NEWS
Google Home Gemini extension is now widely available to everyone
After nearly three months in Google’s public preview program, the Google Home Gemini extension is finally becoming widely available to all users. It enables Google’s GenAI assistant to control devices connected to Google Home without the help of Google Assistant, as was the case previously.
With this announcement, Android and iOS users will now be able to control their Google Home-connected devices through the Gemini mobile app using natural language commands.
According to Google, Home Extension for Gemini can help you control several gadgets, including lights, thermostats, ACs, fans, curtains, blinds, TVs, speakers, washers, coffee machines, and more. Of course, these Smart home devices must be linked to the user’s Google account.
In addition to the wide release of this extension for all Google Home and Gemini users, new features are also being added to it that make it easier to control your smart home devices using more natural commands.
For example, you can now control smart home devices (like lights) directly from your phone’s lock screen, so you can easily make sure the front porch light is on when you get home.
Also, you can tell a Gemini “Turn on all the living room lights except the armchair light,” and follow up with, “Actually, turn the armchair light on too, but dim the kitchen lamp.” You can also ask things like “Is the back porch light still on?”
How to turn on the Google Home extension to the Gemini app?
- On your computer, head to gemini.google.com.
- At the bottom, tap Settings and then Extensions.
- Find the extension and turn it off or on.
- Follow any on-screen instructions.
On your Android or iOS device, go to the Gemini app. Tap on your profile picture > Extensions menu > enable Google Home.
As always, Google is rolling out the new feature slowly and it will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.
Samsung started to roll out the January 2026 software update for the Korean models of Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 FE smartphones. This flagship device will be the next to grab One UI 8.5 as a major software release.
Samsung Galaxy S24 series January 2026 software update is released in batches with One UI 8 version SKT and a package size of 383 megabytes. Your Samsung Galaxy S24 series phone will get up to 55 fixes with the January 2026 patch.
This update provides that both Android and One UI systems remain secure. It also improves performance by clearing the system-level cache partition during installation.
Users of this phone can download this version with improved system security and better user experience. However, you should know that the software is released in batches and may take some time to reach all of the Samsung Galaxy S24 series users in the market.
You can download the latest software update on your Galaxy S24 series smartphone with the following instructions:
- Open Settings
- From here, now tap on Software update
- Click on Software update
You will be notified with updated information if an upgrade is available.
On the other hand, Samsung is also testing the One UI 8.5 update for dozens of Galaxy models. While the beta program is open to Galaxy S25 users, developers are ensuring that users of other phones don’t have to wait too long by conducting internal testing.
After the Ultra variant, the Standard Galaxy S26 smartphone has appeared on Geekbench with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset. The flagship phone has made significant scores on the benchmarking platform and seems ready to enter the real world.
On the other hand, a report from a French publication claims that the Galaxy S26 series will be launched across Europe on March 11, 2026. However, the company has not yet officially confirmed either the date of the Unpacked event or the release date.
In the latest edition, the Standard Samsung Galaxy S26 has reached Geekbench and revealed some of its key specifications. It has seemingly performed well in the single-core and multi-core tests on version 6.5.0, as well as achieved good points.
As per the listing, the device with model number SM-S942U obtained 3,379 points on the single-core test and 11,097 points on the multi-core test. The details reveal that the Galaxy S26 smartphone will equip the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, an overclocked version of the chipset.
The chip includes 12-gigabyte RAM, 3.63 GHz base frequency, six high-performance CPU cores running at a clock speed of 3.63GHz, and two prime cores at 4.74 GHz.
Samsung is rolling out the One UI 8.5 Beta 3 update for the Samsung Galaxy S25 series. This latest update is available in Germany, India, South Korea, the UK, and the US, and will be released in more countries soon. The update includes several important fixes and improvements to enhance the overall user experience, as well as carries the January 2026 security patch along with battery life improvements and some additional fixes.
One UI 8.5 Beta 3 can be identified via the PDA build version ending with ZZA3. It’s hitting the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra in Beta markets.
Last month, Samsung launched the One UI Beta Program for Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra devices in four countries. At the same time, the company released the first Beta software. Two weeks ago, Samsung distributed the second Beta update, which expanded to India and Poland for key fixes and new features.
As Samsung gears up to start the official rollout, the Galaxy S25 series has received a new Beta software. The One UI 8.5 Beta 3 for the Galaxy S25 series brings fixes for clock display error on the lock screen and issues related to favorites in the phone app.
Users reported that the Now Briefing does not display after the Beta, which has been resolved. Plus, it improved the screen lagging issue when using Live Effect in the gallery.
In addition, the beta release also includes improvements to battery life. The issue of excessive power consumption when certain apps are running has now been fixed. For Galaxy S25 users waiting for the stable version, Beta 3 will feel like a significant upgrade.
If you’re on the One UI 8.5 Beta 2 build, you should have already received the third Beta. Update your Samsung Galaxy S25 phone’s software by navigating to Settings, followed by Software update, and Download and install.
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