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Android 12 Beta 5 moves home controls where they should have been from the start
They're hanging out on the lock screen next to the Google Pay shortcut
With its latest, and very possibly last, update to the Android 12 beta, Google is adding in a lot of creature comforts that flesh out the operating system's user interaction. One of the most handy is home controls (AKA device controls), quick links to your most-used actions for controlling a smarthome. Previously (and distractingly) placed in the power menu, they seem to have a much more easy-to-reach home now: right no the lock screen.
Arlo simplifies its home security plans: unlimited devices now cost just $10 a month
But the advanced emergency services are bumping up to the $15 plan
Arlo's security cameras are getting more popular thanks to wide availability and simplicity. And the company is embracing that simplicity with its latest change to its cloud subscription plans. Some people will like the expansions since they offer recording for more cameras. But if you're particularly worried about emergency services, you might be paying a little more.
Siri voice commands come to third-party smart home gadgets later this year
The WWDC showed off an Ecobee thermostat responding to Siri commands
Apple's WWDC 2021 keynote is nearly two hours long, because Apple has a lot in common with Zack Snyder. Nestled in the presentation on HomeKit was an interesting nugget of information: Siri will be available on third-party devices later this year. That's a little less exciting than it sounds. It's not as if you'll be able to install a Siri app on Windows or Android: Apple's only extending this functionality to devices that are compatible with its HomeKit smart home technology. During the keynote, Apple demonstrated a Siri voice command working with an Ecobee thermostat (which indeed, includes its own microphone for voice commands).Third-party smart home appliance manufacturers will be able to integrate Siri commands into their HomeKit functionality later this year, assuming they have the hardware to support it. But you may need a HomePod or HomePod Mini in order to use it: the presenter said that commands go to your HomePod over your home's network without going to a third-party server. Based on the demo, it looks like it should be possible to add Siri voice command functionality via a software update, so those who want it won't necessarily have to buy all-new smart home gadgets.
Samsung is about to kill the SmartThings Link for NVIDIA Shield and original SmartThings Hub
Both will be discontinued at the end of June
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Change is an inevitability in life, and unfortunately for those of us who invest in various product ecosystems, change ultimately means having to upgrade. Right now, Samsung is transitioning to a next-gen platform for its SmartThings smart home system. And while newer devices are coming along for the ride, some older components are going to need to be replaced before they stop working. Samsung's been sharing news of this transition with owners of these devices, including the SmartThings Link USB dongle that lets it integrate with the Nvidia Shield, as well as the original SmartThings Hub.Info was first sent to SmartThings Link owners, including our tipster, via email back in March. Without support for SmartThings Link, Samsung's smart home system won't be able to access the Shield, and vice versa. That's bad news for users who've built their home integration around SmartThings, though that's probably a tiny number of people compared to those who've done the same with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit. Shield's integration with Assistant for voice commands and smart home functionality is extensive.[EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/jank0/status/1366429511470903299[/EMBED_TWITTER]Users of the SmartThings Link will also lose direct access to Zigbee and Z-Wave devices. Samsung is offering discounts to some users for a new third-gen SmartThings Hub for their trouble, but there's no indication of when (or if) support for the new API system will come to the Shield.When Samsung first announced word of this transition back in 2020, it mentioned that "select legacy hubs" would also be retired in the pursuit of progress. We've since learned that this means that Samsung's first-generation SmartThings Hub will be shut down alongside the Link dongle at the end of June. Like those users, owners of the Hub are being given the opportunity to upgrade to more modern hardware at a discount.
If TV backlights like the ones we showed off at the beginning of February aren't your thing, perhaps your living space, gaming room, or home theater could benefit from a different style of ambient lighting. Introducing the Govee Flow Pro Wi-Fi TV Light Bars, now just $49.49 (20.50 off).Like their back light cousins, the Flow Pro light bars are built around Govee's ColorSense technology. What this means is that the Flow Pro uses a camera mounted to the top or bottom edge of your TV so that it can capture the colors playing on your screen. That information is then relayed back to the light bars so that they can cast the same colors as the show or movie you're watching. The result is a beautiful tapestry of immersive colors that emit from the light bars and onto your wall, creating an ambient experience while you enjoy your content.
The Flow Pro light bars include 12 different scene modes so that you can find the perfect lighting to match your viewing preferences, plus there's a music mode that lets the light bars pulse along with the music playing through your TV, making it great for karaoke night, enjoying rhythm-based video games, and more.
Add some RGB accents to your setup with the Govee Immersion TV backlights for just $54 ($18 off) (Sponsored)
Android Police readers can save 25% with this exclusive code
Why just watch TV when you could become fully immersed in the viewing experience? Whether you're binging a beloved TV series, catching the latest direct-to-streaming blockbuster, or kicking back with your favorite video game, you can take whatever's playing on your screen and project its colors beyond the display. Make your TV sessions feel bigger and bolder than ever before with the Govee Immersion Wi-Fi TV backlight set, now only $53.99 ($18 off) with coupon code.
Seasonal Savings coming to all Nest thermostats to help save on energy bills
The smart home gets a little smarter
The arrival of the smart home has made everything from switching off lights to turning on the coffee maker easier than ever, but there are some problems that take extra smarts to solve. For Nest smart thermostats, that extra help comes in the form of the company's Seasonal Savings program, a feature designed to helps to save on energy costs. Previously restricted to users with specific utility providers, it's now starting rolling out to all Nest thermostats.
Amazon's tiny Echo Flex smart speakers are great because they can fit into areas where even the compact Echo Dot can't. That's because the Echo Flex simply plugs into any open wall outlets without blocking the other. After dropping the price from $25 to $20, Amazon is further sweetening the deal by selling two Echo Flex speakers for just $35 ($5 off) with a limited-use coupon.Although we haven't had a chance to review the Echo Flex yet, it's been getting rave reviews on the internet for its compact size, flexible mounting solution, full Alexa integration, and useful accessories like a night light and motion sensor. It can even pull double-duty and charge your smartphone with its USB port.
The smarthome has a whole encompasses a great many elements. One of the ones often forgotten in our love of light bulbs, outlets, and cameras is the sprinkler control system. For those of you that this might appeal to, you should check out the deal that Woot is running on the Rachio 2nd generation 8- and 16-zone controllers; the former is $149.99 and the latter is $179.99, which means that the savings are $50 and $80, respectively.
Plex is simply awesome. I have been using the media server in some form or another for years and the Lifetime Pass sales are always extremely tempting. So when the service gets a new feature or addition, I pay attention. In this case, Amazon's personal assistant and Plex are coming together via a new Alexa skill.