Latest news with #smartdevices
Android Authority
5 days ago
- Android Authority
Survey: 7 in 10 Google Home users say their devices are no longer reliable
A few days ago, we highlighted a Reddit thread packed with complaints about Google Home speakers and hubs. A clear theme emerged: Google's smart home devices are no longer working as they should. Users are increasingly frustrated as core features like controlling lights, running routines, and using speaker groups have become unreliable. Simple voice commands that once worked flawlessly now frequently fail. While the Reddit thread gave us a strong sense of the widespread frustration, Google eventually acknowledged the issues, apologized for the degraded experience, and promised major improvements this fall. To gauge just how far-reaching the problem is, we also ran a poll on our website asking readers whether they have also noticed a decline in performance. The results are in and, unsurprisingly, they paint a troublesome picture. Google is facing a serious issue. If it doesn't deliver on its promise to fix things soon, it risks losing even more users, many of whom have already given up and left the ecosystem altogether. Are your Google Home or Nest speakers and hubs still working as expected? The question we asked our readers was simple: Are your Google Home and Nest speakers and hubs working as expected? The overwhelming response was a resounding no. Of nearly 10,000 voters, 55% reported frequent glitches and failed commands, while another 16.5% said their devices have become nearly unusable. Combined, that's 71.5%, or roughly 7 out of 10 users reporting serious issues. And in saying that, we're not considering the 19.8% of voters who said they're experiencing minor issues. One survey participant told Android Authority: Yea I have a lot of Google smart home devices and they're all over the place. Lights randomly turning down to 1% brightness, not turning on when asked, turning random colours, light routines not running as expected… asking to play a certain album or artist generates random responses & more 'Sorry it looks like that device hasn't been set up yet' responses than I can count. This kind of frustration could be heard across hundreds of responses. Another user commented on a broader issue with Google's direction for its smart home ecosystem: The entire Google Home ecosystem has stagnated. They no longer appear to be serious about improving the smart home as much as shoveling AI into everything… My intention is to replace [Google devices] with open source hardware solutions as they improve. That growing sense of abandonment is evident in many longtime users who once swore by the platform: I used to be such a fan. I think I own 8 or 9 Google smart home devices. They have gotten so much worse… Now, at least half the time, I'm forced to go to my phone or desktop for information or controls. My guess is sabotaging Assistant to improve the perception of Gemini. Ryan Haines / Android Authority Surprisingly, only 4% of respondents said they've completely stopped using their Google Home devices. While it's likely that some who reported degraded performance have also reduced usage or switched to alternatives, the fact of the matter is that many users have heavily invested in the ecosystem over the years and now feel stuck. 'Google are happy to flush all their customers and all the goodwill we once had. I will never buy another Google product, and suggest that we all do the same. My house full of 'home' products that are basically useless now. I'm not happy, I'm angry,' a user noted. Another user shared a similar frustration, saying, 'I'm done with Google for smart home products, just a rapidly accumulating crate of e-waste as I'm replacing everything. Just a few smart speakers and one useless Nest floodlight camera left to replace.' Comment after comment echoed the same sentiments. Perhaps most concerning is how many users described years of reliable performance before things began to fall apart. 'Today is the worst it's ever been. I have 11 lights, a smart thermostat, and a smart door lock — all supported and controlled by Google Home. Things have been working nearly perfectly for years, but in the last few months, controlling these items has become almost futile… And this whole house of cards is crashing down lately,' a long-time user noted. The data from our survey and the flood of personal stories paint a grim picture for Google's smart home products. Despite the company's acknowledgment of the issues and a promise of improvements, trust has already been eroded. Users aren't just experiencing bugs, they're questioning whether Google is still committed to the smart home space. And with many already replacing their devices or considering alternatives, the company is quickly running out of time to turn things around.
