A significant change is coming to Samsung smart TVs. Starting March 1, 2024, Google Assistant will no longer be available on any Samsung TV model, including those that previously came with it.

This development follows the quiet elimination of Google Assistant from Samsung’s 2023 TV lineup. The Samsung support page now confirms the discontinuation of this feature across all Samsung smart TVs, including:

• 2022 models
• 2021 models
• 2020 8K and 4K QLED TVs
• 2020 Crystal UHD TVs
• 2020 Lifestyle TVs (Frame, Serif, Terrace, and Sero)

Samsung started integrating Google Assistant into its TVs in 2020, but in a mere four years of time, the feature is now being removed from all supported models.

Samsung says the removal is due to “a change in Google’s policy,” although the specific details remain unclear. 

The support page notes, “Important: Due to a change in Google’s policy, Google Assistant will no longer be available on Samsung TVs beginning March 1st, 2024. Check out other options for voice assistants on Samsung TVs.”

Google recently made changes to Assistant by removing 17 features, though any connection to this development is unknown.

With the departure of Google Assistant, Samsung TV owners will now have to switch to other pre-installed voice assistants that is, Samsung’s Bixby and Amazon’s Alexa. 

But for those who are accustomed to Google Assistant, we guess you now have no option other than switching to a different TV brand altogether. This could be a viable option if you’re considering purchasing a new TV, but surely isn’t the most practical.

Currently, almost all smart TV brands, excluding Samsung, such as LG, Sony, TCL, and Hisense, continue to offer Google Assistant support in their TVs.

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The much-needed Android Auto design overhaul is finally here, and users can enjoy it on their respective devices. The latest updates make the user interface more user-friendly by centralizing the navigation panel and then showing the call and music cards on the bottom side of the panel. The blank space left at the bottom of the UI gets a Google Assistant. Below, we have discussed the new changes to Android Auto in detail.

Major Changes in Android Auto Redesign

Google is once again revamping its Assistant interface on Android Auto, and this time it extends to voice replies, offering users a refined and polished experience. The new design features a “listening” UI on the bottom bar that replaces app icons, transcribing the user’s speech along the bar. It also overhauls voice replies, displaying them in unused space alongside maps.

Google Assistant Re-Imagined

The updated Google Assistant now greets users with a “Hi, how can I help you?” tag if there’s a moment of silence. As soon as the user starts speaking, the Assistant transcribes the voice commands along the bar. Notably, the replies from the Assistant continue to be read aloud and are not displayed on the screen.

Improved Voice Replies

In addition to the aesthetic overhaul, Google is enhancing the voice reply experience on Android Auto. Voice replies now utilize any unused space on the screen not occupied by maps. The interface includes a “Speak now” prompt in one panel, transcribing the message while providing clear “Cancel” and “Send” buttons. Alongside, the profile picture and name of the recipient, as well as the app icon (e.g., Telegram), are displayed.

AI Auto Reply

Google is aiming high with its generative AI prowess using new AI engines. After bringing the generative AI feature to Chrome, the new features are soon going to enthrall such features in Android Auto. The redesigned Assistant and voice reply features come ahead of Google’s planned support for AI message summaries on Android Auto and more context-aware auto-replies. While a preview video showcased similar design elements, these specific features are not yet live but are anticipated to roll out soon.

Get New Android Auto

The redesign, part of Android Auto version 11.2, enhances the overall experience and aligns with Google’s ongoing improvements to Assistant’s design on various platforms. Users can expect the update to roll out gradually over the next few weeks.

(via)

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Google Assistant, the popular voice assistant, is getting some changes. In a recent blog post, Google announced they’re removing 17 features from the Assistant from January 26. The company says this is to improve the “quality and reliability” of the service, making it “easier to use Assistant across devices.”

From January 26th, if you try to use any of the 17 features that are being taken away, you’ll get a notification that they are no longer available. Most of these features will be completely removed by February 26th, as reported by 9to5Google.

Here’s the full list of what’s being removed:

• Controlling audiobooks on Google Play Books by voice is out. You can still cast them from your mobile.
• No more cookbook management on Google Assistant – transferring recipes, instructional videos, and step-by-step guides are out. But fear not, as you can still use Google Assistant to search for recipes online and on YouTube.
• No more setting media, music, or radio alarms on Google Assistant devices. Instead, you can create a custom Routine or use a standard alarm.
• Stopwatch management on Smart Displays and Speakers will be a thing of the past. But worry not, as setting timers and alarms is still a go.
• Voice calling a device or broadcasting to your Google Family Group will be a no-go. Still, you can broadcast to devices within your home.
• Sending emails, video, or audio messages with your voice will no longer be an option. However, you can still make calls and send text messages.
• No more asking for contact information. You can still make calls to them.
• No more App Launcher in Google Assistant driving mode on Google Maps for messages and calls. However, you can use voice control on Google Maps in the same way.
• Voice control for activities will be off the table for Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 devices. Instead, you will have to use the buttons on your device for activity control. Pixel Watches still support voice control for activities.
• Calls from speakers and Smart Displays won’t display a caller ID unless you’re using Duo.
• Voice-checking personal travel itineraries is out. However, you can still inquire about flight status.
• Voice actions like sending payments, making reservations, or posting on social media will no longer be supported. However, you can still ask the Assistant to open your installed apps.

It’s not all subtractions though. Google is also refining the Google app, which will now trigger search responses when you tap the microphone icon. However, the microphone icon will no longer control smart home devices or send messages. This includes the Pixel Search bar, which now triggers Voice Search instead of Assistant.

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Artificial intelligence technologies is becoming increasingly popular, with companies integrating it into their services and applications. ChatGPT is currently the leader in this field, but Google is emerging as a strong contender. Google recently integrated AI into Gmail and services like Docs, and is now introducing “Google Assistant with Bard,” a new integration of Google Assistant with its generative AI chatbot. Here are the details…

Unveiling the Bard-Enhanced Google Assistant, Next-Gen AI Experience

Google Assistant has been a part of our Android phones since 2016. Over the past seven years, it has gained many features. Now, with AI chatbot technology, it’s reaching a whole new dimension. Google has been trying to integrate Bard into this technology for some time. For those who may not know, Bard can generate text, translate languages, write various types of creative content, and answer your questions informatively.

Google Assistant with Bard is still under development, but it promises to bring a number of new capabilities to Google Assistant. With Bard’s help, talking to Google Assistant will feel more like chatting with a friend. Bard knows how to talk and understand like humans do. This means smoother, friendlier conversations with our devices. Bard isn’t just about friendly talk, it’s also super smart too.

It can dive deep into topics and give answers that aren’t just right but also helpful. Imagine asking a question and getting an answer that feels like it’s coming from a wise friend. One of the most exciting things is Bard’s talent for creating. It can come up with poems, help with writing code, or even think of story ideas. So, Google Assistant won’t just answer questions. It might even help with your homework or next big project.

A select group is currently testing Google Assistant with Bard, and we might try it soon based on their feedback. Here’s your first look at Google Assistant with Bard

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(via)

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Google Assistant is currently the best virtual assistant on the market. But Google is aiming to make it even smarter by integrating the generative AI capabilities of Bard, a large language model that can generate and reason with text, voice, and images.

