Gather round, tech enthusiasts and home automation aficionados! It's been roughly a year since the birth of the Home Assistant companion app for Android, and it's fast become the go-to method for navigating Home Assistant dashboards on Android smartphones and, yes, even those increasingly rare Android tablets. But the app's utility doesn't stop at dashboard viewing – it's also adept at collecting data from your device's sensors. Much like Home Assistant itself, the Android companion app's development is speeding along like a bullet train, with the 3.0.0 release now gracing the Google Play Store.
- Unwrapping the gift: What's new in 3.0.0?
- The next chapter: New sensors and tailored settings
- Peeking into the treasure trove: Four new sensors
- Fine-tuning your experience: Enhanced sensor settings
- A glimpse of the future: Android 11 Power Menu
- Rolling out the welcome mat: Enhanced onboarding for newcomers
Unwrapping the gift: What's new in 3.0.0?
This latest update presents two delightful additions to the Home Assistant companion app's repertoire: an array of new sensor integrations and support for the Android 11 Power Menu. Moreover, if you're a newcomer to the app, the onboarding experience has been polished to near perfection, making your first encounter a breeze. So, without further ado, let's dive into the exciting novelties of release 3.0.0.
The next chapter: New sensors and tailored settings
It's no secret that many of us still rely on the mighty Tasker app for certain tasks. However, the more the Home Assistant companion app for Android can shoulder, the closer we get to achieving true digital assistant nirvana.
Peeking into the treasure trove: Four new sensors
Although some of the new sensors might not send shivers of excitement down your spine, it's heartening to witness the strides being made in their development. You never know when support for a specific sensor might swoop in and save the day, allowing you to bid farewell to Tasker or any other app you were using as a stopgap measure. Embrace the future, as the Home Assistant companion app for Android is expanding its horizons and inching ever closer to being your ultimate digital sidekick.
Last Notification sensor
A promising replacement for a Tasker function, the Last Notification sensor captures all attributes from a notification and feeds them to Home Assistant. This means you can potentially integrate any app that sends notifications but isn't directly connected to Home Assistant. Picture yourself harnessing this sensor for incoming calls or WhatsApp messages – you could even set up a colour-coded light system to alert you when your significant other is trying to get in touch.
Traffic Stats sensor
The Home Assistant companion app for Android now taps into your device's traffic statistics – referring to data usage rather than road conditions. Keep in mind that accuracy depends on your phone's API, but this could be invaluable for managing a limited data plan.
Keyguard sensors
These nifty sensors delve into the Keyguard API to reveal various states, letting Home Assistant know whether your Android device is locked or password-protected. It's like having a digital lookout to keep tabs on your device's security.
Last Update Trigger sensor
This sensor's state reflects the reason behind the last update sent to your Home Assistant, offering useful insights into your system's recent activity.
Fine-tuning your experience: Enhanced sensor settings
The Home Assistant companion app for Android isn't just about adding new sensors; it's also committed to refining the overall sensor experience. In this latest version, a selection of sensors – detailed in the release notes – boast custom settings designed to give you greater control over the updates sent to your Home Assistant instance. It's the thoughtful touches like these that elevate the app from a simple digital tool to a truly personalized assistant.
A glimpse of the future: Android 11 Power Menu
As the Android universe evolves, it brings forth the Power Menu, a feature that arrived with the latest Android 11 operating system. For the moment, most Android smartphones are yet to receive the update, so consider this a sneak peek into what's in store.
The Android 11 Power Menu is a control hub for a dazzling array of home automation elements, including automations, climate, covers, fans, input booleans, input numbers, lights, locks, scenes, scripts, and switches. This centralized command centre means you'll be able to orchestrate your smart home symphony with the precision of a seasoned maestro.
Rolling out the welcome mat: Enhanced onboarding for newcomers
A warm welcome awaits those new to the Home Assistant companion app for Android. One of the notable improvements is the ability to bestow a custom name upon your device. While the default device model might not offer the most descriptive or meaningful label, you now have the freedom to choose a name that resonates with you. It's these small but impactful changes that make your first foray into the world of home automation feel like a tailor-made experience.
