Google is gearing up to revolutionize the way you control your smart home with an exciting new “Favorites” widget for the Google Home app on Android. This innovative feature has been in the works for a while now, first hinted at in October 2023 and recently showcased at I/O 2024. Thanks to some eagle-eyed sleuthing by the folks at 9to5Google, we now have a sneak peek into what this widget has in store for us.

The “Favorites” widget is designed to simplify your smart home experience by bringing your most-used controls right to your fingertips on your device’s home screen. Whether you’re adjusting the thermostat, turning lights on and off, or triggering complex routines, this widget promises to make these tasks as easy as a simple tap.

A closer look at version 3.18 of the Google Home app reveals a sleek and user-friendly design for the widget. It seamlessly integrates with the existing “Favorites” tab in the app, allowing you to effortlessly sync your preferred controls. Alternatively, you can customize a standalone widget with a unique set of commands tailored to your needs.

The widget itself features a clean and intuitive layout, reminiscent of the familiar tile-based interface found in the Google Home app. With dynamic color theming to match your phone’s aesthetic and a handy refresh button for real-time updates, staying on top of your devices’ status has never been easier. And for those fully immersed in the smart home lifestyle, you can even expand the widget to take up your entire home screen.

This new “Favorites” widget is just one example of how Google continues to enhance the Google Home app, providing users with a more convenient and intuitive smart home experience. While an official release date for this exciting feature is yet to be announced, it’s definitely something worth getting excited about. Stay tuned for more updates on this game-changing addition to Google’s lineup!