Google announced that it’s bringing new updates to the Google Home app which give Workspace users the ability to manage smart home devices and share permissions directly through their professional or custom-domain accounts. The change removes previous restrictions that limited Workspace users from fully participating in home sharing.
Previously, a user with a custom email could not grant home control to family members (even those on the same domain), although users will now be able to manage access levels for any guest or family member regardless of their account type. Additionally, users with legacy Nest accounts from 2019 or earlier can now migrate their data directly to a Workspace account.
Google says that this also extends to hardware, and Workspace accounts will now be compatible with the initial setup process for the latest Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Doorbell.
For organizations, Google announced new administrator toggles within the Workspace console, which can either enable or disable Google Home access for entire organizations, specific units, or designated groups. Should an administrator disable this control, users will lose access to the Home app and all connected services.
Google does note that users might want to stick to personal Gmail accounts for primary home setups to avoid losing access to their smart devices if they leave an employer or school. Additionally, some limitations are still present for Workspace users, including a lack of access to certain Google Assistant personal results, and the inability to enroll in early access for Gemini for Home.