Google TV Gets a Handy New Feature: Home Panel

Google TV is getting a helpful update. The Home Panel, which lets users control smart home gadgets, is now available on more devices. This feature has been around for a while on the Google TV Streamer. But now, it's expanding to other streaming devices, like the Chromecast with Google TV and even some TVs from brands like Hisense. This means more people can use their TV to manage smart lights, thermostats, and cameras. Setting up the Home Panel is pretty straightforward. When users turn on their device, they'll see a prompt to set it up. The process is guided, so it's easy to follow. One cool thing is that users can get notifications from their Nest Doorbell right on their TV. This is a handy feature for keeping an eye on who's at the door. The Home Panel is part of the Google TV Quick Settings. It's like the Favorites tab in the Google Home app. Users can control a bunch of smart home devices from here. This includes lights, thermostats, locks, cameras, and even vacuums. It's all about making life a bit easier. But there are a few things to keep in mind. Users need to be the owner or a member of a Home in the Google Home app. Kids profiles don't support this feature. Also, if users don't have any Google Home-connected devices, they won't see the Home Panel option. It's a good reminder that this feature is all about integrating smart home tech. The Chromecast with Google TV is getting some love with this update. Even though it's an older product, it's still getting new features. The Home Panel is a great addition, making the Google TV experience even better. It's a win for users who want to streamline their smart home setup.