CEDIA Knowledge Hub is a home for news and announcements from CEDIA, a global community  for homeowners smart home technology.

Discover the future of living with our Smart Home Inspiration Gallery. Explore innovative setups, top tech, and design tips for every room!

Using Google Home for a Smart Home

By CEDIA - Tue, Sep 24, 2024 - Blog

Key takeaways:

  • Google Home plays a pivotal role in the smart home landscape by providing user-friendly interface that integrates daily tasks.
  • Google Home has the ability to integrate with a variety of other brands that fosters a cohesive smart home ecosystem, promoting versatility and user choice.
  • The importance of partnering with a CEDIA installer that help support Google installation in your home renovation project.

 

What is Google Home?

Google Home started when the brand launched its first smart speaker in 2016 and then acquired the Nest product range, including thermostats and carbon monoxide detectors. By 2019, Google had migrated all Nest products to its own smart home brand, powered by Google Assistant.

Today, Google’s product portfolio includes home speakers, doorbells, streaming devices, home entertainment and WiFi. You can use these to perform a range of functions in your home, helping to save on energy bills, improve security and have fun.

Setting up Google Home

You can control your devices remotely by connecting Google Home to WiFi and Bluetooth. Start by plugging in your device, such as the Google Nest Mini. Then connect to the internet and download the Google Home app (Android 9.0 or above). Here you’ll find device categories, controls and household routines. 

Integrating smart devices with Google Home

Google Home can be used to control and customise smart devices such as:

  • Security cameras and monitoring systems like video doorbells
  • Climate control such as smart thermostats and air purifiers
  • Smart lights including LED light bulbs
  • Home products like ovens and dishwashers
  • Energy-saving devices including smart plugs
  • Home entertainment systems from smart TVs to portable speakers.

To connect your device, first you can check if it’s compatible here. Have the instructions for your device to hand and open the Google Home app. Tap ‘Devices’, then ‘Add’ and select the brand from a list. Follow the instructions in the app. You must have high-speed internet connectivity to do this.

Once you’re connected, you can control your Google home devices with voice commands. Simply start by saying, “Hey Google!” or “OK Google”.

Creating a smart home ecosystem

The great thing about creating a smart home ecosystem is that you can integrate other brands. While Google has a vast range of products such as the Nest Hub Max, Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Cameras, it can work with other systems.

For example, you might connect Apple gadgets to play music on your speakers through Spotify. You can also automate your smart home hub to create routines. For example, you might power up smart lights in your living room at a certain time each evening. You can also set up notifications for security systems – such as Nest doorbell alerts when you’re away.

These controls work throughout the house. You can even use home control when you’re out and about – as long as you have a connected mobile device.

 

Advanced Google Home features

Simply connect to your router for even more advanced, hands-free Google Home features. This includes casting images from your device – for example, sharing a livestream from an Android phone to a smart TV.

The Google Nest Hub can be programmed to recognise your voice, offering advanced personalisation. With this, you can create custom routines. For example, you might have smart locks set to timers so your family can come and go as they please.

Google’s home automation software offers convenience, entertainment and strong home security. Customise it based on your preferences and connect seamlessly to your devices.

The importance of professional installation

Products like Google’s Nest Cam have been designed for DIY home setup. More advanced installations will benefit from a professional integrator, though – particularly when we consider connectivity or cyber security.

If you’ve got a vast home renovation project, it’s best to speak to a pro like a CEDIA integrator. They can help you overcome any construction issues or setting up wired AV racks. Likewise, they are on hand with troubleshooting and support, ideal if you’re experiencing connection issues.

CEDIA-certified installers are totally brand agnostic. That means they can help you out with the best tech – whether you’re using a Pixel tablet or Apple iOS. For ongoing support and long-term connectivity, you can speak to one of our professionals.