Late last week, amidst the buzz of Gemini's impending takeover of Google Assistant on Android, Google quietly slipped in another announcement: the discontinuation of seven more Assistant features. This comes after the 18 feature removals announced at the start of 2024, signaling the clear shift in … [Read more...] about Google Assistant is losing 7 key features on Android and Nest devices
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The discounted Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus returns
Well, well, well; this was a happy surprise to wake up to today. After spending a very long time at a discounted price, the ongoing deal on the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus was destined to end at some point. Early in March, after being on sale for nearly the entirety of February, the Galaxy … [Read more...] about The discounted Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus returns
Move over Gemini: You can now set ChatGPT as the default assistant on Android
The landscape of AI assistants is evolving by the day, giving users more choice than ever before. While Google's Gemini holds a prominent position on Android, it's no longer the only option for those seeking quick access to AI. The ability to change your default assistant (triggered by a long-press … [Read more...] about Move over Gemini: You can now set ChatGPT as the default assistant on Android
It’s the end of the line for Google Assistant as Gemini ascends to fully replace it
The time has finally come to start saying your goodbyes to the Google Assistant. The past couple years have radically transformed things in the digital assistant and AI space, and it is clear that Google is all-in on Gemini moving forward. And that means Google is set to finally get down to one … [Read more...] about It’s the end of the line for Google Assistant as Gemini ascends to fully replace it
The Google Phone app is getting a UI change I absolutely cannot wait for
Google's stock Phone app, a standard inclusion on Pixel devices and increasingly common on other Android handsets, is getting a really significant UI update soon. While its minimalist approach has always been a point of focus, Google is now experimenting with a new incoming call UI that could … [Read more...] about The Google Phone app is getting a UI change I absolutely cannot wait for
‘Felino’, the first Intel Panther Lake Chromebook device emerges from Acer
At the absolute tail-end of 2024 - quite literally December 31st - I wrote a post about the first rumblings of Intel's latest processors (code-named Panther Lake) being utilized in a new Chromebook baseboard. That board's name is 'Fatcat', and development has been obviously continuing ever since. … [Read more...] about ‘Felino’, the first Intel Panther Lake Chromebook device emerges from Acer
Here’s what to expect when ChromeOS 134 arrives next week
In a repeat of what we saw happen last month, the ChromeOS team is gracing us once again with release notes a bit ahead of the scheduled update to ChromeOS 134. I, for one, absolutely love this; and a succinct list of UI changes that go above and beyond the expected security updates and bug fixes … [Read more...] about Here’s what to expect when ChromeOS 134 arrives next week
Pocket Casts opens up about podcasting, making web player free for all
Pocket Casts, a podcast app that's been around since 2011, has opened up their web player to everyone, free of charge. In their blog post, they make their stance on the future of podcasting quite clear - that it should remain open and accessible, not confined within proprietary platforms. … [Read more...] about Pocket Casts opens up about podcasting, making web player free for all
Are Chromebook Plus owners actually using Quick Insert?
There's a rule of sorts called Betteridge's law of headlines that states any headline that ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no. In the case of this particular post, it once again holds up for me. As a Chromebook Plus user - across a bunch of different devices - I've found the … [Read more...] about Are Chromebook Plus owners actually using Quick Insert?
ADT’s best offer yet: New customers get a free Nest Doorbell & Nest Cam
ADT has just launched a promotion, running until May 7th, that you might want to take advantage of if you've been thinking about a new security system for your home this Spring. This deal offers new customers a unique opportunity to get a wireless Nest Doorbell and a Nest Cam for free. The ADT … [Read more...] about ADT’s best offer yet: New customers get a free Nest Doorbell & Nest Cam
How Google’s latest Gemini update hopes to “get you” a bit better
Noting the latest batch of updates Google rolled out to Gemini today, the pace of innovation is in this space is pretty staggering; and it has potential to change how we interact with much of the tech we use every single day. To that end, Google is launching Gemini with personalization - an … [Read more...] about How Google’s latest Gemini update hopes to “get you” a bit better
Chromecast with Google TV finally gets the update to Android 14
After news of the end of the Chromecast lineup of devices hit back in August of 2024, we were left wondering about the future of Google's popular streaming dongle when it comes to future updates. Android 14 was promised, but the January update came and went with no sign of the OS upgrade, and I'm … [Read more...] about Chromecast with Google TV finally gets the update to Android 14
