Easy guide to using Google Home with Gemini

Google has just made its Google Home Gemini Extension available for everyone, moving it out of the testing phase. Here’s how you can get it working on your phone:
How to Turn It On:
- Open the Gemini app on your Android or iOS device.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Go to “Extensions” and find “Device Control.”
- You’ll see @Google The home listed there without the preview tag. Just toggle it on and agree to connect it.
What’s New?
This extension has been in the works for a while, and now it’s ready for everyone. You can control your lights and other devices right from your phone’s lock screen without unlocking it. For anything sensitive, you’ll be sent to the Google Home app. Plus, you can now adjust the volume, pause or resume media on your devices, and the thermostat controls look just like they do in the Home app.
What Can You Do?
With this update, you can give commands like:
- “Turn on all the living room lights but keep the armchair light off.”
- “Actually, turn on the armchair light too, but make the kitchen lamp less bright.”
- “Is the porch light still on?”
Here are some examples of what you can control:
Lights:
- Turn on or off specific lights or all lights in a room.
- Adjust the brightness or color of lights.
Switches and Outlets:
- Turn on or off any switch or outlet.
Thermostats:
- Change heating or cooling modes.
- Set or adjust the temperature.
Fans, Heaters, and AC Units:
- Turn devices on or off, adjust fan speeds, or change temperatures.
Window Coverings:
- Open or close curtains, blinds, or shutters.
Media Devices:
- Control volume, pause or resume playback on TVs or speakers.
Other Smart Devices:
- Start or stop devices like vacuums, washers, or coffee makers.
This extension makes managing your smart home simpler and more natural with voice or text commands. Enjoy the convenience of controlling your home environment effortlessly.
Gmail and Google Photos get new design and useful updates

Google is giving Gmail and Google Photos some fresh updates to make things easier and more user-friendly.
First, Gmail on the web is now getting a new layout option. You can choose between “Cozy,” “Comfortable,” or “Compact” views based on how much space you want between your emails. Google is also adding a setting to control whether your inbox and labels stay on screen or only show up when needed. These changes make it easier to personalize how Gmail looks and feels.
Meanwhile, Gmail for iPhone is getting a visual upgrade. The app now uses Google’s updated design style called “Material 3.” You’ll notice a cleaner look with a rounded search bar at the top, smoother icons, and better spacing. Although the bottom bar and buttons look mostly the same, the overall design feels more modern and easier on the eyes.
Lastly, Google Photos is bringing back a helpful feature. The classic search shortcut that appears in the bottom bar is returning, making it quicker to find your photos. Before this, the shortcut had been removed when Google added the new “Memories” tab. Now, both features work together, letting you browse memories and search with ease.
These updates aim to make Google’s apps feel more useful, clean, and easier to use on both desktop and mobile.
Android
Android 16 boosts USB data safety and fixes delayed notifications on Pixel phones

Google’s upcoming Android 16 update is bringing better security and some helpful improvements, especially for Pixel phone users. One of the main features in Android 16 is a new way to protect your phone’s data when it’s connected to a computer through USB. Right now, when you plug your phone into a PC or laptop, it can access all your data as long as you approve it.
With Android 16, Google is adding an extra security layer that only allows limited access unless you enter your PIN, password, or use your fingerprint. This will help protect your files if someone tries to access your phone without permission.
At the same time, Google is also working on a fix for a frustrating issue that some Pixel users have been facing for months — delayed notifications. After the April 2024 update, many users noticed that app alerts were not showing up on time, especially from messaging apps. Google has confirmed the problem and says a fix will be included in a future update, though it’s not in the current April patch yet.
Together, these changes show that Google is focusing on both stronger privacy and a smoother experience for Android and Pixel users. Android 16 is expected to roll out later this year, starting with developer previews.
Android
Google improves Translate, Assistant, TV, and Chrome with new updates

Google is bringing several updates across its apps to make them more useful and easier to use. Google Translate is working on a new feature called “Practice.” It helps users improve their language skills by offering short exercises, like matching words or filling in blanks. Right now, it looks like it will focus on Spanish, but other languages may come later. This tool could be great for people who want to go beyond just translating words and learn the language.
Google Assistant’s Driving Mode in Google Maps is starting to shut down. Many users are noticing that the card-style dashboard is disappearing, and the Assistant voice command shortcut no longer works. Google hasn’t officially said why, but it seems they’re moving away from this feature, possibly to focus on other tools or experiences in Maps.
Google TV’s Freeplay app is now back with a fresh look. It gives users free access to over 100 live TV channels. The redesign makes it easier to browse channels and see what’s playing. The new layout also highlights what’s currently on, making it faster to start watching without having to dig through menus.
Lastly, Google Chrome is testing a new built-in PDF viewer. This upgraded tool makes reading and editing PDFs easier right inside the browser. It includes better zoom controls, a cleaner layout, and a page list view that lets users jump to specific pages more quickly. These updates show Google’s push to improve how we learn, drive, watch TV, and browse the web.
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