Nest and Google Home went through major changes recently, from ditching Google Assistant (now Gemini for Home is rolling out instead) to releasing a long-awaited new line of Nest cams, with a new Google display on the way. But too many people still miss the best ways to use Google and Nest devices at home.
During my smart home testing, I’ve found several tricks that make Google Home’s tech much, much better day-to-day, including newly added features that you may not know about. Here’s what you need to try.
1. Use your Google Calendar
Google Calendar is very compatible with its voice assistant.
Let’s start with something simple. When you set up a device like the Nest Mini 2 or Nest Hub Max, it connects to all your Google-related apps through your Google Account. That means it’s automatically connected to Google Calendar, which is more useful than it may seem at the first look.
With Google’s voice assistant, you can check your calendar at any time or say a command like, “Hey Google, set event to call the dentist for tomorrow at 8 a.m.,” and Google will automatically add it. With a display, you can check the event Google has made for mistakes and change any part of it before saving, which is nice since it takes a few tries to learn how Google parses these events. And if things change, you can delete or change the time of an event, too.
These Calendar tools become even better if you have Gemini for Home (more on that below), which is more conversational and lets you adjust event commands in the middle of giving them, all while you’re making coffee or typing an email.
2. Create Google Keep notes to reference
Use your Google devices to add to your lists, hands free.
Everyone with a Google Home speaker or display should try this trick. It’s very easy, simply head into your Google Keep and create a new note. Name it something that you would use regularly, like To Do List or Shopping List. Make sure it’s in the format of checkboxes, which makes Google understand that the list is itemized.
Now, whenever a new task pops into your head, you can say, “Hey Google, in my To Do List, add an item to buy wrapping paper” or whatever else occurs to you. Google will update on the fly, and you can access your Google Keep notes from any device for future reference.
3. Enable Gemini for deeper security and conversations
When enabled, Gemini for Home adds a new type of watchfulness for security cameras.
Google Assistant had its woes, especially when it came to accuracy around the home. Now Gemini for Home is rolling out to users to replace the old Assistant, so keep your Google Home devices updated to watch for it. The Google Home app will typically prompt you to turn any Gemini for Home features on, although you may have to look into settings to find the new options.
Without paying any subscription fee, you still get access to basic Gemini for Home commands and conversations. I find it better than the old version, not as accurate as Alexa Plus so far, but definitely worth getting. The conversational abilities in particular are useful for setting notes or asking questions, because you can continue adding or modifying your info without a new “Hey Google” every time.
You may need to enable and manage Gemini features, as it’s still rolling out for some home technology.
If you don’t mind paying, you can add a Google Home Premium Advanced subscription for $20 a month, which unlocks all of Gemini for Home’s capabilities. That lets me do things like ask Google if it’s seen a UPS truck arrive on my security cameras, or get a daily summary of everything Gemini noticed happening at my front door, from walking dogs to certain cars stopping by. It’s the new era of home security, and it saves a lot of time.
4. Try the Good Morning routine
A Google control hub is great, but only if it’s set up properly.
With the latest voice assistant abilities turned on, try saying, “Hey Google, what’s my day look like?” or “Hey Google, good morning.” This enables the Good Morning routine setting.
You can tweak Good Morning in Routines on the app, but on default it provides info like the time, weather, traffic updates, a joke — any tasks you have today and a news summary video.
Google’s built-in Good Morning routine is an ideal way to get started building routines.
This is an excellent way to get started with home routines because the hard work is already done. You can add or remove Actions and Media to customize it, letting the routine turn on lights, play certain wake-up songs, turn up the thermostat and more. Google gives you suggestions of what to add if you aren’t sure where to start.
Once you’ve customized your Good Morning routine, you’re ready to create other routines to help manage your day. What about a Good Night version, or an I’m Home From Work routine? Almost everyone can create a Google routine that works well for them.
5. Take a minute and add all compatible home devices to Google
Google Home is replacing Nest and bringing new devices.
Google Home’s app can control nearly any compatible smart device and provide those devices as options for creating routines. But they need to be active and added first. That’s a roadblock, even for active smart home users.
We may forget to add devices, or have missed that certain devices can be added. Or some devices may need to be re-connected, especially with all the changes the Google Home app has gone through lately.
Make sure your Google Home app and speakers are fully connected to your smart home.
That’s why I suggest sitting down with the Google Home app and seeing what it can connect to, making sure all the important smart tech you’re using is added if available. That includes speakers, locks, TVs, lights, smart plugs and security cameras (I could go on — it’s a long list).
Set up what you feel comfortable adding to the Google Home app. Then you can go to the Automations section or talk to Gemini about creating a routine, and Google will be able to suggest ideas based on your connections and help you put together useful commands for situations like movie nights, special dinners, game days and more.
6. Turn on Voice Match
Using Voice Match can help make your Google voice assistant more accurate.
Have you had trouble with Google Assistant understanding your voice in the past? That was one of the most common complaints, especially for people with higher voices. It’s a good idea to enable Voice Match for your Google Home speakers if you haven’t already.
Voice Match helps Google learn your distinct voice and how it sounds so it responds to it more readily. You can also add the voice of other people who regularly use the same devices, or re-teach Google your voice with a new recording to improve results. It’s a top troubleshooting step to make all the other steps work more smoothly.
For more information, see my list of the best smart home devices overall, the very best Alexa commands and where Nest falls on the best security cameras guide.
