Ever since the emergence of ChatGPT about a year ago, the tech industry is investing heavily in generative AI applications. That includes Google, which is introducing new generative AI updates into Google Home and Nest designed to make creating smart home automations easier.
According to Google, the company is rolling out a new limited-time experimental generative AI feature in script editor to help users create personalized smart home automations using natural language prompts following a covert announcement back in October 2023.
The feature, which the company is calling “Help Me Script,” will allow users to request the assistant to create prompts using natural language. For example, users can type, “When it’s sunset, turn on my lights and close the blinds.” The tool will generate a script that can be customized and applied to the user’s home, according to a Google blog.
Like many other generative AI applications, this tool gives users abilities they otherwise may not have had without a coding background.
Google is also introducing other home automation capabilities, including new AI-driven automations not yet accessible in the Google Home app, such as the ability to use camera events as starters. For example, camera events like “package delivered” can initiative automations and custom notifications to keep users informed of deliveries.
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Google’s new AI features in its smart home platform come after Amazon introduced several AI features for its Alexa platform, including the use of generative AI to control home automations.
The company is also updating its Nest Thermostat and is making its Seasonal Savings program available to all models. Opting into this program allows the thermostat to analyze schedules at the start of summer and winter and make small changes to help homeowners maximize savings.
These announcements come as the company also made updates to its home panel in Android 14. Google also made its Google TV widget available on more Android devices.
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