Now, whenever a new task pops into your head, you can say, “Hey Google, in my To-Do List, add an item to buy wrapping paper” or whatever else occurs to you. Google will update on the fly, and you can access your Google Keep notes from any device for future reference.
3. Enable Gemini for deeper security and conversations
You may need to enable and manage Gemini features, as it’s still rolling out for some home technology.
If you don’t mind paying, you can add a Google Home Premium Advanced subscription for $20 a month, which unlocks all of Gemini for Home’s capabilities. That lets me do things like ask Google if it’s seen a UPS truck arrive on my security cameras, or get a daily summary of everything Gemini noticed happening at my front door, from walking dogs to certain cars stopping by. It’s the new era of home security, and it saves a lot of time.
4. Try the Good Morning routine
Google’s built-in Good Morning routine is an ideal way to get started building routines.
This is an excellent way to get started with home routines because the hard work is already done. You can add or remove Actions and Media to customize it, letting the routine turn on lights, play certain wake-up songs, turn up the thermostat and more. Google provides suggestions on what to add if you’re unsure where to start.
Once you’ve customized your Good Morning routine, you’re ready to create other routines to help manage your day. What about a Good Night version, or an I’m Home From Work routine? Almost everyone can create a Google routine that works well for them.
5. Take a minute and add all compatible home devices to Google
Make sure your Google Home app and speakers are fully connected to your smart home.
That’s why I suggest sitting down with the Google Home app and seeing what it can connect to, making sure all the important smart tech you’re using is added, if available. That includes speakers, locks, TVs, lights, smart plugs and security cameras (I could go on — it’s a long list).
Set up what you feel comfortable adding to the Google Home app. Then, you can go to the Automations section or discuss creating a routine with Gemini, and Google will suggest ideas based on your connections, helping you put together useful commands for situations like movie nights, special dinners, game days, and more.
