Since the works of Jules Verne (and arguably well before him), science fiction has been at its most interesting when it was making predictions about our future. Indeed much of Verne’s writing is often thought of as prophetic rather than simple imaginings. Consider the flip-style communicators in Star Trek that closely resembled the mobile phones […]
Continue ReadingGoogle Assistant
Google Assistant has become the central focus for Google ever since their event in October of 2016. With the roll-out in full swing to many devices across multiple categories, Google Assistant is becoming extremely pervasive. The flagship device for Google Assistant, Google Home, is also powered by a varied version of Chrome OS. As we watch Assistant fully integrate into Chrome OS, we realize the Assitant story is just beginning.
With Snapshot finally dead, there’s a big gap in Google Assistant’s usefulness
While there’s yet to be an official announcement, “Snapshot”, or the Google Now successor that displays useful and intelligently intuitive, and timely cards based on your habits and data, is dead. Last month, Android Police discovered a banner at the top of the service that stated it would be going away soon, and users would […]
Continue ReadingGoogle TV will now show you YouTube videos in response to questions you ask Assistant
Google has officially created a roundup post on its Nest community forum of features that we’ve been tracking and reporting on for some time now. From Birthday cards appearing on Nest Hub devices, to a completely redesigned Hub UI complete with a more Pixel-like functionality in wake of its upcoming detachable third generation smart home […]
Continue ReadingTopics are one of Google Discover’s best features yet they remain hard to find and follow
I would argue that I’ve come to utilize Google Assistant’s Discover feature more than Google News itself for my daily fix of what’s happening outside the walls of my home, and even though it currently has no plans that we’re aware of for coming to Chromebooks, it can still be accessed via Pixel phones with […]
Continue ReadingThis Android 11 fullscreen ‘At a Glance’ prototype makes me miss Assistant Snapshot
Last week, Android Authority obtained some exclusive screenshots of a fullscreen ‘At a Glance’ prototype for the lock screen of Android 11 that never went public. These shots revealed that Google had plans to make ‘At a Glance’ much more robust and let it fill your entire screen while active instead of just being a […]
Continue Reading[UPDATE: Now $30] Blurams Dome Lite 2: Budget-friendly PTZ Works with Google smart camera
UPDATE: Shortly after publishing my thoughts, the Blurams Dome Lite 2 went on sale on Amazon. You can now pick up this versatile smart camera for only $29.98 if you are an Amazon Prime Member. Blurams Dome Lite 2 on Chrome Shop Just in case there was any doubt in your mind about the validity […]
Continue ReadingHow to turn off Google Assistant on your Chromebook and why you may want to
Google Assistant is great…most of the time. It’s fantastic for over a million actions – many of those which can transform the way we obtain and utilize information. There’s no denying that its presence in our lives has completely transformed the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us. However, just because […]
Continue ReadingIt’s okay to tell Google Assistant to self-destruct every once in a while
I’ve had my ups and downs with Google Assistant in the past, and have even written about how many of you have shared those frustrations. Unfortunately, a handful of users resort to cursing at their smart home speakers and displays in hopes of relieving the pressure of it being wrong in its responses so often. […]
Continue ReadingGoogle just changed how White Noise plays on smart speakers and now it’s less useful
Something strange is going on in the silent hours of the night as Google’s Nest speaker “white noise” feature has all of a sudden completely changed how it operates. According to many smart homeowners on the Nest Community forum, when saying “Hey Google, play white noise”, they’re now met with audio that’s much more muffled […]
Continue ReadingIt’s not your fault: Setting timers with Google Assistant on smart displays is busted right now
Google Assistant is great…when it works. Generally, failed attempts to command your personalized helper can be chalked up to not speaking loud enough or clear enough for it to comprehend you. Other times, it’s due to you not using the right hotwords or phrases to get the reaction you want. Today, it’s not your fault […]
Continue ReadingAs Chromebooks continue to evolve, Google Assistant Discover remains absent
Google Discover is a fantastic and quick way in which most Android phone users (especially Pixel users) check what’s happening in the world around them. One swipe from left to right on their phone’s home screen produces a wealth of generated content both old and new without the need for them to open the Google […]
Continue ReadingSmart Deal: Gen 2 Lenovo Smart Clock w/free Smart Bulb for $25!
Some of my favorite Google Assistant smart displays don’t actually come from the creator of the Assistant platform. Instead, I am a huge fan of Lenovo’s growing variety of smart home devices. From the 7″ display I keep on my kitchen counter to the second generation smart clock that adorns my nightstand, Lenovo’s Assistant-enabled smart […]
Continue ReadingYour 2021 Cyber Monday Chromebook and Google Assistant Deals
Another big shopping day has arrived and while many already have their Black Friday shopping “in the bag,” there are plenty of deals to be had on a new Chromebook or Google Assistant-enabled smart device. Whether you’re just getting started or you have some last-minute gift ideas to take care of, there are plenty of […]
Continue ReadingTake $20 off the Pixel Buds A-Series and get 3 months of YouTube Premium
Do you love rocking products that are #MadeByGoogle? Are you in the market for some new audio equipment for your ears? You’re in luck. Best Buy and a handful of other retailers are offering a spot sale on Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series that’s worth taking a look at. If you aren’t familiar with these particular […]
Continue ReadingBroadcast messages to your Google smart speakers from the comfort of a Chromebook
One of the oft-forgotten abilities of your Google smart speakers is the broadcast feature. Our family uses it all the time, but I tend to forget its usefulness in the office even though we have quite a few speakers littered about. If you’ve never used it before, the idea is simple: say “Hey Google, broadcast…” […]
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