Latest news with #GoogleHome
Mint
a day ago
- Mint
5 things to consider while building a smart home
Thinking of turning your home into a smart one? Exciting, isn't it? The idea of staying in a space where a single command does most of the work is indeed tempting. But before you start buying gadgets left and right, you need to do: pause and plan. First thing you need to understand is that smart homes aren't just about cool tech. They're about creating a system that fits your lifestyle. Without the right setup, your devices might clash, your Wi-Fi might lag and the whole setup could end up more frustrating than convenient. But the good news here is that you don't need to be a tech expert to get it right. All it takes is 5 simple steps to build a smart home. Before diving into the world of smart home tech, device how much you're willing to spend. Start with a core space, like your living room, with a smart speaker, connected lights or a hub and scale gradually based on your needs. Buying everything upfront may seem convenient, but it comes with higher initial costs, reduced flexibility and limited opportunity to take advantage of ongoing discounts or newer models. Moreover, as you start using the devices, you'll better understand which features genuinely improve your day-to-day life. It's wiser to leave room in your budget for future upgrades because smart homes tend to evolve with their users. Get an efficient Wi-Fi system A smart home is only as smart as the network powering it. Every connected device, be it a video doorbell, smart thermostat or voice assistant, relies on your Wi-Fi to function smoothly. As you add more devices, the strain on your existing router increases, potentially leading to slower speeds, lag and unreliable connectivity. If you're still using a basic or outdated router, consider upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7-enabled router, which offers better speed, efficiency and the ability to manage multiple devices simultaneously. Choose a smart home ecosystem Smart home devices usually work best within a specific ecosystem, for instance, Apple HomeKit, Google Home or Amazon Alexa. If your household uses a mix of Android and iOS, this decision might need a bit of discussion. You can mix platforms, but it's often simpler to stick to one, at least when starting out. While smartphones are the default for managing smart devices, many users prefer voice control through smart speakers for a hands-free experience. These can trigger multiple actions at once using routines. Physical controllers or smart buttons are also useful, especially for kids, guests, or anyone who prefers pressing a button over using an app. For a more seamless experience, it is advisable to combine a few control methods to make your smart home more accessible and intuitive for everyone. Using wired devices or wireless devices Smart devices often come in both wired and wireless variants. Battery-powered options, like outdoor cameras or doorbells, offer easy installation but require regular charging. Hardwired devices provide uninterrupted power and better reliability, though they may need a professional setup. The smart approach here is to mix and match, hardwire essential or permanent fixtures and go wireless where flexibility or ease of installation matters most.
Android Authority
3 days ago
- Android Authority
Google improves camera playback in Home app, but some are still frustrated
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority TL;DR The Google Home 3.33 app update claims to improve camera timeline scrubbing on Android with better framerate and loading. A limited-access member tier is now generally available, allowing more control over shared home permissions. Early user feedback is mixed, with some praising the upgrade and others saying scrubbing performance is still lacking. Google has rolled out a new update to its Google Home app that targets one of the most persistent complaints among Nest camera users. While improvements to key apps are usually a step in the right direction, not everyone is convinced the update goes far enough. According to the latest entry on the Google changelog — dated May 28 but only published on Google's support site yesterday — the Google Home 3.33 update brings substantially improved framerate and loading performance when scrolling through video history on Android. The goal is to make scrubbing through footage on the camera timeline smoother. Initial user reactions to the camera improvements have been mixed in the tech world. Also included in the update is the general release of the limited-access member tier. This lets you share your smart home with family members, roommates, or guests, while restricting what they can see and control. You can choose whether someone can only view activity or also manage device settings and automations. Several bug fixes round out the release, addressing crashes in key areas like the Automations tab, Wi-Fi and Climate categories, and notification permissions. The update also resolves issues with inviting household members and accessing service settings for certain devices. Initial user reactions to the camera improvements have been mixed in the tech world. In a brief exchange on X, Android Police's Artem Russakovskii remained unimpressed with the timeline performance on one of his cameras. In reply, 9to5Google's Ben Schoon acknowledged that it wasn't perfect, but felt it was a clear step up from what users have dealt with over the past few years. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Catch Pets, People, and Paranormal Activity—This Tapo Cam Duo Is 46% Off
This site may earn affiliate commissions from the links on this page. Terms of use(Opens in a new window) . You know it's time to upgrade when your idea of home security is just peeking through the blinds. The TP-Link Tapo 2K Security Camera 2-Pack gives you real peace of mind without turning your home into a tech bunker. And right now, the whole setup is only $29.73, which is 46% off and cheaper than a single takeout order. These cameras stream in crisp 2K resolution so you can finally tell the difference between the cat and your neighbor's raccoon. Motion detection sends real-time alerts to your phone so you'll always know when something moves, even if it's just your dog pacing while waiting for snacks. And the built-in two-way audio means you can talk through the cam from anywhere, which is great for calming a nervous pet or just creeping out whoever's at the door. The night vision of these cams holds up impressively well in total darkness, so you're not left guessing after sunset. You can choose to store footage locally with an SD card up to 256GB or use the cloud if you like having backups. Either way, everything is easy to access through the app without any confusing menus or subscription traps. With this deal, you also get voice assistant support with Alexa and Google Home, which means hands-free check-ins whenever curiosity strikes. The small size makes them easy to place without looking clunky, and setup is super beginner-friendly. It's low-stress security that actually works and doesn't make you feel like you need a tech degree. For $29.73, this TP-Link Tapo 2K pack feels like a smart move, whether you're monitoring the front porch or spying on your pets for fun. And let's be honest, at 46% off, it's kind of a no-brainer. More security deals like this? Head over to our best security camera deals roundup.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
My Kitchen HomePod is about to die — what will I replace it with?