Android Authority
5 days ago
- Android Authority
Frustrated with Google Home? Google thanks you for your patience
If you've been experiencing issues with Google Home and your smart home devices, you're far from alone. There have been numerous reports about devices disconnecting, delayed responses, ignored commands, and more. However, a fix for the problem could be on the way. On Reddit , a Google Home user shared that 90% of their Smart Life light bulbs had disconnected. But it wasn't just their light bulbs that were having issues. They also mentioned that their eufy doorbell and Tapo cameras stopped connecting, as well. The user questions whether the problem is connected to a bad update. Under that post, you'll find multiple comments from other Google Home users who are also running into similar issues. One commenter says, 'I've only been able to connect to Home two or three times today.' Another states that all of their cameras are down, despite all of their other smart home devices working. Thankfully, it looks like Google is aware of the issue in question. In response to the post, Google announced: Hey all, We're aware of an issue with accessing some devices in the Google Home app. We'll share an update as soon as possible, thanks for your patience. Unfortunately, all this message really tells us is that Google knows there's an issue and it is presumably working on a fix. It's unclear when that fix could roll out. We have contacted Google for more information, and we will update this article if we hear back.
CNET
6 days ago
- CNET
7 Helpful Home Security Gadgets When You're Living Alone
Being alone in your home can be a luxurious and freeing experience, from wearing whatever you want to setting the temperature to your perfect comfort level. But if you spend plenty of time solo, you may also feel more exposed or at greater risk of property crimes like break-ins and theft. Let's address that part. In addition to making friends with your neighbors, I've also found several home security gadgets and smart home devices that can help your home feel safe when you're the only one there. Quick additions like the right kind of locks, lights and motion detectors can make a big difference whether you spend certain times of day alone or you're fully solo in your apartment or house. Here are my favorite choices. Read more: Essential Security Tips When Staying at an Airbnb or Rental 1. Install a motion sensor or tinkly bell A basic motion sensor is a cheap way to tell if anyone is around. Amazon/HTZSAFE/CNET One of the best safety measures to take when living alone is to know when someone else is around. A traditional option is attaching a string of bells to your door handle, but we have more dependable choices these days like this $12 light-up LED motion sensor. If you prefer an outdoor alert or a motion sensor that can cover a long hallway/open floor plan, then you can choose this $35 weather-resistant sensor and hub with an adjustable chime instead. This tip works especially well for those living alone because detectors old or new can be easily triggered by kids or partners, creating more confusion than confidence. You'll want to put them at locations and heights pets can't reach or activate too. 2. Grab a portable door lock to give a room extra protection Portable locks aren't just for traveling: They can make bedrooms, home offices and other areas feel safer. Amazon/PASSDONE/CNET Portable locks can give any traditional, non-deadbolt door an extra lock that's harder to force through, for people truly worried about a violent breakin. You can easily put them on bedroom doors, rental doors or any other door where you want more defense – no matter what other security the house has. It's a useful, versatile solution if you're not sure how long you'll be living alone and you want something extra for a specific room. Portable locks are affordable too. Here's a two-pack for only $16. And if you want a more substantial upgrade, you can always choose a smart lock with app controls. 3. Pick a portable cam you can move wherever you need Ring's battery cam is on the higher-end but offers a versatile, weather resistant option to watch from any location. Tyler Lacoma/CNET A security cam can be a welcome eye on your home if you're living alone, but our experts recommend a portable, wireless indoor model in this case. You can move a portable cam to watch over whatever room you want or any particular hallway, corner or shadow that's giving you the creeps. Our favorite cams for these purposes include the Google Nest indoor/outdoor camera ($176) and the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery ($80). Both these cams can work outside as well if you're worried about a dark yard. 4. Equip the main door with a video doorbell Blink's affordable doorbell is well-rounded cheap pick. Blink/Amazon A video doorbell alerts you when someone is approaching, allows you to talk with a visitor remotely and can even sound sirens or speak up with automated messages. It's an all-in-one security device that's especially useful if you're home alone, and we have a full guide on the best models for your door. If you're keeping an eye on your wallet, we can also recommend several excellent cheap video doorbells. Keep in mind, most doorbells require a subscription or microSD card to store video footage. Some even allow you to set the doorbell to recognize familiar faces and warn about an unfamiliar face, which users may prefer. 