Latest news with #GoogleNest
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
Thousands report outage with Google Cloud: Downdetector
NEW YORK (PIX11) — Thousands of individuals are reporting issues accessing the Google Cloud platform, according to Downdetector. Reports started flooding in shortly before 2 p.m. More Local News By 2:20 p.m., over 13,000 reports of outages had been submitted. The majority of issues being reported were related to connecting to the server. Additionally, thousands of reports have been submitted regarding outages with Google, Google Meet, and Google Nest. Google Cloud Service Health reports that multiple GCP products were impacted by an Identity and Access Management Service Issue. As of 3:30 p.m., Google reported that all regions across the U.S. except for US-Central1, which includes Iowa, have fully recovered. Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Journal
12-06-2025
- The Journal
How to make yours a smart home: The devices that people are using to automate their spaces
YOU DON'T NEED to be a tech expert to reap the benefits of smart devices in your home. Running the house can often be a time-consuming job, so why not get as much help as you can? A 'smart home' is a home where many of the appliances can be activated, commanded and deactivated remotely through one of your smart devices (like your phone or your tablet), or through voice command devices like an Amazon Alexa. By making your home a smart home you can save yourself time, stress and energy. Read on to discover which smart devices could make your home a more comfortable, more efficient, and in some cases, more fun place to live. Light it up One of the most common smart appliances you'll see in homes across Ireland these days is lighting fixtures. Smart lighting has become very popular. Take for example the AiDot Linkind Matter Smart Light Bulb . You screw it into place just like a regular lightbulb, but it can pair with your Alexa, your Google Nest, or whatever other central smart home device you've got. Through your phone or via voice command, you'll be able to turn the lights on and off, or even have them change intensity or colour, so your home will always fit your mood. Outsourcing the tough tasks Shutterstock Shutterstock Perhaps one of the most astounding advances in smart technology is appliances such as smart dishwashers, washing machines and dryers. The Samsung 9KG 1400 Spin Series 5+ AddWash™ Freestanding Washing Machine, for example, can connect with your devices, recognise your washing patterns, and suggest the perfect cycle for you, as well as sending you a notification to remind you that a cycle is done. Advertisement There is also a range of smart dishwashers that offer equivalent connectivity, allowing you to monitor and control your appliance from any room in the house or beyond — as well as further features such as Hygiene Plus, Intensive Zone and Silence on Demand. Home entertainment Previous generations dreamed about being able to turn the TV off and on simply by speaking the words out loud. For our generation, all this and more is a reality. Some televisions, such as the LG Evo C4 65″ 4K Smart TV , even come with an Amazon Alexa built-in, so you can use the television as a means to dim your lights or turn on your speakers via voice control. This product also comes with smartphone remote capability, family settings, a full web browser, intelligent voice recognition and hands-free voice control. Security Shutterstock Shutterstock When it comes to making your home as secure as possible and giving yourself peace of mind, there are several smart options available to you. If you really want to take your smart home to the next level, the next big thing is smart locks. Unlike traditional locks, smart locks typically forego keys and use the home's Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection to lock or unlock the door. Smart lock tech has come a long way in recent years, and many options will allow you to marry security with convenience. With a smart lock, you can unlock your front door from bed using your phone or lock the front door while you're out and about. No longer will you have to worry about whether you locked the door after you've left for the day. Instead, you're in control of your front door at all times, no matter where you are. Whichever improvements you're seeking to make to your home, there are a range of smart devices that can help you take your house to the next level, available at a range of price points. Do some research to discover exactly which smart products fit the bill for your home, and before long you'll be wondering how you got along without them.
