voice commands Archives

AppWizard

October 17, 2026

Android Auto can be used outside of your car: Here’s how

A spare tablet, a USB cable, and a small investment can turn a workspace or kitchen counter into a hub for Android Auto, allowing users to repurpose older devices. To set up Android Auto without a car, you need an Android phone running Android 11 or newer, a spare Android tablet or phone, and a data-capable USB cable. A receiver app, such as Open Headunit or Headunit Reloaded, must be installed on the secondary device. The setup involves connecting the tablet to the phone via USB, selecting Android Auto in the phone's USB options, and following prompts to grant permissions. Android Auto is designed for driving, simplifying interactions with larger controls and allowing voice commands for messages. It can manage smart home devices through Google Home but may not always function reliably. A spare tablet can be positioned conveniently for essential tasks, but trade-offs include limited app availability and the need for the primary phone to remain connected.

AppWizard

October 16, 2026

Alexa Tablet 12 Pro review: Amazon’s premium tablet gets almost everything right

The Alexa Tablet features a home screen with shortcuts to Amazon services and a folder for essential Google applications. It is a fully functional Android tablet that allows downloads from the Play Store. The user interface includes widgets for recently accessed content and the Alexa+ app, and users can interact with Alexa via voice commands. The tablet has a vibrant display suitable for streaming and Dolby Atmos-supported speakers. Performance remains positive with additional apps, though some lack optimization for larger screens. Popular apps like Adobe's Lightroom and Google's suite are optimized for tablet use. The tablet supports multitasking with split view mode and runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Battery life is claimed to be up to 16 hours, but initial testing shows around eight hours for mixed usage.

Winsage

October 8, 2026

Windows 11’s new Search experience is about more than finding files — thousands of actions are now at your fingertips right from the Taskbar

Microsoft has introduced a new Windows Search experience that will roll out this fall on Windows 11 PCs. This revamped Search allows users to execute quick actions from the Taskbar, such as toggling dark mode or adjusting the microphone slider. Users can issue voice commands to turn features on or off, make quick adjustments, and manage their workspace. The new Search integrates with Copilot, allowing users to access it directly within the interface. It is designed to be faster and more efficient, utilizing the WinUI 3 framework for optimized resource usage. The system can also understand user queries with typos. Testing for this new Search experience will begin on October 7, 2026, with Windows Insiders through the Experimental channel.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Google app’s Search Live is gearing up for a design overhaul

The Google app's Search Live feature is being redesigned to improve user experience. The latest beta version 17.64.13 introduces a more versatile camera view, allowing users to minimize and reposition the camera window, and eliminates the glow effect around the video feed. The new design features a compact viewfinder with a grab handle for easy minimization. The Transcript button appears to be missing, but transcripts can still be accessed through the AI Mode search history page. Additionally, playful bubble animations have been added to indicate when Search Live is listening and responding. The timeline for a broader rollout of these features is uncertain.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Android Auto 17.7 Is Here: Here’s What the Update Really Brings

Google has released an update to Android Auto, version 17.7, which refines the autoplay feature, allowing users to disable it entirely and preventing rarely used apps from launching automatically. Media controls are now accessible directly from the dashboard for browser streams and YouTube background audio. The waveform media player, introduced in version 16.0, has received enhancements for better navigation and album cover adaptability. Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, continues to have issues with incomplete responses despite recognizing commands. Upcoming features include 3D navigation, a weather widget, and video streaming capabilities, expected by the end of the year. The update also includes a new green app icon, with many changes being server-side updates.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

6 Android Auto Features You Should Use On Your Next Road Trip

Android Auto enhances the driving experience with features that prioritize safety and convenience, including a split-screen option for accessing multiple apps simultaneously. Users can customize their Android Auto settings on their mobile devices. Key features include: - Google Maps' offline maps: Users can download offline maps for areas with unreliable cellular service by selecting "Offline maps" in the app and choosing the desired route section. - Multi-stop planning: Google Maps allows users to add up to nine stops along their route by selecting "Edit stops" after entering a destination. - Trip sharing: Users can share their trip progress with contacts through the "Share trip progress" option in Google Maps. - Audio streaming downloads: Users can download content from music and audiobook services for offline access, with specific features varying by service and subscription level. - Customization of Android Auto features: Users can adjust settings for phone accessibility, media autoplay, and app launcher preferences. - Google Gemini integration: Users can enable Google Gemini for voice commands, allowing for navigation, media playback, and interaction without unlocking the phone. Gemini can also provide weather updates and engage in conversations during drives.

AppWizard

October 2, 2026

Android Auto’s weather experience is broken, and a raccoon meme isn’t going to fix it

The Authority Insights team at Android Authority discovered a potential feature for Android Auto that includes an animated raccoon providing weather updates. This feature raises concerns about driver distraction, as it contradicts the current design of Android Auto, which emphasizes clear and consistent UI elements for quick information absorption. Accurate weather information is crucial for safe driving, with over 260,000 injuries and approximately 3,800 fatalities occurring annually in weather-related accidents in the U.S. The article suggests that Google could enhance weather information on Android Auto by integrating a weather overlay into Google Maps or providing simple weather updates within the navigation dialog, rather than using an animated raccoon. The need for timely weather updates is emphasized, highlighting the importance of driver safety.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

Microsoft Launches Windows 11 26H2 Update

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 26H2 update, introducing new features not available in the 25H2 version. Key enhancements include a revamped File Explorer with improved summarization and AI tools, an upgraded Windows Search prioritizing file searches, and updates to the Magnifier and Narrator. The update also expands voice command capabilities on the Copilot+ PC and refreshes the Start menu and Taskbar with new customization options. The support cycle for the 26H2 release extends to 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions and 24 months for Home and Pro editions, starting September 29, 2026. Microsoft has been rolling out support and updates since late 2024, with enablement packages allowing users on newer versions to upgrade easily, while older versions will require a full feature update to transition to 26H2.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

What’s The Difference Between Android Auto And Android Automotive OS?

CarPlay and Android Auto have transformed in-car infotainment by utilizing smartphones. Android Auto was launched by Google in 2015, allowing users to connect Android devices to their vehicle displays. It has evolved to support more applications, compatibility with major automotive brands, and wireless connectivity, focusing on minimizing distractions for drivers. Android Automotive is an operating system that runs directly on vehicle hardware, eliminating the need for a smartphone connection. It is an open-source platform that car manufacturers can customize. Automakers can license Google Automotive Services, which includes Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant, but are not required to do so. Android Automotive OS allows for direct communication with vehicle systems, enhancing user experience by enabling features like voice-activated climate control. Vehicles with Android Automotive OS are marketed as having "Google built-in" and include brands such as Polestar, Volvo, Chevrolet, and Ford. Android Automotive can receive over-the-air updates, while Android Auto is compatible with over 500 car models and requires an Android device running version 9.0 or higher. Android Auto allows seamless transfer of apps and media from smartphones and benefits from automatic updates.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Google Translate could soon auto-save transcripts of your Live conversations, but not on Android XR

Google Translate is enhancing its Live Translate functionality with a new “Auto-save transcript” feature for mobile users, which will automatically save translation transcripts at the end of each session. However, when using Live Translate through connected smart glasses, transcript saving will be disabled to protect user privacy. The app's code specifies that transcript saving is disabled during glasses use to prevent unauthorized recording. Additionally, users will be able to initiate Live Translate sessions hands-free with voice commands and conclude them with a swipe on the touchpad. Google is also working on simplifying access to Live Translate settings. No timeline for the rollout of these features has been announced.