google home

The Home app on Android was in need of a much-awaited makeover. At its annual developer conference, Google revealed a redesigned Home app is coming soon with new features. There’s also an overhaul being done to the Home app’s design.A new look for Google Home appGoogle has revealed that the new Google Home app has a five-tab layout that makes it easier to control your connected devices, create home automation and see what’s happening in your home.There is a Favourites tab, where users can pin their most-used devices,…

Google does not plan to update third-party smart displays in the future. If you own any of the Lenovo, JBL, or LG-made smart displays that have come out over the past five years, it’s time to consider alternatives for your Google smart home. Another reason to be wary of being a Google early adopter.How to Hide Your Sensitive Images in Google PhotosThe reveal comes from 9to5Google, which discovered this unfortunately listed caveat in an official Google support article for making Duo calls (RIP) on a smart display:…

Image Source : PIXABAY Google Google has been rolling out a new feature in its Home application for users in its latest beta programme, which will enable the user to reorder the devices as per their requirements. The Google Home team promised in December (2022) that it was "actively working on the ability to reorder your Favourites look out for that in the first half…

Google One is announcing VPN for all subscribers starting today. Image: GoogleGoogle is announcing more features that are being expanded to include all Google One subscribers. The new additions include VPN access for every Google One member, not just those with Pixel devices or Premium plans. The company is also launching a “dark web report” so you can figure out where your sensitive information is circulating.Beginning today and rolling out over the next few weeks, Google One members starting at the $2/month Basic tier…

The Samsung SmartThings Station is a Matter-compatible hub and smartphone charger in one! Photo: Florence Ion / GizmodoIt was a big week for Samsung. The company launched its latest batch of flagship smartphones, including the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which has a whopping 200-MP primary camera. It also reminded us that it’s selling a device ecosystem, first with the companion announcement of the Windows-based Galaxy Book 3 Pro lineup, which promises seamless integration with Samsung smartphones. Then with SmartThings, which…

The Galaxy Watch 5 will soon allow you to view security cameras through SmartThings. Photo: Florence Ion / GizmodoSamsung announced an upcoming update to SmartThings that lets you peek in on a security camera feed directly from your smartwatch. The update will roll out to Galaxy Watch devices, including the Galaxy Watch 4, Watch 4 Classic, Galaxy Watch 5, and Watch 5 Pro.The update promises to make checking in on security cameras “more convenient,” but only if you’re using Samsung’s SmartThings app to access your smart…

The Nest Audio can now function as a border router for Matter devices. Photo: Gizmodo / Andrew LiszewskiMatter, the smart home standard that promises to unify us all, continues its slow and steady release across platforms. Google is the next to announce compatibility for its Nest devices and Android phones.Now you can use existing gadgets like the Nest Mini speaker, the Nest Hub Max smart display, and the Nest Wifi Pro mesh router as a base of sorts for connecting Matter smart devices. These are no longer called “hubs”…

Image: CSAIt’s been a while since we talked about Matter and how it works, but the basics haven’t changed. At a high level, Matter is an open-source standard that enables smart devices to all talk to one another, regardless of their company of origin. It works over your local network rather than relying on the cloud to ping other devices about what to do next. It’s more reliable than prior methods smart home devices would use to get online.That said, the old way of connecting things isn’t going away. The Zigbee antenna…

Samsung and Google have announced that they will offer support for each other's smart home ecosystems, the South Korean company announced on Thursday. Over the years, even though smart devices have gained traction, there exist compatibility issues between brands that ultimately cause headaches for users. The Matter protocol is aimed at making it easier to control a smart home that has a mix of devices from different makers, and a major step forward towards that goal has now been announced.In order to resolve compatibility…

A tease of what’s to come in the new Google Home app. Image: GoogleGoogle has decided this is the week it’s overloading us with new stuff. Mere days before another major event where it will announce the Pixel 7 smartphone and Pixel Watch for Android users, the company announced a heapof updates to its smart home ecosystem.The Google Home app is getting a much-needed revamp, including new menu structures and an easier way for users to bookmark oft-used smart home gadgets. Built-in support for Matter is also on the docket,…