Back in July, Google said it would bring the assistant a key nest feature with a “sense of presence”. After details late last month, the Home & Away routine is now turning to the Google Home app.
Update 10/21: “Set Home and Away Routine” prompt is appearing for more users at the top of the Home app. Google officially mentioned this feature last week with the new Nest thermostat, but has not yet announced its official release.
Original 10/7: Home and Away Routine lets you “automate home appliances and take care of everyday tasks.” Google highlights the following usage cases – which can be flipped – during the setup process:
- Use the echo temperature automatically when everyone is out
- Turn on the lights when someone comes home
- Turn off your indoor camera when a household member comes home
In addition to actions taking place simultaneously, “presence sensing” can be triggered automatically using the paired phone’s location. With Google Encouragement, multiple can be added with what all members of your household like. Cellular and Wi-Fi data are used to determine whether you have crossed the virtual geophones perimeter around a given address in your home.
Alternatively, device sensors on the Nest Guard, Secure Tag, Thermostats, Protect (Wired) and YellowLock can be used to determine if someone is around. Attendance can be adjusted at any time from the sensing settings.
Another way to set home / away status is manually through the Google Home client. A new tablet-shaped button appears at the top of the application above the quick action rows. Tapping opens a pop-up that identifies which house you are controlling. Both options are accompanied by icons that visually reflect each trigger.
Once live, users will be prompted for “Set up a home and away routine” at the top of the Google Home app. It’s already a rollout for a handful of users, but it’s not yet widely available.
More about Google Home:
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