Google is taking significant steps to enhance the user experience of its Home app, with a series of exciting updates aimed at making smart home management simpler and more intuitive.

According to recent reports, one of the most notable changes involves the addition of a convenient QR scanner within the Devices tab of the Home app. This will allow users to quickly scan QR codes found on smart home devices, streamlining the setup process, especially for products that support the Matter standard.

In addition to the QR scanner, the Home app is reportedly introducing a dedicated search bar in the Favorites tab. This feature is anticipated to provide users with an efficient way to locate their favorite or saved connected devices. The integration of a search icon, often depicted as a magnifying glass, is designed to help users effortlessly navigate their smart home ecosystem.

Details about these updates emerged from an APK teardown, which revealed that these features appear to be in advanced stages of development. However, it may still be a little while before these user interface (UI) enhancements are made available to the general public on Android platforms.

Aside from these interface changes, Google is also busy innovating with its artificial intelligence capabilities. In December, the company conducted a Public Preview test for its "Help me create" feature, which leverages AI to assist users in automating home tasks. This tool enables users to either speak their commands or input text descriptions, allowing for a more personalized automation experience.

During the testing phase, users were able to provide detailed commands that fit into three specified parameters: the Starter, Condition, and Action. This functionality is expected to help users create more complex and effective automations for their lights, security devices, and other smart gadgets.

Furthermore, Google has been testing another AI-driven enhancement known as "Gemini in Assistant" on Nest devices. This feature aims to improve the responses that users receive from the Google Assistant, making them more informative and comprehensive. The test indicated that users could interrupt the Assistant for additional context, thereby fostering a more conversational and engaging interaction.

As Google continues to refine the Home app and expand its AI capabilities, users can look forward to a more cohesive and user-friendly smart home experience, making it easier than ever to manage home automation.