Google is making important strides in the reach of it's home virtual assistant with the Google Home now importantly being able to integrate with Z-Wave via voice. Home automation based around voice control is becoming more and more common in today's Smart Home. CNet reports
"Google Home expands its smart home reach with Z-Wave
Z-Wave shows off upgraded firmware at IFA in Berlin allowing you to control devices with your voice through Google.
Soon, you can build your own Google-controlled smart home.
At IFA, Berlin's annual tech showcase, Z-Wave is showing off a module that will allow you to upgrade your smart home with voice controls through the Google Assistant. Soon, if you have a Raspberry Mini Computer, a Western Digital MyCloud Smart Home System, or a Popp Hub Control Center, you'll be able to control synced devices with a voice command to your Google Home or Google Pixel.
Z-Wave allows accessories to talk to each other and to the cloud without using much energy -- so small devices can survive for awhile without expending much battery life. Z-way is software that will enable devices that use Z-Wave to respond to Google.
You could already control quite a few smart home products with the Google Assistant -- the search giant's digital assistant akin to Siri or Alexa. The Z-Way firmware built into the hubs listed above should allow you expanded access to smaller accessories like sensors and plugs without needing to invest in a big-name smart home platform such as SmartThings.
Google's working on expanding the number of devices with the Google Assistant built-in at IFA (the company just announced three new third-party speakers with the Assistant), while Z-Wave is working on helping you use the Assistant to control more of your home. Z-Way already works with Amazon's assistant Alexa, so a DIY smart home is becoming ever easier to control with your voice. "
https://www.cnet.com/news/google-home-expands-its-smart-home-reach-with-z-wave/