The new assistant, called simply “Assistant with Bard,” will be able to help users with a variety of tasks, including planning trips, finding emails, creating lists, and writing social posts. Users will be able to interact with Assistant with Bard through text, voice, or images.

Assistant with Bard will also be contextually aware, meaning that it will be able to use the input from the sensors in an Android device, such as the camera, voice input, or presence detection, to understand the user’s intent and provide relevant responses. 

For example, on Pixel devices, users can pop up Assistant with Bard on top of a photo to get contextual assistance with personal tasks, such as asking it to write a social caption.

Google says that Assistant with Bard will be integrated with some of the Google services that users already use, such as Gmail and Docs, making it easier to stay on top of the most important things in their lives. 

For example, users can ask Assistant with Bard to “Catch me up on any important emails I missed this week” to get a rundown on the key emails they need to know about.

The company also announced that the Pixel 8 Pro is the first phone to run the company’s foundation AI models directly on the device. This means that the device will be able to run generative AI with up to 150 times more computations than the largest machine learning (ML) model on Pixel 7. This will lead to improved AI experiences on Pixel 8 Pro, such as an improved magic eraser feature that can help users remove large objects and people without smudging their photos.

Assistant with Bard is still in early development, so the company is rolling it out to a limited group of testers to get feedback before releasing it to the public in the next few months. This means that most of us will need to wait a while to use these features.

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(Via)

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Google is sunsetting Google Assistant on older Wear OS watches. In specific, smartwatches running Wear OS 2 or older will no longer be able to use Google Assistant after August 31, 2023. The details were first spotted in the latest version of the Wear OS Companion App, which contains a message that says “Google Assistant support on this watch is ending soon. Please upgrade to a newer watch that supports Google Assistant and runs Wear OS 3 or later.”

The Companion App, as per 9to5Google, is specifically designed for devices that run Wear OS 2 and lower, so the shutdown of Google Assistant on these devices is certain. This leaves many devices from popular brands such as Montblanc, Polar, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, and Fossil with no access to the voice assistant.  

As per TheVerge, some users have already seen a shutdown notification on their smartwatches following the recent update to the Wear OS app. Mishaal Rahman, a well-known figure in the Android community, even shared an image of his TicWatch Pro 3 displaying the message “Google Assistant support for this watch is ending soon.”

This is a relatively quick turnaround, but Google’s decision to discontinue Google Assistant support for Wear OS 2 devices is understandable, given that Wear OS 3 is now the main focus and Wear OS 4 is already rolling out. However, this does leave owners of older Android Wear smartwatches in a bit difficult situation. Do you own a Wear OS 2 or an older smartwatch? What do you think about this change?

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Google has been fiddling with quick phrases for quite some time now but started rolling it out to some devices only in October 2021. The feature allows users to perform certain actions without yelling hotwords like “Hey Google” first. A couple of examples include the ability to pick calls effortlessly simply by saying “answer” or silencing alarms by saying “stop.”

The scope of this “stop” command is now getting expanded to Google Assistant as well. If the voice assistant is talking too much, simply muttering “stop” will shut it up immediately — no hotword needed. The feature will also work even if you don’t have Continued Conversation enabled.

Helpful new Google Assistant feature alert! Want your smart display or speaker to stop talking? Just say “stop” — no #HeyGoogle needed.

— Google (@Google) January 25, 2022

This functionality is especially useful if you happen to trigger Assistant accidentally or if the reply to your query is a bit lengthier than necessary — as is often the case with those overly detailed weather readouts.

However, there is a catch. It appears that this Google Assistant “stop” command only works on smart displays and speakers for now. This will hopefully be changing soon if Google is sensible enough to bless smartphones, tablets, and more devices with the feature as well.

There has also been no official indication of this function being triggerable by yelling “stop” in languages other than English. But that’s understandable considering the quick phrases feature is still in its early stages.

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Lenovo is known for its smart clock range powered by Google Assistant. At CES 2022, the company has introduced yet another model in the lineup. Unlike previous models, the new one comes with Amazon Alexa. Hence, it is aptly named Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa Built-in.

Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa Built-in Specifications and Features

The newly announced Lenovo smart clock is almost similar to the older Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with a slightly tweaked design lacking the built-in nightlight. Apart from featuring Amazon Alexa instead of Google Assistant, it also arrives in two new colors, namely Clay Red and Misty Blue.

Apart from the above-mentioned differences, the new model is the same as the older one. Additionally, the company has also unveiled a new accessory called Lenovo Ambient Light Dock. The clock is also compatible with the Lenovo Wireless Charging Dock, which debuted alongside the Lenovo Smart Clock 2 last year.

Talking about specs, the device sports a 4-inch monochrome LED non-touch display with support for customizable clock faces. It features a soft-touch fabric finish and multiple buttons for volume up/down, alarm, and Alexa.

It also has a microphone mute toggle and a USB Type-A port to charge other devices. Most importantly, the clock houses a 1.5-inch 3W speaker and a far-field microphone array consisting of 2 units.

The accessory is powered by an Amlogic A113X chipset paired with 4GB RAM and 4GB storage. It has all the essential sensors like an ambient light sensor, accelerometer, and proximity sensor.

Connectivity options on the product include single-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.1. The older Essential model with Google Assistant has dual-band WiFi but Bluetooth 5.0.

Last but not least, the clock weighs 249g, which is 9g more than the older variant.

Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa Built-in Price and Availability

The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa Built-in starts at $59.99 and will hit the shelves from January 2022 itself. On the other hand, Lenovo Ambient Light Dock starts at $29.99 and it will be available sometime later in Q1 2022.

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Google has a lineup of smartphones under its Pixel brand and now the technology giant is gearing up to enter the smart wearables market as the company is rumored to soon launch a Pixel-branded smartwatch.

Ahead of the official announcement from Google, some details about the Pixel Watch have surfaced online. A report from 9to5Google has found that the device, running Wear OS, will come with some exclusive features.

The latest version of the Google app has a “PIXEL_EXPERIENCE_WATCH” tag which hints that the Pixel Watch will come with some features that won’t be available on other Wear OS devices, at least for some time.

For those who are unaware, Google uses the tag “PIXEL_EXPERIENCE” or a variation of it for rolling out exclusive features that are not available for other devices in the market. For instance, there’s “PIXEL_EXPERIENCE_2021” for the Pixel 6 series phones.

Coming back to the features, it is speculated that the Pixel Watch will come with a next-generation Assistant. It is expected to be built into the watch and have support for on-device processing instead of relying on the cloud. This should result in much faster operations and make the device stand out from others.

Recently, the watch faces for the upcoming smartwatch were leaked online and will come running the Wear OS 3 which is a new operating system created with the merger of Google’s Android-based Wear OS and Samsung’s Tizen OS.

If the leaks are to be believed, then the upcoming Google Pixel Watch will come powered by the Samsung Exynos processor similar to the Exynos W920 that the South Korean giant is using on its own Galaxy Watch4 series.

The device is expected to get launched sometime in Spring 2022 and could be priced above $300. To know more about the device, we will have to wait for a few more weeks or months for more details to surface online.

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Google’s newly launched Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones are the most impressive devices coming from the technology giant but similar to the previous models, these ones too have plenty of issues. Among them is the issue of the device randomly auto-dialing contacts in the middle of the night.

