Google Home Opens to Third-Party AI Agents via MCP

Google has opened its Google Home ecosystem to third-party AI agents through a new integration with the Model Context Protocol, allowing tools like Claude, Hermes, and OpenClaw to control smart home devices and access event history. The announcement, made on September 16, 2026, marks a significant shift from Google's previously tightly controlled smart home platform, enabling AI agents to interact directly with connected devices. Early access to the feature is rolling out to Google Home Premium Advanced subscribers in the United States, a tier that costs $20 per month or $200 per year. Users must create a Google Cloud project and configure the Home MCP server to connect their chosen AI agent. Once set up, agents can monitor activity, review camera summaries across rooms, control devices like Nest doorbells and thermostats, and build custom dashboards using natural language. For example, users could ask an agent what their children did after school by analyzing footage from multiple cameras or track how long lights were left on over a week.