A Google Support page was recently spotted by 9to5Google that details how some of your FitBit’s features or data could soon integrate with your 2nd Generation Nest Hub. These “Activity metrics” could appear on your smart display after syncing from your Fitbit or Google Fit account – both of which will be able to be […]
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Future smart home devices may eventually ditch screens, blending into everyday materials instead
Google is researching the ability to mask interfaces to control ambient computing devices by making them blend in with materials like wood and cloth. Everyday materials around your house may hold and hide future smart devices so that they blend in better when you’re not using them. This has been a dream for quite some […]
Continue ReadingNest and Google Wi-Fi routers experiencing sporadic, ongoing disconnection issues
A handful of months ago, 9to5Google reported on intermittent and sporadic disconnection issues with Nest and Google Wi-Fi devices for users, and new reports are surfacing now that indicate the problem is rearing its ugly head once more. On Google’s Nest Help forum, a community member who goes by the name of Sydtriman states that […]
Continue ReadingYou’ll soon be able to activate Assistant on your Nest Hub Max just by looking at it
According to 9to5Google’s latest APK Insights deep dive, a new, upcoming feature was discovered for Nest Hub Max users. Instead of activating your display traditionally using the “Hey Google” hotword phrase, you’ll be able to trigger Assistant just by looking at it, and yes, I’m being serious. In version 13.14 of the Google app beta, […]
Continue ReadingYou can now rename custom Google Assistant Routines after they’ve been created
A user on Reddit encountered a new setting in their Google Home app for Routines that’s sure to take some of the pain out of managing them. Normally, when you create a Routine by voice with Assistant, it’s dumped into the Home app with the name you gave it verbally under the Starter trigger. The […]
Continue ReadingGoogle TV seems to have a real problem with letting me remove things from my Watchlist
Google TV recently slipped up and showed the fact that it may finally be preparing to launch the long-overdue individual user profile switching for its Chromecast, and while that’s a feature I’m truly looking forward to (with bated breath), my mind is currently set on the issues the device currently struggles with instead. Today, I […]
Continue ReadingA new Google or Nest Wifi could be in the works, may feature Wifi 6 for improved connectivity
According to a recent APK Insights deep dive by the 9to5Google team, Google could have a brand new Nest or Google Wifi device in the works. Codenamed “Sirocco”, which refers to “a hot wind, often dusty or rainy, blowing from North Africa across the Mediterranean to southern Europe”, the new device falls right in line […]
Continue ReadingGoogle TV slip up accidentally reveals that user profile switching may soon be released
Last night, I was catching up on some older shows using Google TV and I accidentally sat on the Chromecast remote – you know, as we all probably tend to do a few times per week. To my surprise, instead of simply closing Netflix and ending my binge-watching of The 100, I accidentally discovered something […]
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 ReadingSecond Gen Nest Hub users are receiving a redesigned Pixel-like user interface
Many individuals with a second-generation Nest Hub are now receiving an updated and redesigned, Pixel phone-like user interface. In place of the traditional Home Control view, the top of the screen can now be swiped down to reveal a quick settings-style set of tiles for controlling your lights, cameras, and other smart home devices. Additionally, […]
Continue ReadingNest Hub will now display birthday countdown cards for your friends and family
In an update that’s already rolling out, your Nest Hub will now display a cute birthday card at the top-right of its display when someone in your Google Contacts or Family Group has a birthday coming up. The company announced this on short notice via Twitter, but it was accompanied by an update on the […]
Continue ReadingGoogle may be working on a new 2022 Nest Hub that could double as a detachable tablet
According to 9to5Google and a source they trust, Google is working on a new Nest Hub for 2022, but not just any Nest Hub – a detachable one. Wait, what? Yup, one that apparently has a screen that detaches from the base so that it can be carried around the house and used from the […]
Continue ReadingNest Cam and Doorbell batteries not charging in cold weather
Google’s acquisition of the Nest brand back in 2014 prompted a rebrand of most of the Nest products, but it also spawned new product releases as well. One of these was the battery-powered Nest Doorbell which provided a solution for those that either lived in rental properties or were simply not inclined to do some […]
Continue ReadingShield TV update fixes Plex, storage permission issues, content playback stuttering, more
Last month, Nvidia Shield TV devices received an update (v9.0) to Android 11, and with it, any app that required storage permissions was broken because with Android 11, you have to enable these per use and per app. I find it interesting that no one saw this coming, and as a result, many smart home […]
Continue ReadingGoogle TV’s Library tab is busted for some, showing ‘Unable to load library’ error
Google TV’s ‘Library’ tab has been acting up quite a bit for a handful of people. In fact, it’s gone so far as to break entirely for some. Now, several users over on Reddit and the Google Support forums are reporting that the following “Unable to load library” error is all they can call up while […]
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