Google has expanded the capabilities of its Gemini AI app, enhancing smart home management by integrating advanced controls. The Google Home extension in Gemini now provides seamless access to adjust lighting, thermostats, speakers, and other connected devices linked to your Google account.
Smarter, More Intuitive Home Control
Initially introduced in November, the Google Home extension within Gemini enabled users to manage their smart devices using natural language commands. For example, saying, “The sun is too bright in the living room,” would close smart blinds automatically. The latest update has taken this further by adding support for multiple commands. Now, you can request, “Turn on the armchair light and dim the kitchen lamp,” and Gemini will execute both actions simultaneously.
Additionally, the extension allows users to check device statuses effortlessly. A query like, “Did I leave the porch light on?” provides instant feedback, ensuring you always stay informed about your home.
Lock Screen Access and Media Controls
A standout feature of the update is the ability to control “non-sensitive” devices, such as lights, directly from the phone’s lock screen. This eliminates the need to unlock the phone and navigate through apps, making device management quicker and more convenient.
The update also improves media controls. Users can now adjust volume, pause, or resume playback on smart speakers, displays, and TVs directly within the Gemini app. These enhancements simplify entertainment management while keeping everything accessible in one place.
Enhanced Thermostat and Security Integration
Gemini’s thermostat control interface has been redesigned to match the Google Home app, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly experience. For security-related tasks involving cameras and locks, Gemini now opens the Google Home app automatically. This seamless transition replaces the previous method, where users had to manually switch to the Google Home app through links.
The Future of Smart Home Management
With these updates, Google’s Gemini AI app is solidifying its role as a central hub for managing smart devices. The combination of natural language commands, multi-tasking capabilities, and lock screen access simplifies smart home interactions, making them more efficient and user-centric.
These advancements point to a future where managing a smart home feels like second nature. Whether it’s adjusting the lighting, fine-tuning the thermostat, or ensuring home security, Google’s Gemini AI is setting new standards in convenience and innovation. As AI continues to evolve, we can anticipate even greater strides in smart home technology, enhancing how we interact with our connected devices.
Apple is celebrated for its sleek and sophisticated devices, from the titanium-coated iPhone 16 Pro to the nearly bezel-free MacBook Pro displays. Among its accessories, the Apple Magic Mouse stands out as a strikingly minimalist and touch-enabled wireless mouse, eliciting both praise and criticism.
This guide delves into the unique features of the Magic Mouse, its design limitations, and how to make it functional on Windows devices, offering insights for both macOS enthusiasts and cross-platform users.
Features That Define the Apple Magic Mouse
Streamlined Design: The Magic Mouse is a showcase of Apple’s design philosophy, offering a sleek, ultra-slim profile that pairs beautifully with other Apple products.
Touch-Enabled Surface: Its standout feature is the multi-touch surface, allowing users to perform gestures such as scrolling and swiping. This functionality integrates seamlessly with macOS, delivering a touchpad-like experience.
Wireless Connectivity: With built-in Bluetooth, the Magic Mouse eliminates cable clutter, providing a clean and modern workspace.
Why the Magic Mouse Divides Users
Despite its aesthetic appeal, the Magic Mouse has its share of detractors:
Ergonomics: The flat, low-profile design can feel uncomfortable during extended use, particularly for those accustomed to more contoured mice.
Charging Port Placement: The charging port, located on the underside, renders the mouse unusable while charging—a much-criticized design oversight.
Using the Magic Mouse with Windows
Although designed primarily for macOS, the Magic Mouse can function on Windows devices, albeit with some limitations.
Here’s how to connect it and restore key features.
Pairing the Magic Mouse with Windows
Ensure Bluetooth Compatibility: Confirm that your Windows device supports Bluetooth. Laptops typically include this feature, but desktop users may need an adapter like the TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter, which is affordable and widely available.
Pairing Process:
Turn off the Magic Mouse using the switch on its underside.
Open Settings > Bluetooth & Devices on your Windows PC. Toggle Bluetooth on and click “Add device.”
Select “Bluetooth,” then turn on the Magic Mouse. When the Magic Mouse appears, click it to pair.
After pairing, basic functions like cursor movement and clicking should work, but scrolling will be unavailable.
Restoring Scrolling on Windows
To enable scrolling functionality, you can install drivers intended for Apple’s Boot Camp software. Follow these steps:
Download Boot Camp Drivers:
Visit Apple’s Boot Camp Support Software page and download the required files. Extract and Install:
Use built-in extraction tools or third-party software like 7-Zip to open the downloaded ZIP file.
Navigate to BootCamp > Drivers > Apple and run the AppleWirelessMouse64.exe file.
Restart Your PC:
Reboot your system to apply the changes.
While this solution restores scrolling for many users, it is not officially supported by Apple and may not work for everyone.
Should Windows Users Consider the Magic Mouse?
The Magic Mouse shines when paired with macOS, offering seamless functionality and an elegant design. However, its limited compatibility with Windows and ergonomic drawbacks might make it less appealing for non-Mac users. Those prioritizing comfort and full functionality may find alternatives like the Logitech MX Master series more suitable.
