Google Home has recently rolled out a significant update to its voice command functionality, bringing much-requested features to users. However, there’s a catch: these enhancements are currently only available to those participating in the early access program. This update includes precise color temperature control, improved Spotify requests, and a more intuitive broadcasting process.
The standout feature of this update is the ability to control light color temperature using Kelvin values. Users can now say, “Set the living room lights to 2700 Kelvins,” and the system will adjust the lights to that exact warmth. This eliminates the need to manually adjust sliders in the Google Home app. However, users will need to familiarize themselves with Kelvin values to make the most of this feature. For instance, 3000K is warm, 4000K is neutral, and anything above 5000K is cool.
Key Voice Command Upgrades
The recent update also includes improvements to Spotify requests. Google has enhanced how it matches songs, artists, and playlists by name, resulting in more accurate voice search results. Additionally, the broadcasting feature has been revamped. Instead of delivering the entire message in one breath, users can now say, “OK Google, broadcast message,” followed by the actual message. This two-step process mimics natural speech patterns, making it more user-friendly.
Accessing the New Features
All three upgrades are currently exclusive to Gemini for Home, which is still in the early access phase. If you’re not part of this program, these voice command changes won’t be available on your setup, regardless of whether you have the latest app version. The good news is that all users will receive some improvements, such as higher resolution for Android live streams, independent controls for European-style smart locks, and consistent temperature units across the app, voice commands, and Nest devices.
In the realm of smart home integration, Chowmain has introduced two new native integration drivers for Control4, bridging Google Home, Google Cast audio devices, and Google TV streaming hardware directly into the custom automation ecosystem. Announced ahead of CEDIA Expo 2026, these updated drivers establish bi-directional IP control between popular consumer media products and professionally installed smart homes.
Google Cast and Google Home Audio Integration
The newly introduced Google Cast driver connects Google Home, Nest speakers, Nest Hubs, Chromecast Audio, and third-party Cast-enabled hardware with Control4 automation controllers. This integration allows Google Cast hardware to serve as secondary audio endpoints within distributed whole-home sound systems. Users can cast tracks from their phones or trigger playback using voice commands, while Control4 automatically recognizes the active stream, updates volume, and activates room zones.
Key capabilities of the Google Cast driver include real-time now playing feedback, automated room triggers, system keypad bindings, announcements, and URL streaming. These features enhance the
Google TV Integration
The Google TV driver establishes direct IP communication with smart TVs, set-top boxes, and dedicated media streamers like the NVIDIA Shield, Google TV Streamer, and DIRECTV Gemini. Operating through the same protocol used by the official mobile Google TV application, the driver delivers hardware-free control without requiring external IR flashers or secondary middleware.
Control4 receives real-time operational feedback, including on, off, play, pause, and stop states, regardless of whether a movie was started via the handheld remote, a mobile app, or a voice prompt. This feedback allows integrators to build dynamic lighting and shading automations, such as automatically dimming room lights when a film begins or raising ambient fixtures when the stream is paused.
The driver also features Control4 Mini App support, allowing users to launch streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Prime Video directly from custom navigators. Alan Chow, Managing Director of Chowmainsoft, highlighted the ecosystem bridge, noting that these integrations complement Google products by bringing them back into Control4, enhancing the
Both drivers are available now through the developer’s portal with a 90-day free trial for certified Control4 dealers. Integrators attending CEDIA Expo 2026 can view live demonstrations at booth 3332 and attend manufacturer training sessions detailing third-party driver architecture.
