Tech Desk
Jul 09, 2024
Google Home has finally launched a new Wear OS Favourite Tile and device complications. Once added to your watch, opening Google Home displays a splash screen detailing “What’s new”. Users might have to restart their watch to get the Tile to appear.
The new “Favourites” Tile display the first five smart home devices users have saved in the Google Home mobile app. It features a layout that matches the Google Contacts Tile, each is represented by an icon with a default blue background that opens the app to that card/page when clicked.
Compared to the widget, this is not an immediate on/off switch. However, “Open” at the bottom of the Tile takes users to the full list on their wrist.
Moreover, another update is a new complication type, with Google Home for Wear OS already providing one that just opens the app. After choosing “Device Shortcut” in the picker, the users are presented with a list of devices.
Read more: Google unveils Gemini Live — Seamless conversations across apps and lock screen
The icon users see next to the device name will appear on their watch face. This opens the app and takes users to a solo card to tap, swipe, or long-press.
Earlier, the search engine giant Google also detailed how Home for Wear OS will receive “deeper levels of control from your watch”. This includes the capability to adjust fan rotation, speed, and humidifier settings. Gadinsider has mentioned a full list of “Deeper Controls” below.
- Switch between home and away modes
- Select an input for devices that support inputs like smart TVs
- Control docks for devices that support the dock trait like smart vacuums
- Change modes – things like washing machine or dishwasher modes (delicate, quick cycle, etc.)
- Change toggles – things like fridge or dishwasher toggles (eco, boost, power cool, defrost, etc.)
- Adjust the brightness, colour, and temperature of your lights individually or as a group
- Turn a device on or off
- Control the volume of your devices
- Set the temperature of a thermostat
- Switch thermostat modes
- Set or select fan speed at your home
- Use the voice command feature to change or set your fan speed
The new Favourites Tile and complication is set to unveil as a server-side update with Google Home 2.73.57.4 for Wear OS.