Later, the hot word detection feature of Google Assistant was found to be the culprit, and turning the feature off fixed the problem. The search engine giant quickly acknowledged the issue and has now resolved this with the latest version of the Google app which is now available in the Play Store.

According to a Pixel community manager on the /r/GooglePixel subreddit, updating to the latest Google app (12.43.18 or higher) should now fix the problem. They say that the update is rolling out on the Google Play Store. If you have disabled the “Hey Google” hotword detection feature, then it is now safe to re-enable it.

So, if you are using the Google Pixel 6 or the Pixel 6 Pro smartphone, then you should quickly update the Google app to the latest version as soon as possible to fix the ghost dialing issue on the device.

For those who are unfamiliar, some users of the newly launched Pixel series smartphones reported that even in quiet rooms, their phone would light up and say that it’s calling a  random contact from the phone’s contact list. This was happening at different times with different contacts, and some have even reported it happening on older Pixel devices.

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Google Assistant will soon be receiving a new update that would enable users to use certain words to interact with the assistant without needing to say the “Hey Google” voice activation command.

According to a XDADevelopers report, the search engine giant is working on a “Quick Phrases” feature, which was spotted on a Pixel 3 XL that was running on the Android 12 Beta. As of right now, it is unknown whether Android 12 is a requirement for this new feature. The Quick Phrases feature needs to be activated in the Assistant settings. After it is turned on, the Assistant will now listen for certain phrases depending on the situation.

As an example, users can turn off the alarm when it goes off by simply saying “Stop” or “Snooze” without having to first say “Hey Google.” Similarly, you can even answer calls by just saying “Answer” or reject it by saying “Decline.” Other reports had also revealed a list of other such similar commands that are believed to be a part of these Quick Phrases. This includes commands like “Cancel the alarm,” “Send a broadcast,” “What’s the weather?,” “Turn up the volume,” and “Pause the music.”

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The Lenovo Smart Clock was announced back in 2019 during CES. Last August, it was followed up with a cheaper model, the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential. Now, a successor called the Lenovo Smart Clock 2 has appeared on the manufacturer’s US website and it brings a new design and additional features.

We knew a successor was coming earlier this month when we spotted it on the Bluetooth SIG website. Now that it is here, we are pretty excited. Not only does the new alarm clock, which still doubles as a smart speaker, boast a new design, but it is also available in more colors.

The Lenovo Smart Clock 2 is taller now, as a bit more base has been added to it. The display is still angled and the body is wrapped in a soft-touch fabric that is available in gray, black, and blue. There are two buttons on top for controlling the volume, and at the bottom is a power jack and a microphone mute switch. Unfortunately, there is no longer a USB-A port on the back for charging your devices.

Lenovo has decided to make more money by moving that USB port to an optional wireless charging dock for the Smart Clock 2. What this means is that, if you still want to use the clock to charge your device, you will have to shell out extra cash for the dock. The dock also has a wireless charging pad with a maximum power output of 10W. Lenovo has also brought over the nightlight of the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential to the charging dock. The dock connects to the smart clock via pogo pins.

The Lenovo Smart Clock 2 still has a 4” LCD IPS Touchscreen but the resolution wasn’t stated. There is 1GB of RAM, a MediaTek MT8167S processor, and 8GB of built-in storage. Like we said above, the new smart clock is bigger and Lenovo has put that extra space to use with the addition of an extra 3W speaker for stereo sounds.

The Smart Clock 2 connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. It also has Bluetooth 4.2, a light sensor, and an accelerometer. The dimensions are given as 93.30mm x 113.48mm x 71.33mm while the weight is 298 grams.

Lenovo is yet to announce a price tag for the Smart Clock 2 as well as the charging dock. However, when it goes on sale, buyers will be able to purchase it in Abyss Blue, Heather Grey, or Shadow Black.

1 of 4

Just like the original, you have Google Assistant onboard and you can control your smart home devices, ask it questions, listen to podcasts, set reminders, and more. You should also be able to use it to make voice calls over Duo.

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In 2019, Lenovo launched a smart clock that doubles as a smart speaker powered by Google Assistant. It followed it up with a more affordable version called the Smart Clock Essential. This year, we may be getting a successor to the first-gen model and a Bluetooth certification page has revealed it will arrive as the Lenovo Smart Clock 2.

The Lenovo Smart Clock 2 was certified a few weeks ago. It has moel number Lenovo CD-24502F and connects via Bluetooth 5.1. The description says that it is a Bluetooth AI Speaker which means it will keep the smart Bluetooth speaker functionality of its predecessor.

The original launched with a 4-inch HD+ color touchscreen and while we don’t expect the successor to be any larger for a bedside device, we won’t rule out the possibility of that happening. However, a sharper one will be appreciated. We also expect it to have a better speaker, an upgrade from the 3W speaker in the 2019 model.

The Lenovo Smart Clock 2 should have Google Assistant built-in so users can set alarms, timers, and reminders with the Hey Google or Okay Google command. It should also be able to control supported IoT devices such as smart bulbs, thermostats, and cameras.

The first-gen model launched for $80 and it will be a miracle if the successor is priced less.

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Apple recently announced that it will host a virtual WWDC starting on June 7. Now, Google has cryptically announced that its I/O 2021 will also be virtual and will start from May 18.

9to5Google was quick to decode the message on the I/O 2021 announcement. In a tweet, Google has shared the teaser and a link that takes us to an event page. Here, we see a set of puzzles with messages hidden inside the punchcards.

On decoding them, we get a message that Google I/O 2021 will be held virtually i.e, online skipping the usual Shoreline Amphitheater place and it will be free for everyone as well. Similarly, Apple has also said that developers don’t need to pay an entrance fee to attend the WWDC 2021 event.

Further, the message also has the event date and according to the report, Google I/O 2021 will be held from May 18 to May 20, 2021. We can expect announcements regarding the Chrome, Google Assitant, and Android 12 Beta.

In 2019, Google used the I/O to announce its first-ever mid-range Pixel 3a/ 3a XL smartphones in May. However, the successor got pushed to October the next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, reports say that the Pixel 5a will be launching on June 11 which, if turns out to be true, will once again skip the launch at the I/O. However, there is a possibility that the ‘Pixel Buds A‘ wireless earbuds could launch at the event but let’s wait for an official confirmation.

Either way, Android and Chrome OS developers should watch out for the event as the company is expected to announce exciting updates regarding its future.

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A few more countries may soon join the United States as countries where the Google Assistant Driving Mode is functional. The Driving Mode feature was launched in 2020 in the United States, and feelers indicate that it is already operational in the United Kingdom, while several others are lined up for the rollout.

Previously, the official support page for the feature indicated that it was only available in English in the US. That has been updated to read that some features “aren’t available in all languages or countries.” This is suggestive of an imminent global rollout for the feature even though that wasn’t stated. Android Police also reports that one of its readers in the U.K has reportedly got the feature on his Pixel 5.

The Google Assistant Driving Mode is a feature that helps users who are on the wheels to listen to audio notifications on their compatible Android smartphone, make or receive calls, as well as send messages using their voices.