"Hey Siri, set a ten-minute timer," I bark, as my pot of pasta reaches the boil."Hey Siri, set a timer for half an hour," I shout over the extraction fan as I slide a tray of cookies into the oven. I don't think anyone in our family could live without a smart speaker of some kind in the kitchen anymore, even if it doesn't act as a music player anymore now that we've shifted away from Apple Music. But, unfortunately, the HomePod mini that's served me faithfully is in trouble. It's been in a wet, hot, noisy environment for too long, and it's on the way out. My poor kitchen HomePod is becoming hard of hearing, and disobedient as it gets commands wrong or even downright ignores them. So what am I going to put in its place? We're not really a solely Apple home anymore, as I've ditched my iPhone for the superior audio chops of an Android handset. Siri no longer dominates our lives — so where should I go next for our kitchen audio fix? I've got a couple of the best smart speaker options in mind. My new kitchen smart speaker needs to fulfill a couple of important criteria. There needs to be at least decent sound, so that I don't have to cart a Bluetooth speaker into the kitchen when I want to cook a roast dinner. It also needs to support some form of smart assistant, but it doesn't need to be particularly smart. I'm not going to ask it for life advice, but I will ask it to manage a couple of timers and requests like "please play Between The Flesh And The Void by Deicide." It should be relatively compact, because the kitchen isn't massive. A battery would be a nice extra this time around, but I also understand that's going to be trickier. So — who's made it to the shortlist? Google's smart speaker lineup has been on my radar for some time. They're all very reasonably priced, and, by virtue of the company that makes them, they keep getting updated to support the latest Google Home features. The smallest of the bunch, the Google Home mini has been at the top of the list for HomePod mini replacements — and I'll tell you for why. It's around the same size as the smart speaker it will be replacing, and features much the same in regards to voice control. I would be able to ask the speaker for timers while I cook something, and even ask it to play music from Tidal if I link my accounts. There are some unknown quantities that put me off, however. I'm actually yet to listen to a Google Home mini (I know, I know — not great for an audio editor), so I'm not sure if I'm going to like the sound when I get it. I'm also not entirely sure about the way that it looks. At the moment, however, it's very much still in the running for kitchen addition. Google's smallest smart speaker is a great way to get Google Assistant into a living space. Ask it all the questions you normally would your phone, and it will answer without you needing to pull your screen out of your pocket. It's cheap too — a great addition to any Google smart home. The next logical step, given my family and their waning-but-still-present loyalty to the Apple brand, would be to pick up another HomePod — that could be the HomePod 2, or a new HomePod mini. There's part of me that wants to, given that my mom is finally used to using "Hey, Siri" commands and that they're easily some of the best-looking smart speakers around, but I do have my reservations. Nobody in the house uses Apple Music anymore — we've all switched to Tidal or Qobuz — so we wouldn't be able to use Siri to choose music. I've also learned after the current HomePod that their fabric surfaces don't do well when surrounded by a kitchen environment. Our white HomePod looks horrible. Yet I cannot deny the convenience of Apple's HomePod — so it stays on the list for now. Apple's 2nd-generation HomePod brings Spatial Audio with Apple Music to the table, along with a host of other smarts. Ask Siri just about anything, and she'll do it. It does only really work with Apple devices though, so that's worth bearing in mind. I like Sonos' smart speakers. They are incredibly easy to use, they generally sound pretty good, and they often feature solid battery life if they're portable. I use a Sonos Move 2 every day in my bedroom, so what would be the harm in packing one into the kitchen for timer and tunage duties? The sound would be far superior to the other options, be that the smaller Sonos Roam, a less expensive and non-portable Sonos Era 100, or the larger and portable Move 2. The integration into my Roon whole-home audio system would be a game changer, and it would look good sitting on my countertops. But, there would be some downsides. Nothing that Sonos makes is cheap, often being more expensive than even the Apple alternative, let alone the Google Home Mini. They tend not to be quite as durable either, and I'd be concerned that a rogue wooden spoon could cause issues. Yet I do find their sound to be tantalizing enough that they might be worth putting in my kitchen, so on the list they stay. The Sonos Roam 2 is the brand's smallest WiFi-connected speaker, making it perfect for smaller rooms or taking on the go. It sounds great for something so small, and features all the same great smart features as its larger cousins. Voice control, internet connection, and more. If I were going for convenience and portability above all else, then a Bose SoundLink Max or similar Bluetooth speaker might be just the ticket. Thanks to built-in batteries, I'd be able to move them around the kitchen should I need to, and they often have more rugged builds so that they can last a bit longer. Some