Google adds Devices tab to Home web: expands mobile automation editor

Google is rolling out two notable updates to its Google Home ecosystem that aim to bring the web experience closer to mobile and give users more granular control over household automations, the company said. The changes, announced this week, include a new Devices tab on the Google Home web app through the Public Preview program and an upgraded automation editor for the Android and iOS apps that adds more trigger conditions and one time automations. Both updates are being released in phases.

On the web, the new Devices tab expands control beyond cameras and automations to include lights, thermostats, smart plugs, and locks for users enrolled in the Public Preview at home.google.com, Google said. The interface mirrors the tablet layout, grouping devices alphabetically by room and offering a tile grid with one tap on off toggles. Users can adjust thermostat temperatures and use modes such as Heat, Cool, Heat Cool and Off. Light tiles allow brightness adjustment by dragging, though a color picker is not yet available. Google cautioned in-app that the preview is unfinished and some devices will show a Controls for this device are not yet supported message. Media devices including...