Latest news with #GoogleHome
Android Authority
9 hours ago
- Android Authority
Google Home is still a mess, but at least it's fixed one of its most annoying camera issues
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority TL;DR Google has released a number of bug fixes for the Home app. Nest Cam users should see fewer 'no video available' errors. The company also fixed an issue where turning a camera on and off during a livestream would cause a 'Camera Unavailable' error. Google Home has become a point of frustration for many users, especially recently, with numerous reports of declining reliability. Despite those issues, things should be getting at least a little better for Nest Cam users. The company has rolled out an update to the Home app that fixes several bugs. According to the latest entry on the Google Home update changelog, spotted by 9to5Google, the 3.36 update introduces a few improvements. The first of these improvements deals with the nagging 'no video available' errors that camera users have run into when trying to view a recent video. Google says that users should see these errors less frequently. The next bug fix addresses camera stream reliability. There was previously an issue where turning a camera off and on during a livestream caused a 'Camera Unavailable' error. This problem has been fixed so that the stream recovers like it should. Elsewhere, incorrect outdoor temperatures displayed on Android devices have been corrected. App crashes related to suspend/resume partial functions have been reduced. And Google says it 'fixed an issue that caused interruptions during the setup flow for new devices after QR code scans or setup code entries.' Other fixes are expected to come to Google Home soon, as the Chief Product Officer for Google Home and Nest recently announced that the team was working on 'major improvements.' The company is expected to share an update on this matter sometime in the fall. Follow
Mint
12 hours ago
- Mint
Top 10 security cameras with audio that bring clear communication, real time updates and smart security into one device
Securing your home isn't just about locks and alarms anymore. With unpredictable schedules, deliveries at odd hours, and long hours away from home, knowing what's happening when you're not there has become a basic need, not a luxury. Families want peace of mind and remote awareness is now part of everyday life. Product Rating Price AI Motion Detection Tapo C520WS 2K QHD 4MP Outdoor Pan/Tilt Security Smart Wi-Fi Camera,IP66 Weatherproof, AI Detection,360° Visual Coverage,Starlight Colour Night Vision, Works with Alexa&Google Home View Details Dual Lens CCTV Cam Camate Arc Duo 3+3MP Dual-Lens (2.4/5 Ghz Wi-Fi Connectivity) Wireless CCTV Security Camera | Two Way Talk | Motion Detection | Colored Night VIsion | Support 256 GB sd card, Onvif (WiFi Connectivity) View Details Two Way Audio Mic Qubo Smart 360° 3MP [2K] CCTV Camera | Wi-Fi Indoor Home Security Cam | AI Person Detection | Automatic Alarm | App Alerts | NightPulse Vision | SD & Cloud Storage | Made in India View Details 1080p HD Live Camera TP-Link Tapo C500 Outdoor Pan/Tilt Home Security WiFi Smart Camera | 2MP 1080p Full HD Live View | 360° Visual Coverage | Night Vision | Support Alexa and Google Assistant | 2-Way Audio View Details 360 Wi-Fi CCTV Camera Imou 5MP CCTV Camera for Home Outdoor, 360° Security WiFi Camera, Full Color Night Vision 30M, Human Detection, 2-Way Talk, Siren Alarm, Compatible with Alexa, Supports 512GB SD Card, IP66, DK7 View Details View More That's where smart cameras step in, especially those with built in audio. Being able to see is useful but being able to hear and respond adds a layer of control most don't realise they need until it's too late. Here are the top 10 security cameras with audio worth considering. This camera brings solid clarity with its 2K QHD lens and a full 360 degree pan and tilt view. With IP66 weatherproofing, it's ready for any season outdoors. The built in starlight sensor gives you coloured night vision even in low light, and AI detection helps catch movement smarter by reducing false alerts. Alexa and Google Home support make it easy to check the feed with a quick voice command. Two-way talk is included for those seeking security cameras with audio. Pan/Tilt 360° horizontal, 130° vertical Night Vision Full colour with starlight sensor Audio Two-way talk with noise cancellation AI Detection Person, motion, line crossing App Support Tapo App, Alexa, Google Home Clear night vision in full colour Smart alerts and full area coverage No onboard battery for backup Requires wired power connection What are buyers saying on Amazon? Setup is easy and video quality is sharp, even at night. You get a reliable outdoor eye that also talks back thanks to audio support. Keeping an eye on more than one angle gets easier with the Camate Arc Duo. With two 3MP lenses built into one unit, it captures a wider field without you needing multiple cameras. The dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) keeps the stream steady, while coloured night vision gives a clear picture after sunset. It supports two-way talk through a built in mic and speaker, making it part of the growing