The feature is a replacement for the Auto mode which was on Android smartphones previously. It was developed to ensure safety while driving, as the user can perform a lot of activities just through a voice prompt. The feature is compatible on smartphones with Android 9.0 operating system or higher, together with a minimum of 4.0GB of RAM. Unfortunately, the driving mode feature will not work in landscape mode. Therefore, the user will need to ensure that their smartphone is in portrait mode before activating the Google Assistant Driving Mode.

It is known that making calls while driving has caused hundreds of accidents with sometimes massive fatalities. Therefore, the Google Assistant Driving Mode will help a motorist receive or make calls and perform a few other activities without interfering with his driving.

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Google had recently introduced several new Android features like Emoji Kitchen and auto-narrated audiobooks. Now, the company has added six new features that should be available for everyone very soon.

The company is rolling out Dark Mode for Google Maps, a new Password Checkup tool for Android users, ability to schedule messages in Google Messages, new Assistant commands that can be used hands-free, a new version of TalkBack, and some more customizations for Android Auto. Here is a list of the same, with information about the changes and updates.

Password Checkup Tool

The password checkup tool from Google is very helpful as it checks the user’s saved login credentials against “known compromised passwords.” The feature has been available for Desktop users and now it is coming to Android.

If the user has enabled the Autofill on the smartphone for saving credentials, the service will check for any compromised information and then Google will recommend changes to be made, if needed.

Message Scheduling

Google Messages application from the company is confirmed to get the ability to schedule messages. The feature was spotted by some users in September last year but wasn’t officially confirmed by the company.

Users can now finally schedule message just by opening the app, typing out the message to the contact and then long-pressing the send button to get options for scheduling. The app will also show suggested timings but users can set their own date and time.

Google Maps Dark Mode

Dark Mode has been introduced in almost all applications of Google and now the company is finally bringing it to Google Maps. The feature was expected to be available around September 2020 but has been delayed and now it’s finally here.

To enable Dark Mode in Google Maps, the user will need to go to the Settings in the application and then look for “Theme.” In there, toggle the option for “Always in Dark Theme” or anything else from the options.

Hands-Free Google Assistant Commands

This isn’t a new feature as the hands-free commands for Google Assistant have been available for some time. However, the company is now expanded the list of commands to make it easier to use.

As per the announcement, the user will now be able to set an alarm, play music, send text messages or make calls, all without unlocking the phone. There’s also a new set of glanceable cards showing basic info on the lock screen.

Updated TalkBack

Android has a screen reader named TalkBack which is aimed at those who are blind or with low vision. It is now getting revamped with more intuitive gestures, a unified menu, a new reading control menu, and more.

The company claims that it has added several new easy-to-learn multi-finger gestures for Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices to make it easier to interact with apps. It has also added new reading controls that are adjusted with 3-finger swipe. There are also new voice commands, support for two new languages in TalkBack’s braille keyboard, and more.

Android Auto Customizations

A new update to the Android Auto service will being support for custom wallpapers as well as voice-activated games. The company is also planning to offer home screen shortcuts for things like contacts and tasks like checking weather or adjusting thermostat through Google Assistant.

It will also roll out a new new split-screen view when the car has a wider display and a privacy screen when there are others along with the user in the car.

RELATED: 

• Best Android 12 Features — Better Privacy Controls, new APIs, and several UI Tweaks
• Samsung working on two Galaxy Watch models, could ditch Tizen for Android (Wear OS)
• Google’s Android 12 may come with Material NEXT design along with new features

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New features are rolling out to the Google Assistant, most of which are family-focused and built around smart displays.

The first of the new features is Family Notes. Users will be able to add a sticky note (reminders or to-dos) to the main screen for everyone to see. Think of it as a reminder widget.

Google has also added new chimes and sound effects for the Family Bell feature that was announced back in August. The feature allows for the broadcast of special alarms such as bedtime, breakfast time, and movie time on different smart home devices. Along with the chime, the smart speaker or display will also say what the alarm is for. Family Bell can also be customized for a specific device. It has been reported by The Verge that the feature will have the ability to pause all bells for the day.

Another interesting feature that has been added to Google Assistant is the ability to ask where family members are. All you have to say is “Hey Google, where is my family?” or “Hey Google, where’s mom/dad (specific family member name)?” and the assistant will display the last known location of all members or a specific person on Google Maps. To use this feature, you need to have a Google family account and be aged over 13. Location sharing also has to have been turned on in Maps.

Other features that Google has added include new educational features such as interactive stories – users can say “Hey Google, tell me a story” and an interactive story will appear on the smart display. Google says you can also say “Hey Google, what can I learn with my family?” and family activities that can be completed by kids will show up.

UP NEXT: Voice Remote for Chromecast with Google TV now available for $19.99

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Acer has made its entry into the smart speaker market with what can be termed the coolest Google Assistant smart speaker. The Acer Halo, as it is called, seems like a mashup between several speakers but the result is best described as very interesting.

The Acer Halo is not cylindrical like a lot of smart speakers but a large cuboid with curved corners. There is a recess at the top that houses the controls including a switch to mute the microphone. The body, which has a LED display on one side, is wrapped in a fabric material while the base is transparent.

The addition of the display means users can get visual feedback with respect to inquiries. As shown in the video below, the speaker can display weather info, countdown timer, and icons and animations for a bunch of other things you ask it to do. The transparent base has an LED that reacts to the music the speaker plays.

The Halo speaker has two far-field microphones and is one of the first Google Assistant-powered speakers with DTS surround sound according to Acer. The speaker will control compatible smart home devices, play podcasts, and answer questions.

The Acer Halo Smart Speaker will sell for €119 in Europe when it goes on sale in December and $109 in the US when it launches in North America in the first quarter of 2021.

UP NEXT: Xiaomi’s Mi Smart Speaker launches in Spain for €49.99

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Google Assistant is available on a variety of devices from smartphones to speakers, to smart TVs. Since its launch, the Google Assistant has gotten new features such as support for more voices. Now Google says it will begin rolling out a Guest mode feature to the AI assistant.

A blog post by Google says that the feature will begin rolling out in the next few weeks. With Guest Mode, interactions with the Google Assistant are not saved to your Google Account. This can be likened to using incognito mode when browsing.

Google says you will be able to activate Guest Mode with a voice command. At the moment, you can ask Google Assistant to delete your last query and it will remove it from your Google Account. However, if you have multiple queries, that can be tiring. Guest Mode eliminates the need for that.

The blog post also revealed that Google will begin sending critical security alerts directly to users when using a Google app rather than to your email. So if you are using Google Maps and there is a security alert, you will be notified with the app. The notification will come via a blinking red icon on your Google account profile picture in the corner.

UP NEXT: Google Chrome mobile app will check if saved passwords have been compromised

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Google unveiled the Pixel 5G devices yesterday. Along with that, Google has also introduced a new ‘Hold for Me’ feature to the Google Assistant. Google says this will help us eliminate the waiting time when speaking to customer support.

The new feature (via Android Authority) helps by staying on the line for us when a customer care call is on hold. In the meantime, users can carry on with their work. If a human picks up the call, it will notify via vibration, notification, and a sound so that we can pick it up and continue. Accordingly, it will also ask the receiver at the other end to wait while you pick up the call. This is a nifty little feature and saves minutes of waiting to a pre-recorded music and messages while contacting support service.

