Google unveils innovative Home app features for users

In June 2025, Google introduced several new functionalities to its Home app as part of a public preview. One of the standout features is the Nest Cam picture-in-picture view on Google TV, allowing users to monitor their cameras directly on their television screens. This addition is particularly useful for households equipped with multiple Nest cameras, making it easier to keep an eye on various areas of the home from the comfort of the couch. Google aims to enhance the overall user experience by ensuring these features are in public preview, indicating a desire for feedback before an official launch. Another significant update is the improved automation capabilities within the Home app. Users can now create automations with fewer steps and can base these actions on presence sensing technology. This leverages mobile locations and Soli sensors found in specific Google Nest devices, including the Nest Learning Thermostat, second-gen Nest Hub, and other compatible products. Such advancements are expected to provide more personalized smart home experiences, thereby increasing user engagement with the app. Additionally, the Home app has broadened its support for Matter-enabled third-party smart locks. This upgrade allows users to customize settings such as managing guests, editing passcodes, and receiving lock notifications. This feature aligns with Google's commitment to enhance interoperability among smart home devices, making the Home app a more centralized hub for home management. Furthermore, there are now new Favorites options that enable users to control various devices from different platforms, enhancing the flexibility of the application while monitoring their smart home. Finally, users can now access Google Home features through web browsers, allowing for modifications even when they are away from their phones or other primary devices. The ability to adjust lights, set temperatures, and unlock doors from a web interface adds another layer of convenience. Google also hinted at additional functionalities that may be available shortly in the public preview, demonstrating the company's ongoing commitment to innovation and user satisfaction in the smart home ecosystem.