Google Home update expands automations and adds new Nest Cam features

Google is rolling out an update to the Google Home app that expands automation options and adds new features for Nest Cam users. The changes follow months of testing in early access and are now becoming available to all users.

Expanded Google Home automations

The update significantly increases the number of automation “starters,” conditions, and actions available in the Google Home app, improving control across more smart-home device types.

New and expanded automation controls include: - Security systems: arm and disarm, and check whether a system is armed - Door locks: monitor states such as locked, unlocked, or jammed - Appliances: start, stop, pause, and resume supported devices such as washers, dryers, and coffee machines - Lighting: adjust brightness and manage color and color temperature on supported lights - Window coverings: open, close, or check position - Climate: monitor relative humidity via thermostats - Media: monitor playback states and manage volume - Device health and inputs: monitor battery and charging status, and use smart-switch events

Google says the new triggers and actions will be available first through standard automations, with support planned later for the “Ask Home” and “Help me create” AI-powered experiences.

Nest Cam event history and “Familiar Faces” updates

Nest Cam users are also getting a redesigned player for event history, including zoomed-in and animated event previews, improved timeline navigation, and filtering options to more easily find specific event types such as “Package seen.” Google also says the experience should feel faster, with improved timeline scrolling and shortcuts for jumping forward and backward.

The “Familiar Faces” feature is being updated with improved face library management, including excluding low-quality examples, and a quicker thumbs up/down feedback shortcut.

Older Nest camera models (pre-2021) are also set to receive Gemini event descriptions and zoomed-in previews. While many Nest Cam changes are rolling out broadly, some features still require a Google Home Premium subscription.