If you’re one of the many individuals that was rather unhappy with the Google Home app’s layout, then good news! Google is majorly overhauling the Home app’s UI.

With the current design, Google seemed to streamline the layout a little too well, which minimized the control that users have over their smart home devices.

However, with the new design, Google is preparing for the Matter smart home standard, which will allow for control of smart devices across multiple brand ecosystems.

The new Matter standard is something Google seems to be rapidly incorporating with it’s latest smart home push, with the just announced Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro Router also Matter compatible.

With the new UI, Google has maintained a minimalist design, whilst majorly overhauling the way in which users can access and control features.

Furthermore, so that users aren’t inundated with new functionality, the UI itself is customizable, allowing consumers to prioritize the features and controls they want.

So those who want to control their smart TV or other devices, but don’t want to be bothered about smart lighting or other devices they don’t own, can bypass those.

For those who do have a completely smart home with a massive number of devices however, the new layout features easy navigation via clearly labeled tabs.

Automation is easier too, with scheduling and reminder features that allow you to streamline the daily operation of your home.

The new Google Home is due to roll out to smartphones, browsers and Wear OS devices later this spring. For those interested, beta signups are available by clicking here.

Some users however have already accidentally received an early version of the new Home app via a Play Store update, according to AndroidPolice. The version they received is very early, and features a confidentiality warning.

https://twitter.com/MishaalRahman/status/1577502762623209474

The name Google seems to be giving the version is ‘Dogfood’, a moniker it uses for internal testing versions of apps.

Already, the version has been uploaded to APK Mirror, meaning users are able to try the update for themselves.

Alongside the already listed features, one of the most interesting additions is the ability to “Set up your dock”, a workflow that reads “Dim lights with your voice, enjoy hands free controls, and personalize your tablet to suit you.”

This suggests that Google is indeed looking to use the upcoming Pixel Tablet as a smart home hub, something that was already hinted at with the tablets design featuring magnetic connectors on the rear.

No specific date has been announced for the update as of yet, but it is clear that Google is looking to get a headstart in the smart home control market, competing with Samsung’s SmartThings, which is also set to adopt the Matter Smart Home standard.