Google has updated its Home app to allow users to reassign a smart plug with a more specific type and control, based on what’s connected to it. The change, reported by 9to5Google, seems to be aesthetic first-and-foremost. With users able to denote connected devices across nine ‘types’. Those are Smart Light, Air conditioner, Coffee maker, Dehumidifier, Fan, Heater, Humidifier, Kettle, TV, and Smart Plug.
By reassigning the device type, the UI associated with that smart plug changes up to allow easier organization. Custom names for the device, of course, stay the same.
For instance, users can reassign a smart plug as a smart light. Then it will appear in the app’s controls for lights. That’ll also make it easier for users to give voice commands via Assistant. Conversely, the “Smart Plug” option lets users return to the default, in case they swap out for something that’s not on the list.
Here’s how to reassign a smart plug via Google Home for more organized control
Using Google Home to adjust the device type for a smart plug and gain access to slightly better control is easy. All that’s required is the Google Home app and some connected devices. Then, users will need to navigate to the device they want to adjust. That’ll be visible immediately after sign-in once the smart plug has been added to the home.
Once a smart plug has been tapped to open its individual settings and UI, users need to tap the gear-shaped settings icon. That’s located in the top-right-hand corner of the interface. “Type” will be listed near the “Name,” “Home,” and “Room” options.
A tap on “Type” reveals the list of types, noted by Google as being “popular device types.”
Users simply need to select a type and then follow prompts to rename the device. That name and a new icon will be presented instead of the standard preset smart plug icon and previous name.
You can’t use this yet …on Android
Now, all of those changes are, for the time being, only applicable to iOS. And it’s not immediately clear why that’s the case. But, for whatever, reason, this feature is only found on iPhones. It should end up on Android devices too via an update to the home automation hub sooner than later. But there’s no timeline for that just yet.