NEWS – Google has made a nice change for out of warranty Pixel Watch problems. Normally when our devices fail after the warranty expires, our choice is to buy another at retail price or do without. From the Google Pixel Watch Help site: “If your Pixel Watch is out of warranty or your claim isn’t […]
Pixel Watch failed and out of warranty? Google may replace it at a discount Read More
NEWS – Two weeks ago my old but fully functional Pixel 3a XL got valued at a respectable $180 at the Google Store so I ordered a Pixel 6a. The deal is, once the phone is inspected and is found to be factory reset, powers on, and has an unbroken screen, it is predicted (not
Phone trade-in values at the Google Store are in flux. Check yours now! Read More
NEWS – My cat ignores me most of the time, but this can’t hangs on your every command as long as you start that command with “Hey Google”. The Caat is a specially designed silicone case for your Google Nest Mini speaker. Available in White, Black, and Red, the Caat case turns the small round
This cat actually listens to your commands Read More
ARTICLE – The Pixel 2 XL was my all-time favorite smartphone for a couple of years and I kept going back to it each time I’d try the newest flagship from various other phone makers. I purchased the Pixel 3 XL last year but promptly returned it because it felt almost identical to the 2
Julie’s gadget diary – The Pixel 4 XL makes me want to switch to an iPhone Read More
REVIEW – I’m an enthusiastic investor in the Google ecosphere. I have a Nest thermostat and Hello doorbell. Before they were rolled up into the Nest brand, I purchased a Google Max, two Google Assistants, two Google Minis and three Google Home Hubs. I particularly love the Home Hub (now the Nest Hub) – the
Kiwi Design Google Nest Hub wall mount review Read More
ARTICLE – Google recently announced a new feature that allows users to automatically delete their web and app activity (CNET). You can choose from three options: “Keep until I delete manually”, “Keep for 18 months”, or “Keep for 3 months”. Once you go through the steps to automatically delete this data on one device, it
How to automatically delete Google’s Web & App Activity data Read More
ARTICLE – On May 7, 2019, Google made available to Pixel devices the long-awaited Google Maps Augmented Reality (AR) feature. I have a Pixel 2 XL and my Google Maps AR states that it is a “Preview” of the feature. I was on a trip to Austin, Texas – a place that was not familiar
I love using Google Maps AR! Read More
ARTICLE – In the past, my Gmail web interface looked a bit cluttered (shown in the above screenshot). I was curious about streamlining this look and stumbled upon several tech news articles that pointed me toward the Simplify Gmail Chrome extension. This extension was written by a former lead designer of Gmail, Michael Leggett, with
Declutter Gmail’s web interface by using the Simplify Gmail Chrome extension Read More
NEWS – Did you receive a Google Home Mini as a holiday gift? Instead of keeping it prisoner on a table or shelf, tethered to a power cord, set it free with a portable charging base from KIWI Design. The bowl-shaped base holds a 7800mAh portable power charger that will keep your portable voice assistant
Set your Google Home Mini free with a portable battery base Read More
NEWS – If you’re looking for a time and for products to start building your smart home system, now is your time, and Google Home Hub and Nest are your products! Nest is now offering the Google Home Hub, and they are offering you $100 savings and free shipping if you buy a Google Home
Google Home and Nest are better together – and will save you $100! Read More
NEWS – Have you ever wished that your Google Home Mini voice assistant looked less like a speaker and more like everyone’s favorite cartoon mouse, Otterbox has just what you need with their new Den Series. I don’t quite understand the naming concept, but who cares about that when you can turn the charcoal colored
Otterbox turns your Google Home Mini into Mickey Mouse Read More
NEWS – GE has announced that the will be the first appliance manufacturer to work directly with Google Assistant. That means that instead of saying, “Hey Google, ask Geneva Home to preheat the oven to 425 degrees,” you’ll now be able to say to your GE WiFi Connected appliance, “Hey Google, preheat the oven to
GE WiFi Connected Appliances will now work directly with Google Assistant Read More
NEWS – About 5 years ago ( 🙂 ) I wrote a news item on Mightytext, a neat utility that allowed you to send and receive texts on your desktop. I’ve been using this pretty much every day since. Well, finally Google has come up with their own version otherwise known as Google Android Messages. Like Mightytext you
Google brings texting to your desktop with Android Messages Read More
ARTICLE – Google joined the smart speaker market in 2016, and has since released the Google Home and Google Home Mini. Now there’s a new device, the Google Home Max, which came out in late 2017. In a world where tech devices are getting smaller, the Max needs to have some serious advantages over the
The Google Home Max vs. the Google Home Mini Read More
In today’s technology-driven world that is constantly evolving and redefining the way we live, smart devices have become an integral part of our home environment, and as such, their designs must adhere to the decor demands of consumers. In an effort to comply, many companies have come up with creative ideas to make sure that
The Mount Genie Smart Home Shelf is smart decor for smart devices Read More
I’ve been using a Pixel 2 XL Android smartphone for the past 5 months and have yet to write a review about it even though it has swiftly become one of my all-time favorite Android phones. Does that mean it’s the perfect Android smartphone? Nope, not even close. But right now it’s perfect for me and
Datally is an app created by Google to help Android users save on mobile data. “It blocks background data and lets you control which apps use data.” It also helps you find WiFi networks nearby and lets you know how other Datally users have rated that WiFi network before you connect. When you install Datally, you must
Need to watch your mobile data use? Try the Datally Android app by Google Read More
Google Cardboard may be Google’s cheapest luxury. For only $15, you can virtually enter any world or environment of your choice. Manufacturers in competition with Google are selling high technology virtual reality goggles for $70-$600! Not only are these glasses expensive, but they contain a strap with which you are supposed to attach the device
Your next vacation is only $15 with Google Cardboard Read More
Google is opening pop-up stores in New York City and Los Angeles to sell their new products announced at the Pixel 2 launch event earlier this month. They will have interactive pods that let you play with the Pixel 2, Google Home, and Daydream View, plus more. If you’re on either coast you can visit
Google opens pop-up stores on the east and west coast Read More
When I was watching Google’s live event yesterday and heard that the new Pixel 2’s would be going on sale that day, I immediately opened a new tab on my browser and went to check the Google Play store. Sure enough, they were available to order, so I did just that.
Julie’s gadget diary – It’s official, I’m switching back to Android Read More