Besides, users can also keep track of what’s happening by using a real-time transcription feature. For instance, if music is played on the other end, it will show as “Music playing”. The feature will be available for activation from Google’s settings. Once turned on, a button on the phone screen besides option like speaker, hold, mute while on a call. After selecting it, the Assistant will take over the call. Now, a page with “Don’t hang up” and “return to call” button appears.

Google says the feature uses Google Duplex and Call Screen technology to perform the task. Google launched the AI-based Duplex feature in 2018 that helped people make reservations at a restaurant through Google Assistant. Moreover, Call Screen is an automated feature that helps to filter spam, marketing calls by understanding the purpose. That said, the new Hold for Me uses natural-voice response just like the other two.

However, the Hold for Me works for the whole device and hence, we can’t play any other music or audio files simultaneously. This way we can be sure that nothing is heard beyond the assistant’s voice. That said, “Hold for Me” is available for users of Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 5G only in the US as a “preview” feature. It supports only English calls of toll-free numbers and not local businesses as of now. But Google says, older pixels will get it via “pixel feature drop” rollout soon.

Up Next: Chromecast with Google TV launches for $49.99; Nest Audio speaker tags along for $99

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Yesterday, Lenovo launched Tab P11 Pro and Smart Clock Essential. At the same time, the company also unveiled Tab M10 HD Gen 2 as an entry-level budget Android tablet. It comes with modest specifications compared to the other model.

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Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 Specifications and Price

As the name suggests, the newly announced Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 features a 10.1-inch HD ( 1280 x 800 pixels) IPS LCD panel with TDDI (Touch and Display Integration) technology. That means the screen will not have a weird gap between the glass and the actual panel like the entry-level iPads.

Further, the display on this tablet is rated to cover 60% of NTSC color gamut and output a maximum brightness of 400 nits. Also, this panel is certified by TÜV Rheinland for lower blue light emission.

As for design, the casing of the tablet is made of aluminium and it is boxy in shape with slight curves at the corners. What’s underwhelming is its internals as it is powered by MediaTek helio P22T SoC paired with 2/4GB RAM and 32GB/64GB internal storage. If the memory is not enough, users can insert a microSD card up to 250GB in size.

EDITOR’S PICK: Lenovo and Huawei were the fastest-growing tablet brands in Q2 2020 globally

Other features on this new entry-level tablet include Android 10, newly announced Kids Space, dual speakers powered by Dolby Atmos, dual microphones, 8MP primary camera, 5MP front-facing camera, FM Radio, 5,000mAh battery and two colors – Iron Grey & Platinum Grey. On the connectivity front, it comes with 4G LTE, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, 3.5mm headphone jack, USB Type-C, and two pogo pin connector for accessories.

As for price, the regular Lenovo Tab M10 Gen 2 starts at  €159 (including VAT) and is expected to start shipping later this month. 

Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen 2 With Google Assistant/Amazon Alexa

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The tablet also comes in  Google Assitant and Amazon Alexa variants with a charging dock. They feature the same specs as the regular version except for changes in microphones. The former model sports only a single low-power DSP. On the other hand, the latter retains dual microphones, in addition to extra three far-field mics and 3W speakers on its dock.

Their prices (including VAT) start at €179 and  €199  with shipping commencing from October and November respectively.

UP NEXT: CMR: Lenovo led the India Tablet Market in Q2 2020 with 48% market share

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Lenovo announced a couple of products today and one of them is the Smart Clock Essential. The new product is a smaller and more affordable version of the Lenovo Smart Clock that was announced last year.

To make it more affordable, Lenovo has swapped the color display of the larger model for a LED-like panel that displays real-time information including the date, time, temperature, and weather. Since this is not a color display, you do not need to worry about bezels. The rest of the design doesn’t deviate from that of the Lenovo Smart Clock.

The speaker is wrapped in fabric with 3D buttons at the top. You can use the buttons to control playback and also to set the time. The back is where the power jack is in addition to the mute button and a USB-A output port for charging your devices. The white plastic around the ports is actually a night light that allows you to see in the dark so you don’t have to turn on the lights in the room.

With Google Assistant built-in, you can use the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential as you would any smart speaker. From setting alarms to asking questions to creating shopping lists and controlling other smart home devices, the far-field microphones on the speaker will take your commands. You can also listen to your favorite podcast thanks to its 3W speaker. Lenovo says you can also group it with your other compatible smart speakers.

The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential will sell for €59.99 in Europe when it goes on sale later this month. In the US, it will sell for $49. It will also be sold in China, Latin America, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.

UP NEXT: Lenovo Yoga Active Noise Cancellation Headphones with 14-hour battery life launched

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Google Assistant may not be the most popular virtual assistant around but Google is sure looking to expand its functionalities with preference given to globalization of the app. The Silicon valley-based company has now announced  new feature for the virtual assistant.

In a blog post, Google disclosed that users will now be able to send audio messages to contacts using Google Assistant. That will come in handy in scenarios where one is too tired to type on a phone or when the hands can’t be used to hold a phone for any reason. With Google Assistant, the owner can then use their voice to dictate a message.

According to Google, Voice-messaging is the modern-day walkie-talkie and is the easiest way to send a quick note to friends and family. The company also hinted that the feature will be available on Android smartphones and you won’t need to hold down the little mic icon to record the audio message. The feature will be available in English-speaking countries around the globe, as well as in Portuguese in Brazil.

You can make use of this feature with the voice command, “Hey Google, send an audio message”. The smart assistant will ask you who you want to send an audio message to and what message you’d like to record. Alternatively, you can say “Hey Google, send an audio message to Paul saying I’m on the way.”

Apart from the audio message feature, Google also flaunted five other cool ways in which Google Assistant’s voice prompt can be utilised including getting help reading web articles and snapping a selfie.

UP NEXT: Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra beats Huawei P40 Pro in Camera Performance with a DxOMark score of 130

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Google introduced a system-wide dark mode with the latest Android 10 operating system. But that has not been very effective considering that some apps don’t support Dark mode including some Google apps. In a bid to expand support for Dark Mode across its app portfolio, Google has announced the roll-out of Dark mode support for the Google App and Google Assistant. The feature is now available on both Android and iOS.

The feature will be available on models running Android 10 and iOS 12/13 and from the look of things, there is no need to update the apps as the update for both apps are server-side. Although the post specified Android 10, some Android 9 users are also reporting that the Dark Mode option is available on their devices.

Starting today & fully rolling out this week, dark mode is now available for the Google App on Android 10 and iOS 12/13. By default, the Google App will reflect your device’s system settings in Android 10 & iOS 13. If that’s set to a dark theme, the app will be in dark mode…. pic.twitter.com/ZqSD33ZhNt

— Google SearchLiaison (@searchliaison) May 19, 2020

For users who have already activated a system-wide Dark Mode, the apps will automatically display a dark theme. This is done by simply converting the white UI elements to black and dark grey ones. Users also have the option of toggling between light and dark mode from the Google App settings.

The new dark theme option started rolling out on May 19 and will gradually expand to more users in the coming week.