range of security cameras with audio. Resolution Dual 3MP lenses Connectivity Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz) Storage Up to 256GB microSD Audio Built-in mic and speaker Night Vision Coloured night mode Alerts Motion detection with app push Covers more space with one camera Supports faster 5GHz Wi-Fi Not designed for rough outdoor weather App interface could be smoother What are buyers saying on Amazon? Setup is quick and voice clarity through the app is decent. Adding audio support makes it more helpful for remote interaction. Made for indoor use, this Qubo camera offers a full 360 degree view with crisp 2K resolution. It rotates smoothly to follow movement, and the built-in NightPulse Vision helps keep visuals clear even in low light. The app alerts are instant, and AI person detection helps reduce random triggers from pets or shadows. It stores recordings both locally and on the cloud. Two way talk is built in, making it part of today's must-have security cameras with audio. View 360° horizontal rotation Audio Two-way communication Detection AI-based person alerts Alarm Auto siren and app notifications Vision Night Pulse low-light capture Built-in siren adds extra security AI alerts cut down false motion warnings Limited to indoor use only Requires stable Wi-Fi for smooth feed What are buyers saying on Amazon? The app is responsive and the voice quality during live talk is clear. Voice feedback makes it part of the smarter range of security cameras with audio. For outdoor coverage that moves with what matters, the Tapo C500 offers smooth pan and tilt controls with 360 degree visual reach. It streams in 1080p Full HD and supports night vision for clarity round the clock. Weather-resistant build makes it suitable for year-round installation, and app access keeps everything close from wherever you are. Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility make it easy to control by voice. It also belongs to the class of security cameras with audio support. Resolution 2MP (1080p Full HD) View 360° pan and 130° tilt Audio Two-way talk built-in Night Vision Infrared up to 30 feet Weatherproof Outdoor rated Connectivity Wi-Fi enabled, app control Full 360° coverage for open spaces Voice assistant support adds convenience No cloud storage option out of the box Mounting bracket may need extra support in windy areas What are buyers saying on Amazon? Video is sharp and the mic picks up sound well even with outdoor noise. It's a strong match for outdoor use with wide viewing control. When you want wide-angle coverage and strong clarity, the Imou DK7 steps in with its 5MP lens and 360 degree field view. Full-colour night vision gives visibility up to 30 metres, even in low light conditions. The camera is IP66 rated, making it ready for the outdoors. It also features human detection and a siren alarm that responds in real time when movement is detected. Two way talk is built in, keeping it among the most reliable security cameras with audio. Coverage 360° horizontal rotation Night Vision Full-colour, up to 30 metres Audio Two-way talk with speaker and mic Special Features Local Recording, 2 Way Audio, Night Vision, PTZ Technology, Motion Sensor Long-range coloured night view Built-in siren with accurate human detection SD card not included App can lag slightly with high-res playback What are buyers saying on Amazon? Audio is clear and night video looks sharp even from a distance. With clear audio and voice features, it meets the expectations from security cameras with audio. The Active Pixel 4+4MP PT Camera is a dual lens wireless CCTV system designed for both outdoor and indoor use. With support for 4G SIM connectivity, it's ideal for locations without Wi-Fi. The camera offers two-way audio, night vision, and motion detection, giving you control and peace of mind from anywhere. Built to handle rough weather with its IP waterproof rating, it's perfect for remote areas or moving sites. Smart alerts and real time monitoring make this a solid pick for security needs. Connectivity 4G SIM-based (no Wi-Fi needed) Audio Two-way talk support Night Vision Infrared night mode Detection Motion alerts via mobile app Special Features PTZ Technology Works without Wi-Fi using 4G SIM Wide-angle dual lens captures more detail SIM data charges may apply Setup process takes more time for beginners What are buyers saying on Amazon? Works well in areas without broadband and audio quality is fine. It's useful for locations with no Wi-Fi or power lines nearby. If you want fewer wires and constant outdoor visibility, this solar powered Wi-Fi camera fits right in. It captures 2K video, lights up with a spotlight during motion events, and handles bad weather without issue. With motion detection and app alerts, you'll know when something moves near your space, day or night. It also lets you speak and listen through the app, placing it confidently among the more capable security cameras with audio. Power Solar-powered, wireless Audio Built-in two-way talk Lighting Spotlight with motion trigger Vision Full-colour night view Special Features 2 Way Audio, Night Vision, Noise Reduction, Cry Detection, Motion Sensor Runs on solar, no wiring needed Built-in spotlight improves visibility at night Needs strong sunlight for stable power May not support all third-party apps What are buyers saying on Amazon? Clear image and easy to install with solar keeping it charged daily. Solar charging makes it ideal for remote walls or outdoor gates. When it comes to indoor coverage that needs extra detail, the Tapo C225 steps in with 2K QHD clarity and full pan/tilt control. The starlight sensor helps brighten dim scenes without switching to black and white, and AI support adds smarter object detection for tracking movement. You can talk and listen through the app with the built-in mic and speaker. It stands tall among today's better choices for security cameras with audio. Resolution 4MP (2K QHD 1440p) Pan/Tilt Full-range rotation Audio Two-way talk with noise filter Detection Smart AI for people and motion Voice Control Works with Alexa and Google Home Special Features HD Resolution, 2 Way Audio, Night Vision, Barking Detection, Cry Detection Starlight sensor gives clearer night views indoors Smart detection helps reduce irrelevant alerts Only supports local storage, no cloud included Requires constant power via adapter What are buyers saying on Amazon? Video quality is sharp and two-way audio works smoothly in rooms with noise. It adds sharp indoor coverage with smooth app navigation. The ieGeek 4MP camera is made for outdoor setups where wide movement and voice connection matter. It pans and tilts to follow motion across a 360 degree range, while the spotlight night vision adds colour even when it's dark. Human detection filters out false triggers so you're not overloaded with alerts. The two way audio works well for real-time talk, and that's what places it in the category of reliable security cameras with audio. Night Vision Colour night view with spotlight Smart Features Siren and real-time notifications Voice Support Alexa compatible Wide movement tracking with coloured night view Two-way talk makes remote interaction easier No SD card included for storage Needs solid Wi-Fi strength outdoors What are buyers saying on Amazon? Clear video with fast motion tracking and the voice function works well. It covers wide angles and keeps night feeds sharp. This Made in India camera gives you full room coverage with its 360 degree pan view and 4MP Ultra 2K clarity. The built in AI person detection makes alerts smarter and more relevant, while the automatic alarm triggers when unexpected movement is caught. It also works with both SD and cloud storage, depending on your setup. Its mic and speaker allow for clear two way talk, putting it in the growing group of indoor security cameras with audio. Audio Two-way talk via built-in mic and speaker Detection AI-powered person alerts Alarm Automatic sound alert on movement Special Features 2 Way Audio, HD Resolution, Night Vision, PTZ Technology, Motion Sensor 360 degree coverage for full-room visibility Smart alerts reduce false motion notifications Cloud storage may require subscription Works only with Qubo ecosystem What are buyers saying on Amazon? App setup is smooth and sound quality is usable for room-level talk. It's ideal for indoor corners where full view and auto alerts are needed. Yes, most security cameras with audio offer real-time two-way communication via mobile apps. You can talk to visitors, delivery agents, or check in on family from anywhere. Response time depends on your internet speed. Good-quality cameras can pick up voices clearly, especially indoors. Outdoor units might catch background sounds like wind or traffic, but many come with basic noise filtering. Clarity improves with distance and mic quality. Most modern Wi-Fi cameras now offer full two way audio, letting you both speak and listen. Some budget models only have one-way sound or just record audio. Always check the product specs for confirmation. Yes, the built-in mic and speaker are accessible through most companion apps. You can have real-time conversations or even use pre-set voice responses. The feature works over mobile data or Wi-Fi. It varies. Some cameras store audio clips on a microSD card, while others offer cloud storage via subscription. A few let you choose between both, depending on how much access and backup you want. Two Way Audio Quality: Clear mic and speaker for real-time talk Clear mic and speaker for real-time talk Video Resolution: At least 1080p for sharp visuals At least 1080p for sharp visuals Night Vision: Colour or infrared for low-light clarity Colour or infrared for low-light clarity Wi-Fi Stability: Dual-band support for better streaming Dual-band support for better streaming Storage Options: SD card, cloud, or both SD card, cloud, or both Mobile App Features: Easy access to audio controls Easy access to audio controls Motion Detection: Smart alerts with reduced false triggers Smart alerts with reduced false triggers Weatherproof Rating: IP65/IP66 for outdoor use IP65/IP66 for outdoor use Voice Assistant Support: Works with Alexa or Google Home Top 10 Security Cameras with Audio Audio Features Detection Special Features Tapo C520WS 2K QHD 4MP Outdoor Pan/Tilt Wi-Fi Camera Two-Way Audio Motion, Person Detection Pan/Tilt, Colour Night Vision, IP66 Weatherproof Camate