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 … [Read more...] about It’s okay to tell Google Assistant to self-destruct every once in a while
Google 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.
Support our independent tech coverage. Chrome Unboxed is written by real people, for real people—not search algorithms. Join Chrome Unboxed Plus for just $2 a month to get an ad-free experience, access to our private Discord, and more. Learn more about membership here.
START FREE TRIAL (MONTHLY)START FREE TRIAL (ANNUAL)
Google 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 … [Read more...] about Google just changed how White Noise plays on smart speakers and now it’s less useful
It’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, … [Read more...] about It’s not your fault: Setting timers with Google Assistant on smart displays is busted right now
As 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 … [Read more...] about As Chromebooks continue to evolve, Google Assistant Discover remains absent
Smart 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 … [Read more...] about Smart Deal: Gen 2 Lenovo Smart Clock w/free Smart Bulb for $25!
Your 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, … [Read more...] about Your 2021 Cyber Monday Chromebook and Google Assistant Deals
Take $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 … [Read more...] about Take $20 off the Pixel Buds A-Series and get 3 months of YouTube Premium
Broadcast 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 … [Read more...] about Broadcast messages to your Google smart speakers from the comfort of a Chromebook
This Nest Audio deal is too good to pass up
Pound for pound, you won't find a better Assistant-enabled smart speaker than Google's own Nest Audio. At $99, the Google-y speaker offers up ample volume and sound quality while giving you all the tasty home control you know and love from the Google Assistant. Now, that's not to say that you can't … [Read more...] about This Nest Audio deal is too good to pass up
Google’s smart home platform and tools are now fittingly named “Google Home”
During Google's Smart Home Developer Summit yesterday, the company made several big announcements, but none were as important as the newly minted and unified platform renaming. Beginning its journey five years ago with Google Assistant and the Google Home, smart home tech has come an incredibly long … [Read more...] about Google’s smart home platform and tools are now fittingly named “Google Home”
Google Assistant is tired of being cursed out, asks politely to be treated better
If you're reading this, it's probably because you understand how ridiculously inaccurate and annoying Google Assistant can be at times. How often does it ask you to unlock your phone to perform a smart home action...even while you're at home, hear things wrong even when you speak clearly, or try to … [Read more...] about Google Assistant is tired of being cursed out, asks politely to be treated better
Google Assistant turns five years old, celebrates its own birthday, eats its own cake
Google Assistant has drastically increased the quality of life for millions of users, at least in the sense that they are able to access the world's information in an organized way as per Google's mission statement. In a new blog post today, the company recapped its accomplishments with its AI and … [Read more...] about Google Assistant turns five years old, celebrates its own birthday, eats its own cake
