Google has unveiled the Google Home Favorites widget for Android, which lets users control smart home electronic devices from their phone's home screen.
The new Google Home Favorites widget lets you access devices, actions, and automations without opening the app, per The Verge. Users may control their most-used smart home devices from their home screen, such as lights, locks, and thermostats.
Use the new Google Home widget to change or access frequently used smart home devices throughout the day without opening the app. Moreover, Android users can adjust the widget's size to change their homescreen layout for smart home control, according to Android Authority.
We're finally getting a Google Home widget that'll let you control your favorite smart home devices right from your home screen!
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) May 28, 2024
Version 3.18.1.4 of the Google Home app has added support for this new "Favorites" widget, but the widget isn't actually available yet. The widget… pic.twitter.com/YJQ8LFmcew
The Google Home Favorites widget was made available for Google Home app public preview users on May 30. Installing this version by default turns off the widget, possibly awaiting server activation. As of the present report, the exact date when the tech giant will provide the widget to all users remains unknown.
Furthermore, Google launched a Wear OS Favorites tile and complication and an Android widget. This feature allows customers to access frequently used gadgets on their wrists, such as smartwatches. If you swipe left on the tile, you can quickly control up to five devices by touching an icon in the Wear OS Home app.
The Wear OS Favorites feature may activate a fan or light on the watch display. Users may access device control on the Home app by tapping the complexity,
Wear OS 3 and higher devices will get the new Google Home tile and complication on May 30. Users must first set up their chosen devices in the Google Home app's Favorites area for the widget and Wear OS functionalities.
This new widget requires a Google Home Public Preview membership. According to the Google News channel on Telegram, this function is expected to be available to all Google users soon.
Android Auto 12.0: Improved Stability, Compatibility
In other developments, Google has also released Android Auto 12.0, its latest in-car infotainment system, with new apps and functions to improve the driving experience, as recently reported by TechTimes.
Android Auto 12.0 adds additional apps to make it more flexible and user-friendly. The most anticipated additions are YouTube and Netflix, which are only available when the car is stopped. This function benefits drivers and passengers who spend time in parked automobiles, as Android Auto now features web browsers and games in addition to navigation and audio.
Google improved system stability and vehicle model compatibility. The update was rigorously beta-tested to find and solve errors, improving the user experience. These improvements reduce crashes and malfunctions, ensuring smooth infotainment system performance.
Drivers may download Android Auto 12.0 from Google Play. APK Mirror allows manual installation of the APK. For security, users should avoid downloading from untrusted sources.
Goodbye 'Chromecast'
In a separate update, Google has renamed "Chromecast built-in" to "Google Cast." At I/O 2024, Google discreetly reintroduced "Google Cast" instead of the "Chromecast built-in" from 2016.
LG announced Google Cast and Google Home compatibility for their 2024 webOS-powered TVs at CES. Google said that LG TV customers may quickly stream videos from their phones or Chrome browsers with a push of the Cast button.
At I/O, Google announced that the Android Automotive OS would support Google Cast. Cars now integrate Casting, enhancing in-car entertainment.
According to Google Support, Google Cast now offers multi-screen TV and audio with speakers. The name may include "Google" to emphasize brand identity. Notably, Android.com now redirects chromecast.com/built-in to the rebranded page.
Google Cast's essential functions and capabilities remain unaltered, although relevant device packaging will now indicate the switch from "Chromecast built-in" to "Google Cast."