Arc Duo 3+3MP Dual-Lens Wireless CCTV Camera Two-Way Audio Motion Detection Dual Lens, Wireless, Night Vision, Wide-Angle Qubo Smart 360° 3MP [2K] CCTV Camera Two-Way Audio Motion, Person Detection 360° Pan, Infrared Night Vision, Smart Home Support TP-Link Tapo C500 Outdoor Pan/Tilt WiFi Smart Camera Two-Way Audio Motion, Person Detection Pan/Tilt, IP65, Patrol Mode, Night Vision Imou 5MP Outdoor 360° Security WiFi Camera Two-Way Audio Motion, Human Detection 360° View, Spotlight, IP67, Colour Night Vision Active Pixel 4+4MP 4G SIM Dual Lens PT Camera Two-Way Audio Motion Detection Dual Lens, 4G SIM, PTZ, Remote Access Outdoor CCTV Camera One-Way Audio Motion Detection WiFi, Waterproof, Remote Viewing, Night Vision TP-Link Tapo C225 Wi-Fi Smart Camera Two-Way Audio Motion, Person, Baby Cry Detection Pan/Tilt, AI Alerts, Privacy Mode, Night Vision ieGeek 4MP Outdoor WiFi Security Camera Two-Way Audio Motion, Human Detection Spotlight, Colour Night Vision, Siren, IP66 Qubo Smart 360° 4MP Ultra 2K CCTV Camera Two-Way Audio Motion, Person, Baby Cry Detection 360° Pan, AI Alerts, Cloud Storage, Infrared Night Vision Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Time of India
Google may face ‘major' lawsuit as users claim facing more issues with company's smart home devices
Representative Image Google is set to face a class action lawsuit as a growing number of its smart home device users have reported experiencing more issues. These issues include misheard commands, delayed responses, and ignored instructions. US law firm Kaplan Gore LLP has launched an investigation into a potential class action lawsuit against the company. The law firm is exploring legal action due to Google's alleged failure to "remedy increasing problems with its Google Home 'smart home' service." The firm notes that many users have reported functionality issues with devices that previously worked well and had stable internet connections. Kaplan Gore also claims that Google is allowing these problems with Google Home to "increase in scale and frequency nationwide" and is "not providing the service it promised users." This comes despite Google's assurances that improvements are imminent. How Google Home issues are affecting users and what the company said The problems started last week when Google acknowledged growing user frustration with several Google Home speakers and announced plans for "major improvements." Less than a week later, reports suggest that the problems may be escalating. The issues seem to be linked to Google Assistant, which is set to be replaced by Gemini AI. In recent weeks, the current voice assistant has already seen a reduction in available features ahead of the transition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Hi Tabbola Undo In a recent post shared on X, Aniah Kattukaran, the Chief Product Officer for Google Home Nest , admitted to the problems and wrote: 'Hey everyone, I want to acknowledge the recent feedback about Google Assistant reliability on our home devices. I sincerely apologise for what you're experiencing and feeling! We hear you loud and clear and are committed to getting this right -- and making sure we have a long term solution that provides better reliability and capability. We have been actively working on major improvements for sometime and will have more to share in the fall.' Even after acknowledging the issues, user dissatisfaction remains high. Android Police highlighted a Reddit thread in the Google Home subreddit where several users reported that voice controls for smart lights had stopped working entirely. While device subreddits typically feature product questions or troubleshooting help, the Google Home subreddit is currently filled with complaints about broken voice controls. The situation prompted an official Google moderator to respond twice within the same thread. 'We're aware of an issue with using voice commands to control some lights. We'll share an update as soon as possible, thanks for your patience,' the moderator stated. In a follow-up post, the moderator mentioned a fix was being rolled out, though they added that "some users might still be experiencing issues." One user complained: "You're not adding how do you manage to sc**w up the old ones that worked?" Sony WF-C710N Review: Solid Sound and Long Battery AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Gizmodo
a day ago
- Gizmodo
Google Home Is So Bad That a Lawsuit Could Be on Its Way
