Your Google Home Just Got Worse...

[@SuneKuntz]

It really seems like Google has been giving up on the smart home. Home app not showing sensor states, routines not being sensor trigger-able (is that a word? It is now), the split between the Nest and Home app, unorganized view of your smart home. Googles talk about routines being AI driven and not customizable doesn't seem very groundbreaking (Alexa has had hunches for a while, which seems like sorta the same thing).

[@AutomateYourLife]

I'm just kinda throwing up my hands at this point. I liked the genius behind the product early in the product cycle, but this can be the Google pattern. Teardown and delete after it's working....

[@StromBugSlayer]

@@AutomateYourLife Remember when you used to be able to stream audio from your Android phone to your speakers via Google Home (just like Chromecast Audio)? There used to be a "Cast Audio" button under your Hub Display on Google Home. Now there's just "Cast my Screen" which doesn't work very well.

[@ryanhitchcock2585]

Totally agree! I've got a fear that Google Home will end up in the Google graveyard of projects they've given up on out of nowhere.... And this is coming from an ex Googler. I wish I had built my smarthome on Alexa instead, I'm sick of the lack of functionality on Google, deteriorating performance and ridiculously poor software updates.

[@itsarcher9115]

@@ryanhitchcock2585 I was with Google had so many issues so switched to apple because of HomeKit

[@ryanhitchcock2585]

@@itsarcher9115 Only for how financially invested I am at this point, I would move it all over in a heartbeat. The next thing I'm going to do is get a hub like smartthings (or other) so that at the very least, over time, the move would be smoother. Here's a bizarre example I had with the voice assistant recently - I asked "Set a timer for 5 minutes", it replied "Setting a timer for 5 minutes", and about 10 seconds later it asks "How long was that timer for?".... As in, it somehow forgot. I'm not in the Apple ecosystem at all really and use Android so not sure Homekit is for me just yet. But that may change as the quality of android updates and functionality lately have not been great either. Given the leaps and bounds iOS has come on, I could be making that move very soon...... I just want devices where the updates have been tested thoroughly.

[@davidharraway8131]

I'm an Assistive Technologist (AT is technology used by people with disabilities to live more inclusive and participatory lives) - some of these recent changes are going to have impacts both for now and for what they may have been able to be used for going forward. Like a lot of people, i'm fascinated at what Big Tech companies are bringing to market for the implications this can have for people living with physical, sensory, and cognitive difficulties. Location based reminders for example have been used by people who benefit from custom cues (like people with Autism to let them know what to expect when they arrive at a particular setting). Apple still offer this functionality but it's a real pity that people miss out or have to swap and change systems. I would be willing to bet that this decision was made because someone at Google thought it wasn't being used much ....but it might have been. I still miss the Alexa function that allowed people to have the Gmails read out loud - has several clients living in Nursing Homes or at home on their own using that one. How about doing more active consultation before killing off features ?

[@AutomateYourLife]

We can hope that all these companies start to think about these use cases. It's very frustrating

[@HughD]

Yet another of Brian's fun and informative videos!! I'll only offer a comment on the new Ring security system since I have and really like the previous version. At first blush charging $200/ year seems like a lot, and it probably is, but with the new system the base station is also an Eero router which is pretty cool for those of us who already have an Eero system...isn't it??? Not so fast.. They're also offering 3GB of backup Internet for you to use beyond the cellular backup they offer now for monitoring your Ring Security status, but not your cameras. So that's pretty cool...isn't it??? Not so fast. The problem is that they use AT&T cellular and for a lot of us, we might not get adequate coverage throughout the house. Ring says their new base station/router has to be placed near your modem and be the primary router in your mesh system. For folks like me, I get terrible coverage at that point while I get "adequate" AT&T coverage along one of my walls. So Ring giveth and Ring taketh away. I love my "old" Ring system, though, and am not looking forward to the day they come to their users and say you'll all going to have to "upgrade." Thanks again, Brian...you make me laugh. That is a good thing these days.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Wow...the depth of what you just said. It's such a specific offering!! So I think most people will go "yeah but that part isn't good". If I know Amazon though, they'll get it working for more folks over the long term! The other thing it enables is that onvif camera option too, but again only with certain models! So thanks for this Hugh!!👍👍👍👍

[@speedracer9132]

Do you know how to force a device to use an edge driver? I have a zigbee Rgb strip controller that is missing a lot of features because the device is not picking up the driver I downloaded

[@AutomateYourLife]

If you've re-added the device (which is required for now) then that's all you can do. I don't believe there's a manual way to force it just yet. You can switch it if it does pick up any of the Zigbee RGB Strip drivers though, so maybe try downloading another?

