New Automation Triggers
Media playback states include playing, not playing, paused, and buffering.
Media playback states like playing, paused, buffering, and not playing can now trigger automations in your smart home setup.
Volume levels on media devices can now trigger automations, such as when volume reaches 50%.
Brightness levels are also supported, for example when brightness is above 80%.
Smart appliance states like running, paused, stopped, or error can initiate automations.
Binary sensor states such as leak, freeze, contact, open, or closed are now available triggers.
New Automation Actions
Users can turn specific devices on or off, for example a coffee machine.
Smart appliances like washers, dryers, and coffee machines can be started, stopped, resumed, or paused.
Security systems can be armed, though disarming is not yet supported.
Blinds can be opened or closed, such as living room blinds.
Robot vacuums can be controlled with actions like pause, resume, or dock.
Supported Devices and Limitations
Smart appliances supported include washers, dryers, and coffee machines.
Unsupported appliances include smart ovens, robot vacuums, and robot mops.
Smart bulbs have limited light effects control, with only the stop function available.
Matter devices support local control for lights, plugs, and switches on Android.
Security systems allow arming only, with no disarming option currently.
The update addresses some of the compatibility challenges faced by users in the Alexa ecosystem with over 100,000 connected devices.
App Interface Improvements
The new automation editor is in Public Preview on Android, enabling more flexible routines.
Improved device controls offer quicker shortcuts for lights, plugs, and switches.
Home and Away automations are now fully customizable with added conditions and actions.
The Cast controller has been refreshed with better UI on Android, also in Public Preview.
Camera gestures now allow swiping for timeline or events, expand or collapse, and dismiss actions.
20 starter conditions and actions have been introduced to expand automation possibilities.
Smart Lock Enhancements
Smart locks have expanded features including battery status, privacy mode, and one-touch locking.
Users can manage passcodes, schedule access, and set automatic locking.
Vacation mode and door status notifications are now available.
Guest access is supported.
These features are in Public Preview on both iOS and Android.
Favorites and Quick Controls
Favorites can be customized with devices, actions, and automations per surface.
New options include All lights, a home temperatures widget, and WiFi actions.
Quick Settings integration allows access to favorites on Pixel phones and tablets.
Wear OS supports tailored favorites.
Cameras can be pinned to TVs, and thermostats can be managed from a smartwatch.
Additional Features and Rollout
Twenty new starters, conditions, and actions have been added.
The improved locks experience is in Public Preview with a gradual rollout.
Media-triggered automations are now possible, such as dimming lights by 50% when TV playback starts.
Appliance notifications can announce events like washer cycle completion.
Ongoing expansions will introduce more triggers and actions in the future.
This update marks a significant step forward in automation flexibility, with substantial update for complex smart home automations now available to users.
References
- https://www.androidpolice.com/google-home-just-unlocked-whole-new-level-automation/
- https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/15962877?hl=en
- https://www.howtogeek.com/google-home-just-got-a-huge-upgrade-for-complex-automations/
- https://www.droid-life.com/2026/01/12/google-home-new-actions/
- https://store.google.com/intl/en/ideas/articles/google-home-app-updates/
- https://android.gadgethacks.com/news/google-home-unlocks-20-new-automations-in-2026-update/
- https://home.google.com/get-inspired/the-new-google-home-built-around-you/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZbVdWRrLGI
