OpenAI is consolidating its engineering, product, and research teams to overhaul its audio models in preparation for an audio‑first personal device. The move reflects a broader industry shift toward voice‑driven interfaces, with competitors like Meta, Google, and Tesla also expanding audio capabilities. Startups are experimenting with screenless wearables, AI rings, and voice‑focused accessories, while former Apple chief Jony Ive joins OpenAI’s hardware effort to prioritize audio‑first design. The company aims to launch a more natural‑sounding audio model and related devices within the next few years. Read more →

Google has detailed the rollout of Gemini for Home, its next‑generation AI that will replace Google Assistant on smart speakers, displays, and other home devices. The update will first reach users in the United States, with additional markets slated for the first quarter of 2026. Rollout is tied to individual home addresses rather than user accounts, meaning each residence is upgraded separately. Early users report the change as a major improvement, though the transition has not been seamless for everyone. Google encourages feedback through voice commands and notes that the upgrade will support devices up to a decade old, with basic AI features free and advanced capabilities available via a paid subscription. Read more →

Google has released a detailed FAQ to clarify the rollout of Gemini for Home, its replacement of Google Assistant, and the new subscription tiers that succeed Nest Aware. The free update enables basic voice commands on supported devices, while paid tiers—Google Home Premium Standard and Advanced—add AI‑driven features like Gemini Live, automated routines, AI video search, and extended video history. Gemini for Home is currently in early‑access in several regions for cameras and doorbells, with smart speaker support slated for later in the United States. Compatibility spans most Google speakers and displays made since 2015, with limited third‑party support at launch. Read more →

Google has begun rolling out an early version of its Home app that integrates Gemini, its latest generative AI model, to a small group of iPhone users. The preview shows a revamped interface with three bottom tabs—Home, Activity, and Automations—replacing the previous five-tab layout. A prominent “Ask Home” bar lets users manage devices and create automations using natural language. Users must acknowledge how Gemini may use their data before accessing these tools. The early release precedes the broader Android rollout and the upcoming hardware launch slated for October 1, signaling a major step forward for Google’s smart‑home ecosystem. Read more →

Apple’s HomePod line has struggled to keep pace with the rapid evolution of smart‑speaker markets and the broader AI push. Launched years after Amazon and Google’s offerings, the HomePod arrived late, at a high price point, and with a Siri that fell short of consumer expectations. Subsequent versions, including the HomePod Mini and the second‑generation HomePod with Thread support, added incremental improvements but did not reshape the product’s market position. As AI assistants migrate toward smartphones and computers, Apple’s roadmap now points to a major Siri overhaul slated for 2026 and a new smart‑home hub expected no earlier than 2027, leaving the HomePod largely sidelined. Read more →

Amazon has sent invitations for a high‑profile hardware launch slated for September 30 in New York City. The teaser hints at new Echo speakers, a refreshed Kindle line, updated Echo Buds, and possible additions to the Fire TV and Echo Auto families. Attendees can expect a showcase of devices that integrate the latest Alexa+ features and other upgrades across Amazon’s consumer tech ecosystem. Read more →

Google has completed the migration of most Nest-branded smart‑home devices from the Nest app to the Google Home app, allowing users to manage their hardware in a single interface. While the software integration marks a significant step, the move comes as Google phases out many legacy Nest products, including the Nest Protect alarm, Nest Secure system, and several camera lines. The company’s hardware strategy appears to pivot toward a limited set of new cameras, doorbells, and a rebranded Google Home speaker, all intended to showcase its Gemini AI. Critics note that the hardware reductions and performance issues raise doubts about the long‑term viability of Google’s smart‑home ecosystem. Read more →

Recent code analysis of the Google Home app has uncovered references to a "Google Home Speaker" and a "360 audio" feature, suggesting a possible shift away from the Nest brand for future smart speakers. The same investigation revealed mentions of "Google Home Premium" and "Google Home Premium Advanced" plans, likely rebranded versions of Nest Aware services, with the lower‑tier option potentially bundled into Google One subscriptions. Google One pricing starts at $1.99 per month, offering expanded cloud storage, AI tools, and other perks. These findings indicate Google may be consolidating its smart‑home ecosystem under a unified brand while enhancing subscription offerings. Read more →

Apple’s HomePod line has struggled to keep pace with the rapid evolution of smart‑speaker markets and the broader AI push. Launched years after Amazon and Google’s offerings, the HomePod arrived late, at a high price point, and with a Siri that fell short of consumer expectations. Subsequent versions, including the HomePod Mini and the second‑generation HomePod with Thread support, added incremental improvements but did not reshape the product’s market position. As AI assistants migrate toward smartphones and computers, Apple’s roadmap now points to a major Siri overhaul slated for 2026 and a new smart‑home hub expected no earlier than 2027, leaving the HomePod largely sidelined. Read more →

Apple’s HomePod line has struggled to keep pace with the rapid evolution of smart‑speaker markets and the broader AI push. Launched years after Amazon and Google’s offerings, the HomePod arrived late, at a high price point, and with a Siri that fell short of consumer expectations. Subsequent versions, including the HomePod Mini and the second‑generation HomePod with Thread support, added incremental improvements but did not reshape the product’s market position. As AI assistants migrate toward smartphones and computers, Apple’s roadmap now points to a major Siri overhaul slated for 2026 and a new smart‑home hub expected no earlier than 2027, leaving the HomePod largely sidelined. Read more →