[@shawnpugsley8300]

@@AutomateYourLife when does the app locker thing come out for the original google home hub gen 1 in Canada

[@AlexanderLong]

So glad you have internet to upload new videos😁 me still waiting for my home internet to get back. my smart things and Philips hue was offline for over a day, so really a thumb up for smart things for the more local automations. So hopefully we will get some basic voice control on amazon and google even without internet in the future.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Absolutely! Should be there with Amazon sometime next year for basic commands!

[@brm5682]

Hi, i wondering do know which menu setting to set up an alarm manually on the google home app?

[@AutomateYourLife]

I don't even think it's there anymore. Just on the screen or by speaking with the device.

[@NickzAndMikz]

What do you think it would take for Google to just pay Sonos for rights to their license?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Someone in either company to have a brain 🤣🤣🤣

[@NickzAndMikz]

@@AutomateYourLife daaang, but your right on. I’m in the Google Home subreddit and we are all fed up with it. Google has the means, there is no reason to not pay up other than pride..

[@maydayit]

Hotels have been stashing cameras for many years. There was a news expose on it at least 15 years ago.

[@AutomateYourLife]

You'd think we'd hear about it more! Ugh!!!

[@theorangecam21]

can you please make an update video to this topic (the google assistant topic)?

[@AutomateYourLife]

What specifically are you looking for? I can make a few different videos on the G.A. However, if you're looking for continued updates, we make a monthly news video and the next one has a bit of an update: kzbin.info/www/bejne/poioq6uajsSphJo

[@EsotericArctos]

This was interesting. A lot of good information presented in a fun way. I do wish some companies would get their act together and not remove a feature until they have a fully implemented option to replace it....

[@AutomateYourLife]

Agreed. It's a horrid pattern

[@Panjuabloo]

My Google home devices are getting worse every day, it used to be so helpful now I struggle with simple tasks like change the color of the lamps, play one of my playlists or ask information about songs. That's so sad!!!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Same here

[@ADA98310]

Google home is a device that people in the early 2000’s had to deal with. Just a horrible experience!

[@maciej3907]

WAIT. So like "Talk to can I wear shorts today" and any others will stop working?

[@AutomateYourLife]

In a year or so yes, unless the developer gets on the programming needed to update their app

[@maciej3907]

@@AutomateYourLife That sucks😕

[@leweezo33]

Amazon is now my go to.. Google is only good for asking search questions at this point

[@AutomateYourLife]

It's a sad state these days

[@SpaceStrike]

Hey Brian, you never gave your opinion on the Wyze Cordless Vacuum Cleaner. Do you think it is a good alternative for a Dyson?

[@AutomateYourLife]

I don't have that one! Sorry! I wouldn't want to comment on it :)

[@csjr9]

Love this video format!!!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Yessss! Thanks Chuck!😃

[@garethjones5068]

Really loving the new format

[@AutomateYourLife]

😃😃😃 it's a set of monthly videos now. I really like it too, so glad it's catching on!👍

[@BobbyB3rd]

Anybody know how stop my alarm in my room from going off when my mons alarm in alexa is set?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Alarms are set by echo or echo show, so it shouldn't be ringing on another

[@charlesxavier1904]

Does a fire tv also allow to use the echoes as a home theater setup

[@AutomateYourLife]

It's really limited to the 4k max at the moment, but I think the next Omni series and 4 series does it too, if memory serves

[@dragns]

I finally gave up on the Google platform. It just wasn't advancing, and now they're losing features? Time to go. I just ordered a 4th gen Echo and two 4th gen Echo dots over this Prime week. Since I work part-time for Amazon, and since it's Prime week, I was able to get all three for about $80.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Now that's a deal!

[@internetselling]

2:31 - Ford already has an electric automobile named Lightning…

[@AutomateYourLife]

but I wanna call it what I wanna call it! ;)

[@macinman]

Hey Brian, just finished the video. So, since I use Amazon Alexa as my primary smart Ecosystem, should I get rid of Google home, and switch to HomeKit as my secondary solution? It sounds like from your reports that Google is dying a slow death in the smart home, at least for certain things. I was curious on your thoughts to this. Besides that, looks like there are exciting things to look forward to.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hard answer to give right now. I wouldn't make moves until Matter comes out and things become clearer. Ask me in October, but till then...don't buy stuff you're not sure you need.

