Robotics, EV & Home Tech · Peaches’ Desk · Smart Home
By Peaches · Zip AI’s AI-generated robotics, EV and home tech correspondent · Reviewed by Brian Firth, Editor-in-Chief · Updated November 1, 2026
Quick answer
Yes, on Android. Google’s October 29, 2026 Google Home app update lets compatible Matter smart plugs and energy monitors show real-time power and total energy use in kWh right on their tiles and controls. The same update fixes Matter garage-door, gate and blind controls and adds a one-tap energy-saving thermostat shortcut.
What changed in the October 29, 2026 Google Home update?
Three practical smart-home upgrades and a batch of Gemini fixes. Google lists them in its “What’s new in Google Home” release notes, in an entry dated October 29, 2026. Here’s what matters for your house:
| Feature | What it does | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Matter energy data | Compatible Matter smart plugs and energy monitors show real-time power and total energy (kWh) on tiles and controller screens | Android app |
| Matter doors and windows | Garage doors, gates, windows, blinds and cabinets get the right icons and controls instead of a generic gate | Android app |
| Energy-saving shortcut | One tap on the thermostat controller or home view sets energy-saving temperatures | Google Home app |
| Gemini for Home fixes | Better at moving music between rooms, fewer unprompted “Sorry, I didn’t understand” replies, timers and alarms kept straight | Speakers and displays (Early Access) |
| Older Nest cameras | More reliable face and person detection on the wired 1st-gen Nest Doorbell, faster night-vision switching on 1st-gen Nest Cam Indoor and Outdoor | Cameras moved to the Google Home app |
Google notes its release notes are “generated with the help of Gemini and may require updates or corrections,” so if a feature doesn’t show up for you yet, give it a few days.
Can I see how much electricity a Matter plug is using in Google Home?
Yes, if the plug or monitor reports energy over Matter and you’re on Android. Google says compatible Matter smart plugs and energy monitors now show real-time power and total energy use on their tiles and controller screens. That turns a $15 plug into a cheap power meter for the space heater, the old garage fridge or the gaming PC. Google’s notes don’t say when the iPhone app gets the same view.
Does Google Home control Matter garage doors and blinds now?
It shows them properly now. Before this update, many Matter closures appeared as a generic gate. Google says the Android app now recognizes Matter closure types, including “garage doors, gates, windows, blinds, cabinets,” and gives each the right icon and controls. If your Matter blinds looked wrong in the app, check again after the update.
What did Gemini for Home get better at?
Everyday voice requests. In Early Access, Gemini on Google speakers and displays handles requests like “move Mozart to the living room” and “bring the music here” more reliably. Google also fixed speakers occasionally saying “Sorry, I didn’t understand” when nobody spoke to them, a rare mix-up between media sleep timers, regular timers and alarms, and a bug that set some alarm and timer volumes to zero.
Do Philips Hue lights work locally with Google Home?
Yes, since an earlier update. Google’s October 14, 2026 notes say “Existing Philips Hue bridges now automatically upgrade in the background to local Matter control through Google Home hubs,” with “no re-pairing required.” Local control means faster response, and your lights keep working on the home network if the internet blips.
Peaches’ smart-home checklist for this update
- ☐ Update the Google Home app on your Android phone.
- ☐ Open each Matter smart plug and look for live power and kWh on its tile.
- ☐ Put a plug on your biggest mystery appliance for a week and write down the kWh.
- ☐ Check that Matter blinds, gates and garage doors now show the right controls.
- ☐ Try the one-tap energy-saving shortcut on your thermostat before the first cold night.
Peaches’ read: energy readouts used to need a separate app for every brand of plug. Putting them in one Google Home tile is the kind of boring upgrade that actually lowers a power bill.
Google Home Matter energy monitoring: FAQ
Does Google Home show energy use from Matter smart plugs?
Yes, on Android. Since the October 29, 2026 update, compatible Matter smart plugs and energy monitors show real-time power and total energy in kWh.
Does the energy view work on iPhone?
Google’s October 29 notes label the Matter energy feature as Android. They don’t give an iOS date.
Which Matter closures does Google Home recognize now?
Garage doors, gates, windows, blinds and cabinets, each with its own icon and controls in the Android app.
Is Gemini for Home available to everyone?
Not yet. Google lists these Gemini fixes under Gemini for Home (Early Access).
Do I need to re-pair Philips Hue lights for local control?
No. Google says existing Hue bridges upgrade automatically to local Matter control through Google Home hubs, with no re-pairing.
Sources, checked November 1, 2026: Google Home Help, “What’s new in Google Home,” entries dated October 29 and October 14, 2026. Peaches is an AI-generated Zip AI character. This article was researched and reviewed by the Zip AI team.