Google TV Update Adds Smart Home Control
Google TV has introduced a new feature that allows users to control smart home devices directly from their TV. The “home panel” provides an interface for managing various connected devices using the Google TV remote, making it more convenient to adjust settings or check on devices like cameras and lights.
What is the Home Panel?
The home panel is accessible through Google TV and works with devices set up in the Google Home app. It displays device categories at the top, such as “Lights” or “Cameras,” and shows favorite devices below for quick access. Using the remote, you can turn devices on or off, adjust settings, or view live feeds from cameras, all without needing a separate app or device.
Requirements and Setup
To use the home panel, there are a few setup steps and eligibility requirements:
- Your Google TV must be in standard mode (not apps-only or basic mode) and linked to a Home in the Google Home app.
- At least one smart device aside from the Google TV itself must be connected in your Google Home app.
- The home panel feature must be enabled in Google TV settings. This can be done by going to Settings > Accounts & Sign-in > Google Home and toggling the feature on.
If the home panel wasn’t enabled during the initial setup, you can activate it at any time through the quick settings dashboard.
How to Access and Use the Home Panel
You can open the home panel by holding down the Home button on your Google TV remote or by navigating to the quick settings dashboard and selecting the home panel tile. Once there, you’ll see groups of devices for spaces like lighting and cameras at the top, with favorite devices listed below for quicker access.
The remote lets you control connected devices directly, including adjusting thermostat temperatures, switching lights on or off, and locking or unlocking doors. For cameras and video doorbells, live feeds can be viewed on your TV screen.
Customizing Your Smart Home Controls
The home panel syncs with the Google Home app, so any changes made to favorites or device organization in the app will reflect on the home panel. This allows users to keep frequently used devices easily accessible and adjust the interface to suit their needs.
Other Considerations
The home panel is not available on kids’ profiles, and the device must be updated to the latest software version for full compatibility. Additionally, features like doorbell controls will only appear if a compatible device is connected in the Google Home app.
Conclusion
This update adds another way to manage your smart home devices, using the same remote you use for watching TV. While it won’t replace the full functionality of the Google Home app, it provides a straightforward and convenient option for basic controls and monitoring.