Google Home was tipped to integrate support for hazardous air quality sensors

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What you need to know

• A dive into the ‘test version’ of a Google Home app revealed several points that indicate support for CO/smoke detectors.

• Several sets of code details alert users about dangerous air quality in their home and about sensor tests.

• More devices have been added to Google Home since Matter support arrived, but the Nest app was the only way to control the CO/smoke sensors.

Google could be planning to include new sensors that protect users from dangerous air conditions at home.

Google is reportedly developing new sensor support for the Home app, according to an in-depth analysis by AssembleDebug (Android Authority). According to the tipster, several strings in a ‘test version’ of Google Home suggest that the app will implement support for CO (carbon monoxide) and smoke detectors.

This support will reportedly be accompanied by a series of new alerts delivered to a user’s phone. The code showed signs of warnings informing users if ‘the smoke level is too high’. Additional alerts were discovered, informing users of dangerous carbon monoxide and smoke levels detected by the sensor and to leave the house to “fresh air.”

The Home app apparently allows users to test their sensors to make sure the functionality is good.

More importantly, the publication reports the existence of Google-made smoke and CO sensors under the name ‘Nest’. However, consumers who carry them can only use their features through the Nest app. There is speculation that the app’s hidden code could indicate an upcoming integration between the Nest app and Google Home. If true, that would eliminate the need for this additional app and bring everything under the roof of the Home app.

Consumers are undoubtedly familiar with the term ‘Matter’, the new industry connectivity standard for connecting smart home devices. In 2022, Google hopped on the Matter train with the Home app support rolled out for the Home Mini, Hub Max, Wifi Pro and Nest Audio. The company then expanded support to more smart home devices and brands.

It doesn’t specifically say that these air quality sensors will be packaged in the Matter standard, but it is possible. The Issue 1.2 upgrade includes support for smoke and CO detectors, while the CSA has tightened up on reducing the number of app “hubs” consumers need to control their devices. It’s likely that Google may include its smoke and CO sensors inside the Home app – not in a separate Nest app – will continue that ‘centralized hub’ idea.

Unfortunately, without more concrete evidence, it’s unclear if and when Google will roll this out. The post wonders if the company has a “future Nest Protect” in the pipeline for this support, but that’s just speculation for now.