Conclusion
The Apple Magic Mouse is a visually stunning accessory that integrates beautifully with Apple’s ecosystem. While its features are best experienced on macOS, determined Windows users can unlock some functionality with workarounds. Ultimately, the Magic Mouse is a stylish and innovative tool for those who value design, but its practicality depends on your platform and preferences.
Bluetooth trackers are invaluable tools for locating essential items like keys, wallets, or even bags. With just a smartphone, you can quickly find lost belongings, offering a level of convenience that avoids the potential issues of GPS trackers, such as server outages or recurring subscription fees. However, there are only a few major brands offering Bluetooth trackers, which can make it challenging to decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
In this post, we will explore the 7 major Bluetooth tracker brands, ranking them from worst to best, based on their features, compatibility, and overall performance.
Jiobit
Jiobit, a Life360 brand, primarily operates as a GPS tracker but incorporates Bluetooth technology in its Jiobit Gen 3 Tracker. This combination of GPS and Bluetooth enhances its accuracy and range, and it even offers a Bluetooth Alert feature to notify you when an item moves out of a designated range.
However, Jiobit’s major drawback is that it requires a monthly subscription for full functionality, including its Bluetooth features. At over $100 for the tracker itself and nearly $20 per month for the subscription, it is one of the priciest options on this list. Given the cost, poor customer feedback, and limited reliability, Jiobit is not the best option if you’re primarily seeking a Bluetooth tracker.
eufy
eufy’s Bluetooth trackers are geared mainly toward Apple devices, which limits their appeal. Apple users already have access to the more reliable and integrated AirTag, making eufy a less compelling choice for this market. Furthermore, eufy has faced privacy concerns regarding its other products, such as security cameras.
Although eufy trackers come in various designs, including card-shaped versions for wallets and small rounded ones for keychains, their limited compatibility and lack of additional features make them less appealing. Despite being inexpensive, their inconsistent battery life and functionality push them lower on the list compared to other brands.
Chipolo
Chipolo is one of the few brands focused entirely on Bluetooth trackers, with the Chipolo ONE being its primary product. Available at major retailers like Best Buy, Chipolo trackers offer wide accessibility. The Chipolo ONE is also more affordable than competitors and boasts a longer battery life, making it a good option for iOS users who want an alternative to Apple’s AirTag.
However, Chipolo trackers are limited in compatibility, with the basic version only working with the Chipolo app. More expensive models are required to integrate with Apple and Google services. While the brand offers some worthwhile options, its lack of flexibility and varying product specifications may require extra research to find the right variant for your needs.
Pebblebee
Pebblebee’s trackers are designed for Bluetooth functionality but offer the option to add GPS capabilities with a subscription. These trackers are compatible with both iOS and Android devices, making them a versatile choice for users across different platforms.
Despite their broad compatibility, Pebblebee products have received mixed reviews, mainly due to network issues and shorter battery life, even though they are rechargeable. They also tend to be slightly more expensive than competitors. However, for users who value cross-platform compatibility and optional GPS features, Pebblebee is a brand worth considering.
Samsung
Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTags are designed specifically for Samsung Galaxy devices, which limits their appeal to a niche group. These trackers have an unimpressive battery life, but for Samsung Galaxy owners, they offer some unique benefits, such as integration with other Samsung devices to extend the range of the tracker.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy SmartTag is its ability to connect with nearby Samsung devices, effectively increasing the range of the tracker. Newer models also support ultra-wideband technology for more precise tracking. Frequent sales make this an affordable option for Samsung users who want a reliable Bluetooth tracker.
Apple
For iPhone users, Apple’s AirTag is the go-to Bluetooth tracker. Despite average battery life and the need for accessories to attach the tracker to items, the AirTag offers simplicity and a robust feature set. Apple’s integration with iOS devices makes the AirTag easy to use, with minimal setup required.
Key features of the AirTag include a built-in speaker, IP67 water resistance, and the ability to share tracking with multiple iPhones. While AirTags rarely go on sale, they are worth the investment for Apple users due to their seamless functionality and wide range of features.
Tile
Tile, another Life360 brand, earns the top spot as the best Bluetooth tracker brand. Unlike Jiobit, Tile is fully focused on Bluetooth tracking, offering excellent compatibility and affordability. Tile trackers work with both iOS and Android devices, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Tile offers a variety of products, including the Tile Mate, Tile Sticker, and Tile Pro, which cater to different needs. The Pro model provides the longest range and features a replaceable battery, making it a highly reliable option. While Apple’s AirTag may offer slightly better accuracy, Tile’s versatility, ease of use, and positive reviews make it the top choice for most users.
Conclusion
While Bluetooth trackers can vary in terms of reliability, Tile stands out as the most well-rounded and versatile option. Samsung and Apple offer excellent alternatives for users within their ecosystems, but Tile’s cross-platform compatibility and variety of products make it the best choice for most people. Whether you need a basic tracker or one with advanced features like GPS, these 7 major Bluetooth tracker brands provide options for every need.
