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Google Home app gets new “Spaces” view, media mini player and automation features, expanding control of thousands of smart devices – see what’s changed.
The Google Home app rolled out a revamp that introduces “Spaces” for grouping devices, a media mini‑player for on‑screen video control, and custom automation beyond routines, widening its role as the central hub for managing Google‑compatible smart home gear【1】.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| App update | New “Spaces”, media mini player, automation |
| Device support | Thousands of Google‑compatible smart devices |
| Platforms | Android, iOS, Pixel Watch, Wear OS 3 wearables |
| Launch | Preview available as of May 2023 |
The refreshed Google Home app adds a “Spaces” view that lets users quickly see and control clusters of similar devices—such as lights, cameras, or thermostats—without navigating through individual device pages【1】. This mirrors the app’s existing ability to group devices, but the dedicated space streamlines bulk actions. A media mini‑player now surfaces video playback details, enabling users to adjust settings directly from the app while content streams on a TV or display【1】.
Beyond the long‑standing “routines” feature, the update offers a full automation builder. Users can set triggers like motion detection on one device to automatically activate others, creating more sophisticated smart‑home workflows【1】. The app continues to support quick actions, alerts, and device settings, preserving its role as the touch‑based counterpart to Google Assistant【1】.
The app remains free on both Android and iOS, and it now runs on Pixel Watch and other Wear OS 3 wearables, extending control to wrist‑worn devices【1】. Google Home’s ecosystem still hinges on its extensive compatibility: thousands of third‑party devices can be managed through the app, a key advantage over competing platforms such as Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa【2】.
The revamp positions the Google Home app as a more granular control center, potentially deepening user reliance on Google’s smart‑home ecosystem while inviting rivals to match its expanded UI and automation capabilities.
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