smart speakers Archives

AppWizard

October 7, 2025

Google starts rolling out Gemini for Home to early access users

Google has started rolling out Gemini for Home to users in the early access program, which includes features like Ask Home for natural language queries, AI-generated notifications, and a Home Brief feature that summarizes key moments. Users can join the early access program through the Google Home app (version 4.0 and above) by navigating to Settings > Early Access. Some participants have received notifications confirming their access. The rollout began on October 1 for cameras and doorbells in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, with a broader rollout for smart speakers and displays expected later this month in the US and additional countries by early 2026.

AppWizard

October 5, 2025

Raising kids in the age of AI: When your baby’s first words are ‘Hey Google’

A one-year-old child said "Hey Google" during playtime, reflecting the integration of technology in daily life. Many parents rely on digital assistants like Google for various tasks, with a 2019 study indicating that over 44% of parents with children aged 2 to 8 used smart speakers daily. The impact of AI on parent-child bonding is a concern, as tech companies work to humanize AI voices for better relatability. Parents are encouraged to teach children the difference between genuine interactions and those with technology. AI-powered devices are becoming integral to homes, prompting parents to foster tech-savvy children who can also seek human connections.

AppWizard

October 2, 2025

Amazon’s new Fire TV OS streams Android apps on worse hardware for the same price… why?

Amazon introduced the Fire TV Stick Select, featuring the new Vega OS, at its fall hardware event. The device will include a mix of Vega-native applications and clients using Amazon Web Services (AWS) for streaming, with existing Fire TV apps adaptable to the new platform. Developers will have nine months of free app streaming to create native Vega applications. The Fire TV Stick Select is priced similarly to the Fire TV Stick 4K Max but has less powerful hardware, including Wi-Fi 5 and limited HDR support. Concerns exist regarding the user experience, particularly if streaming quality is poor, which could affect Amazon's reputation in the market. The Appstore will indicate cloud notices for non-native apps, but user understanding of this feature may vary.

AppWizard

September 21, 2025

First look at the Google Home app powered by Gemini

Google is enhancing its Google Home platform by integrating Gemini and updating the Google Home app to version 3.41.50.3. The update includes a redesign for improved usability, featuring the new "Ask Home" capability for controlling smart devices through typed or verbal commands and searching home history. The Favorites tab has been rebranded to "Home," and the Devices and Settings tab has been simplified. Users can add outdoor air quality and temperature as favorite tiles, and new icons for video and a thermometer suggest potential upcoming Nest hardware releases. The app's updates are expected to roll out features previously tested in Google's Public Preview program.

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 2, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Anodyne, Psychofunk, Vectronom, more

This afternoon features Android game and app deals including Anodyne, Psychofunk, Vectronom, and Homo Machina. There is a promotion for a FREE Samsung credit applicable towards devices like the Galaxy Z Flip 7, Fold 7, and Galaxy Watch 8, which is time-sensitive. Consumers can also explore up to 0 in FREE credits with the new Smart Monitor lineup. Early Prime Day offers on Amazon Echo smart speakers start at .99. The LG 65-inch 2025 C5 OLED Smart TV is discounted by over ,000, and the unlocked Titanium JetBlack Galaxy S25 Edge is reduced by 0. FINAL FANTASY IX features Zidane and the Tantalus Theater Troupe kidnapping Princess Garnet, who wishes to escape the castle. She and her guard, Steiner, join Zidane on a journey, meeting characters like Vivi and Quina, while uncovering secrets about the Crystal and a malevolent force threatening their world.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: FINAL FANTASY IX, LEGO Bricktales, Northgard, more

A new selection of Android app deals is available on Google Play, including discounts on hardware such as the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and Book Cover keyboard slim bundles. Samsung's Galaxy Book Copilot+ PCs are also discounted, alongside early Prime Day deals on Fire tablets and Echo smart speakers. One of the featured app deals is the classic game FINAL FANTASY IX, which follows Zidane and the Tantalus Theater Troupe as they kidnap Princess Garnet, who wishes to escape the castle, leading to an adventure filled with memorable characters and a looming threat to their world.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

End of Life: Gemini will completely replace Google Assistant later this year

Google is transitioning from Google Assistant to a new platform called Gemini, which will update many connected devices that currently use Assistant. Most devices are expected to connect seamlessly to Gemini, and updates will also target standalone products like smart TVs and speakers. A preview program for select Google Nest speakers has been initiated, but the extent of updates for all Assistant-enabled devices is still unclear. Early tests of Gemini have revealed inconsistencies in basic functionalities, raising concerns about user experience. Google is focused on refining Gemini to ensure a smooth transition for its ecosystem of products.