Google is bringing the Home Panel feature to Chromecast with Google TV. This update has started rolling out and lets users easily control their smart home devices straight from their TV screen.

The Home Panel first appeared on Pixel Tablets and the Pixel Fold last year. It gives a quick and simple way to manage lights, thermostats, cameras, and other smart devices without needing a phone. Now, this helpful tool is coming to Chromecast with Google TV.

After updating, users can open the Home Panel by holding the home button on their Chromecast remote. From there, you can quickly check cameras, change the temperature, switch lights on or off, and control other connected devices. The design is simple and easy to use, keeping the focus on important actions.

Google mentioned that this update is rolling out in stages, so it might take a little time before everyone gets it. However, once available, it will make controlling your smart home much easier, especially from the comfort of your couch.

This move shows Google’s goal to make Google TV not just for streaming shows and movies, but also a better tool for managing your smart home devices.

Google is rolling out a fresh look for the Google Account app on Android. The app now follows the new Expressive Material design, giving it a more colorful and modern style. This update makes the app match the latest design changes seen in other Google apps like Google Messages.

The new design keeps the main features the same but refreshes how everything looks. For example, the profile page now shows bigger icons and uses soft color accents based on your wallpaper, thanks to Google’s Material You theming. Settings and options are also arranged more neatly, making the app easier to use.

While the core functions of the Google Account app are unchanged, the visual improvements aim to make the experience more pleasant. You’ll still be able to manage things like your personal info, security settings, and connected devices easily.

Right now, the update isn’t available to everyone yet. It looks like Google is slowly testing it through a server-side rollout. If you want to try it early, you can download the updated APK from trusted sites like APKMirror. However, some users might not see the changes immediately, even after installing the new version.

Google is continuing its push to refresh its apps with the Expressive Material design, and the Google Account app is the latest to join the trend.

Google is bringing some fresh updates to make Gboard and Android Auto even better.

Starting with Gboard, the Emoji Kitchen now has a new “Browse” section. This makes it easier for users to find different emoji sticker combos. You can tap on any emoji and instantly see all the creative mixes available. Plus, there’s a search bar to help you look for specific stickers. This new feature is rolling out first to Pixel devices, with other Android phones expected to get it in the coming months.

On the other hand, Android Auto is now getting the 14.3 beta update. Although there are no big changes yet, this version mainly focuses on fixing bugs and improving performance. Testers have noticed slight speed improvements, but no new features have been spotted so far. Google might be preparing for bigger changes in future updates.

Both these updates show that Google is working hard to make its apps smoother and easier to use. Gboard’s new browsing tool will make messaging more fun, while Android Auto’s small fixes are important for a better driving experience.

If you have a Pixel phone or are part of the Android Auto beta program, you might already see these updates. Otherwise, they should be available to more users soon.