5. Set your indoor/outdoor lights to turn on at night Ring smart lighting lets a home seem active and full. Ring Most random trespassers or burglars don't know you're home alone. You can make the illusion even more convincing with smart lighting that turns on at scheduled times to make it look like more people are arriving home and active in multiple rooms. It's a lot more effective than trying to mimic a flashing TV or other old-fashioned tactics. Smart bulbs are more affordable than ever, with options like this Amazon Basics 4-pack available for $36. They're made to fit into standard home sockets, and many no longer require hubs to work so they're very flexible. Set and forget a "turn on" schedule to keep your home looking busy no matter what's happening. And take a look at my picks for the best LED floodlights for larger options. 6. Change the passwords for your device and lock logins Change the password on your wireless network for extra security. CNET People living alone, especially women, are far more likely to be attacked by someone they know when they are at home. So I recommend that when your living situation changes, you should prioritize changing the passwords on your security apps, Wi-Fi routers, security cameras and even your phone. Don't forget to change codes for your locks and garage door, if necessary. This is a basic security step that's all-too-easy to forget when you're getting used to living alone. Read more: We Asked a Criminologist About The Most Common Ways Burglars Break In 7. Choose a high-quality keychain pepper spray A keychain pepper spray isn't only useful outside if you're living alone. Sabre You never want to be in a situation where you feel physically threatened by someone, but if it happens it's great to have a little can of Mace or pepper spray close by. This Sabre spray is available for $10 and attaches to your keychain so you always have it nearby. You could even loop it to some phone cases, purses or belts. It has a quick detach clasp for easy access, plus a twist lock for safety. Bonus tip: Invest in a panic button A panic button is a more expensive option for solo living, but gives you immediate emergency access. Ring If you want to go the extra mile for solo safety, you pick up a panic button that you can carry with you or set nearby to immediately contact responders whenever you need to. These panic buttons are a common part of home security systems. Ring Alarm offers one for $30, while SimpliSafe has a wall-mounted $20 model. Systems like ADT Plus combine panic buttons with their access fobs, and you can even find standalone models from brands like Silent Beacon. These devices take a subscription to work properly and aren't for every wallet, but they do complete your home security when no one else is around (or home safety for a loved one in a similar situation). For more spot-on security tips, check out if you can use a security cam in an apartment building, how to deter burglars from your home, if a dog is good for home security and the worst places to put a security camera.
The Sun
6 days ago
- The Sun
5 Best extension leads
EXTENSION leads are the unsung heroes of the tech world, and a good one goes a long way. Today's models do more than just add sockets, and I've tested the best extension leads that truly earn their place in your setup. 5 They might not be glamorous, but a good extension lead is one of the most useful bits of kit you can have around the house. And while they might seem low-tech, the best extension lead options these days come with smarter features that make them surprisingly handy. Having tested everything from smart home devices to the best video doorbells on the market, I've seen just how much difference the right set-up can make. Many extension leads now come with USB-A and USB-C ports, surge protection, timers, and even voice control. Whether you're building a home office, powering smart devices, or just fed up with juggling chargers, the right lead can make your setup run a whole lot smoother. Read on for my top picks. How I tested I've plugged in and put these extension leads to work over the past couple of weeks, testing how they hold up in a busy household. From simple desk setups to outdoor use, and juggling multiple devices charging at once, I've seen how they perform in real life. I focused on build quality, the variety and usefulness of ports, how well any smart features work, and overall day-to-day reliability. After plenty of hands-on time and careful comparison, these