Smart home enthusiasts are about to gain a new way to manage their connected devices through AI. Google has just opened early access to a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for its Google Home ecosystem, enabling AI agents that support MCP—such as Claude, Hermes, OpenClaw, ChatGPT, and Google Antigravity—to securely interact with smart home devices and retrieve event history.

With this capability, users can issue natural language commands to accomplish tasks like reviewing camera summaries, keeping tabs on smart home activity, controlling connected devices, and designing personalized smart home dashboards.

Getting connected requires a few steps: users must set up a Google Cloud project configured for Home MCP, then share the MCP configuration details with their chosen AI agent and request that it handle the setup. The agent will subsequently prompt them to log in and authorize permissions. A setup guide is also available through the Google Home Developer Center.

The system works with any device in the Google Home ecosystem, covering Google Nest doorbells and thermostats as well as "Works with Google Home" (or Matter) devices such as light bulbs.

MCP is already supported across other parts of Google's business, including Google Cloud and data platforms, developer tools, and Google Workspace. However, extending support to Google Home speaks more directly to consumers who are exploring AI agents built to manage everyday tasks.

Access to the MCP begins rolling out today and will continue over the next several weeks, initially reaching subscribers of Google Home Premium Advanced in the U.S. This is the pricier $20-per-month tier, which includes features such as extended event-based video history, descriptive notifications and detailed alerts, video history search tools, daily summaries, and more.

Google declined to say whether or when the MCP might expand to additional subscription tiers or markets. During this early access phase, the company says it is gathering feedback from early adopters through its Smart Home for Developers Community.