Google Home’s Script Editor Enhances Automation Capabilities of Smart Devices
Last month, Google launched its revamped Home app, which included routines to provide users with greater authority over smart home automations. In a recent Google Nest blog post, the company revealed a new script editor that offers users more precise control over automations. For instance, users can now dim lights and lower blinds when the living room TV is on after dark. However, the editor requires some fundamental programming skills as it employs the YAML data serialization language.
Building an automation requires three elements: triggers, conditions, and actions. A trigger triggers an automation, for example turning on the TV in the example above. Meanwhile, conditions are prerequisites that must be met before the script is executed; for example, the time must be between sunset and sunrise. Finally, the functions define which devices are then triggered, i.e. lowering the curtains and turning off the lights.
While Google already offers decent control with routines, you can’t do things like program multiple startups for automation or set conditions. The script editor, on the other hand, allows access to nearly 100 triggers, conditions, and actions that can be used to create custom automations.
The script editor is available in the public preview version of the Google Home app or online, along with several automations written as examples. Google has also provided a step-by-step guide. It works with all Google Home and third-party smart home devices, and the automation works with popular sensors, including Matter-supported sensors. For more information, see the Google Nest blog.
