By Google Home is not the most fleshed out and extensible platform right now, and while proper support for third-party development is on the way, others are finding it possible to do advanced things with it right now.
Reddit user Hovee probably has the most interesting DIY application we’ve seen thus far: he uses a custom OK Google command to turn on his fireplace. No, really, he just says “OK Google, turn on my fireplace,” and poof — on comes the fireplace. Video proof is above.
Obviously this was something that took him a bit of work to setup. His fireplace was already electronically controlled, so all he had to do was rewire it to work with a Raspberry Pi which would parse the commands and between it and Google Home. There was some light coding necessary to bring it all together, with IFTTT being the primary relay man for the job.
If you want to do the same, he has posted full instructions on how to get going. We’re not sure we’d recommend it if you aren’t already savvy with wiring, but if you don’t mind potentially breaking your fireplace for something more convenient and cool then be sure to head to Reddit and get yourself up to speed.
PS: Amazon Alexa owners will be delighted to know they can do much of the same (provided you are willing to get a WeMo switch)! Video below, and instructions here.
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