Android 15
With the release of Android 15, Google has added several exciting features to enhance user experience, including a brand new screensaver called Home Controls. This feature turns your Android phone or tablet into a smart home dashboard, offering quick access to your favorite smart home devices when the device is docked. While Android 15 is still rolling out to many devices, this new screensaver feature is already shaping up to be a game-changer for smart home enthusiasts.
Google first revealed the Home Controls screensaver in the third beta of Android 15 back in June, and it can be accessed on Pixel devices by navigating to Settings > Display & touch > Screen saver. For non-Pixel devices, the setting location may vary, depending on the manufacturer.
Once activated, the Home Controls screensaver displays the Favorites view from the Google Home app when your device is docked. This allows you to manage your preferred smart home devices without unlocking your phone or tablet. Contrary to what some may believe, this feature isn’t limited to Pixel devices or the Google Home app—other smart home apps like Home Assistant can also integrate with it.
Home Controls builds on the Device Controls feature introduced in Android 14, which allowed users to access smart home functions through Quick Settings tiles or lock screen widgets. In Android 15, the SystemUI app powers this feature, embedding smart home controls into the screensaver interface.
With Android 15 gradually rolling out, many users are eager to explore this feature. If you’ve had the chance to try the Home Controls screensaver, we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Also read – Samsung’s new One UI 7.0
