The Google Home system started as a simple wireless speaker that could take voice commands. However, it has become a robust system for automating your home. Controlled by the Google Home app, it allows you to ask questions, launch apps and create routines that control your home's devices. The Google Home app is available for OS and Android devices.
What do you need to get started with Google Home?
You’ll need a Google Home speaker device like this Google nest mini, a Google Home app, or a Google/Gmail account to use Google Home. The Google Home app will walk you through the setup, and you’ll be able to add other information, like your location, so you can get local weather or traffic updates. You’ll also want to connect your Google Home app with other apps like Spotify or Google Photos to increase the device’s functionality.
What kinds of things can I do with Google Home?
In short, Google Home is your virtual butler, creating a world of possibilities for users like you and me: Say basic voice commands to start a favorite playlist. Suppose you have a question about absolutely anything. In that case, you can ask Google Assistant rather than look it up on your phone. You can also create a routine that gives you the weather and traffic report at a specific time each morning.
Home security is another popular use with Google Home. When an exterior light or motion sensor is triggered, Google Home can turn on a smart bulb inside the house, creating the impression that someone has noticed a sound outside. You can also create routines that turn on interior lights on a schedule if you’re away.
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What types of devices work with Google Home?
There are hundreds of Google Home-enabled devices, with more coming on the market all the time:
Getting alerts when a device joins your Google Home Group
You should always be alerted when another device joins your Google Home Group, especially if you're the only person in your household. Your Google Home Group consists of all the Google and Chromecast devices set up in your home, and you'll always want to be aware and in control of them and not get any surprises. This way, you'll always know if someone is trying to hack into your Google account or add another device without your consent. Here's how to get alerts for your Google Home Group:
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Privacy settings
Your privacy settings are one of the most essential features of your Google Home device. They control what devices are connected to it, private data and even web activity. You should double-check to see which actions you have specifically authorized, and switch off anything you don't remember consenting to. Here's how to update your Privacy Settings:
Deleting some or all of your private data
Google Assistant saves audio recordings of every voice command Google Home has ever heard, which helps the software to understand your voice and execute future commands better. However, it isn't critical to the device's operation. Here's how to delete that and all other data:
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The most extreme privacy option is: Pausing all activity
You can also set Google Assistant to no longer keep logs of your data; however, that may cause some hiccups with how well Google Assistant functions. If your privacy is of the utmost importance to you, and you're willing to deal with anything from a few glitches from time to time to an entirely non-functional Google Assistant, from the main Google Assistant Activity page:
A screen will pop up, warning you that "pausing Web & App Activity may limit or disable more personalized experiences across Google services." At the bottom of that screen, press Pause to stop Google from logging your activity. Note that changing this setting does not delete your personal data from Google. It only prevents Google Assistant from recording more data going forward.
After you press Pause, you'll be returned to the main Google Assistant Activity page.
The fun stuff - making calls
One of the coolest features of Google Home is that you can make calls without having to do any of the work. For this feature to work correctly, however, you must ensure that it is set up correctly. Here's how to make sure that Google Home always displays your primary phone number when you request a call to be made:
Changing your nickname
A feature you can have the most fun with is having your Google Home device call you a nickname, which can be any name you want. Even if it's something as silly as 'Big Foot' or 'Mr. President,' there's a way for you to have your device call you anything you wish (and yes, cuss words are included).
Creating a speaker group
There's nothing better than jamming to your favorite music. However, you can enhance your listening experience by doubling or even tripling your sound by grouping up your devices. By grouping multiple speakers, you can make a whole-house audio system and turn it into a real party.
