Amazon’s Alexa has a head start in terms of smart home functionality, but Google is keen to catch up. Today, the company announced that Google Home now supports Belkin WeMo and Honeywell smart devices, allowing users to control these products through the Google Assistant on their Home speaker. Belkin’s smart products include cameras, lightbulbs, and power switches, while Honeywell’s range from thermostats to home security.
Google isn’t offering a comprehensive list of which products can be controlled through the Assistant, but says users can add devices by using the Google Home app on their smartphone. Just head to settings, then Home Control, and click “+” to add a new product. Also, it’s important to note that although this functionality works through Google Assistant — which is also available on Pixel smartphones — it’s only supported on the Home speaker. Google says similar smart home control is coming to the Pixel “soon.”
Honeywell and Belkin join existing Google Home partners including music services like Google Play Music, Spotify, Pandora, and TuneIn; smart home systems like Philips Hue, Nest, Samsung SmartThings; services like Netflix and Uber; and the popular DIY automation platform IFTT.
It’s a solid line-up, but can Home catch up with the Echo?
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