Buzz Feed
07-06-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
25 Totally Practical Target Products
A wet cat food cover because you love fuzzy lil' not the way their open cat food can makes your fridge reek. This adjustable silicone cover won't just protect your precious, dainty nostrils — it will keep their wet food fresher for longer, compared to just covering it with tinfoil or cling wrap. Promising review: "I have several cats with different diets of wet food. We've been using sandwich bags or Tupperware to keep leftovers fresh, but using both had its issues. With this cover, it cuts down on waste. Apparently, no past food smell to put them off food, and it is easy to wash. It has three different sizes within the silicone cover. The sizes are fixed within, so there is no losing the ones not in use. It fits well and snugly on cans 2.9 ounces and 5.5 ounces. Buy this right away to keep your fur baby's food fresh. Plus, helping the environment and your money!" —Lina408Price: $3.99 A brightly colored mini-air fryer that air fries, bakes, and crisps, so you can start saving tons of money by not getting constant DoorDash. You might even *gasp* find out that you actually like cooking?? (Or at least, cooking that requires almost zero effort.) Promising review: "This little 2-quart fryer is perfect for one or two people! Easy to use, very easy to clean. It cooks at 400 degrees, and while that isn't adjustable, it works beautifully on everything from fish sticks and tater tots to cheese sticks. It cooks in less time than the included guide states." —Kay EmPrice: $25.99+ (available in three colors) A Google Nest smart thermostat because not to literally sound like your parents, but we all end up wasting a lot of money on heating and cooling our homes when we aren't there. A Nest will allow you greater climate control, since you can adjust the temperature remotely from your phone when you're going to be away, or via voice control when you're there — just say "Hey Google, turn down the AC." (Also, don't tell your parents you now understand why they were always on your case about the thermostat — they'll never let you live that one down). Promising reviews: "Purchased as a Christmas gift for my in-laws, whose eyesight and mobility are fading. They love just 'telling the house' what temperature to be." —Kim"Easy installation and use. Just what I needed, easy to navigate, and not confusing." —Bhz1017Price: $129.99 A 6-cup rice cooker to help you finally achieve what seemed like an impossible kitchen dream: Cooking rice without half of it get burnt on the bottom of the pot. This countertop star cooks your rice to perfection, and can also steam veggies at the same time. Minimal effort dinner? Look who just won the Adulthood Olympics without even trying! Promising review: "Omg, this is a miracle machine! I always burn my rice, or it's hard as a rock. In this cooker, it is so soft and fluffy." —BreePrice: $23.99 A bug bite anti-itch tool that sucks bug venom directly out of your skin — so no scratching, no bumps, no lotions. Just apply the tool to the bite and then get back to enjoying the beach/BBQ/park/outdoor concert where most of the attendees seem to be mosquitoes. Promising review: "I wasn't sure how or if this tool would work. Unfortunately, I am a mosquito magnet. I finally purchased one and took it with me when I ventured outside. It didn't take long before I got bitten. I noticed that if I used this immediately, there would be no swelling or itching. If not used right away, it shortens the swelling and itching time. I tried it on my 4-year-old nephew as well because his skin reacts horribly to bug bites. Amazingly, his skin did not get the red, oversized irritation he would always get at all! I recommended this to his mom as well and am looking to buy more so I can carry one in my purse and one on the backyard porch." —Target CustomerPrice: $10.99 A pack of Neutrogena makeup-removing wipes so nights when you just can't get up and take off your mascara don't turn to mornings where you wake up on a ruined pillowcase, looking like a raccoon who just got caught pawing through a trash can. Plus, the wipes are compostable — just throw all the evidence of last night's failed cat-eye experiment in with your banana peels and coffee grounds. Promising review: "Neutrogena face wipes are great for gently removing eye makeup. I also like how cool and smooth they feel on your face as a 'wake up' in the morning." —RozziPrice: $1.99+ (available in three sizes) A vegan tattoo brightening balm stick because you sat still for several hours while an artist poked you over and over with a sharp needle, all in order to get that beautiful ink — so don't you want to keep it looking its best? Reviewers say this shea-and-cocoa-butter moisturizer can make even older tattoos look fresh! Promising reviews: "I love the Mad Rabbit Balm Stick! I use it on all my tattoos to make them look dark and fresh. The stick makes it so easy to apply, too! As a tattoo artist, I always recommend Mad Rabbit products to all my clients!!" —Taylor"This product is so great for tattoos. I've been using it for a year, and it keeps my tattoos looking fresh, bold, and bright. It's even brought fresh life to older tattoos. It is not greasy like other balms, and this stick is so convenient to throw in your bag and have with you at all times." —tjposantiPrice: $14.69 A rechargeable Theragun Relief messager that comes with three attachments that work on all sorts of aches and pains — so no matter how you strained that hammy (Jogging accident? Jumped up too fast to