The Google Home app has recently experienced a notable overhaul, which is now being launched for iPhone users ahead of an expected announcement on October 1. This upgrade, designated as version 4.0.54, includes a new rounded icon with a lively gradient color scheme, consistent with recent aesthetic enhancements seen in other Google apps.
When opening the app, users will encounter a refreshed interface that features a prominent “Ask [Home name]” bar positioned at the top of the main pages. This function is designed to ease interactions with the app, enabling users to easily set their Home or Away status. The app has been organized into three primary tabs: Home, Activity, and Automations, with the Home tab prominently displaying favorites and devices.
The redesign introduces a vertical pill-shaped button for adding devices, speaker groups, automations, and more. Furthermore, the account menu has been revamped to ensure convenient access to settings, updates, inbox notifications, and feedback options.
The Home tab showcases a new arrangement wherein users can swipe through feeds, with device tiles remaining steady but reorganized in a more intuitive way. The Activity and Automations tabs keep their former layouts, with only slight adjustments to the icons in the bottom bar.
A significant feature is the “Ask Home” function, which encourages users to acknowledge disclosures pertaining to the Gemini for Home voice assistant. This feature provides a chat-like experience where users can search for devices, control actions, and handle automations via a straightforward typing interface. However, advanced capabilities are still under development and are anticipated to be fully functional following the upcoming announcement.
The redesign also prioritizes privacy and shared usage, as the Gemini for Home assistant will be available to all household members, including guests. Users can manage video history from compatible cameras and doorbells, and a new Gemini Live feature permits follow-up queries without the need to reactivate the assistant.
In summary, the Google Home app’s redesign seeks to improve user experience by simplifying navigation and introducing more intuitive features, making smart home management more approachable and effective for users.
