Google Launches New Nest Automation Capabilities with a YAML-Based Script Editor
New scripting engine exposes nearly 100 starters, conditions, and actions, offering far more capabilities than the stock app.
Google has delivered a surprise for those looking to get a little more out of its Nest smart home ecosystem: a script editor, now in public preview, which allows the user to create their own automation routines without being limited to features present in the app.
"We built a script editor to give you more control over your home automations [which] provides a new way to quickly create and edit powerful home automations using YAML," the Google Nest team explains of its latest launch. "You can easily create scripts for advanced automations with more device traits than are currently available in the app. Similar to the new Home app, the new Automation Tab on Google Home for web shows your Personal and Household Routines."
Available now in the web and app versions of Google Home, the scripting system uses YAML to define custom configurations — and, neatly, operates entirely in-browser, complete with a script editor with syntax highlighting and script validation, meaning there's no need to create YAML files offline or manually download files for editing.
In addition to syntax highlighting, the editor also includes an autocomplete system capable of pulling in device names and traits from your Google Home configuration — while the Next team itself has created almost 100 starters, conditions, and actions which can be accessed through the scripting system, including support for Matter devices from Google and third parties.
"You can also start automations with the most popular sensor types, including many Matter-supported sensors," the Google Nest team adds. "For flexible automations, use advanced logic like multiple starters, Boolean conditions, and custom Assistant queries to fine tune when an automation runs. Only basic coding skills are needed to edit and adopt automations quickly using example automation scripts."
More information on the feature is available in Google's documentation, including a 48-minute codelab walkthrough and example scripts for direct control, scheduling, camera operation, heating and ventilation, synchronization, and home entertainment scenarios.