Tag: Google Drive

  • Four Home Assistant 2025.2 Patch Releases Now Available

    Four Home Assistant 2025.2 Patch Releases Now Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. Home Assistant has released four patch updates since version 2025.2 launched earlier this month.
    2. The latest patch, 2025.2.4, fixes a frontend issue and addresses a problem with the Tuya Smart Thermostat Radiator Valve.
    3. The backup system now includes resumable uploads for Google Drive and individual metadata files for OneDrive.
    4. New features include the “EMERGENCY_HEAT” state for the EcoNet Smart Thermostat and bug fixes for LG webOS TV and Govee products.
    5. Home Assistant plans to continue releasing updates weekly, exceeding initial expectations.

    Home Assistant has rolled out four patch updates since the introduction of version 2025.2 earlier this month. This update enhances the backup system that was refreshed in January, including better integrations with Google Drive and OneDrive.

    Latest Patch Release Details

    The most recent patch, 2025.2.4, was released on February 14th, featuring a small update for the frontend and addressing a problem related to the Tuya Smart Thermostat Radiator Valve (TRV). The prior patch, 2025.2.3, introduced a new state called “EMERGENCY_HEAT” for the EcoNet Smart Thermostat. Earlier updates have also ensured that the current temperature isn’t used for the External Temperature in the Shelly BLU TRV. Furthermore, they have fixed issues that could lead to crashes if a Telegram message fails to generate an ID.

    Backup System Enhancements

    In connection with the broader improvements to the backup system, users can now take advantage of resumable uploads for Google Drive and utilize individual metadata files for OneDrive. Additionally, there are a few fixes for bugs affecting LG webOS TV and updates related to Govee and Google Nest smart home gadgets.

    Update Frequency

    Up to now, the number of patch updates for Home Assistant 2025.2 has exceeded expectations; the company plans to release one per week. You can find the complete release notes for each of these updates on the Home Assistant blog.

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  • Home Assistant 2025.2: New Backup and Voice Features Added

    Home Assistant 2025.2: New Backup and Voice Features Added

    The Home Assistant 2025.2 software is now out for users. This February update marks the second significant release of the open-source home automation platform this year. It enhances the updated backup system introduced last month and incorporates additional features for voice commands.

    Improved Backup System

    Following a warm reception for the January update to the backup system, Home Assistant has made further adjustments based on user input. Now, users can backup their data directly to Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. Additionally, there’s a new feature that lets you control encryption settings for specific locations, along with the ability to schedule your backup times to fit your needs.

    Voice Assistant Enhancements

    New functionalities for Voice, the company’s private voice assistant, have been introduced. For instance, you can now call your traditional phone and leave a voice message. Users can also send messages to all voice assistants in their home, perfect for calling everyone to dinner. Furthermore, voice commands can now adjust the temperature on your smart thermostat. The company has mentioned a YouTube livestream focused on Voice, happening on February 12th.

    Additional Integrations and Support

    Alongside the Google Drive and OneDrive integrations, there are new links to the Homee smart home system and igloohome smart locks. Support has also been added for the Shelly BLU TRV smart thermostatic radiator head and TP-Link vacuums. Bang & Olufsen users can now create triggers based on physical button presses on their devices. To see the complete release notes for Home Assistant 2025.2, visit its blog, and for the detailed changelog, check out a separate webpage.

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  • WhatsApp backups will consume Google Drive storage starting 2024

    WhatsApp backups will consume Google Drive storage starting 2024

    Android users will soon see a change in how WhatsApp backups are stored in Google Drive. The company recently announced updated terms that will no longer exempt WhatsApp data from consuming storage space. Although no specific date has been set, users on the app’s beta version are already experiencing this change. This means that backups, including chat history, images, and videos, will now count towards your Google Drive storage quota, regardless of whether you have a free or paid plan.

    WhatsApp Backups Transition to Google Drive Storage

    WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, confirmed that this change will apply to all Android users in the first half of 2024. To ensure users are aware of this transition, a 30-day notification will be displayed as a banner in the app’s Chat Backup settings prior to the change taking effect.

    For those concerned about their chat history taking up valuable space in their Google Drive, there are alternative options available to manage storage:

    Direct Transfer

    One option is to utilize the built-in WhatsApp Chat Transfer tool, which allows for seamless migration of data to a new device. This process requires both phones to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, but an internet connection is not necessary. By using this feature, you can transfer your data without relying on Google Drive storage.

    Text-Only Backups

    Another space-saving approach is to opt for text-only backups. This means that only text messages will be backed up, excluding media files such as images and videos. By choosing this option, you can significantly reduce the amount of storage space required for your WhatsApp backups.

