No, Google Home Assistant does not currently support custom widgets on its displays, such as the Google Nest Hub or Nest Hub Max.

The interface is designed to prioritize simplicity and user-friendliness, displaying information like weather, calendar events, and reminders in predefined layouts.

However, you can personalize some aspects of the display using features like Ambient Mode, Photo Frame, and Home Control Dashboard.

For advanced customization, integrating Home Assistant or third-party platforms like Node-RED may offer more flexibility.

Features That Allow Limited Personalization

While custom widgets aren’t supported, here are ways you can personalize your Google Home Assistant display:

1. Ambient Mode

Ambient Mode lets you display curated content like photos, artwork, and weather information when the device is idle.

How to Customize Ambient Mode:

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Select your Google Nest Hub or other display device.
3. Tap on Photo Frame or Ambient Mode.
4. Choose one of the following options:
   • Google Photos: Display personal photos.
   • Art Gallery: Showcase curated collections of artwork or nature photography.
   • Full-Screen Clock: Use a minimal clock design as a background.

2. Home Control Dashboard

The Home Control Dashboard allows you to control smart devices from your Google Nest display. You can’t add custom widgets, but you can organize devices and scenes for easy access.

Also Read: How to Set Custom Wallpaper for Google Home Assistant Displays

How to Use Home Control Dashboard:

• Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the dashboard.
• Group devices by rooms or categories for quicker navigation.

Advanced Customization Options

For users seeking more customization, integrating Google Home Assistant with external platforms offers additional flexibility:

1. Home Assistant Integration

By connecting Google Home devices to Home Assistant, an open-source smart home platform, you can create custom dashboards accessible via a browser or tablet.

Steps to Create a Custom Dashboard in Home Assistant:

1. Install Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi, server, or compatible device.
2. Configure your smart devices in Home Assistant.
3. Use the Lovelace Dashboard feature to design custom layouts with widgets for:
   • Temperature sensors.
   • Security camera feeds.
   • Energy usage.
   • Custom scenes and buttons.
4. Access the dashboard from a web browser on your Nest Hub using the built-in browser.

2. Node-RED for Workflow Customization

Node-RED, a flow-based development tool, can be used to manage and display real-time data. While it won’t display widgets on the Google Home interface directly, you can use it to trigger actions or send information to other displays.

3. Cast Custom Dashboards

You can cast custom dashboards or visuals from other devices to your Nest Hub. For example:

• Use a smartphone or tablet to display custom layouts via Google Cast.
• Cast browser-based dashboards created in platforms like Home Assistant or other smart home apps.

Also Read: How to Change Google Home Assistant’s Default Voice

Quick FAQs

1. Can I Add Widgets to My Google Nest Hub?
No, Google Nest Hub does not currently support third-party or custom widgets.

2. How Can I Customize My Google Display?
You can use Ambient Mode, Photo Frame, and Home Control Dashboard to personalize the interface.

3. Can I Use Home Assistant Dashboards on Google Nest Hub?
Yes, you can access Home Assistant dashboards through a browser or by casting them to the Nest Hub.

4. Will Google Add Widget Support in the Future?
While not confirmed, Google frequently updates its devices, so widget functionality might be added in future releases.

5. Are There Any Workarounds for Custom Widgets?
Integrating with platforms like Home Assistant or Node-RED allows for indirect customization through external dashboards.

Also Read: Does Google Home Assistant Allow Color Theme Changes

Conclusion

Although Google Home Assistant doesn’t support custom widgets directly, you can personalize your smart display using features like Ambient Mode and Home Control Dashboard. For advanced users, tools like Home Assistant and Node-RED provide opportunities to create custom dashboards and workflows, offering a flexible alternative to native widget functionality.