Google recently launched the new Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) after a decade-long wait for a proper direct successor to the 2014 model. Users can control the product via Google Home, dropping support for the Nest app. Now, it seems that the company is working on simpler controls for the Google Home app before the latest Nest Learning Thermostat is available in stores.
Google’s latest premium “Smart Thermostat” refreshed the look of the lineup. The product sports a polished, shiny, and almost futuristic design. Its domed display and slimmed-down bezels make it look like a giant Pixel Watch. It seems that the company wants to complement the new hardware design with some Google Home UI tweaks to make it easier to use with thermostats. As spotted by Android Police, Google is reorganizing the options and adding some useful features.
Nest Thermostat lineup owners will enjoy simpler Google Home controls
In the current version, the Google Home app UI for thermostat control wastes a lot of space. There are a lot of blank areas, while some buttons are timidly hidden in the top right corner. The buttons in question correspond to the Nest app (a shortcut) and the Energy Dashboard. However, in the new UI, the app adds multiple cards that display useful data about the temperature. The buttons mentioned above also become individual cards. The top right corner only retains the “Settings” button and the three-dot menu.
The company is also making it easier to control the temperature from the Favorites menu. Previously, you had to tap on the “Thermostat” button to open a page from which you could tweak this parameter (and others). Now, the button is much bigger and directly includes “+” and “-” symbols that will allow you to tweak the temperature. However, you can still tap the “Thermostat” button to open all the available control options.
The new Nest Learning Thermostat is available for pre-order on the Google Store and at Best Buy for $279.99. However, it will be available for direct purchase starting August 20. The revamped Google Home thermostat UI with simpler controls is currently available in the app’s Public Preview (v3.20.1.8) and may arrive in the stable channel this month.