    Aligning Android with iPhone Users

    This policy shift brings Android users in line with iPhone users, who have always had their WhatsApp backups count towards their iCloud storage. It serves as a reminder for all users to be mindful of their cloud storage usage, especially as free plans are becoming more limited in size.

    Prepare for the New Landscape

    Android users should plan ahead and consider their options for managing WhatsApp backups in Google Drive. Whether it’s transferring chats, reducing the size of media files, or switching to text-only backups, it’s important to be prepared for the changes that will soon take place in WhatsApp’s Google Drive storage. Stay tuned for the 30-day notification and make the necessary adjustments to ensure your data is stored efficiently.

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  • Google is investigating the loss of data from certain Google Drive users since May.

    Google is investigating the loss of data from certain Google Drive users since May.

    Google Drive Users Report Data Disappearance Issue on Desktop Platforms

    Google Drive users accessing the service on desktop platforms have reported a concerning issue where a portion of their data from recent months is mysteriously disappearing. This issue has affected a limited subset of users utilizing specific versions of the Google Drive desktop app (versions 84.0.0.0 through 84.0.4.0). The problem came to light when a user shared their distressing experience of losing all Google Drive data dating back to May.

    Distressed Users Seek Help

    The issue has drawn attention from affected users on a Google community support thread, with 192 users indicating they have experienced similar problems. Reports suggest that the missing files include documents, photos, and videos. Some affected users sought help from Google’s support team, but recovery attempts were reportedly unsuccessful.

    Actions to Avoid

    Google has since advised users against certain actions, including clicking “disconnect account” in Google Drive for desktop and deleting or relocating the app data folder. Saitej, a Google Drive team member, issued a warning within the support thread, emphasizing the importance of avoiding specific actions that could potentially worsen the situation. Users are cautioned against disconnecting their accounts and advised not to delete or move the app data folder, typically located in specific directories on Windows and macOS systems.

    Precautionary Measures

    As a precautionary measure, Saitej recommended users create a backup copy of the app folder in a separate location. The investigation by Google into this data loss is ongoing, and affected users are urged to follow Google’s official support channels for updates and assistance. The company is actively working to resolve the issue and prevent further instances of data loss for users accessing Google Drive on desktop platforms.

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  • Enhanced Experience for Android Foldables and Tablets with Google Drive’s Latest Update

    Enhanced Experience for Android Foldables and Tablets with Google Drive’s Latest Update

    Google Drive Update Enhances Experience for Android Foldable and Tablet Users

    Google Drive has recently released an update that brings significant improvements to the experience of Android foldable and tablet users. This update is a crucial step forward in enhancing the Google Workspace experience for users with larger-screen devices. By aligning the tablet interface of Google Drive with its web version, this update makes it easier for users to manage their files and navigate the app. Let’s take a closer look at the contents of this update.

    Refreshed Folder Navigation System

    One of the key features introduced in this update is a refreshed and user-friendly folder navigation system. With this new system, users can easily understand their location within Google Drive and navigate through complex folder structures effortlessly. Furthermore, the update provides detailed file information such as the last modification date and the storage space occupied by each file. This added information gives users a better understanding of their files and helps them manage their storage effectively.

    Adherence to Material Design 3 Guidelines

    Another important aspect of this update is its adherence to Google’s Material Design 3 guidelines. By incorporating these design principles, Google Drive offers a visually cohesive and aesthetically pleasing experience. Attention to design details enhances the overall user interaction with the app, making it more intuitive and enjoyable to use.

    Availability and Accessibility

    The update is already available to Rapid Release domains, and it will be accessible to Scheduled Release domains starting from November 27. This means that all Google Workspace customers and those with personal Google Accounts will be able to benefit from these enhancements. Google aims to ensure that users across various domains and account types can take advantage of the improved Google Drive experience.

    Adapting to Changing User Needs

    This update signifies more than just functional improvements; it reflects Google’s recognition of the diverse ways people access digital content today. By enhancing the experience on foldables and tablets, Google is adapting to the changing landscape of digital interaction in both personal and professional settings. With the increasing popularity of larger-screen devices, it is essential for productivity tools like Google Drive to optimize their interfaces to meet the needs of users on these devices.

    In conclusion, the recent update to Google Drive brings significant enhancements for Android foldable and tablet users. With a refreshed folder navigation system, adherence to Material Design 3 guidelines, and improved availability and accessibility, Google Drive is now even more user-friendly and visually appealing. This update demonstrates Google’s commitment to adapting to the evolving ways people interact with digital content.

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