Google Home App's Major Overhaul: A Deep Dive into the 'Significant' Device Controller Redesign and Local Matter Control
Are you ready to revolutionize your smart home experience? Google Home is about to get a major upgrade, and it's not just about looks. The app is undergoing a significant redesign, bringing faster response times, enhanced reliability, and local Matter control for Android users with compatible devices and hubs. But here's where it gets controversial... is this enough to justify the upgrade, or are there hidden costs?
The New Look and Feel
Google is introducing significant updates to improve your control over smart home devices. Many third-party devices will get this new 'look and feel,' with lights, plugs, and switches specifically named. For smart lights, there's still a large pill-shaped slider, but the percentage has been moved underneath the container. When you make adjustments, there's now haptic feedback with the percentage also appearing at the left. You can no longer tap to turn on/off, with any touch inside the container adjusting the brightness level. There's now a traditional power button in the top-right corner. When switched off, the container becomes a rounded rectangle.
The Overflow Menu
The three-dot overflow menu next to it opens a new settings sheet that you can expand to take up the entire screen. A row of actions lets you Add to/Remove from favorites, see Device history (if you're a Google Home Premium subscriber), Send feedback, and Get help. Other details and settings appear below.
Color Options
Color options now appear as a carousel instead of a grid. The first option still brings up Color and Temperature pickers, which have been modernized. Meanwhile, there is an extremely delightful animation when switching smart plugs on/off.
Local Matter Control
Google notes how 'Android users with compatible Matter devices and a compatible Matter hub can control their devices locally' with this redesign for 'faster response times and enhanced reliability.' We're seeing these improved device controls with the Google Home Public Preview program on Android and iOS today.
The Controversy
While the new design offers faster response times and enhanced reliability, some users may find the changes too drastic. The loss of the traditional on/off button and the introduction of haptic feedback may be a step too far for some. Others may be concerned about the potential impact of local Matter control on device compatibility and performance. So, is this redesign worth the upgrade, or are there hidden costs?
What do you think?
Are you excited about the new Google Home app redesign? Or do you think it's a step too far? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