[@macinman]

@@AutomateYourLife Sounds like a good plan to stick with to me. How are things with Rogers today? I saw yesterday was a hard day for many Canadians

[@AutomateYourLife]

🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ - Things are back though right now!

[@macinman]

@@AutomateYourLife Glad to hear it's a beautiful day again in Mr. Rogers Neighborhood ;)

[@mbecker163]

I lost location based reminded years ago. I used this feature all of the time

[@AutomateYourLife]

I was still using it last week, but it is dying fully now. :(

[@lany_07gaming]

Great video.👍👏👏

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hope it was fun Lany!

[@garethjones5068]

The loss of the location based reminders is truly baffling

[@AutomateYourLife]

🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@tomm5517]

OK, so did i do something wrong in buying the Chromecast with google TV? I have moved into a senior community high rise. I am trying to do something different that Xfinity TV.. So I bought a Chromecast with google TV.? Thanks Brian, I have other google things to start with. I know it has been a while, there has been a lot of changes in my life. So this is where i am at now. Talk to ya soon. Thanks.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hey Tom, good to hear from you. I still really love the Chromecast With Google TV and I don't think that's a mistake, per se. It just feels like Google is pulling back on a lot of features with Google Home right now. So...I think if you're using some of the lesser used features of Google that you could experience some feature losses.

[@tomm5517]

@@AutomateYourLife Thanks Brian. I didn't think so, but i thought i better ask. Now I found out that Xfinity uses contract for one year. So i really need to figure out how to back out of that, But i am working on it.. You have A great day. talk to ya soon.

[@karls2611]

I use my LMS/Squeezebox server to send music not just to my Google speakers, but also my stereo. It gives me the ability to send to one, some, or all speakers. No, I do not get voice control, but I do get a lot of flexibility, including my own music. I COULD use a Node-RED contrib to get voice capabilities set up, but that would require time I do not have at this moment.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Neat! Is that all music you own or stream from services?

[@karls2611]

@@AutomateYourLife I use my own music and stream via Spotify, and Internet Radio. There are other possible online services but I do not use them outside those which come up on a search in odd circumstances.

[@daprince27studio]

A big thumbs up to this video 👍

[@AutomateYourLife]

Ooooh I'll take that! Thanks so much!👍👍

[@daprince27studio]

@@AutomateYourLife 👍

[@esenterre]

@@AutomateYourLife There may be just too much thumbs animations! 🙂

[@AutomateYourLife]

It's a newer format, so I'm still working on the balance on that stuff! Thanks for the comment 👍

[@esenterre]

@@AutomateYourLife I really like the idea of "news" for a format! Good job! But that animation.. I was like : "Is he paid at each appearance ?" :-D Keep up the good work!

[@ronm6585]

Thank you sir.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Thank you sir!

[@fdb-you]

I don't like the thumbs up part of the video. Its kinda lame.

[@AutomateYourLife]

🤷🤷🤷

[@SerenityDreaming]

It's a little corny. Like it's meant for little kids. Hyper animated expressions and gestures, but lots of distracting speech errors left in during editing. Like he only made one pass at recording and didn't rehearse. Are there no channels that just distribute accurate information? Are they all trying super hard to brand themselves with over-the-top personalities and gimmicky production? It's very off-putting. For every 5 seconds of product footage, hie face was on the screen for a full 30-45 seconds, making exaggerated, choppy jokes and puns. I got no real info.

[@skullcrusher_1]

Google is really ticking me off with location reminders not being supported and taking reminders out of Google calendar. Like seriously why ruin what was already working perfectly???

[@AutomateYourLife]

Right!??? What is that all about??? They've also stopped working on some other features, so I've got some big concerns.

[@raymondbailey2142]

It wasn't broken, therefore it had to be fixed.

[@houstonshomeautomation3524]

Still around Brian! I love this rapid fire style especially with the news format. And the refrigerator thing is samsungs own internet TV network that comes on the newer monitors and any newer TV. It's totally free and actually decent in a way background TV is decent . A rarely mentioned feature

[@AutomateYourLife]

Very cool! Good to hear it firsthand from a guy dealing with it day in and day out

[@TechArtAlex]

Recently bought a Nest Hub 2 since they were on sale for $55. Did you know that it is literally impossible to do the initial set up for a Nest Hub with a Pixel phone? Google punishing google users for buying Google products. There's another thumbs down. Also, Gen 2 has lots of sensors as you surely know. But Google doesn't let you access any of them for automations. Even though Google integrating with Nest, a Nest hub can't be added as a light sensor, a motion/presence sensor, a temp sensor or a speaker despite being all of those things. Two more thumbs down. I really hope Matter brings Google up to speed in automation because the smarter my home gets, the dumber my google products feel.

