Google has rolled out a helpful feature upgrade for Google TV and Chromecast devices, allowing users to control their smart home devices directly from their TV screens. The Home Panel feature, which was initially launched last year, is now widely available on older Google TV and Chromecast devices. Users can access the Home Panel on the right side of their TV screen, enabling them to control Google Home-compatible smart devices such as thermostats, video doorbells, security cameras, speakers, and smart lights.
The feature also displays smart home notifications, including alerts when someone rings the Nest Doorbell. To set up the Home Panel, users will see a pop-up prompt when they power their Google TV device after receiving the latest software update. However, the setup pop-up may not appear if the user has no smart home devices connected to their Google account.
It is important to note that the user account on the Google streaming device must match the account linked to Google Home for the feature to work correctly.
Home Panel for smart device control
The Home Panel is accessible only to Google Home users and is not available on children’s profiles.
This update indicates that even discontinued Chromecast models may receive new feature rollouts and updates. Google has also introduced four new features to streamline the setup process for new Google TV devices. Android users will automatically receive a notification on their phones, while iOS users can scan a QR code displayed on the TV to begin the setup.
The enhanced app installation during setup allows users to use their device more quickly, reducing concerns about storage issues later. Additionally, users can connect their home devices using Google Home, enabling them to pause the TV, search for movies or shows, and customize their experience with Google Photos and parental controls. These features are currently available on Hisense’s devices, with plans to extend them to other Google TV devices, including select Onn streaming devices, which will be available exclusively at Walmart later this year.
Image Credits: Photo by Victor Carvalho on Unsplash
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