Google assistant and Phillips hue lights ... grrr

Forums › Android › Google assistant and Phillips hue lights ... grrr

Sundr0p

99 posts

Master Geek

#261328 21-Nov-2019 10:03

So i do not have a google home or other smart speaker, i'll just say that upfront.

but until yesterday i was happily able to control lighting via spoken command to my (screen locked ) phone ... as of yesterday something changed, and now lights are considered sensitive info and the phone demands i unlock the screen first. Which frankly sucks if the phone is only in earshot and not actually on me - i might as well walk to the wall switch.

Anyone else seeing this recently too ?

gcorgnet

1078 posts

Uber Geek

#2358506 21-Nov-2019 10:52

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/SPKGOG2000/Google-Home-Smart-Speaker-with-Google-Assistant

KrazyKid

1238 posts

Uber Geek

#2358509 21-Nov-2019 10:56

In use a google mini so haven't had this issue, but as a suggestion what if you use location options to leave your phone unlocked when it is at home - would that solve your issue?

jonathan18

7413 posts

Uber Geek

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#2358526 21-Nov-2019 11:30

I have this problem with my phone, but it seems to be intermittent and not affect all connected devices. At the moment GA requires me to unlock my phone to control the wifi switch controlling the electric blanket, which is a pain (and we don't have a Google Home in our bedroom; not an issue in the rooms we have a Home as that picks up the command).

I've not worked out when and why this happens, so if you find out please let me know!

Sundr0p

99 posts

Master Geek

#2358527 21-Nov-2019 11:32

KrazyKid:

In use a google mini so haven't had this issue, but as a suggestion what if you use location options to leave your phone unlocked when it is at home - would that solve your issue?

thats just nuts though ...i assume they changed the way it worked under the premise that its more secure ...but if people are foced to leave their phone unlocked now in oder to turn lights on and off without manually toggling ... that defeats the purpose. i could be cynical here and suggest they changed the way it works via mobile to further justify the need for a smart speaker device ...

Sundr0p

99 posts

Master Geek

#2358529 21-Nov-2019 11:36

jonathan18:

I have this problem with my phone, but it seems to be intermittent and not affect all connected devices. At the moment GA requires me to unlock my phone to control the wifi switch controlling the electric blanket, which is a pain (and we don't have a Google Home in our bedroom; not an issue in the rooms we have a Home as that picks up the command).

I've not worked out when and why this happens, so if you find out please let me know!

I've seen it mentioned in google support message boards that this is a change by google themselves, in how it behaves .. but its hitting people at different times. for me this started started asking for a screen unlock out of the blue about a day ago. and has done since.

doesn't matter if i enable private info on screen lock or not.

so yes ...with my mobile locked i can actually call or message a contact via voice ...but not switch a light off.

calling BS on this ..

jonathan18

7413 posts

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#2358551 21-Nov-2019 12:11

Ok, you're right; I can't use my phone to control any of my lights or wifi switches without unlocking it.

But, I can control my Google Homes (eg 'play YouTube on x') and Chromecast Audios ('play Spotify on y' without unlocking.

What the...?!

Sundr0p

99 posts

Master Geek

#2358605 21-Nov-2019 12:40

jonathan18:

Ok, you're right; I can't use my phone to control any of my lights or wifi switches without unlocking it.

But, I can control my Google Homes (eg 'play YouTube on x') and Chromecast Audios ('play Spotify on y' without unlocking.

What the...?!

maybe google are worried about a co worker at your office leaning over to your phone and saying "hey google, unlock the front door ...and turn the lights on" or something..

at the very least if your phone is on home wifi it shouldn't be so anal about it imo

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Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#2358676 21-Nov-2019 13:56

...privacy and ease of use are often mutually exclusive.

mattwnz

20164 posts

Uber Geek

#2358705 21-Nov-2019 15:04

I control mine with alexa. An echo dot is pretty cheap to buy these days.