are the extension leads that really stood out. Best extension leads - tried and tested Tapo P304M 5 Tapo P304M Smart Power Strip, £29.99 from Amazon I didn't quite realise how clever extension leads had become until I got hands-on with the Tapo P304M. This one lets you control each of the four mains sockets individually through the Tapo app, which means you can turn off things like a lamp or printer without having to get up. It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands and basic automations, and you can even set timers or schedules. There's some neat energy monitoring baked in too, though I didn't find myself using it much day to day. Same goes for voice control, it's clever, but most things I plug in are there to stay, so I rarely found myself actually talking to it. The big miss for me is the lack of USB ports; there are none here. In 2025, that feels like a bit of a slip, especially when so many of our gadgets charge via USB-C. That said, for under £30, it's a great value way to make a standard setup a bit smarter. The 2-metre cord gives you enough reach for most rooms, and you can mount it if you want a cleaner finish. Sockets: 4 mains sockets, USB ports: None, Smart features: Voice control (via Alexa/Google), app timers, energy monitoring, Cable length: 2m, Mounting: Freestanding or wall-mountable, Power switch: Master on/off switches in app Addtam 1.6m Extension Lead 5 Addtam 1.6m Extension Lead, £16.99 £12.34 on Amazon BUY HERE This Addtam lead has quietly become one of my most-used tech bits around the house over the past few years, and it's held up really well. It's compact and surprisingly travel-friendly, with a tough braided cord that feels much more durable than the usual plastic kind. I've used it by the bed and when working on the dining room; and it's the one I'd reach for to pack for trips abroad. Despite the small size, it gives you two mains sockets, plus three Type-A and one Type-C port, which is a brilliant mix for charging everything from laptops to earbuds. The Type-C port is the star here; more devices use it now, and it means you don't need to lug around extra plugs. I would've liked another one, but having at least one is a win at this price. I went with the shortest 1.6m model just to make the sockets behind the bed more accessible, but you can go up to 5 metres if needed. Now that I know how well this works, I'd have no hesitation branching out to Addtam's larger extension leads. VonHaus Tower Extension Lead 5 If your desk or media setup is crying out for more sockets, the VonHaus Tower Extension Lead is a no-brainer. It gives you a whopping eight mains sockets and four USB ports (2 Type-A, 2 Type-C) in a compact, upright design that takes up way less space than a flat bar. I swapped this in from a chunky old lead and immediately doubled my socket count without any clutter. I've got it powering a lamp, smart speaker, and our phone chargers, and it looks tidier than most, with a clean, matte finish. You get surge and overload protection built-in too, which adds peace of mind if you're plugging in expensive gear. My only gripe is it's so lightweight that it can wobble or tip if only a couple of plugs are in play. Still, that's a minor issue; overall, it's a smart, space-saving pick that can easily handle a busy setup without looking like a jumble of cables. Sockets: 8 mains sockets, USB ports: 2 Type-A, 2 Type-C, Smart features: None, Cable length: 2m, Mounting: Freestanding, Power switch: Master on/off switches on tower VonHaus 25m Splash-proof Extension Lead 5 VonHaus 25m Splash-proof Extension Lead, £44.99 from VonHaus For outdoor jobs where a standard lead just won't stretch, this VonHaus 25m splash-proof reel is a proper workhorse. I use it mainly for things like jet washing the patio and running power tools at the far end of a long driveway. With 25 metres of cable, I've never once felt restricted. It's got more than enough reach. The reel design keeps things tidy when you're not using it, and it feels really solid. The sockets come with hinged, IP54-rated covers to keep out water, which gives me peace of mind when I'm sprucing up the driveway. No panic if the jet wash gets a bit wild with a stray blast. This one's not trying to be smart or techy, it's just a well-built, no-fuss lead that does exactly what it promises. It's a bit of a beast, weighing in at 3.47kg, but if you're doing garden work, running a shed, or sorting outdoor lighting, it's a brilliant bit of kit. Best extension leads FAQs What should I look for in an extension lead? Start with what you need: number of sockets, USB ports, and whether a strip or tower suits your space. Prioritise solid build quality, a decent cable length, and surge protection, especially for high-traffic or visible areas. Where can I buy extension cords? You'll find them at most major retailers, Amazon, Argos, B&Q, Screwfix, and Currys, all stock a wide range. Basic leads are everywhere, but if you're after smart features or USB-C