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Not only is Google a popular search destination, but the Google Home ecosystem is also among the leading options in the smart home industry. This article provides a comprehensive review of the Google Home smart home products and features, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.
Google Home ecosystem
The Google Home ecosystem includes a range of smart home products, including the Google/Nest line of devices, as well as hundreds of compatible devices that can be controlled using the Home App. Compared to Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home is slightly slower, but it does offer a wide range of compatible devices, and the home hub is very intuitive.
Google Nest doorbell
The Google Nest wired doorbell is a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance their home security. This doorbell is more compact than the battery version, and since it’s hardwired, it can record 24/7. It also has facial recognition and package detection features.
Additionally, homeowners can set up an activity zone to receive notifications only when someone enters the porch area. The Google Nest doorbell is compatible with the Home App, enabling homeowners to receive doorbell notifications on all their hubs throughout the house. It is competitively priced and one of the most feature-rich video doorbells available on the market today.
Google Nest cameras
Google Nest cameras come with several features, including mounting options, accessories, solar charging, hardwired options, long battery life, and compatibility with the Home App. These cameras provide homeowners with enhanced security and peace of mind, allowing them to monitor their homes remotely. The notifications are quick and can be filtered by the type of activity detected.
Compatible locks
Google Home is compatible with several smart locks, enabling homeowners to lock and unlock their doors using the Home App. This feature enhances home security and convenience, particularly for homeowners who frequently forget to lock their doors. Yale is one of the most popular brands to use along with Google Home but there are lots of other options as well.
Smart switches
The Lutron Caseta line of smart switches and dimmers, known for their reliability are a popular choice for smart lighting. They work great with Google ecosystem, they’re compatible with all voice assistants and can be easily synced with the Home app. However, one drawback of using the Google Home App instead of the Lutron app is that it requires an extra click to access dimming features.
Google Nest thermostat
The Google Nest thermostat is a smart thermostat that offers several features, including a color display, easy set-up, compatibility with Wi-Fi networks, and the ability to control a home’s humidifier. Additionally, Google has added sensors, which were previously only available on Ecobee thermostats, to its latest version. This thermostat is known for learning your habits and automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re away or asleep.
Google Home is a comprehensive ecosystem that offers homeowners a range of smart home devices and features. The Google Nest doorbell, cameras, compatible locks, smart switches and Nest thermostat are among the most popular products in the ecosystem. However, the Home app may not offer all the features available on other manufacturers’ apps.
Overall, Google Home is an excellent choice for homeowners looking to enhance their home security and convenience with smart home devices.
Brandon Doyle is a Realtor at Doyle Real Estate Team — RE/MAX Results in Minneapolis and co-author of Mindset, Methods & Metrics – Winning as a Modern Real Estate Agent. You can follow him on Twitter.
