From Speakers to Security Cameras: How to Start a Smart Home In 2021
These are the essential tools you need to make your home more technically advanced and safer
Brandt Ranj, provided by
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Whether you’re into technology or not, there’s never been a better time to make your home smarter. In the past five years the prices of smart gadgets have fallen, and the hardware and software have become easier to use.
If you’ve been holding out, or have gear that’s out of date, we’ve got you covered. This guide has everything you’ll need to start, expand, or upgrade your smart home.
Android Community
April 30, 2021
There is no official announcement yet but there seems to be an update for the Chromecast with Google TV. One user and redditor shared the good news that there is new firmware is available. If you see a QTS1.210311.005 update available, it’s the latest and it may show up when you launch Google TV or your Chromecast. The version is only 166MB. The changelog says the software update includes Bluetooth Audio stuttering improvements in some apps. There are also HDMI hotplug improvements helping your Chromecast detect the ideal TV Settings.
The update also allows the HDMI-CEC to be configured to turn on or off only the TV withing the settings. You may also be able to access the Advanced Video Controls setting for resolution and refresh rate, color formats, and granular HDR formats. Google has also worked on WiFi improvements for 5GHz and Mesh networks. Of course, this particular update also delivers the latest April 2020 security path level.
Rolling Stone From Speakers to Security Cameras: How to Start a Smart Home In 2021
These are the essential tools you need to make your home more technically advanced and safer
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Whether you’re into technology or not, there’s never been a better time to make your home smarter. In the past five years the prices of smart gadgets have fallen, and the hardware and software have become easier to use.
What you need to know
Google has accidentally revealed an unreleased white Pixel 4a prototype in an Instagram story.
It is likely that Google may have originally planned to release the phone in black and white colors at launch.
The Pixel 4a is available in just two color options: Just Black and Barely Blue.
Google posted a new story on its official Made by Google Instagram account on the occasion of International Dance Day, showing off its latest Nest Audio smart speaker. As spotted by the folks over at
Android Authority, the Instagram story also reveals an unreleased white Pixel 4a.
What you need to know
Google has made some improvements to its AI Assistant s conversational abilities.
Google Assistant can now understand contextual prompts better than before.
Users can teach the Assistant how to pronounce the names of their contacts.
Google Assistant is handy when it comes to performing tasks, providing information, and has a pretty good understanding of what s being asked of it. That said, the AI assistant isn t perfect, and Google is continuously working on making improvements to it. The latest update from the company highlights some of the improvements that have been made to Google Assistant, which should make it even more helpful at completing tasks around the house.