ports, Amazon and Currys usually have the best selection. Here's where to look: What are surges? A surge is a sudden spike in voltage, usually caused by power cuts, lightning strikes, or large appliances switching on. They can damage your electronics or even start fires, so surge protection is something to look for in any good extension lead. What are surge protectors? It's an extension lead with built-in tech that blocks power spikes from reaching your devices. If you're plugging in pricey gear like a laptop, TV, or sound system, it's definitely worth having. No one wants their setup fried during a storm. Do extension leads use more electricity? Not by themselves. They only draw power when something is plugged in and switched on. Some smart models, like the Tapo P304M, even show you how much energy your devices are using, which is handy if you're trying to cut down on bills. Can you plug an extension lead into another? That's a no-no, and it has a name: 'daisy chaining.' But it's not as fun as it sounds. It can overload the circuit and pose a fire risk, so stick to one quality lead that can handle your needs safely. What can I not plug into an extension lead? Avoid high-powered appliances like heaters, fridges, microwaves, and washing machines; they should always go straight into a wall socket. Plugging them into an extension lead can overload the circuit and risk damage or pose fire hazards. Are 6-plug extension leads safe? Yes, as long as they're used properly. A single lead designed for six (or even more) sockets is safe to use, provided you don't go over the total wattage limit (usually around 3,000W in the UK).
Android Authority
22-07-2025
- Android Authority
Google Home is becoming a house of glitches, users say
TL;DR Google Home and Nest users are reporting a significant decline in reliability, with devices frequently misunderstanding commands or failing to respond at all. Core features like controlling lights, routines, and speaker groups seem to be breaking down. While the exact cause of the downgraded experience is unclear, users suspect upcoming Gemini updates are to blame. Google's smart speakers and hubs appear to be steadily declining in performance. A recent Reddit thread has highlighted just how these devices, especially older Nest hubs and speakers, have become more unreliable over the years, and it's not the first time users have voiced these concerns. 'Now, I can barely get it to understand any command, or do anything that I could before. Nothing works, and all I get is – Sorry, something went wrong, try again later,' wrote a frustrated user. Users are reporting problems ranging from misheard commands and delayed responses to devices performing the wrong actions or entirely ignoring instructions. Everyday tasks like turning lights on or off, playing music in specific rooms, or running morning routines simply don't work like they used to. Are your Google Home or Nest speakers and hubs still working as expected? 0 votes Yes, everything works fine. NaN % Mostly, some minor issues, but nothing major. NaN % Not really, frequent glitches or failed commands. NaN % No, they've become nearly unusable. NaN % I've already stopped using them. NaN % What's concerning is that these aren't just a few isolated complaints. It seems to be a pattern affecting users who have invested heavily in Google's smart home hardware. Features that once worked without a hitch, like controlling speakers in multiple rooms or triggering routines based on voice recognition, have become erratic or completely non-functional for many. One user described how they can no longer play white noise in their child's room. Instead, the sound plays in whatever room they happen to be standing in. Another user shared a strange issue where asking for the weather gives different results depending on who is speaking in their home. 'I ask for the weather, and it responds correctly every time. My wife asks for the weather, and it literally picks wherever it wants. Yesterday it was Eddyville, Kentucky. Today it picked Shawnee, Oklahoma. We don't even live in that state,' reported another user. Some users have also reported bizarre malfunctions. One person said that whenever they ask their Google device to turn off a fan, it turns off all the lights instead. Another user described how a simple request to turn off bedroom lights leads to shutting off every light in and around their home. While the exact cause of these issues is unclear, the common theme is that Google's smart home devices, especially older models, seem to be getting worse over time. Some users suspect that updates related to Google's upcoming Gemini integration are to blame. Others think it could be a deliberate move to phase out older hardware in favor of new devices. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear. Many Google Home users are no longer getting the smart experience they signed up for, and they are not happy about it. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