UP NEXT: Realme X50 Pro Player Edition, VC liquid cooling and other gaming features teased

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Last year, Google announced Ambient Mode, a Google Assistant feature that allows you to be able to use the Google Assistant even when the device is being charged. It debuted on the Nokia 7.2 and Nokia 6.2. In Ambient Mode, your phone will be able to function as a digital photo frame, control smart home devices, and even display reminders and weather info.

OnePlus has announced that the feature is now available for its devices. Ambient Mode is available on OnePlus phones starting with the OnePlus 3.

If you own a supported OnePlus device, you can opt-in for the feature by connecting your phone to your charger. You should get a notification for Ambient Mode and all you have to do is follow the instructions to set it up. You can also enable the feature by launching the Google App Settings > Assistant > Devices (Phone).

OnePlus says it is a staged rollout, so it will not be available yet for all users and might take up to a week for full release.

UP NEXT: New OnePlus Power Bank with fast charging may be coming soon

(Source)

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Google announced a successor to the Google Home Mini at its Made By Google event in October. However, rather than arriving as the Google Home Mini 2, it launched as the Nest Mini. It even looks the same as its predecessor.

The smart speaker has now arrived in India more than a month later with a price tag of INR 4,499 (~$63). It is already available for purchase on Flipkart in Chalk and Charcoal. Sorry, no Coral and Sky.

The Google Store India website says it is also available on Reliance Digital and Croma but we couldn’t find it on both online stores.

The Nest Mini has 40% stronger bass than its predecessor, better voice recognition, and capacitive buttons that light up when the speaker senses you are close. There is also a hole at the back of the speaker in case you want to mount it on a wall rather than have it sit on a surface.

Just like the Home Mini, the Nest Mini can also control your compatible smart home appliances and lights. You can stream songs and podcasts from the internet and also listen to weather reports and the news.

UP NEXT: XiaoAI 3.0 brings Google Assistant-like continued conversation feature

(Via)

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The Google Home Mini will be getting a successor tomorrow at the Made by Google event. The new Google Assistant speaker will launch as the Nest Mini. Pictures of the device have surfaced and they show Google is keeping the design of its predecessor with the exception of a nifty feature on the back.

The source of the pictures is the German tech blog, Winfuture.de. The pictures are promo images and they show that the Google Nest Mini looks just like the 2017 Google Home Mini. It still has that donut design and it comes in anthracite, coral, rock candy (light gray) and sky blue.

[envira-gallery id=”282843″]

The Nest Mini may pass for the Home Mini but that is only when you place them face up. If you turn them upside down, then you should see a distinguishing feature. Google has put a hole at the bottom of the Nest Mini to make it easy to hang on walls rather than sitting on a flat surface. They have also included a 1.5 meter-long cable that should suffice when you mount the speaker on the wall.

Winfuture.de reports that the Nest Mini supports dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, and built-in Chromecast support. However, they add that the speaker may be more powerful as it has a 15W plug, unlike the Home Mini which has a 9W power plug.

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The Nest Mini should have the same launch price tag as the Home Mini. We expect Google to slash the price of the Home Mini if they don’t outrightly stop production.

UP NEXT: Google Pixelbook Go leaks in its full glory ahead of Oct 15 Launch

(Source)

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As more houselholds pick up their first smart speaker or smart TV, others are purchasing a second or a third or more. If you belong to the latter category, Google has a new feature that will make playback easy among your devices. Called Stream Transfer, you will be able to move playback (podcasts, music, and videos) between compatible smart devices.

Stream Transfer is easy to use, the easiest way is to call up the Google Assistant and tell it to move what you are watching or listening to the speaker or smart TV where you want it. For example, you can say “Hey Google, play it on living room TV” and what you are watching in the bedroom or on your Nest Hub Max will begin to play on the living room TV. The same applies to audio playback.

Another way to use stream transfer is to go to the Google Home app, tap the cast button to show a list of your devices and select which device or group you want to move playback too.

Stream Transfer works with YouTube for videos and YouTube Music, Spotify, Pandora and more for music. The feature began rolling out to all Chromecasts, Google Home, and Nest smart speakers and displays yesterday.

UP NEXT: Google developing Game Device Certification program for gaming phones

(Source)

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Google has scheduled a launch event on 15th October where the company is all set to launch the Pixel 4 series flagship smartphones, a couple of Nest devices as well as Pixel Buds 2 wireless earphones.

Ahead of the launch of the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, most of their specifications and features have already leaked online. Now, a new video has surfaced online which showcases the power of the new Google Assistant present on the Pixel 4 smartphone.

If the reports are to be believed, then the Pixel 4 series will come with a new Google Assistant which will have all the features of the “old” Google Assistant as well as some new additions. A promo video of the same has now leaked online, giving us idea about how powerful the updated Assistant will be.

The video shows people using voice commands to control aspects of their phones. In one video, the user is asking Assistant about the nearest metro station once the directions are provided by the app, the user then asks Google to send a text to their friend to let them know they are on the way.

EDITOR’S PICK: Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 may launch this year as Xiaomi executive takes back his statement!

In another example, it is shown that a person arrives at a secluded area on a lake and asks Google Assistant to turn on Do Not Disturb mode, which it does. Do note that the current version of Assistant can also do these tasks.

However, in the video, we can see that the user interface of the so-called new Google Assistant has been updated. It now looks much simpler and has a colorful bar at the bottom that moves along with different functions.

There’s another example which showcases the new Assistant’s capabilities. In the video, the user gets a text from a friend asking when their flight lands. The user then asks Assistant “What time is my flight?” and it pulls up the information without even needing to switch apps.

Afterwards, the user says another command “Reply I get in at 5:45 PM”, without saying “OK Google” at the beginning. But since Assistant can understand the context of that query, it already knows what to do. Now, this is an advanced feature that’s currently not possible with Assistant which such efficiency.

There’s yet another video showcasing the feature where the user says “Show me my photos from last weekend.” Then, Google Assistant opens Google Photos and shows the user’s photos from the previous weekend. This is followed by the user saying “Show me the ones with a dog” and it only shows photos that feature a dog from that past weekend.

It remains to be seen if the new Google Assistant will be limited to the new Pixel 4 series flagship smartphones or the company rolls out the feature for other devices as well.

UP NEXT: US offers data localization alternatives to India, pressures them to avoid Huawei

(Source)

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The Pixel Buds launched alongside the second-gen Pixel back in 2017. The Bluetooth headphones with Google Assistant and real-time translation got lukewarm reviews and wasn’t a hit. It has now been reported that the Pixel Buds 2 may arrive this year on October 15.

There are no details about Google’s new earphones. Of course, it should still have Google Assistant built-in, but its design is a mystery. Will it keep the design of its predecessor i.e. with a cable connecting both earbuds or will it be true wireless earbuds?

We sure do expect some big changes when Google unveils the Pixel Buds 2 later this month. With those changes may come an increase in price too but they will probably keep it under the $200 mark.

Another audio product we expect Google to announce at the Made by Google event is a new Google Home Mini smart speaker, though it is reported it will arrive as the Nest Mini since Google’s smart home products are now under the Nest brand.

UP NEXT: LG Tone+ Free wireless earbuds launched in South Korea

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It has been nearly two years since Google announced the Home Mini, a portable smart speaker powered by the Google Assistant. According to new reports, Google is developing a new device called the Nest Mini which should be the successor to the Home Mini.

