Google Opens Smart Home Control to AI Agents Like Claude in Early Access

Google has introduced a new feature that allows AI agents like Claude to control smart home devices through Google Home. This functionality is currently in early access and only available on the most expensive Google Home plan, which costs $20 per month or $200 per year.

The announcement explains that any agent capable of calling Model Context Protocol (MCP) tools can now interact with devices and event history in a Google Home. The MCP server exposes five tools: one to find homes, one to list devices and rooms, one to read live device states, one to run actions, and one to search the history of past events.

Google has highlighted several examples of what can be achieved with this feature, including summarizing activity across multiple cameras, counting laundry loads, sending audio messages through Google Home speakers, or building custom dashboards for home management. However, users must consent separately before an agent can access camera data, and door unlocking is prohibited to maintain safety.

Google emphasizes the risks associated with connecting a real-life home to AI agents, warning that it can result in 'unexpected or even undesired behavior.' The company advises setting up separate test homes or informing other household members about potential consequences.