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New references to a device codenamed “Quartz” that may be a screen-equipped addition to the Google Home lineup have been found in the latest stable version of the Google app which started rolling out to users on Monday labeled as the build 7.15. Several mentions of the unannounced gadget have been discovered in strings pertaining to the Pairing and Recipes section of the Google app, many of which have already been sighted earlier this month but worded in a slightly different manner. The new phrasing provides more room for interpretation and likely suggests that the Quartz will be able to directly pair with other Google Home devices in addition to communicating with Google’s mobile app which is a feature that most users would expect.
The latest version of the Google app also contains an icon asset meant to be attached to “Routines,” a string of customizable actions which users should be able to activate with a tap after defining them using principles similar to those employed by the IFTTT platform. Related code found in the APK of the service also suggests that certain routines will only be available on Android smartphones but doesn’t elaborate on the matter, though it does reveal that creating Routines should be facilitated with the inclusion of home automation device groups called Scenes. This capability will apparently allow users to create Routines that send certain commands or strings of commands to devices at once in a much more straightforward manner but it’s presently unclear whether Scenes themselves will be customizable or if compatible devices will automatically be added to predefined groups like “lights” or “speakers.” The icon for Routines can be seen below and presumably illustrates the versatility of the upcoming feature.
The newly launched Google app build also contains some descriptions of how to handle the Pixel Buds, in addition to suggesting that all devices from the Bisto category will be able to send anonymized diagnostic data to Google, as is the case with the company’s existing products and services. Users should be able to turn off this particular functionality and will likely be asked to share data with Google only when they first connect their earbuds to the phone running the firm’s Android app.
