Google TV to revolutionize doorbell interactions

The lines between our entertainment hubs and smart home ecosystems are blurring, and Google TV is leading the charge. A significant update slated for release later in 2025 promises to transform how we interact with our Nest Doorbells, turning our televisions into central command centers for home security. This isn’t just about seeing who’s at the door anymore; it’s about seamless, two-way communication and enhanced control, all from the comfort of our couches.
Imagine this: you’re engrossed in a movie night when a notification pops up on your Google TV screen. It’s not just a small, cropped image anymore, but a larger, clearer preview of who’s at your door. This upgraded visual experience is a core part of the upcoming update, offering a more comprehensive view of your entryway. This enhanced preview UI addresses a key user frustration with the current system, providing a more impactful and useful visual alert.
But the real game-changer lies in the new interactive capabilities. Google TV will soon enable users to respond directly to visitors through their Nest Doorbell, all without reaching for their phones. This is a significant leap forward in home automation, streamlining communication and adding a layer of convenience previously unavailable.
The update introduces two distinct ways to reply. First, automatically generated responses will provide quick and easy options for common scenarios. Imagine being able to select a pre-written message like “We’ll be right there” or “Please leave the package at the door” with a simple click of your remote. This is perfect for those moments when you’re busy or simply want a fast, hands-free solution.
Even more impressive is the integration of custom responses through Google Assistant/Gemini. This feature empowers users to craft personalized messages, adding a truly human touch to their interactions. But this isn’t simply a voice relay; the system intelligently synthesizes your custom message using the same clear and consistent voice used for Google’s preset replies. This ensures a professional and polished communication experience, regardless of whether you choose a pre-written message or create one on the fly. This sophisticated voice synthesis is a testament to the advancements in AI and its integration into everyday devices.
This enhanced integration of Nest Doorbell with Google TV isn’t just a minor feature addition; it represents a fundamental shift in how we interact with our homes. It transforms the television from a passive entertainment device into an active participant in our daily lives, enhancing security, convenience, and communication.
The timing of this update is also noteworthy. Google has indicated that the rollout will coincide with the broader launch of Gemini on the Google TV platform. This suggests a deep integration between the two, with Gemini likely powering the intelligent features like voice synthesis and potentially even offering contextual response suggestions based on the situation at hand.
This update signifies a significant step towards a truly integrated smart home experience. By bringing together entertainment and security, Google TV is redefining the role of the television in the modern home. The enhanced Nest Doorbell integration is more than just a convenient feature; it’s a glimpse into the future of connected living. This enhanced experience is anticipated to arrive for Google TV users later in 2025.
YouTube Music adds new feature to keep song volume steady

YouTube Music is rolling out a new feature called “Stable volume” to make your listening experience better. This option helps keep the sound level the same across all songs, so you won’t have to turn the volume up or down when switching tracks.
Sometimes, songs are louder or softer depending on how they were made. This new feature fixes that by adjusting each track so that all music plays at a similar volume. It’s especially useful when you’re using headphones or listening in the car.
You can find this option in the YouTube Music app by going to Settings > Playback & restrictions, where you’ll see a switch for “Stable volume.” It works for both free and Premium users, and it’s now appearing on Android devices (version 7.07 or later). iOS support may come soon, but it’s not available yet.
This is a welcome update, as many streaming apps like Spotify and Apple Music already have similar volume balancing tools. It helps make playlists and albums sound smoother and more enjoyable without constant volume changes.
So far, the feature is being released in stages, so you might not see it right away, but it should show up soon for everyone.
Android
Android 16 beta adds battery health info, Pixel Fold gets better at detecting opens and closes

Google has released the Android 16 Beta 1 update for Pixel phones, and it brings some helpful new features. One of the key additions is battery health information, which is now available in the settings. Pixel users can now see the battery’s manufacturing date, charge cycles, and overall health score. This can help people understand how well their battery is holding up over time. While this feature is currently hidden under developer options, it might be fully added in a future update.
At the same time, Google is also working to improve the Pixel Fold. With Android 16 Beta 1, there’s a new system that better detects when the phone is opened or closed. This new method uses the hinge angle to more accurately understand the device’s position. Unlike older systems that could be affected by software bugs or slow response times, this new one seems to be more reliable and faster.
These changes are important for people who use foldable phones like the Pixel Fold, as better hinge detection can lead to smoother app transitions and fewer bugs. And for all Pixel users, having detailed battery info can help with managing phone performance and deciding when it’s time for a battery replacement.
Overall, Android 16 Beta 1 focuses on giving users more control and smoother experiences, especially for those with foldables.
Android
Android 16 could bring colorful always-on display to Pixel phones

Google is working on Android 16, and it looks like the update could bring more color to the always-on display (AOD) feature on Pixel phones. Right now, the AOD mostly shows white text on a black screen. But a new setting found in the Android 16 Developer Preview hints at the ability to add colors to this display.
The new feature is called “AOD Preview,” and it includes a switch labeled “Color AOD.” While this setting doesn’t work yet, it suggests that Google might be planning to show colorful content even when the screen is in low-power mode.
This change could make AOD look more lively, maybe by adding color to the clock, notifications, or wallpaper. So far, it’s not clear exactly what will change or how customizable it will be, but the feature seems to be in early testing.
Samsung already has more colorful AOD options on its Galaxy devices, so this update could help Pixel phones catch up. Google often introduces new features first on Pixel devices before making them available to other Android phones.
Android 16 is still being developed, and many features are not ready yet. But if Color AOD becomes part of the final release, Pixel users could get a more vibrant and useful always-on display in the near future.
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