Summary
- Local control of Matter devices is rolling out for the Google Home ecosystem, allowing control of Matter devices even without an internet connection.
- Google Home integrates Home Runtime for faster, more private control of smart home devices.
- Expanded developer access to Google Home APIs, including device framework, provisioning, and automation APIs, is also coming.
Full local control of Matter devices is rolling out across the Google Home ecosystem. This solves a rare but important problem for smart home users: loss of internet access. It may not happen often, but a few times is enough to start a smart home in complete disarray.
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Your devices will finally work together like they should
Now Nest hubs, speakers, Chromecasts, and Google TV devices running Android 14 and above can directly control Matter devices, avoiding the need for an internet connection (via The edge). It’s part of Google broader integration of Home Runtime in its smart home platform. Users can expect faster response times and better privacy when controlling their smart home devices.
A big step forward for smart home reliability
Until now, Google Home has relied primarily on cloud connectivity for device controls. This meant that any interruption in Internet service could affect even their most basic functions. Worse yet, some devices might require a complete reset following an internet outage. While this can be annoying but not life-threatening when it comes to smart TVs and light bulbs, it could cause serious problems for security cameras and doorbell cameras.
Local control changes all that. Controls for lighting, thermostats, and other Matter-enabled devices will run directly through supported hubs, much like Apple’s HomeKit, which already emphasizes local processing. The new changes were confirmed by Jeannie Zhang, Google Home product manager, which promises to bring more stability and responsiveness to users’ smart home setups.
Better developer access to Google Home APIs
Google is also expanding access to its Home APIs. These were previously limited to selected partners. The APIs are now in public beta for Android apps, with an iOS version expected soon.
These APIs include:
- Device Framework API — access to 600 million devices, managing both cloud and Matter connections.
- Provisioning API – fast pair for Matter devices.
- Automation API — tools to create automations and personalized home experiences directly in third-party apps.
All this means that companies should be able to more easily integrate their products into Google Home ecosystem. Matter adoption finally seems to be happening, and perhaps our smart homes will become a little easier to manage, or even smarter.
Google Nest Hub Max
The Google Nest Hub Max is Google’s largest smart display and a great smart home hub. With a wide range of compatibility with several smart home brands, you’ll be able to use the Nest Hub Max to automate your lighting, robot vacuums, home security and much more.
