Announcing New Smart Home SHED Types and Traits

In July 2020, a new set of Smart Home Entertainment Device (SHED) types and traits was announced to enhance smart home media and gaming device functionality. This release builds upon the initial set from April, which included devices like TVs and media traits such as AppSelector and Volume. The newly introduced device types include audio-video receivers, streaming boxes, streaming sticks, soundbars, streaming soundbars, and speakers, along with a new trait called Channel. These enhancements require the integration of activityState and playbackState reporting via the ReportState API, improving interoperability and user experience across devices. The announcement encourages developers to implement these features and participate in the "Hey Google" Smart Home Virtual Summit for further learning, inviting feedback through the issue tracker and community engagement via social media.