As we live with the so-called "smart" products, we are gradually realizing their capabilities unbeknownst to their limitations. Sometimes, even the most advanced smart home devices do not function properly, and that leads to thinking that they should be improved further.

For instance, Google Home's latest version, the 2.36 now launches its "only ring when home" feature which suggests that your smart displays will only be notified of the incoming calls when you are home.

Google Home Will Not Ring Anymore if You Are Away

Google Home 2.36 Rolls Out 'Only Ring When Home' Feature For Duo and Other Call Providers
(Photo : Screenshot from YouTube/6 Months Later Reviews)

Recently, Google Home has released its feature which will only ring if the user is at home. If you are not in your house, the smart home device will only remain silent until you arrive later.

Last 2020, presence sensing was introduced by Google Home for the Home and Away Routines, 9to5Google's Abner Li reported on Tuesday, Apr.13.

Presence sensing, in reality, needs to be explained deeper since it could tackle some privacy implications to the users. At first, a user will only think of one thing in the form of a camera.

The cameras involved in the feature will be able to recognize if a person has left his/her home. Most probably, the incorporation of sensors in this product could also be possible since many devices have already adopted them.

For example in the case of smart home products like smart thermostats and smart tags, their feature called "smart lock" might tell someone about the presence of a particular person at his/her home.

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Slash Gear noted on Wednesday, Apr.14, that the new option will now be available for the users via the location of the smartphone. This is used to know if someone is still away or he/she is already at home.

If you turn this one, Google Duo and other call providers will be notified by Google Home that your smart displays like home speakers will not ring when your mobile phone is far away.

A Significant Flaw Present in Google Home Feature

While this sounds to be a perfect security notification feature, this poses a single flaw. For instance, if you are watching movies inside the house, yet your phone is not by your side, your smart devices will not be triggered by Google Home's ring call. This is also taken to account that someone could somehow answer the incoming call.

Furthermore, you also need to remember that the Home and Away Routines will persist to work through utilizing your phone's location even if you do not turn on the feature in the setting.

At the moment, the 2.36 version of the Google Home app has already activated the "only ring when home" feature for its Apple iOS users. Yet, it is now continuously being spread out also for those who have Android smartphones.

We could see another set of Google Home features that could notify us even if we are not in our homes. It is certain that the next time around, the "only ring when home" feature could receive a solution for its slight flaw.

Related Article: Google Home Mini vs. Google Nest Mini: Design, Pricing, and Other Features to Consider

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Written by Joen Coronel

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