Google issued 100 announcements during its Google I/O developers conference this week, none of which involved the smart home. That apparent lack of enthusiasm for a topic close to our heart didnât dissuade TV and smart-appliance manufacturer Hisense from announcing plans to integrate new Google Home APIs into its own ConnectLife app, so that third-party smart home devices can be folded into that ecosystem.
Hisense first announced that it would open its ConnectLife app to third-party products in December, 2024. Today, it announced it will incorporate the latest Google Home APIs into the app by the fall of 2025, Hisense says this will enable users to onboard a wide range of third-party smart home devicesâincluding Matter and Works With Google Home-certified productsâto create a more integrated smart home experience.
Hisense cited two examples of how this would benefit ConnectLife users: âOne-touch modes and customized automations can blend Hisense products with third-party devices to create intelligent home responses, such as air conditioners automatically adjusting based on third-party air quality sensors, or smart lights providing visual notifications when the Hisense refrigeratorâs VersaTemp drawer reaches the ideal temperature for chilling drinks.â
âAt Hisense, we are committed to simplifying smart living for everyone,â said Hisense Director of Smart Home Experiences, Hisense Americas Region Miguel Becerra. âThis integration enhances ConnectLife to create seamless experiences that make everyday life more convenient and enjoyable for our consumers.â
Further reading: Smart home got the cold shoulder at Googleâs I/O keynote
The new version of the Hisense ConnectLife app is expected to be available this fall for both the Android and iOS platforms.
As for the new Google Home APIs, they were quietly announced on May 15, ahead of Google I/O, and arenât included in the â100 things we announced at I/Oâ list that was published on May 21, after the conference wrapped up.