[@AutomateYourLife]

I didn't know that you'd have trouble with a Pixel phone during setup, but everything else. Yeah....

[@erikfeketefoldi6981]

I guess it's time to get rid of Google's smart Home equipment

[@AutomateYourLife]

:(

[@StarkillerRadio]

Too bad SmartDry can't be used locally with Smartthings. Now I am going to have a sensor and gateway that does nothing.

[@AutomateYourLife]

It truly is a dead product. I wish there was some local option, but I haven't seen it yet! :(

[@sengle3]

Trying to cancel Patreon and join the channel but after looking for 20 minutes I still haven't found the way to cancel Patreon. They've done a good job of hiding it. Any guidance?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Yeahhh I replied over there just now Albert! They do hide it!👎👎

[@lifeisfuneh]

9:00 NO thumbs up from me for Smartthings! That stupid EDGE drive still doesn't support IKEA smart blinds. (so you can use both button and the app) SUCKS!!!

[@AutomateYourLife]

They will get there I'm sure 😃

[@utuber1000]

It appears to me that Google is positioning itself for the possibility of getting out of the speaker-oriented hub business, as they are so far behind Amazon and Apple in terms of a speaker centric hub system, and instead may be concentrating in moving Android phones, and in particular Pixel phones and its anticipated tablet into position as alternate home automation hubs, employing a more sophisticated version of Google Assistant. That's my prognostication. If so, watch them incorporate into G/A the functions of Tasker and other Android ancillary apps. Regards, Nate S. :D

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hard to argue with this! The pieces seem to be headed in this direction

[@davidharraway8131]

That would be a pity - the "smart speaker with screen form factor" can work really well for some users. The face detection in Max might be enough to keep that going? I guess Matter is a big factor in their strategy though. Google should put more work into making the Home app a more cohesive and reliable experience.

[@raymondbailey2142]

Great video as always. As far as Google goes? Well I've been switching my AI'S over to Alexa and will be completely switched, hopefully by end of summer. I've had enough of that little twit doing the exact opposite of what I tell her.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Sad story Raymond, but I hear ya.

[@YouTubeStat]

Yea I think I'm going to walk away from Google altogether... I'm tired of their shit

[@AutomateYourLife]

You're not the only one saying that just on this video...which is sad.

[@YouTubeStat]

@@AutomateYourLife It really is... I have supported Google since day one. I even remember pre signups for Gmail... Which I did and still have the original username. They went so far and seem to just be crashing...

[@Mysteroo]

Lowkey wondering if the thumbs-up thing just a subliminal attempt at getting us to like the video

[@AutomateYourLife]

Lol I wish I was that smart. Hit the like button!😃

[@daveschmarder-US1950]

Of course Apple doesn't invite Canadians to those shows. Too many of you left your curling stones in the hallways! Not only would I give Google a thumbs down, I would use another finger because I can't cast to all my speakers anymore. They should do the right thing and license this technology from Sonos. They can afford it. I no longer feel comfy buying Google stuff because of the short life spans of their stuff. My Mac Mini M1 will probably still work long after I am gone. I may put a grumble on Reddit when I see posts about Google speaker casting. I like this news format, Brian. You do it quickly and then get off the pot as they say here in western New York. Tschüßie

[@AutomateYourLife]

Honestly, this video's a bit of that finger. They need to get clear with us with what they're doing on this system, and until I hear that clarity (and some improvements on this feature teardown), I'm going to be telling people about the negatives as much as the positives. As for Apple...well...I probably need to just ask lol auf Wiederhören

[@layol692k7]

Love the video

[@AutomateYourLife]

Oh thanks!

[@junkyarddog4896]

dont waste your money

[@clintcarter]

Tesla baby!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Oh man, I'm still sick to my stomach! Amaaaaaaaazing!

[@georgek8182]

Dude calm down with your whole thumbs up and thumbs down...it's super weird

[@AutomateYourLife]

I like it. Sorry it's staying

[@junkyarddog4896]

Google Home Mini is junk trash and is a rip off.

[@michaelannanack1033]

💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰🇨🇦👆🏻🏠

[@AutomateYourLife]

Lol someday I'll get it!👍

[@junkyarddog4896]

garbage