Google released version 4.3 of its Home app this week, adding local Matter control for Android, upgraded automations, and interface improvements that cut device response times in half.

What's new: The Android update enables phones to talk directly to smart home devices instead of routing commands through Google's servers. Lights, plugs, and switches respond twice as fast when paired with a Matter hub. Commands execute even when internet connection drops.

Matter is a universal standard that lets devices from different brands work together without cloud delays.

Why it matters: Nearly 45% of U.S. internet households own core smart home devices, making speed and reliability essential for daily use. Among shoppers, 37% say Matter certification influences their purchase decision, according to Parks Associates data from 2025.

Faster response turns automation from novelty into something dependable. Lights flip on before you finish the thought. Thermostats adjust before you feel the chill.

Details: Home and Away modes now support custom conditions that let each device behave differently based on your presence. Set your thermostat to heat only when temperature drops below 68°F and you're away. Kill all outlets except the fridge when you leave for work.

Cameras and thermostats gain presence-aware actions that adapt to whether you're home.

The fine print: Android 15 users get edge-to-edge layout that stretches content behind status bars for a cleaner look. Camera AI feedback improved with thumbs-up and thumbs-down cards under each face detection result. The system learns which faces it missed or misidentified.

State of play: iOS users have the update now, while Android rollout happens over the coming days. Local Matter control requires compatible devices or a hub.

The Connectivity Standards Alliance reported 1,214 Matter certifications when Matter 1.2 shipped, with steady growth through 2025. Google fixed setup crashes, casting failures, onboarding glitches, and duplicate thermostat icons.

The bottom line: Version 4.3 transforms Google Home from experimental to dependable for daily use. Some features may arrive gradually even after you update. Hardware compatibility determines which upgrades appear first.

Speed matters when you're standing in the dark waiting for a light to respond.