Google is rolling out updates to its Google Home app aimed at improving the reliability of Nest camera playback and expanding automation features, according to release notes accompanying the latest versions of the software.
The company said the update, available on Google Home app version 4.8 and higher, includes what it described as a “foundational fix” designed to reduce the long-standing “Video not available” error that can appear when users tap camera notifications or attempt to open newly recorded clips. Google referred to the change as “camera close-to-live playback improvements” in its release notes.
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Beyond camera performance, the update broadens the range of triggers that can start automations within the Google Home app’s automation editor. New starters and conditions include humidity thresholds, robot vacuum docking status, device battery levels and a new option triggered when a switch or button is pressed, supporting multi-press and long-press behaviors.
Google is also adding more binary state checks for supported devices, such as whether a window is open or closed or whether a sensor detects a leak. A new automation action allows users to set smart lights to a specific color or color temperature, expanding customization options.
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However, Google said some features remain limited in scope. The newly added starters, conditions and actions are currently only available within the automation editor and are not yet supported by Gemini-powered features such as “Ask Home” or “Help me create.” Early reports also suggest that button-based automations may work inconsistently across different device ecosystems.
For users of Google’s own hardware, the most immediate benefit is expected to be improved reliability for Nest camera notifications. For households using a mix of smart home devices, the expanded automation triggers may be more significant, helping Google Home narrow the gap with rival platforms that have offered broader physical controls and automation options for longer.
Source: Google, 9to5 Google