"Android 15 allows you to transform your phone into a handy smart home control panel: here's how it works."
The new Home Controls screensaver provides tools for smart home management when your phone is plugged in.
Android 15 has been available for a while, and we are still discovering new features, including a screensaver that makes it easier to control smart home devices without needing to unlock the phone. The feature, called Home Controls, turns the smartphone into a control panel for smart home devices when placed in a charging dock. This functionality is not exclusive to Google devices, as it is also compatible with the Google Home app and can be used on Pixel phones, as well as at least one other smart home application, Home Assistant, and on any device running an Android 15-based operating system.
To enable the Home Controls screensaver, users must go to the Settings app, navigate to the 'Display & touch' tab, and click on the screensaver tab. Once activated, when the phone is connected to a dock or charger, a screen will appear with various options for smart home control. Reports indicate that Google introduced the Home Controls screensaver in the third beta of Android 15 in June. However, the final variant of Android 15 is just starting to roll out on high-end devices, with Pixel phones set to receive an update based on Android 15 on October 15.
The Home Controls system operates through the Android SystemUI app, integrating activities from the Google Home app or the third-party Home Assistant app. For those concerned about battery health when keeping the phone connected to a charger for extended periods, it's encouraging to know that Android 15 includes an 80% charging limit on Pixel phones, with the hope that this option will be adopted by other platforms.
For now, it's positive to see how these useful smart home options are being implemented for all Android 15 users. The availability of Android 15 features on each specific device depends on the respective manufacturer's plans. Brands that use Android often incorporate a cosmetic layer with exclusive features, sometimes referred to as a 'wrapper,' which can make it seem like an operating system in itself.
As mentioned, Pixel phones will receive Android 15 this month, and other manufacturers like Motorola and Nothing have announced deployment plans or have begun beta testing.
