smart home devices Archives

Winsage

February 10, 2025

9 tools that will supercharge your productivity on Windows

- Microsoft Outlook is a free, built-in tool for managing emails, appointments, meetings, and tasks, featuring calendar sharing and integration with Microsoft To Do. - IFTTT automates repetitive tasks by connecting various apps, services, and devices through customized applets. - The Windows Snipping Tool captures screenshots, records desktop activity, supports full-screen video recording, and has OCR capabilities for text extraction from images. - Microsoft PowerToys is a suite of utilities that enhances the Windows experience, including tools for multitasking, file management, and keeping the PC active. - Grammarly provides real-time grammar and spelling checks, compatible with platforms like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, with a premium version offering advanced features. - Obsidian uses Markdown to create interconnected notes, allowing users to build a personal knowledge base with customizable plugins. - Microsoft 365 includes applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with collaboration tools like Teams and OneDrive, with regular updates for new features and security. - UniGetUI is a package manager that simplifies app installations by allowing users to select and install multiple applications simultaneously. - Flow Launcher allows users to quickly launch applications, files, and websites, enhancing workflow efficiency and providing flexibility as a portable app or standard installation.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

5 ways to control your Smart home from your Windows PC

Smart home technology offers convenience and control through various applications. The Home Remote app connects to smart devices for a one-time payment, but does not support brands like Ring and Nest. SmartThings, acquired by Samsung, supports over 100 brands and 1,000 devices but has limitations in accessing device details and creating new automations. Microsoft's Phone Link app allows users to mirror Android apps on a PC, requiring the phone to remain unlocked. The Google Home Web Dashboard enables monitoring of Nest camera feeds and triggering automations set on mobile devices, but does not allow direct control of devices. Amazon's Alexa app is compatible with many smart home devices and is the only voice assistant available on Windows PCs, though it is not found in the Microsoft Store. Overall, managing smart home devices from a Windows PC may lack the depth of mobile applications.

AppWizard

December 21, 2024

Top 15 Best PC Games – December 2024

Tyler Graham is an associate writer in CNET's home energy and utilities category, a recent graduate from Seton Hall University, and has been with CNET for seven months. He has attended a White House press conference, engaged in energy product testing at CNET's Testing Labs, and authored an article on federal solar policy. His expertise includes Community Solar, State Solar Policy, Solar Cost and Accessibility, Renewable Energy, Electric Vehicles, and Home Internet for Gaming. Ajay Kumar is an editor with over a decade of experience in tech journalism, having previously worked at Newsweek, PCMag, and Digital Trends. His expertise includes consumer product reviews, buying guides, and tech news, particularly in mobile products and electrical challenges in prewar apartment buildings.

AppWizard

November 12, 2024

Google Home tipped to integrate support for dangerous air quality sensors

A recent exploration of a test version of the Google Home app has revealed code strings suggesting potential support for carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, allowing users to receive alerts about hazardous air quality and sensor testing. Currently, the Nest app is the only platform managing these sensors, but integration into the Google Home app could create a more unified control system. The Matter 1.2 upgrade includes provisions for smoke and CO detector support, aiming to reduce the number of apps needed for device management. The timeline for the launch of a potential "future Nest Protect" remains unclear.

AppWizard

November 12, 2024

Google Home could soon support smoke and CO sensors (APK teardown)

The Google Home app is expected to integrate support for smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) sensors, enhancing user experience for smart home safety. An APK teardown revealed code indicating the app will allow location-based functionality for managing smoke and CO devices, notifications for detection alerts, testing capabilities for device functionality, and alerts for device maintenance. This integration aims to consolidate control over safety devices within the app, improving automation and user convenience. Compatibility with the existing Nest Protect model is still uncertain.

AppWizard

November 12, 2024

Google is working on a new widget for your smart home (APK teardown)

The Google Home app is being enhanced with a new feature called the "Home Summary" widget, which is currently in internal testing. This widget is designed to provide users with a concise overview of their smart home devices and related events, potentially using AI to generate updates on the home screen. Although not yet available to the public, it may include features such as temperature readings from the thermostat, aiming to simplify the management of multiple smart devices. The widget's development indicates a growing demand for more intuitive smart home management solutions.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

Google TV finally shows app update progress on the home screen

Google TV has introduced a feature that enhances visibility into app updates by allowing users to monitor the progress of updates directly from the home screen. This new design includes a visual cue, a ring around the app icons, indicating the update status, similar to update indicators on Pixel smartphones. The feature is already available on several Google TV devices, although some users may not have noticed it. Additionally, Google TV has integrated with Google Home, enabling users to control smart home devices from the interface.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

Gemini can adjust your smart home accessories with Google Home integration

Google is rolling out new Gemini extensions, particularly for the Google Home app, starting this week for participants in the Public Preview on Android. Gemini will replace Google Assistant, allowing users to control smart home devices using natural language. The integration enables actions like closing blinds or starting a robot vacuum without needing Google Assistant. Users can access the Google Home extension by enrolling in the Public Preview through the app. This feature is currently available only on Android phones and supports English prompts, but does not control smart security devices. The broader release is expected soon.

AppWizard

October 19, 2024

I just updated to Android 15: Here are 9 features you should check out

Android 15 was launched alongside Google's latest flagship smartphones, introducing several new features. Key enhancements include: - One-tap Passkey: Simplifies login to Passkey-enabled accounts with a single tap. - Manually Enable Astrophotography: Users can now manually activate Astrophotography mode for better night sky photography. - Home Controls on the Lock Screen: Provides easy access to Google Home toggles and customizable smart home management. - Pin the Taskbar: Allows users of tablets and foldable phones to pin the Taskbar for improved multitasking. - Go from the Big Screen to the Small Screen: Enables seamless transitions between the inner and cover screens of foldable devices. - Keeping Apps Together: Introduces App Pairs for running two apps side-by-side and saving app combinations. - More Gemini Improvements: Enhances integration between apps, allowing questions about items in the Pixel Screenshots app. - Quickly Switch Between Bluetooth Devices: Updates Quick Settings for easier selection of Bluetooth devices.

AppWizard

August 2, 2024

Generative AI Chatbot: Gemini to Support More Android Apps

Google is enhancing its Gemini chatbot to replace Assistant on various Android devices. The initial rollout has begun, but Gemini's functionality is limited due to the lack of necessary extensions for apps and services, leading to continued reliance on Assistant. Google showcased some of these extensions during the I/O 2024 event, but did not provide a specific release timeline. Recent updates in Google Workspace applications like Keep, Tasks, and Calendar indicate that Gemini support may be forthcoming. Android Authority has activated some features early, allowing Gemini to create notes and lists in the Keep app, manage notes, and perform basic actions like retrieving notes. The interaction occurs in a floating window, with users shown related notes before finalizing actions. Gemini will also support the Tasks app, enabling users to create reminders and manage task lists. In the Calendar app, users will be able to create events and edit meetings using voice prompts. Additionally, Gemini will be integrated into Google Home and the stock phone/dialer app, allowing users to manage smart home devices and perform phone actions without Assistant. An official launch date for these integrations has not been announced, but the presence of certain components suggests updates may be coming soon.