Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
TL; DR
- Google is about to introduce a new 'Favorites' widget for its Home app on Android.
- The widget is currently hidden in the Google Home app version 3.18.1.4.
- It allows users to control their smart devices and automations directly from the home screen.
Google is gearing up to improve its functionality Google home app on Android with a new addition: the “Favorites” widget. We caught a glimpse of it earlier this month during Google's I/O presentation, alongside the company's ambitious plans for Gemini AI and the upcoming Android 15.
Now we're taking our first look at this Material You widget. The widget was first reported in an unofficial Google News Telegram channelgiving us an early look at its functionality.
The Favorites widget aims to streamline the management of smart home devices. Hidden in the latest Google Home app update (version 3.18.1.4), this widget promises to make controlling your favorite smart home actions, automations, and devices more accessible, right from your home screen.
When adding the widget, users are asked to choose their Google account and home (if they have multiple homes set up) before selecting their favorite devices. The widget is scalable, ranging from a compact 1×2 size to full screen display.
Currently the widget remains hidden by default, pending activation probably from Google's server side. While the exact rollout date for all users is still unknown, we can expect the official rollout to happen soon.