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 is preparing to release its next major software update, One UI 8.5, which is expected to arrive next month with the Galaxy S26 series. Testing of the initial beta builds of this update has already begun, and new information suggests that Samsung is planning a significant upgrade to Game Booster+ in One UI 8.5.
Game Booster+ is the tool that improves gaming performance and controls on Galaxy phones. According to information via Samsung Community, the One UI 8.5 update with Game Booster+ will bring many new features, including Gamepad Touch Mapping, CPU and GPU Settings, Fast-forward Game Intros, and more.
The Gamepad Touch Mapping is one of the biggest additions, which allows you to control even touch-only games with the pad.
Moreover, this upcoming Game Booster+ update will replace the “Turn on Game Booster GPU Settings” with CPU and GPU Settings. Gamers can tweak their CPU and GPU for game-specific performance optimization.
Last but not least, One UI 8.5 also brings the Fast-forward Game Intros videos option in the Game Booster+, which lets users play much faster, so players can start gaming almost right away.
Currently, these features are only available on Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra phones running One UI 8.5.
Samsung kept on enhancing Galaxy smartphones with new software releases, and in the latest edition, the company has surprised the most popular Galaxy A series phone, the Samsung Galaxy A55, with the January 2026 security update.
However, Samsung recently greeted the Galaxy A55 users with a new One UI 8 update, which primarily optimizes the user experience and performance in some scenarios. In terms of version, it is getting the One UI firmware version A556BXXSCCZA1.
The January 2026 security update for Galaxy A55 with model number SM-A556B is currently available for Europe, and other markets should receive the same update in the coming days.
This update comes with several new security improvements and stability enhancements found in the previous software version. This shows that the company is still thinking about its older smartphone users and continues to release new updates to provide a better user experience. Unfortunately, this update is not available to global users, which is somewhat disappointing.
Keeping your Galaxy phone updated is very important. These updates help protect your device from new security risks, fix hidden problems, and ensure your phone remains fast and reliable. They also prepare your Galaxy device for future improvements and features.
The update is being released in batches and may take some time to reach all eligible units in the global market. Though you can try installing it manually via Settings >> Software update >> Download and install. , and follow the on-screen instructions.
Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra users are currently testing the new One UI 8.5 features through the Beta Program, ahead of the official release. Now, new reports suggest that Samsung may soon roll out the One UI 8.5 Beta 4 update for the Galaxy S25 series.
A reliable tipster has discovered a new One UI 8.5 beta build, along with a corresponding changelog, for the Galaxy S25 series. The build number is ending ZZAB, which means Samsung is currently testing it internally. This indicates that the Korean tech giant is preparing a new beta update for these S series phones.
According to reports, One UI 8.5 will bring major upgrades to Bixby. Additionally, a bug that occurs when clicking on the search history in the phone app will be fixed in an upcoming beta version.
In addition, it can resolve the issue of calls switching to the device speaker in certain situations when using a Bluetooth headset. In addition, an issue has been fixed in the upcoming beta build where there was a problem pasting phone numbers into the keypad after clicking on a call link.
Moreover, it will fix an issue where AI Select does not automatically close when “Copy” is selected.
Galaxy S25 One UI 8.5 Beta 4 Changelog:
- Version: One UI 8.5, ZZAB
Bugs that have been fixed
- Applied Bixby update
- Fixed an issue when clicking search history in the phone app
- Resolved the problem where calls switch to the device under specific conditions while using a BT headset.
- Fixed an issue when pasting phone numbers into the keypad after clicking a call link
- Fixed an issue where AI Select does not automatically close when “Copy” is selected
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