If you have been following the news regarding Google’s smart home products, then you should know why its upcoming speaker is called the Nest Mini and not Home Mini 2. Google announced back at Google I/O that it will be changing the names of its smart home products from Google Home to Google Nest. For example, the Google Home Hub is now known as the Google Nest Hub.

Coming back to the Nest Mini, the speaker is said to come with some significant feature upgrades. According to 9to5Google, the smart speaker will have better sound quality with a higher maximum value and better bass. It has also been reported that it will also feature a built-in wall mount.

The biggest addition coming to the Nest Mini is the 3.5mm audio jack. There are speculations that this will allow users to connect the speaker to external speakers with better audio quality. It may also be for audio input.

Another feature the Nest Mini will have is proximity awareness. It is said the proximity sensor will show the volume the speaker is when you get close enough. Unfortunately there is no mention of the Nest Mini having a built-in battery.

The Nest Mini is also said to come in new color variants different from those of the Home Mini. There is no info on pricing but it is assumed it will sell for $49 just like its predecessor. Promos and deals should see interested users get it for less than that price.

(Source)

UP NEXT: Google Assistant floors Siri and Alexa to emerge as the smart assistant with the highest IQ

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First came smart speakers and now we have smart displays. The trend which started with Amazon’s Alexa-powered Echo Show now includes smart displays powered by Google Assistant. The latest is LG’s XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9, a smart display made by LG in collaboration with Google.

The LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 (LG XBOOM WK9 for short) shares a similar design to the JBL Link View – a display sandwiched between two speakers, though the front of the LG XBOOM WK9 is rectangular with curved corners and not oval like the JBL.

The smart display’s selling point is its audio. Unlike other smart displays that push audio performance to the back burner, LG has focused on this. The audio performance of the smart display was developed in partnership with Meridian Audio – an industry leader in audio solutions. LG says they worked together on providing the XBOOM WK9 with high-fidelity sound, accurate bass, and a precise vocal definition despite its small size.

The LG XBOOM WK9 has an 8-inch HD display flanked by two 20W speakers. It also has a 5MP camera for video calls, a feature missing on Google’s own Home Hub smart display. It comes in black, weighs 1.51kg and has a power rating of 5.6W.

Since it is powered by Google Assistant, you can use the smart display to control your smart devices that work with Google Assistant or use it to control other LG ThinQ products.

READ MORE: LG G7 One gets Android Pie before other LG phones

The LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 is priced at about $300 but holiday savings should let you get it for less when it goes on sale.

(Source, Via)

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Last year, Lynky announced the first Google Assitant-powered smart home hub with a display. Yes, Lynky is the first, not Lenovo, to announce a smart display powered by the Google Assistant. Almost a year later, Google is expected to unveil its own smart display. Details of the device called the Google Home Hub have surfaced.

Starting with the design, the Google Home Hub looks like a mash-up of an Android tablet and the Google Home Max. Personally, I think Google could have come up with a better design if it tried.

[envira-gallery id=”212801″]

The display is 7-inches in size with thick bezels around it. The top bezel has a bunch of sensors but doesn’t seem to have a camera which is weird since the Lenovo Smart Display has a camera for video calling using Google Duo. There is a switch at the back of the Google Home Hub but that is for turning off the microphone.

The rear of the device looks like a large speaker and is covered in fabric. There sure are some speakers buried underneath that fabric but the design gives us concern about the audio performance. As shown in the images, the display practically covers the front leaving just a small bit of the base exposed.

Just like other Google Home devices, the Home Hub will only work when connected to a wall switch judging by the power cable at the back. The Home Hub will be powered by a 15W wall adapter according to the leaked specs.

[envira-gallery id=”212802″]

The Google Home Hub will display relevant information such as weather, traffic, date and time. It will also be able to show live views of connected security cameras via a voice command. If you link it up with your Google Photos account, it will also display your pictures.

READ MORE: Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL to debut in 3 colors: Black, White, and Mint

The Google Home Hub will be available in Chalk (pictured above) and Charcoal. It will have support for dual-band Wi-Fi and weighs 480g. It is expected to sell for $149 and be announced alongside the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL on October 9.

(Source, Via)

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Earlier this year in January, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Hisense announced its lineup of smart Android TVs — HiSense H9E Plus 4k TVs, along with a number of other Hisense TVs including H10E TV, H6E-series, and the H8E-series.

Now, the company has announced that the H9E Plus 4K TVs are now available to purchase in the United States directly from the company’s website, as well as from Walmart and Best Buy. Hisense has revealed that two models are currently available for purchase.

One of the two models is the 55-inch model (55H9100E Plus), which is the more affordable option as it carries a price tag of $699.99 MSRP price, while on the other hand, the larger 65-inch model (65H9100E Plus) comes with a price tag of $1,199.99.

As said, these 4K-enabled TV sets come loaded with Android TV as the main interface and also features Google Assistant. This enables users to take advantage of Google TV to browse content and control using Google Assistant. It also syncs seamlessly with Google Home while helping users personalize their entertainment with a huge suite of compatible apps.

Further, it comes with Hisense TV exclusive built-in 2018 FIFA World Cup Edition app which offers five live 4K HDR video feeds, highlights from 32 potential camera angles, on-demand match replays and FOX’s gripping documentary series “Phenoms,” which chronicles the journey of soccer’s biggest rising stars.

Besides 4K and smart features, the H9E Plus line features Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 support (which varies depending on model), along with Motion Rate 240, UHD upscaling, and sound tuned by Harman Kardon, depending on the model.

Read More: Hisense HLTE310M Seen On TENAA: Sports Dual Cameras and A Notch

In terms of design, the TV comes with a bezel-less design and for connectivity, it has four HDMI ports, two USB ports, and Bluetooth audio out. For those who aren’t happy with the Google Assistant smart home ecosystem, both H9E models are also said to support Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant as well.

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CES 2018 has been a sort of battle ground for the two major smart assistants – Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Last year’s edition was a big win for Amazon but this year, Google played catch-up. One of the newest Google Assistant-powered device announced at the event is the Anker Zolo Model Zero smart speaker (quite a mouthful, right?).

The first thing that strikes you about the Model Zero is its design. Zolo (Anker’s audio brand) has settled for a kettlebell/handbag design. This makes it stand out from other smart speakers in the market which are mainly cylindrical. Anker itself has two speakers with a cylindrical design – the Alexa-powered Zolo Halo and the Zolo Mojo with Google Assistant.

We know you’d want to know if its lack of a cylindrical design does affect its audio reproduction. Anker says its radial design “creates the optimal angle for the high-end drivers to deliver superior sound performance”. It is said to actually have five speakers in total.

The cut-out in the Model Zero not only serves as a handle for carrying the speaker around, but its inside is home to the volume control buttons and LED lights. The rest of the buttons are on the side. There are also LED lights in front that light up when Assistant is activated.

The Zolo Model Zero is a mixture of aluminium and fabric. It comes in three color configurations – black and silver, black and bronze, and white and gold.

READ MORE: LG Announces ThinQ Speaker – A Smart Speaker With Google Assistant

Anker has not released technical details about the device yet. They have also not announced a price but they said the Zolo Model Zero will launch in Fall 2018.

