Automate Your Home and Life with Google Now on Android Using IFTTT

As a seasoned Android user and smart home automation expert, I've relied on Google Now for years to streamline daily tasks without needing extra hardware like the Amazon Echo. Your existing Android smartphone already packs powerful voice control features through Google Now.

We've explored Google Now's search enhancements in 6 Google Now Features That Will Change The Way You Search. In fact, you can accomplish even more hands-free, like voice commands while driving—safer than texting!

If you own an Android phone, skip the extra spending. Follow these proven IFTTT integrations to voice-control your home and routines effortlessly.

Control Your Nest Thermostat

Google Now doesn't directly command the Nest Learning Thermostat—check out 13 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do with a Nest Thermostat for more. Instead, leverage IFTTT, covered in our Ultimate Guide to IFTTT.

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First, set up an IFTTT account if needed. Create a new applet with Gmail as the trigger: New email in inbox matching subject:nest.

For the action, select Nest Thermostat, choose your device, and map the email body to the temperature setting using the BodyPlain ingredient.

This applet scans for emails with 'Nest' in the subject and sets your thermostat to the body value (e.g., 70).

Activate via Google Now: Say "Email Ryan, Subject Nest, Message 70". Google Now sends the email, triggering IFTTT to adjust your thermostat instantly.

Tips for Google Now Email Triggers

Before expanding, optimize your setup:

• Create a dedicated email alias for triggers to keep your inbox clean and link it to IFTTT.
• For binary controls like Philips Hue lights (smartly light up your home with Philips Hue), use phrases like 'kitchen lights on/off'.
• Use the email body for variables, as with Nest.
• Name your IFTTT email meaningfully—I've named mine 'Johnny' for my voice assistant.

Add Reminders to Your To-Do App

Integrate with apps like Todoist (Automate Your Life with Todoist and IFTTT; How Much More Productive Is Todoist Premium?).

Voice command: "Email Johnny, to do, message Pick up groceries today".

Gmail trigger: New email in inbox with Find: to do.

Action: Create task in Todoist (or your app), using email body as description. Todoist parses dates like 'next Tuesday at 4pm' automatically.

Voice-add tasks anywhere, hands-free.

Log Your Weight with Fitbit

Command: "Email Johnny, Subject Fitbit, Message 220".

Gmail trigger: New email in inbox with Find: fitbit.

Fitbit action: Record a weight, using email body for value.

Log weights effortlessly without apps or computers.

Post to Social Accounts

Post to Facebook (5 Free Methods to Schedule Facebook Updates): "Email Johnny, Facebook Subject, Message This is my status update!".

IFTTT Facebook action: Create a status message.

Twitter (The 6 Best Tools for Scheduling Twitter Updates): "Email Johnny, Twitter Subject, Message I can't believe I can post on Twitter with my voice!".

Slack (Get More Out of Slack with These 7 Tips): "Email Johnny, Subject Slack, Message Hi everyone, I'm running late!", to a specific channel.

Unlike stationary devices, Google Now works anywhere.

Expand Your Voice Control Possibilities

Explore IFTTT channels for SmartThings (3 Ways to Protect Your Family with SmartThings Presence), WeMo (3 Ways Belkin WeMo Can Smarten Your Lamps), and more smart appliances (5 Smart Home Appliances You Should Buy).

Have you enabled Google Now? Tried these? Share your setups in the comments.