Google

Google Home nears full integration, signaling the end of the nest app

Published

3 weeks ago

September 1, 2024

Tom Carter

Top 3 Key Points:

Google Home is replacing the Nest app as the primary control hub for Nest devices.
Newer Nest products no longer require the Nest app, indicating its phase-out.
Legacy Nest devices will gradually be moved to Google Home or replaced.

The Nest app, once a central hub for smart home devices, is gradually being phased out as Google shifts its focus to the Google Home app. This transition started after Google acquired Nest in 2014, and the shift to “Google Nest” branding emphasized Google’s broader vision for a unified smart home experience.

A major milestone in this transition occurred in 2021 when Google launched a new lineup of cameras and doorbells, which no longer supported the Nest app. Over time, Google has continued to move older Nest devices to the Home app, signaling the eventual end of the Nest app.

For example, Google has migrated popular devices like the older Nest Indoor Camera and the Nest Outdoor Camera to the Home app, allowing full functionality without needing the Nest app, except for the initial setup. The most significant change came with the release of the 4th generation Nest Learning Thermostat, which no longer requires the Nest app at all. This shift highlights Google’s commitment to moving away from the Nest app entirely.

However, a few legacy products still rely on the Nest app. These include the Nest x Yale lock and the Nest Protect smoke detector. While these devices can still be managed through the Nest app, they are partially supported by the Google Home app. Likely, Google will eventually fully migrate or replace these products as part of its strategy to unify all devices under the Home app.

The Nest app isn’t going away immediately, as some devices still need it for certain features. However, the app is on its way out as Google continues to focus on enhancing the Google Home ecosystem. The transition marks a significant step in Google’s smart home strategy, aiming for a more cohesive and integrated user experience.

Android

Android 15 delayed, Gemini Live now free for Android

Published

13 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Carter

Key points:

Android 15 for Pixel devices was pushed back to October 15.
Gemini Live, Google’s AI assistant, is now available for free Android users.
Pixel 6 and later devices will get Android 15, but Pixel 6/6 Pro won’t get future updates.

Android 15 Delayed

Google’s latest Android update, Android 15, is taking a bit longer to reach Pixel phones. While it was released for developers in September, it won’t be available for Pixel users until October 15th. This delay is likely due to Google wanting to make sure the update is as bug-free as possible.

Gemini Live Goes Free

In other Google news, Gemini Live, the company’s AI assistant, is now free for Android users. This means you can use Gemini to help you with tasks like writing emails, summarizing articles, or even translating languages.

Pixel 6 and Later

The Pixel 6 and later devices will be the first to get Android 15. However, this will also be the last guaranteed update for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. While they will continue to receive security updates, they won’t get any new features after Android 15.

Google

Google Calendar and Circle to Search expand to more devices

Published

23 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Carter

Key Points:

Google Calendar is coming to the New Tab Page in Chrome for Workspace users.
Circle to Search is expanding to more Android devices, including Xiaomi 14T.
Chrome is getting other new features for enterprise users.

Google Calendar on Chrome’s New Tab Page:

Google Workspace users will soon see their Google Calendar on the New Tab Page in Chrome. This will make it easier to see upcoming meetings and join them quickly. You’ll also see your daily schedule below the calendar.

Circle to Search Expanding to More Devices:

Circle to Search, a feature that lets you search by drawing circles around objects in your photos, is expanding to more Android devices. This feature was previously limited to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, but now it’s coming to Tecno and Xiaomi devices.

Other Chrome Updates:

Chrome is also getting other new features for enterprise users, such as a new sign-in flow that provides more transparency and a feature that lets admins set site shortcuts.

These updates are all designed to make it easier for businesses to use Chrome and Google Workspace.

Source/Via

Google

YouTube gets smarter: AI boosts Shorts and Studio

Published

1 day ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Carter

YouTube is making content creation easier and more fun with new AI features.

AI-powered video backgrounds: Create stunning visuals for your Shorts videos with Google’s Veo AI model.
AI-powered video ideas: Get inspiration for your next video with YouTube Studio’s AI-powered brainstorming tool.
AI-powered comments: Quickly respond to your viewers with AI-suggested replies.

YouTube is adding more AI features to help creators make better videos. One of the biggest announcements is the integration of Veo, a powerful AI model, into YouTube Shorts. This means you can create high-quality backgrounds and even short video clips using just a few words.

Imagine being able to describe a scene, like “a bustling city street at sunset,” and having Veo instantly generate a visually stunning background for your Short. Or, perhaps you need a quick clip to transition between two scenes; Veo can create a short video that perfectly fits your needs.

Another exciting feature is the new AI-powered brainstorming tool in YouTube Studio. This tool can suggest video ideas based on your channel’s history and what’s popular on YouTube. It’s like having a creative assistant that always has fresh ideas.

For example, if you’ve been creating cooking videos, the tool might suggest ideas like “Vegan cooking hacks” or “Quick and easy weeknight meals.” Or, if you’re a gaming channel, it could suggest ideas like “Top 5 new games to try” or “Let’s play a classic game.”

YouTube is also working on AI-powered comments. This feature will suggest replies to comments, making it easier for creators to engage with their audience.

For example, if a viewer leaves a comment saying “Great video!” the AI might suggest a reply like “Thanks for watching!” Or, if a viewer asks a question, the AI could suggest a helpful answer based on the video’s content.

These new AI features are making YouTube an even more powerful platform for creators. By automating tasks like background creation and idea generation, creators can spend more time focusing on what they do best: creating great content.