Google’s latest smart home device is a bunch of little things called small signals. These six specific objects make up a series of conceptual products, each with a unique function but with a common goal: to communicate organically with you in a different way.
- Google unveils small-signal project that combines connected home and digital health
- The project includes six concepts of connected objects for smart homes
Little Signals is a Google project designed in collaboration with the Map Project Office. While adapting to the environment, each Little Signal has its own design and sensory approach to sending you notifications or interacting with you.
According to Google, the lens is based on Calm technology, and the idea is to reconcile digital and digital well-being by maintaining a certain harmony in your environment. A concept closer to ambient computing that Nothing would flirt with, etc. In short, the idea of a minimally invasive technology.
Each Little Signal connected object has a unique function
Furthermore, the move is to keep users connected to different digital content, similar to what basic connected home devices can do. For example, the Air object uses air pulses to move nearby objects in its area, letting you know if it’s time to water plants or if someone is delivering a package on your doorstep. There are an infinite number of ways that the user can program each object according to the physical model that the object can produce.
Air and Rhythm smart objects from the Google Little Signals project. / © Map Project Office
Perhaps the most practical device in this project is the button, as it combines visual and auditory cues to create patterns. The button serves as both a digital input device and a physical notification center that produces pleasant sounds. The height of the button adjusts according to the amount of information arriving. Commands can also be given to objects by turning the button left or right.
A Tap is a simple cylinder with a swinging arm, but it can produce different levels of sound by tapping on objects or surfaces. There are also different levels of percussion, the louder the more important the news. You can also use the Tap to remind you to take your medicine, just place it next to an object.
Both the Button and Tap objects use mechanical patterns and sounds to notify the user. / © Map Project Office
Additionally, moving objects communicate messages by using multiple legs or pegs. Each hook can represent information such as a timer or command input. Regardless, the legs will work individually or in groups.
In the end, Shadow is like a connected light that communicates through the volume and flow of shadows it casts. The Rhythm, on the other hand, is a smart speaker similar to the Echo Dot and Nest Audio, but plays different ambient sounds to notify users. It can also be controlled by waving or flipping.
Shadow and Rhythm are connected lights and speakers, respectively, but they work in ambient mode. / © Map Project Office
Although these Little Signal smart objects may not completely replace your smart home ecosystem in the future. However, Google may bring some different features to its future Nest products in one way or another.
Which Little Signals devices have the most useful features you can’t wait to see on a real smart home device?