Google Home’s enhanced script editor enhances the capabilities of smart device automations
In its recent update, Google has introduced a revamped Home app, equipping users with enhanced control over their smart home automations by introducing routines. Additionally, Google has now announced the introduction of a new script editor in a blog post on Google Nest. This script editor empowers users with even more precise control over automations, enabling actions such as “dimming lights and lowering blinds when the living room TV is on after dark,” as illustrated by Google. However, it does require users to possess basic programming skills as it operates using the YAML data serialization language.
The process of creating an automation involves three key elements: starters, conditions, and actions. Starters trigger the automation, such as turning on the TV in the aforementioned example. Conditions act as prerequisites that must be met before the script can run, like the requirement for the time to be between sunset and sunrise. Lastly, actions specify the devices to be triggered, such as lowering the blinds and turning off the lights.
Although Google’s routines already provide a satisfactory level of control, they lack the ability to program multiple starters or set conditions within an automation. In contrast, the script editor enables users to employ nearly 100 starters, conditions, and actions to create custom automations.
The script editor is currently available in a public preview build of the Google Home app and on the web. It also offers a variety of sample scripted automations, accompanied by a comprehensive step-by-step guide provided by Google. Moreover, it is compatible with Google Home devices as well as third-party smart home devices, and supports popular sensors, including those supported by the Matter platform. For more information, visit the Google Nest blog.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about smart home automations
What is the Google Home script editor?
The Google Home script editor is a tool introduced by Google that allows users to have more precise control over their smart home automations. It enables users to define actions, conditions, and starters for custom automations.
What programming language does the script editor use?
The script editor uses the YAML data serialization language. Users are required to have basic programming abilities in YAML to utilize the script editor effectively.
What are the three elements involved in building an automation?
Building an automation involves three elements: starters, conditions, and actions. Starters trigger the automation, conditions specify prerequisites that must be met, and actions determine the devices or actions to be triggered.
How does the script editor differ from routines?
While routines in Google Home offer a certain level of control, the script editor provides more advanced features. With the script editor, users can program multiple starters, set conditions, and have more flexibility in creating custom automations.
Where can I access the script editor?
The script editor is available in a public preview build of the Google Home app and can also be accessed through the web interface. It is accompanied by a step-by-step guide provided by Google to assist users in utilizing its features.
Which devices and sensors are compatible with the script editor?
The script editor works with Google Home devices as well as third-party smart home devices. It is also compatible with popular sensors, including those supported by the Matter platform.
Where can I find more information about the script editor?
For more details and updates about the script editor, you can visit the Google Nest blog, which provides additional information and resources.
More about smart home automations
- Google Nest blog post – Official blog post from Google Nest announcing the new script editor for Google Home.
- Google Home app – Download the Google Home app to access the script editor and other smart home features.
- YAML Data Serialization – Learn more about YAML, the programming language used by the script editor for defining automations.
- Google Home Help Center – Visit the Google Home Help Center for additional support and guides on using the script editor and other Google Home features.
5 comments
OMG, the script editor is a game-changer! Finally, we have the power to customize our automations with starters, conditions, and actions. No more limitations like in routines. This is super exciting for smart home enthusiasts like me!
The script editor opens up a world of possibilities for creating personalized automations. I’m thrilled that Google is offering nearly 100 starters, conditions, and actions. Can’t wait to explore all the cool things I can do with my smart home devices!
Finally, Google is giving us more control over our smart homes. The script editor is a dream come true for tech enthusiasts like me. I’m already brainstorming all the creative automations I can create. Kudos to Google for this fantastic update!
this update for google home is amazin it gives u more control ovr ur smart home automations wth the new script editor which is so cool now u can do thingz lik dim lights n lower blinds when tv is on aftr dark. it uses yaml language so u need some basic programing skillz tho.
I’m a bit intimidated by the programming aspect of the script editor. Will it be difficult to learn YAML? I hope there are some easy-to-follow tutorials available. I’m excited about the potential but a little nervous too.