celebrate a nice score in Assassin's Creed?) you can have it feeling better in no time. Read more about what massage guns can (and can't) do, plus how to use them, at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "I bought this item for my spouse for Valentine's Day. He often complains that his back aches and has been able to use it independently, but he will also use my shoulders. It's a win-win! I would recommend this product." —C. Rain Price: $169.99 (available in two colors) An iced coffee maker so you can stop spending literally the equivalent of a mortgage payment each month on your iced coffee habit. This machine can brew up a cold cup of caffeine in under four minutes, and even comes with a reusable tumbler. Yes, your barista will miss you, but I'm sure they'll move on, eventually. Promising review: "I absolutely love this machine. It's easy and affordable, and you can make it exactly how you like. Everyone needs one of these if you love a nice iced coffee without even having to leave your home." —BeMarie4Price: $39.99 A weighted knit blanket for anyone who's been curious about the stress-relieving benefits of a weighted blanket, but doesn't like the aesthetic of the typical fleece or quilted ones. This beauty (which is knit from weighted tubes, rather than filled with glass beads) looks like it was made to go with your Cape Cod or farmhouse home decor — and it also weighs a hefty 12 pounds, so you can truly relax. (Because how relaxed can you get when you know you're disrupting your interior design, really?) Read more about how to choose a weight, what these blankets help with, and how from the Cleveland review: "I purchased this blanket on a whim, and it is wonderful. I am sleeping so much better. It is exactly 12 pounds, and I find the knit material to provide some breathability while being sturdy, but soft. I traded my bead-filled weighted blanket for this and feel it is worth the price. It looks like a regular throw blanket, and I purchased the beautiful blush color, making it visually appealing. I recommend!" —FLPrice: $140 (available in two colors) An Our Place ceramic nonstick Always pan because it bakes, broils, fries, steams, braises, sears, and so much more — it can substitute for half a dozen kitchen items. That means more food options for you, and more room in your kitchen cabinets. We love a double-threat! The set includes an Always Pan 2.0 in original nonstick, a modular steam-release lid, a nesting beechwood spatula, and a steamer basket and review: "I love the quality of the pan and lid. The nonstick ceramic surface works beautifully. The pan heats evenly, and food cooks efficiently." —ChristinaPrice: $129 (available in five colors) A breakfast sandwich maker, so you can solve the timeless dilemma of how to get a delicious, convenient and piping-hot breakfast without putting on pants. Sometimes, technology truly is wonderful. Promising review: "Bought this so my husband has another breakfast option when he wakes at 4:30 a.m. He likes how easy and fast it is, and the sandwich comes out perfectly. As others have mentioned, we haven't experienced problems with the egg seeping out yet. I'd buy it again." —RuherePrice: $32.99 A white-noise machine, because if you are a light sleeper, this machine, with its adjustable volume setting and over 200 5-star reviews, will be a game changer. Some of us become more sensitive to noise while we sleep as we get older; so instead of cursing your upstairs neighbors (what are they, having clog dancing practice at 11 p.m.??), use this handy-dandy tool to wrap you in a cocoon of soothing sound. Promising review: "We can't live without this! As a family of four, each bedroom has one. We pack them when we travel, and it's usually first on my packing list. During the summer, we sleep with windows open, so it helps block out the sounds of crickets. Definitely needed if you sleep with a companion (human or dog!) who is a loud breather. I've had mine for at least two years and it's still going strong." —Mom411Price: $49.99 A sulfite-removing wine-purifying tool for anyone prone to wine headaches — trust me, once your friends find out that you know the secret to being able to sip freely without worrying about an aching skull later, they're all gonna want one of their own. Promising review: "I've owned this purifier for three years. It's awesome. Used to always get headaches from sulfites in red wine, but this took care of that. It doesn't change the taste of the wine either. It's a little pricey, and you have to buy filters, but if you get bad headaches and love wine, it will be worth it. Their customer service is also top-notch. We accidentally threw away our small red part of the device, contacted the company, and they shipped us a replacement part for free. This gets 5 stars all around! Cheers!" —Cat MilgarPrice: $79.99 A USB-powered fan because summer is coming, and you need to find the spot between "freezing in front of the AC unit" and "sweating so badly at my desk that I feel like I'm working on Excel sheets in a sauna." This compact, portable fan will help you find the sweet spot. Promising review: "So glad I purchased this. Affordable and really is pleasant. This fan is small, metal, and has one speed, but it does provide a nice breeze. I have even brought it into the kitchen occasionally to put on the counter while I bake/cook. I like that it isn't stuck in one position and swivels up and down nicely. Would be cool if it came in white or other colors, but I still love it." —CoastalMommaPrice: $15.99 A bamboo cutlery organizer that fits 48 pieces of