I recently faced a challenge that I thought was impossible—displaying a local network web page on my Google Nest Hub. Google’s device doesn’t come with a web browser, so I knew it wouldn’t be straightforward. After some research and experimentation, I found a clever workaround using Homey, a versatile home automation hub. Here’s how I did it:
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Create a Virtual Device: I started by setting up a virtual device on Homey. This device acts as a toggle to control the display. I named it “Office Screen Dashboard” and gave it basic on/off functionality.
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Install the Google Chromecast App: Next, I installed the Google Chromecast app on Homey. This allowed me to cast content to my Google Nest Hub. I configured it to recognize the Nest Hub as a Chromecast device.
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Set Up a Flow: The real magic happens with a flow. I programmed Homey to cast my desired web page to the Nest Hub and then turn off the virtual device after a few seconds. This ensures the display doesn’t stay active unnecessarily.
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Create a Google Home Routine: Finally, I set up a routine in the Google Home app. I programmed it to respond to the command “Show the dashboard,” which triggers the flow on Homey. The result? Magic! My local web page appears on the Nest Hub whenever I ask for it.
This solution has been a game-changer for me. It’s perfect for displaying dashboards or status pages that I want to access quickly without pulling out my phone. I hope this helps others who were stuck wondering how to achieve something similar. Happy automating! 