Maximising Your Google Home: 10 Cool Features You Need to Try!
The Google Home is a voice-activated smart speaker that can make your life easier in many ways. With its advanced technology and seamless integration with other devices, Google Home has quickly become a popular choice for smart home enthusiasts. Here are 10 cool things you can do with a Google Home!
Make hands free phone calls
One of the most convenient features of Google Home is its ability to make hands-free phone calls. Simply say, "Hey Google, call [name of contact]" and Google Home will initiate the call. You can also ask Google Home to call a business by saying, "Hey Google, call [name of business]". It's important to note that you need to have your phone connected to Google Home for this feature to work.
Once the call is connected, you can use Google Home as a speakerphone. The microphone is sensitive enough to pick up your voice from across the room, so you can continue doing other things while you talk. When you're done with the call, just say, "Hey Google, hang up" to end the call.
*Please note this is only available to Telstra Customers in Australia
Listen to audio books
If you're an avid reader, you'll love Google Home's ability to play audiobooks. You can ask Google Home to play any audiobook from your Google Play library by saying, "Hey Google, play [name of book] audiobook". You can also control the playback by saying things like "Hey Google, pause", "Hey Google, stop", or "Hey Google, resume".
Google Home also integrates with audiobook services like Audible, so you can listen to any audiobook from their library as well. Just say, "Hey Google, read [name of book] from Audible" to get started.
If you are looking to enhance your knowledge on smart home technology, the team at Homeable have come up with a list of 3 great smart home audio books available on Audible to get you started:
"Smart Home" by Blair Watchmen. This audiobook provides an introduction into home automation & touches on the different smart home products you can include in your home.
"The Amazon Echo Show: The Complete User Guide - Learn to Use Your Echo Show Like A Pro!" by CJ Andersen. While not specifically focused on smart home technology, this audiobook provides a thorough guide to using Amazon's Echo Show, which can be used to control various smart home devices.
"Google Home: 351 Best Tips and Tricks" by Alexa Morris. This audiobook provides an in-depth guide on how to make the most out of your Google Home device and covers a variety of topics such as setting up and troubleshooting the device, customizing settings, and integrating with other smart home devices.
Image by Cottonbro Studio
Get recipe suggestions
Google Home is a great tool for anyone who loves to cook or bake. You can ask Google Home for recipe suggestions by saying things like "Hey Google, find me a recipe for chocolate chip cookies" or "Hey Google, what's a good recipe for lasagna?".
Google Home can also walk you through the recipe step-by-step, so you don't have to keep checking your phone or recipe book. Just say, "Hey Google, start cooking" and Google Home will guide you through the recipe.
Speaking of lasagna, we couldn’t help but share with you our favourite recipe here!
Image by Alleksana
Control your smart home devices
One of the most useful features of Google Home is its ability to control smart home devices. With Google Home, you can connect to a variety of devices from popular brands like Homeable, Philips Hue, Nest, and Samsung SmartThings. Once you have connected your smart home devices to Google Home, you can use voice commands to control them without needing to use any additional remotes or apps.
In addition to controlling individual devices, you can also group them together to control multiple devices at once. For example, you can create a group called "Living Room" and add your smart lights, TV, and sound system to it. Then, with a single voice command, you can turn on the lights, start your favorite show on Netflix, and adjust the volume to your desired level.
Set up routines
Setting up routines with Google Home is a convenient way to streamline your daily routine and make life easier. You can customise your routines to your personal preferences and create routines for any time of day or occasion. For example, you can create a "Good night" routine that turns off all the lights in your home, sets the temperature to your preferred sleeping temperature, and plays some calming music or white noise to help you drift off to sleep.
You can also set up location-based routines, which means that certain actions will be triggered when you arrive or leave a specific location. For example, you can create a routine that turns on your home security system and lights when you leave your house, or turns on your lights and adjusts the temperature when you arrive home.
To create a routine, open the Google Home App on your smartphone or tablet and go to the Routines section. From there, you can create a new routine and choose which actions you want to include. You can also customize the voice command that triggers the routine, so you can use a phrase that's easy for you to remember and say. With routines, you can make your smart home work for you, and save time and effort in your daily life.