cutlery — but its unique angled shape takes up half the space of a traditional, flat cutlery holder. With all that cutlery in you'll actually be able to find your vegetable peeler on the first try now. Promising review: "My boyfriend recently moved to an apartment with a kitchen that has less than generous storage space, and this compact organizer was the perfect solution to store his silverware! The drawer is truly tiny, and all of the silverware items fit easily!" —Small space hackPrice: $21.99 A 6-inch Kindle for anyone who is simply d-r-o-w-n-i-n-g under their TBR pile. This pocket-sized reader can go pretty much anywhere with you, so you can whip it out whenever you have down time and actually read more books, instead of succumbing to the siren song of checking a social media app (that you already checked five minutes ago). Promising review: "I love physical books, but as a working mom of four (one being a baby), I wanted something I could throw into my bag and go that was compact and charged well. I absolutely love my new Kindle. I'm on my fifth book this week!!!" —MamaoffourPrice: $109.99 (available in two colors) A mini waffle maker that won't take up too much counter space, but WILL make you realize you were a fool to buy frozen waffles all these years. This maker is quick-heating and nonstick, which = fast and easy weekday morning waffles. Yes, it can be done! Promising review: 'I love this waffle maker; it heats up quickly and works great!' —KMPrice: $9.99 (available in two colors) A robot mop and vacuum because it's the epitome of "work smarter, not harder" — or I guess, technically, it's the epitome of "let a robot work harder mopping, sweeping, and dusting both carpet and hardwood floors, too, while you watch Netflix." This little cleaning genius grabs pet hair as well as dirt and dust, you can schedule cleanings, and when it's done, it empties itself out. Is this the greatest roommate you've ever had or what? Promising review: "Currently obsessed with this thing. Love it so much. Such an improvement over the last robot vacuum/mop we bought and returned a couple of years ago. So far, I feel it is totally worth the extra money over the other brands. I have especially been surprised at the customization to cleaning different areas, from suction power to the rise of carpets and grain direction for wood floors! Also been surprised at it not getting stuck anywhere yet. It can go under and over better than my old robot did. Also, it is much quieter than I expected. I will probably start running the mop at night. The only con is my toddler is afraid of it, lol." —ElleBPrice: $649.99 (originally $999.99) A Google 4K TV streamer with voice search, so you never again have to waste precious minutes of your life typing out the titles of your fave shows (and don't even get me STARTED on having to delete everything if you accidentally make a typo). Plus, if you do lose your remote in the vast landscape of your living room, you can actually make it ring so that you can locate it. (Ah, turns out that the remote was stuck inside that box of Chips Ahoy that whole time!) Promising review: "Just what I needed! It looks modern and stylish. Perfect size, great features, and quality. Buying a second one." —MePrice: $99.99 A set of cabinet bumpers that do so much more than make your cabinets quieter. (Though, seriously, why do they make these cabinets so danged loud?) They can be applied to the bottom of potted plants and other items to keep them from scratching your shelves, and to keep pictures frames from making marks on your walls. Promising review: 'These are a great way to protect our walls from cabinet door bumps and dents. They stay on effectively and do their job as designed!' —melPrice: $4.79 for a pack of 20 A pair of velvet blackout curtains so that that rude ol' sun can stop interfering with your plans for sleeping in over the weekend. Reviewers say that these machine-washable velvet panels truly do block out the sun, while giving a more luxe look than traditional blackout curtains. Promising review: "I don't leave reviews often, but these curtains deserve one. They feel so luxurious. The black gives off more of a dark gray look. I painted my room a different color just to use these curtains; they're that good. Excellent light blocking. 10/10 recommend!" —jackiePrice: $60 (available in two sizes and colors) An SPF 50-infused IT Cosmetics CC+ cream because it provides full coverage AND sun protection, yet still feels light. Just a few swipes and you're good to go — so feel free to set your alarm five minutes later in the morning. Promising review: "Love, love, love! Staying power, flawless coverage, little product needed, color blends beautifully with skin tone." —TamaraPrice: $47 (available in 17 shades) A Bissell stick vacuum that's like a Transformer of household cleaning — it can be used in its full-sized stick form, or broken out as a hand vac for those hard-to-reach spots (always the exact places that need to be vacuumed the most). Rejoice and/or grieve: You no longer have any excuses to not regularly clean your house. Promising review: "Only had this vacuum for a week, but I absolutely like it. So far, it cleans well, the suction is great, and it is very light and easy to maneuver around." —Mj75Price: $128.99 A retro-looking portable Bluetooth speaker with AM/FM functions, because who said cute things can't be practical? This adorable faux antique gives you all the usefulness of a standard Bluetooth soundbar, but will actually fit in which your charming vintage home decor. Promising review: "I own one and liked it so much, I purchased one as a Christmas present. It's aesthetically pleasing, but also functional. It has a great sound and is portable. I use it in my kitchen and on my deck. Very happy with this vintage-looking item." —L2WestPrice: $39.99
