Your Chromecast Just Became the Brain of Your Smart Home

The Chromecast with Google TV is one of the best products the Mountain View giant has ever released. The company discontinued it last year but promised to continue providing software support. This won’t just include security fixes; it will also introduce useful new features. For example, the firm is now rolling out the Google Home panel more widely to the Chromecast with Google TV and other Google TV devices.

Google has yet to send a major update to its dongle. We’re talking about Android 14 TV, whose rollout began a few weeks ago. However, the company had to pull the OTA update due to some serious issues. Google is still polishing the update to eliminate all the problems before resuming the rollout. In the meantime, these devices are becoming a hub for managing your smart home products.

Home panel rolling out widely to Chromecast with Google TV and more Google TV products

As reported by 9to5Google, more Chromecast with Google TV owners are receiving the Google Home panel. This feature is available as a new shortcut in the notification panel. Users of the latest Google TV Streamer have been enjoying the feature since the device’s launch. On the other hand, a few Chromecast with Google TV users received it as part of a Public Preview phase. In many cases—like mine—the feature just vanished shortly after.

Now, it seems the feature is ready to reach more devices en masse. Not only are Chromecast with Google TV dongles receiving it, but other Google TV products as well. For example, the report mentions smart TVs from Hisense and other brands.

Once available, your device will ask you if you want to set up the Google Home panel. Then, you’ll be able to access features such as receiving notifications from your Nest Doorbell, accessing live views from your connected cameras, and more. The new control panel supports virtually every product compatible with the Google Home platform. This expands the functionality of your Chromecast with Google TV beyond enjoying your favorite streaming apps.

It’s noteworthy that the feature will first reach the owner of a “Home” set up through the Google Home app. It will then reach the devices of other members of that Home. Devices where you’ve set a child profile will not receive it.

The new feature provides even more ways to control and manage your smart home ecosystem. Now you can do so not only from your smartphone and smartwatch but even from your TV. If the option has not yet reached your Chromecast with Google TV, be patient, as it should be a matter of days.

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