Google Home Archives

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

I continue to use Google Home and its speakers, but I hate everything about it

Since the debut of the Google Home speaker in November 2016, many users have integrated it into their lives, often expressing frustrations with its functionality. A long-time user has accumulated various Google devices, including two Nest Audios, a Pixel Tablet, and a Nest Hub. A recent survey indicated that many users remain loyal to Google Home due to their significant investments in the ecosystem. Common issues reported by users include unresponsive speakers, inconsistent voice recognition, failures to execute commands, delays in response times, and difficulties syncing music across devices. The Google Home app has improved but still poses challenges, particularly for users with multiple devices, as the interface can be cluttered and lacks customizable sorting options. Many users continue using Google Home due to sunk costs, familiarity with the platform, and hope for future updates that may enhance their experience.

AppWizard

July 21, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Down in Bermuda, INC The Beginning, more

This afternoon, Google Play is offering enticing deals on Android games and apps, including significant discounts on the Galaxy Tab S10 FE/+ and JBL's 2025 white/gold Authentics Google Home speakers. Samsung's latest M9 and M8 Smart Monitors are also available with cash discounts. Featured apps include "Down in Bermuda," "Dungeon Village 2," and "INC: The Beginning," all available at reduced prices.

AppWizard

July 20, 2025

These are the 6 Android widgets I simply can’t live without

Megan Ellis shares her essential Android widgets that enhance productivity and streamline daily tasks. 1. TickTick: A to-do list application with widgets for creating new tasks and displaying overdue/upcoming tasks, helping Megan stay organized and manage stress. 2. Google Calendar: A functional calendar widget that allows Megan to monitor upcoming events and meetings, particularly useful for significant events. She appreciates its dark mode feature. 3. Vocabulary: An app that provides a new word daily through its widget, allowing users to expand their vocabulary without opening the app. 4. Clock/Weather: The default Weather app widget combines time, date, and weather forecasts, streamlining her morning routine. She uses Google automation for evening updates and IFTTT notifications for temperature changes. 5. Brave Search: A search widget that offers quick access to search queries and voice search, enhancing her browsing experience with a cleaner, ad-free environment. 6. Xiaomi Home: An alternative to Google Home, this app provides widgets for quick access to smart home devices, allowing Megan to monitor and adjust settings remotely.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Google improves camera playback in Home app, but some are still frustrated

Google has released an update to its Google Home app, version 3.33, which improves the experience of scrolling through video history on Nest cameras for Android devices, enhancing framerate and loading times. The update, dated May 28, introduces a general release of a limited-access member tier for sharing smart home setups while maintaining control over visibility and management. It also includes several bug fixes for stability, addressing crashes in areas like the Automations tab, Wi-Fi and Climate categories, and notification permissions, as well as issues with inviting household members and accessing service settings. User feedback has been mixed, with some expressing satisfaction and others noting ongoing performance issues.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

6 new Android features that are tailored to you

Six innovative features have been introduced for Android users to enhance personalization. One feature is an AI-generated audio show that curates content based on individual interests. Google Home Favorites have been updated to allow users to customize selections across devices, making favorite playlists, news sources, and smart home controls easily accessible. These features are designed to adapt to users' lifestyles and preferences.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Six new Android features just dropped, and you can try them out today

Android 16 introduces several new features, including enhancements to RCS group chats, a redesigned Google Photos editor, and improved functionality in the Google Home app. RCS group chat updates allow users to customize group chats with unique icons and names, check RCS status of friends, and mute notifications for specific groups. The Google Photos app features a new image editor with AI-driven suggestions, a Reimagine feature for creative expression, and an Auto frame function for better image cropping. The Google Home app now includes device-specific shortcuts for easier management of smart devices and an upgraded Safety Check feature for scheduling check-ins. WearOS smartwatches can now tap city transit cards even when the Google Wallet app is closed, provided the feature is activated.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

Google Home kicks off a Gemini-backed ‘Voice Assistant’ test for Android

Google Home's app on Android is rolling out a Public Preview test called "Voice Assistant," which allows users to control access to the experimental AI feature, Gemini, on their smart home devices. Gemini was first tested on Nest devices last December and is now being integrated into Google Home with improved AI-generated automations and new features. The "Voice Assistant" experiment enables users to manage how household members can access Assistant experiments, but requires "Voice Match" setup for access. Gemini enhances the Assistant's capabilities by providing more comprehensive answers and allowing follow-up questions. At the I/O 2025 event, Google announced additional features for Google Home, including a "Home Summary" widget for Pixel devices and improvements to the "help me create" feature for automation.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

Google Home details ‘summaries’ test and Gemini-powered automation

Google announced enhancements for its Home app, including the integration of Gemini, an AI tool for creating and automating routines through conversational interaction. A test phase for a "Home Summary" widget is being introduced for select Pixel users to provide an overview of smart home activities. The Home API is being updated to support various partners, including First Alert, Yale, Cync, iRobot, Motorola Moto Tag, and Tuya Smart. Additionally, at the I/O 2025 event, Google previewed Android 16 and showcased Gemini 2.5, aiming to develop it into a "World Model" for better understanding and simulation of real-world complexities.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Down in Bermuda, Agent A, Kingdom Rush Vengeance, more

This afternoon, there are new deals on Android games and applications, coinciding with the launch of Sony's XM6 headphones. Discounts are available on smart home devices like ecobee’s HomeKit and Google Home Smart Video Doorbell Cam, and Ring’s Battery Doorbell Pro. The Galaxy Tab S10+ has dropped in price, along with the ASUS 2024 Chromebook CX1. The game "Down in Bermuda" invites players to help an aviator named Milton navigate challenges on six unique islands while solving puzzles and collecting magical orbs. Subscribing to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel offers updates on technology and gaming.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

This one app has made my life easier and my wife happier

The author has at least 35 different smart home devices, leading to a fragmented experience with multiple apps and services. They are considering using Home Assistant as a central hub for device control, which supports various protocols like Matter, Thread, Zigbee, HomeKit, and Nest. Home Assistant can be installed easily on devices like Raspberry Pi or Virtual Machines, requiring a constant network connection. Once set up, it consolidates controls into one interface, allowing for custom dashboards and automations. Recent developments, such as Google discontinuing support for older Nest Thermostats, have prompted users to seek alternatives like Home Assistant for a unified control experience. The introduction of customizable lock screen shortcuts in Android 14 allows users to replace the Google Home app with Home Assistant. Users are encouraged to start simple and gradually expand their system.