Tag: voice assistant

  • 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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  • Gemini replaces ‘Assistant with Bard’ branding as Google’s choice

    Gemini replaces ‘Assistant with Bard’ branding as Google’s choice

    Google made a major announcement yesterday, streamlining all of its AI efforts under a single name — Gemini. This means that Google’s AI chatbot, formerly known as Bard, is now referred to as Gemini, and the tech giant has also introduced its standalone Android app.

    Google’s Consolidation of AI Efforts

    Google made a significant move by consolidating all of its AI efforts under the name Gemini. This includes renaming its AI chatbot from Bard to Gemini and launching a standalone Android app.

    Clarifying the Fate of Assistant’s AI Services

    Last year, Google announced its plan to enhance Android’s default Assistant with AI capabilities through a service called “Assistant with Bard.” With the rebranding of Bard to Gemini, there may be uncertainty about the future of Assistant’s AI services.

    Google has clarified to Android Authority that the Gemini experience on Android is what Assistant with Bard was intended to provide. The company’s vision of building a true AI assistant that is conversational, multimodal, and helpful remains the same.

    “Now, with the incredible capabilities of Gemini, we can deliver on that vision in an even more profound and meaningful way. The technology allows us to push past the limits of what we could do before (timers, alarms, weather) to help you supercharge your ideas and collaborate directly with Google AI on your phone,” said a Google spokesperson.

    In essence, the functionalities envisioned for “Assistant with Bard” have now been fully integrated into Gemini for Android.

    Gemini as the Default Assistant on Android

    Google has already taken steps towards implementing this approach, as Gemini becomes the default Assistant on Android after downloading the app from the Play Store. However, users still have the option to switch back to the old Assistant in the settings if they prefer.

    Google is confident that Gemini will power the AI capabilities of Assistant going forward, effectively retiring the “Assistant with Bard” name.

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  • How to operate ChatGPT voice assistant on your Nothing Phone

    How to operate ChatGPT voice assistant on your Nothing Phone

    Nothing Phones Receive ChatGPT Voice Assistant

    The CEO and Founder of Nothing, Carl Pei, has announced an exciting new feature for the brand’s existing smartphone models. Now, Nothing Phone (1) and Phone (2) users can enjoy the convenience of using ChatGPT as a voice assistant. Similar to Apple’s Siri and the Google Assistant, this AI-powered assistant is set to enhance the user experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to enable this feature.

    How to Enable ChatGPT Voice Assistant

    1. Download and Install ChatGPT Application: Head to the Google Play Store and download the ChatGPT application. Once the app is successfully downloaded, proceed to install it on your Nothing Phone.
    2. Add ChatGPT Shortcut: After installing the application, you have the option to add the ChatGPT shortcut to the Quick Settings panel or add it as a widget on your device’s home screen. Choose the option that suits your preference.
    3. Access ChatGPT Voice Assistant: By tapping on the ChatGPT shortcut icon, you can now activate and utilize the ChatGPT-powered voice assistant. This allows you to ask questions and give voice commands to the assistant.

    Carl Pei also shared a short video on X (formerly Twitter) to showcase this exciting new feature. It’s important to note that the ChatGPT assistant does not replace the default voice assistant on the Nothing Phone series devices. However, it does mean that using the default voice assistant by holding the home button or power button will no longer be possible.

    The Future of Nothing Phones

    In addition to the ChatGPT voice assistant, Nothing is also working on a new model called Phone 2a. This upcoming phone is expected to support the ChatGPT feature as well. As the name suggests, Phone 2a is a scaled-down version of the Phone 2 and has recently been spotted on the TUV Rheinland certification.

    With the introduction of ChatGPT as a voice assistant, Nothing is further enhancing the capabilities of their smartphones. Users of Nothing Phone (1) and Phone (2) can now enjoy the convenience and efficiency of voice commands, making their everyday smartphone usage even more seamless and intuitive.

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