Google Home APIs enter public developer beta on Android

Following the announcement at I/O 2024, Google is launching a public developer beta for its new Home APIs on Android.

There are three parts to the Home APIs:

• Device and Structure APIs: “With one single integration, get access to over 600M devices already connected to Google Home and a single unified interface to manage and control both cloud-connected and Matter devices across Google Home, enabling local control, broad device reach, and support for Matter custom clusters.” This includes Nest Thermostats and other compatible devices, like light bulbs.
• Commissioning API: “Simplifies device set up with Fast Pair on 3 billion Android devices, commission Matter devices directly within your app, enabling seamless onboarding, voice control via Google Assistant, and compatibility with the Google Home ecosystem.”
• Automation API: “Empower your users with all the tools needed to create and manage home automations directly in your app, leveraging extensive signals, commands, and Google specific AI-driven capabilities for personalized and intelligent home experiences.”

Some partners last year have already launched integrations using the Home APIs:

• “Eve was able to unlock advanced features like autonomous heating schedules on Eve Thermo for their users and also expand their reach within the Android ecosystem, establishing a solid foundation for future development.”
• “Nanoleaf used the Home APIs to make entertainment even more delightful by giving customers simple voice commands to turn on their Nanoleaf 4D screen mirroring light strip.” 
• “…LG used the Home APIs to integrate Google Home devices directly into their TV smart home experiences.”

All developers can now access the Android version of the Home APIs and test their apps with up to 100 users, with iOS getting a public developer beta in the coming months. The Google Home APIs will hit general availability “later this year.”