Hindustan Times
05-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Smart homes, silent spies: 6 ways to safeguard your privacy
Did you know the number of smart devices worldwide has surged from 10 billion in 2019 to nearly 18.8 billion by the end of 2024! Now, with this rapid growth in smart device usage, there's a fair chance we all have at least one smart home device in our home, starting from robot vacuum cleaners to security cameras, AI refrigerators, smart cooking appliances and more. While these gadgets bring incredible convenience, they also come with a hidden risk of exposing your personal data. Here's how some most common smart home devices store the data Robot vacuum cleaners Robot vacuums are equipped with advanced mapping technology. They use cameras and sensors to scan your home's layout, every corner, furniture placement, and obstacles that are digitally recorded. While this helps with cleaning efficiency, much of that data is stored in the cloud and shared with third parties to improve AI or form partnerships, raising privacy concerns. Smart TVs Remember how you watch a TV show or a movie, and it starts suggesting similar content? Smart TVs track your viewing habits through Automated Content Recognition (ACR), identifying everything from live TV to streaming. This data is sent to manufacturers and often sold to advertisers to create detailed viewer profiles for personalised recommendations. Voice Assistants Alexa, 'how's the weather today?' Makes your life easier, doesn't it? Devices like Amazon Echo, Google Nest, or Apple HomePod are designed to listen for wake words like "Alexa" or "Hey Google." But privacy researchers warn that these assistants can sometimes misinterpret background noises or conversations, inadvertently recording audio clips. These snippets are stored on cloud servers, and in many cases, reviewed by human contractors for quality control, raising serious concerns about what private moments are being overheard and stored. Security cameras Perhaps the most privacy-invasive of them all, smart security cameras often operate on continuous recording modes. For both indoor cameras and video doorbells, footage is typically stored on company servers, and in some cases, accessible to law enforcement upon request. Smart home appliances AI-powered refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers track how often and when you use them. Some appliances even send alerts when you're low on items or suggest recipes, all based on your usage behaviour. This means your lifestyle habits are being constantly analysed and monetised. 1. Secure your Wi-Fi network: Use strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi and enable WPA3 encryption. 2. Use strong, unique passwords for devices: Make sure to change the default passwords set by the brand when you purchased them and set strong, unique passwords for each smart device. 3. Regularly update device firmware: Keep all your smart devices updated with the latest firmware and software patches. 4. Limit data sharing settings: Adjust and restrict unnecessary data collection. Disable features like voice recordings, storage or location tracking when not essential. 5. Disable unused features and voice activation: Turn off features you don't use, especially always-on listening modes or remote access. 6. Choose trusted brands: Opt for reputable brands with a strong security track record. They're more likely to offer regular updates and robust data protection.
Android Authority
03-06-2025
- General
- Android Authority
Can't change Activity Zones on your Nest Cam? Google's working on a fix
Smart cameras are a cheap and easy way to help you feel secure about your house and belongings , making it a snap to keep an eye on things even when you're away from home. Features like motion alerts help us keep on top of what's happening, but they can also quickly become overwhelming if your cameras just see a lot of motion. That's exactly why we love features like Activity Zones on Google Nest cameras , letting us define specific areas of interest (or those we want to ignore). Right now, though, some users are running into trouble working with Activity Zones. While your existing Activity Zones may be working as intended, we spotted a Reddit thread started by user Cool_Willingness_302 where multiple Nest users have been complaining about recently losing the ability to edit and create Activity Zones. Affected users encounter a 'could not turn on' error message in the app. Although not yet confirmed, the loss of functionality may be tied to the release of a recent Home update or involvement with the Public Preview program. A number of Nest owners, like TheGowanus , report running into the problem specifically with the Home app on iOS. What we do know is that an official Google account popped up in both of these threads and acknowledges the problem: We're aware of an issue impacting activity zones and are looking into it. We will keep you updated when this is resolved. Thanks for your understanding. We haven't spotted any further update since Google first shared that message yesterday afternoon, but it's reassuring to at least hear that developers are on the case. If your Nest cameras are refusing to let you configure your Activity Zones, know that you're not alone, and help is on the way — sooner or later.
