10 things to do with a Google Home device

Voice-activated assistants like Google Home and Amazon’s Alexa have been around for a few years now, but they’re still kind of gimmicky – they’re not exactly J.A.R.V.I.S.-level A.I.s.

But Google Home might be more useful than you realize, especially if you’re only using it to verbally start your Spotify playlists and occasionally settle a family argument when nobody has their phone handy. There are plenty of ways to use Google Home for entertainment, information, or as a tool for being productive and learning new skills. If you’re going to lace your home with Google devices, you might as well make them work for you.

Note: Android users can configure third-party apps in the Google Home app fave.co/2UD1PW5, but iOS users will need to download the separate Google Assistant app. Most third-party apps no longer need to be ‘linked’ to work, though, so this might not be necessary depending on the app.

1. Link your smart speakers

You don’t need to buy a high-end amp and loudspeaker system to fill your home with music. Google Home has an apparently unlimited speaker-linking feature called speaker groups.

All you need are two or more compatible devices (Google Home, Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen), Google Home Mini (1st Gen), Google Home Max, Google Nest smart displays, Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast Audio, or TVs or speakers with built-in Chromecast) on the same Wi-Fi network.

To set up a speaker