Last month, Google unveiled a redesigned version of its Home app, introducing routines to grant users greater control over their smart home automations. Now, Google is taking it a step further with the introduction of a new script editor, as announced in a recent blog post on the Google Nest website. This new feature empowers users with even more precise control over their automations, enabling them to accomplish tasks such as “dimming lights and lowering blinds when the living room TV is on after dark,” as exemplified by Google. However, it does require users to possess basic programming abilities, as it utilizes the YAML data serialization language.
To create an automation using the script editor, three key elements are required: starters, conditions, and actions. Starters serve as triggers for the automation, such as turning on the TV in the aforementioned example. Conditions, on the other hand, establish prerequisites that must be met before the script executes, such as the time falling between sunset and sunrise. Lastly, actions dictate which devices will be activated, such as lowering blinds and turning off lights.
Although Google’s existing routines already offer a decent level of control, they lack the ability to program multiple starters within a single automation or set conditions. In contrast, the script editor empowers users with the ability to leverage nearly 100 starters, conditions, and actions to craft custom automations according to their unique needs.
The script editor is currently available in a public preview build of the Google Home app, accessible via the web. Furthermore, Google has included a variety of pre-configured sample scripted automations to assist users in getting started. The functionality extends across Google Home devices as well as third-party smart home devices, and automations are compatible with popular sensors, including those supported by the Matter protocol.
For those interested in exploring the script editor further, Google has provided a comprehensive step-by-step guide. Users can now delve into the world of advanced automation possibilities, optimizing their smart homes for enhanced convenience and efficiency. To learn more about the script editor and its capabilities, visit the Google Nest blog.