would even support voice control when connected to a compatible device — it might mean calling out to Gemini, but there's a good chance I'd still be able to make new timers so that I don't burn my fresh batch of bakewell tarts. But there would be some issues. The Bluetooth speakers that would fit the bill are all a bit more expensive, and they'd lack the WiFi connection that would make them smart. They'd have to be turned on and off, whereas the other options on the list live in permanent standby, awaiting my command. A Bluetooth speaker might not be the perfect alternative, but there are some good reasons that one might replace my stricken HomePod. The Bose SoundLink Max is loud and proud — and it sounds good too. Bluetooth connection makes it a solid way to listen to music, and rugged build makes sure it'll survive anything life might throw at it. It's not cheap, but it's very good. At the moment, I'm veering towards another HomePod alike — most likely the Google Home mini. Sound quality is not the utmost importance in the kitchen, and its smart features seem like the most useful thing to me and my family. But I can't help but be tempted by the alternatives. Maybe I'll end up putting speakers in the ceiling, and relying on a more integrated setup. Although that would likely cost the earth. Still, one can dream...
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Aqara Smart Lock U200 Lite Brings Smart Access Control to More European Households
New retrofit lock supports Matter out of the box, blending a keyless lifestyle with future-proof interoperability across brands and ecosystems NEW YORK, June 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aqara, global leader and pioneer in IoT, unveils the new Smart Lock U200 Lite, offering effortless access control, enhanced security, and a modern keyless lifestyle to more European households, particularly those seeking budget-friendly solutions. Designed for DIY installation, the U200 Lite features a retrofit design compatible with most Euro mortise locks. It also supports Matter over Thread to ensure compatibility with a wide range of connected devices and seamless integration into users' existing smart home setup. Built upon the Thread protocol, which is purposely developed for IoT devices, the Smart Lock U200 Lite is Matter-certified and integrates with major platforms – including Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Home Assistant, and SmartThings – without the need for a proprietary hub1. As an integral part of a connected home, the U200 Lite can be integrated with a variety of smart devices, from video doorbells, surveillance cameras to smart sensors, enabling users to create a customized and enhanced smart security system. The U200 Lite is compatible with Euro mortise locks with the Emergency Function2, and supports EU profile and select Scandi profile cylinders. Its hassle-free retrofit design offers homeowners and renters an instant update to their existing locks, without the need for complex installations, key changes, or door modification. Multiple secure door entry options are offered by the U200 Lite. Family members can conveniently unlock it using mobile apps (Aqara Home and other Matter-enabled apps) or voice commands via Siri and Alexa. More intuitively, they can also unlock by simply tapping their iOS and Android phones on the provided NFC Sticker Card, which can be placed on the outside of the front door. Even when away, homeowners can remotely open the door for visitors using the mobile app. All remote functionalities, such as real-time alerts, device logs, and remote unlocking, are provided subscription-free. With its built-in gyroscope, the U200 Lite provides acoustic reminders if the door is not properly closed, ensuring it is never left unsecured. Once closed, it automatically locks, and there is no need for an external door sensor —offering a more aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective solution3. Other popular features that the U200 Lite model retains from its predecessor, the U200, include: Quiet Mode reduces the noise level during unlocking and locking3. Pull Spring automatically retracts the door latch upon unlocking3. Turn to Lock/Unlock allows effortless manual locking/unlocking3. Equipped with a 2,000 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery, the U200 Lite offers a battery life of up to 6 months on a single charge4, eliminating the hassle of frequent battery swaps and promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle. The Aqara Smart Lock U200 Lite is now available for purchase through Aqara's official website, authorized retailers, and major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon (France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, UK). For more information on the new smart lock, please visit the Aqara website. A Matter controller with Thread Border Router functionality is required for connecting the Smart Lock U200 Lite to any third-party Matter-enabled system, locking/unlocking remotely via a mobile app, and locking/unlocking with voice commands. The Emergency Function enables the cylinder to be unlocked from the outside using a key, even if another key is already inserted on the inside. The Auto Lock, Quiet Mode, Pull Spring, and Turn to Lock/Unlock features are disabled by default and can be only activated in the Aqara Home app setting. The 6-month battery life is based on the assumption of 8 cycles of unlocking and locking per day. View source version on Contacts For Media Inquiries: media@