Play games and quizzes
Google Home can be a fun way to pass the time with friends and family. With its wide range of games and quizzes, you're sure to find something that everyone will enjoy. Whether you're in the mood for a classic trivia game or want to discover which Disney character you are, Google Home has got you covered. If you need some inspiration, here are three examples of popular games that can be played with Google Home:
Image by Ketut Subiyanto
"Are You Feeling Lucky?" - This game is based on Google search results. Google Home will ask you a question and then give you two possible answers. You have to guess which answer is the correct one based on the search results.
"Crystal Ball" - In this game, Google Home acts like a fortune teller. You can ask it a question about your future, and it will give you a vague but amusing answer.
"Mystery Sounds" - In this game, Google Home plays a sound, and you have to guess what it is. The sounds can range from simple noises like a doorbell to more complex sounds like a musical instrument.
To play any of these games, simply say "Hey Google, play [name of game] game" and Google Home will guide you through the rules and gameplay.
Translate languages
One of the many useful features of Google Home is its built-in translation tool, which allows you to translate words and phrases in various languages. Whether you're traveling abroad or simply learning a new language, this feature can come in handy. You can ask Google Home to translate a word or phrase by simply saying, "Hey Google, what's the word for 'hello' in Spanish?" or "Hey Google, translate 'how are you?' to French."
Google Home's translation feature also works in real-time, making it an excellent tool for communicating with people who speak different languages. To use this feature, say "Hey Google, be my translator," and select the language you want to translate to. Google Home will then listen to your words and translate them into the selected language, allowing you to communicate more easily with people who don't speak your language. Overall, Google Home's translation feature is an excellent resource for language learners, travelers, and anyone who needs to communicate across language barriers.
Relax
In addition to its many practical features, Google Home can also be a valuable tool for relaxation and mindfulness. With a variety of calming sounds and guided meditations to choose from, it can help you unwind and destress after a long day.
One of the ways you can use Google Home for relaxation is by playing soothing sounds. From the sound of raindrops to the gentle rustling of leaves, there are plenty of natural sounds to choose from that can create a peaceful atmosphere in your home. You can also listen to white noise, which can help drown out distracting background sounds and promote better sleep.
In addition to playing calming sounds, Google Home also offers a selection of guided meditations. These meditations can help you focus your mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your overall well-being. You can choose from a variety of topics, such as mindfulness, gratitude, and compassion, and follow along with an expert guide to help you deepen your practice.
To get started, simply say "Hey Google, play a guided meditation" or "Hey Google, play calming sounds." You can also set a sleep timer for your sounds, so that they turn off after a set amount of time and don't disturb your sleep.
With its ability to create a relaxing environment and promote mindfulness, Google Home can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their mental and emotional well-being.
Image by Andrea Piacquadio
Broadcast messages
The broadcast feature on Google Home is a convenient way to communicate with your family members, especially when you are not in the same room. You can send a message to all Google Home devices in your home, whether it's to let them know that dinner is ready or to remind them of an upcoming appointment.
In addition to using the voice command "Hey Google, broadcast," you can also customize your message by using the "Announcement" feature in the Google Home app. This allows you to type out a message that will be broadcasted on all Google Home devices. You can also choose the specific devices that you want to receive the message if you don't want it to be broadcasted to all devices.
Furthermore, you can use the broadcast feature as a security measure when you are not at home. By using the Google Assistant app on your phone, you can broadcast a message to your Google Home devices, giving the impression that someone is still at home. This can help deter potential intruders and make your home more secure.
Overall, the broadcast feature on Google Home is a versatile tool that can help you communicate with your family, personalize your messages, and even provide a sense of security for your home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Google Home devices offer a wide range of features that can make your life easier and more enjoyable. From controlling your smart home devices to playing games and relaxation sounds, Google Home has something for everyone. With the ability to set up routines and use voice commands to get things done, Google Home is a great addition to any household. With these ten cool things you can do with a Google Home device, you can take advantage of all the amazing features that it has to offer. So whether you're looking to simplify your daily tasks or just have some fun, Google Home is definitely worth considering.
Ultimately, the best smart assistant for you will depend on your personal preferences and what you're looking to use the assistant for. If you are unsure what voice assistant is best for you, then fill out our smart home assessment and receive a personalised smart home design at zero cost to you!