(Via)

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Hisense announced a bunch of smart TVs at the on-going CES in Las Vegas. Two of them, the Hisense H10E and Hisense H9E Plus, are its top models for the year and they both come with Google Assistant.

Hisense had earlier revealed that some of its smart TVs for 2018 will have Amazon’s Alexa built-in. So it was a surprise when it unveiled its top end models and they were shown to also have Google Assistant support. The remote of the two models also have a dedicated button for Google Assistant unlike Alexa.

The Hisense H10E is the most premium model with a 75” screen. It is the successor to 2017’s H10D model and brings a number of upgrades. The screen is brighter at 2200 nits compared to last year’s model with 1000 nits. Hisense’ custom OS has also been replaced with Android TV. It also has Dolby Vision HDR.

The Hisense H9E Plus comes in 55” and 65” sizes. It has Android TV, Dolby Vision, and also comes with both AI assistants.

Hisense has not announced the prices and release date of both models.

Apart from those two, there is the Hisense H9E, H8E, and H6E models too. The H9E and H8E both have Amazon Alexa but run Hisense’s custom OS. The H6E on the other hand lacks support for any assistant. Price and release dates have also not been announced for all three.

READ MORE: Hisense P9 Rugged Phone With 6000mAh Battery, AMOLED Display & Dual Rear Cameras Seen On TENAA

This year, Amazon and Google’s assistants will power more devices. We have seen them on TVs and smart locks at CES; we expect them to come with more speakers, earphones, and a bunch of other household appliances before the end of the year.

(Via)

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LG has now forayed into the smart audio products market with the announcement of its first smart speaker — ThinQ Speaker. The smart speaker comes powered by Google Assistant for voice commands.

ThinQ, which is pronounced as “think”, would be LG’s brand going forward for its connected and “smart” home products. LG had previously announced Google Assistant compatibility with its appliances and other devices.

The ThinQ Speaker, which comes in a cylinder shaped body, is claimed as a “premium audio product” by the company. LG says that the device offers high-quality sound in addition to its smart capabilities. It seems to have found its place somewhere between Google Home and Google Home Max.

LG says that it teamed up with Google to ensure that the LG ThinQ Speaker delivers all the conveniences that come with having a digital assistant. It also comes with a personalized voice-activated interface for LG’s smart home appliances.

Along with the ThinQ Speaker, the company has also announced a range of products that includes a new SK10Y sound bar and a portable PK series speaker. The company has partnered with Meridian Audio, hoping to provide better quality compared to other such speakers out there.

LG says that the SK10Y sound bar delivers 550W output, supports 5.1.2 channels and harnesses the power of Dolby Atmos technology. It comes equipped with multiple speakers, including a pair of powerful up-firing speakers, to surround the listener from every angle.

The portable PK series speaker is said to offer premium sound and mood lighting features. According to the company, with Meridian Audio’s advanced technologies, the PK speakers offer powerful and undistorted bass, as well as optimized speech and vocals. It is also compatible with the APT-X HD Bluetooth standard for streaming 24-bit music over a wireless connection.

Read More: Xiaomi Launches Yeelight Voice Assistant, Looks Identical To Amazon Eco Dot

While the company has announced these new speakers, it has not yet revealed any information related to their pricing and availability. We expect that LG will reveal pricing and availability information during Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where it plans to showcase these speakers.

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Google Voice Search used to have this feature where you could ask it what song was playing and it would identify it. Sadly, that feature wasn’t available on Google Assistant not until last month when it became a Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL exclusive. The good news is that the feature is now rolling out to non-Google devices.

Reports say the roll-out began last weekend to non-Google devices. I tried it on my OnePlus 3T and it works. The image below also show it working on the OnePlus 5. If you have Google Assistant on your device, you should check and see if it is available.

While it is not as sophisticated as the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL-exclusive always listening song recognition feature (Now Playing), it sure is better than nothing.

READ MORE: HTC U11+ is the Cancelled Google Pixel 2 XL Muskie

Google seems to be adding more features to make Search better. Yesterday we reported that you will soon be able to compare phone specs right from the search without the need for visiting a particular website.

(Source)

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Google Assistant is gradually making its way to non-Google devices. There is the Bose QuietComfort II headphones and then there is the Mobvoi TicHome Mini. There are more that have been announced but are not yet available for purchase yet. However, none of them has a display. Enter the Lynky, a smart home hub which not only comes with Google Assistant but also packs a touchscreen display.

Lynky is quite different from other AI Assistants as while those are smart speakers first with limited support for controlling other smart home devices, Lynky is a smart hub first before a smart speaker.

Lynky has support for multiple protocols. From Bluetooth to Zigbee to Wi-Fi. There is also support for IFTTT and more services can be added via its open API settings. You can also create custom scenes and modes with paired devices. The hub can control IoT devices from Philips Hue, IKEA, LIFX, Nest, Ring, August Home, TP-Link etc.

There are two versions of Lynky available – a desktop version that can be placed on any horizontal surface around the home and a wall-mounted version that can be connected to a light switch or fan switch.

Both let you control connected devices via the screen, voice, or the Lynky app. You can also decide to pair multiple Lynky units together if you have a large home. Since it comes with Google Assistant built-in, all assistant’ commands are available. You can ask questions, set reminders, set reminders and even stream music from the internet.

Lynky has a 5” HD display, 2 far-field microphones, and two 2W stereo speakers. There is also a button at the top to turn the microphone off. It has a quad-core cortex A7 processor and runs a custom version of Linux. The desktop version is powered via USB while the wall mount version draws power from the light switch.

READ MORE: The Harman Kardon Invoke is Microsoft’s First Cortana Speaker

Lynky is available on crowdfunding platform Indiegogo and is expected to start shipping in Q1 2018. Early backers will get it for $99 for a single unit or $188 if you want two units. Final retail price when it goes on sale is $149.

(Source, via)

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When Google announced the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, it announced two new Assistant-powered speakers – the Home Mini and Home Max. Sadly, both speakers like the original Home doesn’t have a built-in battery. The TicHome Mini solves that problem.

The TicHome Mini with Google Assistant built-in is a hamburger shaped smart speaker just like the Home Mini, but thanks to its battery you can take it anywhere with you. The speaker weighs 276g, has a diameter of 110mm, and a height of 43mm.

There are four LEDs and four buttons on it – volume control, microphone off/power button, and an action button. There are also two microphones at the top. The speaker charges via a micro USB port and has a leather strap for carrying it around.

The TicHome Mini has a 2600mAh battery that lasts for up to 6-hours on a single charge. And that’s not the only cool thing about it. It also has an IPX6 rating which means it is splashproof and can be used in the shower.

The speaker can control your chromecast devices via voice, control your smart home devices, set reminders and alarms, and stream music. There is Bluetooth connectivity and dual band Wi-Fi support. You can also pair to it instantly via TapConnect if your device has NFC.

READ MORE: Google Pixel Buds Live Translation Will Work on Original Pixel Smartphones

The TicHome Mini is priced at $99 but Mobvoi, the manufacturer behind the speaker is currently running a 72-hr flash sale that brings the price down to $79.99. That is still more than the $49 Home Mini but the fact that you get a built-in battery and IPX6 rating should count.

The speaker comes in teal, pink, black, and white.

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