… While I find it fun to script automations, my setup runs more smoothly with a shorter automation list. I kept automations that should naturally be automated, not the ones I built because the assistant could not be trusted. …
… Unlock AI-powered automation I have always been a skeptic when it comes to smart assistants . They were either too rigid to be useful or so complex that the setup time outweighed the time saved. …
… It allows you to do a range of new things with your existing smart home setup, such as: Turn on a fan or open your blinds when the temperature reaches a certain threshold. …
… With this setup, the hotel network only sees one device, which is your phone, while everything else runs through it. I've used this setup to get better speeds on my laptop and have a more consistent experience overall. …
… I didn’t expect how much smoother the entire experience would feel, and how that setup would carry over into my everyday drives. …
… Since the Companion app reports the phone's charging state, I can plug its charger into a smart plug and wire up an automation in Home Assistant to cut the power when the battery passes 80%. When it dips below 20%, the same automation can turn the smart plug back on. …
Anu Joy Mar 25, 2026, 7:00 AM EDT I cover Android with a focus on productivity, automation, and Google’s ecosystem, including Gemini and everyday apps. …
… At first, it felt like an experiment to avoid repetitive calendar setup . …
… Google Home app gets a simplified device setup process Besides improving the Gemini experience, Google is also rolling out some enhancements to the Google Home app. This includes a simplified device setup process, which involves scanning a QR code. …
… All three brands worked well inside Google Home for basic controls like on/off, brightness, and automation triggers. The setup experience through the app was identical for all brands, and that's the whole point of Matter. …