Amazon has sent invitations for a high‑profile hardware launch slated for September 30 in New York City. The teaser hints at new Echo speakers, a refreshed Kindle line, updated Echo Buds, and possible additions to the Fire TV and Echo Auto families. Attendees can expect a showcase of devices that integrate the latest Alexa+ features and other upgrades across Amazon’s consumer tech ecosystem. Read more →

Amazon has sent invitations for a high‑profile hardware launch slated for September 30 in New York City. The teaser hints at new Echo speakers, a refreshed Kindle line, updated Echo Buds, and possible additions to the Fire TV and Echo Auto families. Attendees can expect a showcase of devices that integrate the latest Alexa+ features and other upgrades across Amazon’s consumer tech ecosystem. Read more →

Recent code analysis of the Google Home app has uncovered references to a "Google Home Speaker" and a "360 audio" feature, suggesting a possible shift away from the Nest brand for future smart speakers. The same investigation revealed mentions of "Google Home Premium" and "Google Home Premium Advanced" plans, likely rebranded versions of Nest Aware services, with the lower‑tier option potentially bundled into Google One subscriptions. Google One pricing starts at $1.99 per month, offering expanded cloud storage, AI tools, and other perks. These findings indicate Google may be consolidating its smart‑home ecosystem under a unified brand while enhancing subscription offerings. Read more →

Recent code analysis of the Google Home app has uncovered references to a "Google Home Speaker" and a "360 audio" feature, suggesting a possible shift away from the Nest brand for future smart speakers. The same investigation revealed mentions of "Google Home Premium" and "Google Home Premium Advanced" plans, likely rebranded versions of Nest Aware services, with the lower‑tier option potentially bundled into Google One subscriptions. Google One pricing starts at $1.99 per month, offering expanded cloud storage, AI tools, and other perks. These findings indicate Google may be consolidating its smart‑home ecosystem under a unified brand while enhancing subscription offerings. Read more →

Google has completed the migration of most Nest-branded smart‑home devices from the Nest app to the Google Home app, allowing users to manage their hardware in a single interface. While the software integration marks a significant step, the move comes as Google phases out many legacy Nest products, including the Nest Protect alarm, Nest Secure system, and several camera lines. The company’s hardware strategy appears to pivot toward a limited set of new cameras, doorbells, and a rebranded Google Home speaker, all intended to showcase its Gemini AI. Critics note that the hardware reductions and performance issues raise doubts about the long‑term viability of Google’s smart‑home ecosystem. Read more →

Google has completed the migration of most Nest-branded smart‑home devices from the Nest app to the Google Home app, allowing users to manage their hardware in a single interface. While the software integration marks a significant step, the move comes as Google phases out many legacy Nest products, including the Nest Protect alarm, Nest Secure system, and several camera lines. The company’s hardware strategy appears to pivot toward a limited set of new cameras, doorbells, and a rebranded Google Home speaker, all intended to showcase its Gemini AI. Critics note that the hardware reductions and performance issues raise doubts about the long‑term viability of Google’s smart‑home ecosystem. Read more →

Apple’s HomePod line has struggled to keep pace with the rapid evolution of smart‑speaker markets and the broader AI push. Launched years after Amazon and Google’s offerings, the HomePod arrived late, at a high price point, and with a Siri that fell short of consumer expectations. Subsequent versions, including the HomePod Mini and the second‑generation HomePod with Thread support, added incremental improvements but did not reshape the product’s market position. As AI assistants migrate toward smartphones and computers, Apple’s roadmap now points to a major Siri overhaul slated for 2026 and a new smart‑home hub expected no earlier than 2027, leaving the HomePod largely sidelined. Read more →

Amazon has sent invitations for a high‑profile hardware launch slated for September 30 in New York City. The teaser hints at new Echo speakers, a refreshed Kindle line, updated Echo Buds, and possible additions to the Fire TV and Echo Auto families. Attendees can expect a showcase of devices that integrate the latest Alexa+ features and other upgrades across Amazon’s consumer tech ecosystem. Read more →

Google has completed the migration of most Nest-branded smart‑home devices from the Nest app to the Google Home app, allowing users to manage their hardware in a single interface. While the software integration marks a significant step, the move comes as Google phases out many legacy Nest products, including the Nest Protect alarm, Nest Secure system, and several camera lines. The company’s hardware strategy appears to pivot toward a limited set of new cameras, doorbells, and a rebranded Google Home speaker, all intended to showcase its Gemini AI. Critics note that the hardware reductions and performance issues raise doubts about the long‑term viability of Google’s smart‑home ecosystem. Read more →

Recent code analysis of the Google Home app has uncovered references to a "Google Home Speaker" and a "360 audio" feature, suggesting a possible shift away from the Nest brand for future smart speakers. The same investigation revealed mentions of "Google Home Premium" and "Google Home Premium Advanced" plans, likely rebranded versions of Nest Aware services, with the lower‑tier option potentially bundled into Google One subscriptions. Google One pricing starts at $1.99 per month, offering expanded cloud storage, AI tools, and other perks. These findings indicate Google may be consolidating its smart‑home ecosystem under a unified brand while enhancing subscription offerings. Read more →