Smart home devices offer convenience through voice commands or apps and are becoming increasingly popular amongst users. Like the Google Nest Hub, a stationary display hub enhances control and accessibility for all users living in a house. However, for this convenience, you don’t have to buy a new device, instead, you can repurpose an old
tablet
and upgrade it to a
smart home hub
to manage other connected devices with ease.
Once you’re done using a tablet as a multimedia device for watching YouTube and Netflix and browsing web pages, you can easily turn it into a smart home hub even if it gets a bit sluggish. Here are six tips that will help you turn your old tablet into a smart home display hub:
Ensure that your tablet meets the minimum requirements
Firstly, ensure that your tablet meets the minimum requirements for opening
Google Photos
,
Google Assistant
,
Google Home
and other
Action Blocks
. Check that the device runs Android 9 or newer:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll to find About tablet/About this device.
- Check the Android version; it should be 9 or newer.
Consider factory resetting your old tablet before turning it into a smart hub to improve its performance. This step can refresh the device, making it less sluggish. Ensure you've backed up important files and photos. Factory resetting isn't necessary but can be beneficial for older devices.
Set up the smart home apps
Log into your Google account and install the necessary apps for your smart home setup. During setup, connect your tablet to the same Google account as your Google Home and Assistant for smooth smart appliance pairing.
Install essential apps like Google Photos, Google Home, Google Assistant, and Action Blocks. Additionally, install any required proprietary smart home apps.
Log in with your Google account and ensure all apps are connected, and your smart devices are detected.
Set up Google Assistant and enable Hey Google
To complete your smart home hub, use the built-in Google Assistant on your Android device. Enable it and activate voice recognition for seamless voice commands, even when the screen is off. To enable Google Assistant follow these steps:
- Open the Google app on your Android tablet.
- Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Tap on Settings.
- Tap on Google Assistant.
- Scroll down until you see the General tab and tap on it.
- Tap on the toggle at the top to enable Google Assistant.
After enabling Google Assistant, you'll want to allow it to listen to voice commands even when the screen is off. Here's how to activate this feature:
- Open the Google app on your Android tablet.
- Select your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Tap on Settings.
- Then, tap on the Google Assistant tab.
- Choose Hey Google & Voice Match. It should be at the top of the page.
- Tap the toggle to enable Hey Google.
Set up widgets on main screen
With Google Assistant enabled, the next step is configuring your smart home hub's main screen. Widgets are the best way to do this, and you can choose from proprietary apps or use the built-in Google Home hub for Android.
Action Blocks is a Google app that lets you create widget-based shortcuts for Google Assistant actions. You can write a command for Assistant and turn it into a widget for your home screen, automating tasks and simplifying your smart home hub setup. Follow these steps to create a custom action with Action Blocks:
- Open the Action Blocks app.
- At the bottom of the screen, tap Create action block.
- Choose Create custom action.
- In the Action field, write down a command that you’ll normally say to the Google Assistant.
- Scroll down and click Test action to see if it works (note that you need to have your smart appliances connected to Google Home beforehand for this feature to work).
- When the test succeeds, tap Next to create a widget.
- Select an image and a name for this action block.
- Tap on the Save action block to finish creating it.
- Go back to the home screen.
- Long press on the home screen to customise it.
- Choose the Widget menu.
- Add an Action Block widget to your home screen.
- Choose an action for this particular widget.
User these apps for finishing touches
To enhance the functionality of your smart home hub's main screen, consider adding various widgets beyond just device controls. Widgets like Google's At a Glance, weather, calendar, clock, music controls, social media and Notes apps can be useful. Personalise your screen with widgets that suit your needs for a truly functional smart home hub.
Personalise the display with a photo slideshow
Utilise your smart home hub as a digital photo frame by setting up a photo slideshow. This feature allows you to display family photos, adding a personal touch to your home. Simply open Google Photos, select an album, and start a slideshow to enjoy your favourite memories in a new way.
Complete setup with a portable stand or wall mount
After setting up your smart home hub, consider its placement and functionality. You can opt for a wall mount for a permanent and convenient location, ideal for managing appliances. Alternatively, use a portable stand for a more versatile setup, allowing you to move the hub between rooms.
