What to know

  • Google Home now lets you assign roles to friends and family for easier smart home control.
  • New admin and member roles allow for more flexible device management.
  • Children can now have limited access to certain smart home features.
  • The update aims to make shared smart homes safer and more convenient.

Google has rolled out new features for its Google Home platform to help you share control of your smart home devices with friends, family, and even kids. The update introduces new roles so you can decide who can manage or just use devices in your home.

With the latest changes, you can now assign people as either "members" or "admins" in your Google Home. Admins have full control, including adding or removing devices and inviting others. Members can use devices but have fewer permissions. This makes it easier to let trusted friends or roommates help manage your smart home without giving them complete control.

For families, Google has added special options for children. Kids can now be given limited access to certain devices, like lights or thermostats, while keeping more sensitive controls, such as security cameras, off limits. This helps parents ensure their children can use helpful features without risking privacy or security.

The update is designed to make it safer and more convenient to share smart home controls. Whether you want to let a babysitter adjust the lights or allow your child to turn on the TV, you can now set up access that fits your needs. These changes are available in the Google Home app, and you can start assigning roles to your household members right away.