There's been some trouble at home lately. Not your home, hopefully, but if you live in Google HQ, then maybe. Last week, people using the Google Home app flooded Reddit with complaints over smart home products that mysteriously stopped working—lights, cameras, smart plugs, you name it. Those complaints were so numerous, in fact, that Google even bothered to address them and do better. Things in the Googleverse were (or are) bad, to say the least. But just because they're bad right now doesn't mean they can't get worse—and worse they may still get. For Google, that is. As it turns out, Google's overtures about fixing its smart home app and doing better may not be enough for people, and all of that pushback may actually result in a good, old-fashioned class-action lawsuit. 'Kaplan Gore has begun investigating a possible class action against Google LLC for failing to remedy increasing problems with its Google Home 'smart home' service,' the law firm Kaplan Gore said in a statement. 'Unfortunately, many users have reported functionality issues with Google Home and associated Google and/or Nest devices, resulting in commands not being recognized or properly executed. Users are reporting that they are experiencing these issues despite their devices having previously functioned normally and despite having a stable internet connection.' Hey everyone, I want to acknowledge the recent feedback about Google Assistant reliability on our home devices. I sincerely apologize for what you're experiencing and feeling! — Anish Kattukaran (@AnishKattukaran) July 23, 2025Kaplan Gore also has a form for any users experiencing those issues and is asking them to fill out some information and join a class action. In the immortal words of crime-fighting cartoon dog Scooby-Doo, 'ru-roh.' On one hand, it's wild that a company as titanic and well-resourced as Google let its smart home app get to the point of being the subject of a possible class-action lawsuit, but on the other—if you've been using Google Assistant for a while now—it feels long overdue. Google Assistant has steadily gotten worse over the years, and just about anyone using it on a daily basis has noticed. Even simple prompts for turning your lights on or off feel hit and miss. That makes recent issues in the Google Home app feel even more egregious, especially since those issues prevented many from using smart products in their homes entirely. According to loads of complaints on Reddit, Google Home has been so broken that some users have reported being unable to even turn their smart lights on and off properly. And it's not just lights; all kinds of smart devices have been swept up, including other speakers and even (disconcertingly) cameras and smart doorbells. If you're experiencing similar issues, by the way, you can try pulling open the Google Home app and tapping Settings in the bottom-right corner, then tap 'Works with Google,' and a list of your synced apps should show up. If they're no longer synced, re-sync the app by finding it under 'Add new.' If they're still synced and not working, unsync the app by tapping on the icon and then tapping 'Unlink account.' After that, you can try syncing once more and hope that it works.
Fox News
a day ago
- Business
- Fox News
The hottest deals on air conditioners to help you keep cool this summer
Summer weather is getting unbearable in many parts of the U.S., with record-high temperatures all over the country. To beat the heat, investing in an air conditioner is a must. We've lined up some top air conditioner deals, from budget-friendly options to portable solutions and high-tech, smart AC units. Original price: $449.99 BLACK+DECKER makes a smart portable air conditioner that also functions as a dehumidifier and a fan. Ideal for small apartments or larger rooms in your home, the AC can cool areas up to 700 square feet. You can control the AC from anywhere with a mobile app that's available on the Apple and Google Play stores. Alexa and Google Assistant users can also control the AC with their voice. Original price: $499 Instead of storing away your bulky AC for the winter, get the Midea smart inverter air conditioner, which doubles as a small heater. It can cool or heat rooms up to 550 square feet. The Midea AC is so quiet, you'll barely notice it's running. The ECO energy-saver feature automatically shuts off the AC when the room reaches your optimal temperature. You can wirelessly control the AC unit with the SmartHome App, or with your voice via Alexa or Google Assistant. Original price: $249 Frigidaire's 6,000 BTU air conditioner is an affordable option for small apartments and rooms. It cools areas up to 250 square feet and runs quietly. You can choose between three different fan speeds and select a custom temperature. You'll be alerted when the reusable filter needs cleaning, you just need to rinse it off. Save on energy with the Frigidaire's Eco Mode, or use Sleep Mode to gradually increase the temperature overnight. You can also use Dry Mode to remove excess moisture from the air on particularly humid days. Original price: $439.99 The compact design of the Honeywell Slim & Smart portable AC makes it easy to move around your house as needed. You can control the temperature, schedule and fan speeds all from the Honeywell mobile app, or with your voice using Alexa or Google. Honeywell's AC cools rooms up to 660 square feet, so it's great for most rooms in an average house. Original price: $439.99 Looking for a quiet, convenient AC? The Dreo portable air conditioner has a patented noise isolation system that ensures the AC runs quietly enough to work or sleep comfortably. There's no need for drainage with this model, thanks to the self-evaporating system that Dreo is known for. Not only does the Dreo system cool, but it dehumidifies and acts as a fan for the cooler summer days. Smart technology allows you to control the unit using Siri, Alexa and Google Home. You can also monitor the temperature and customize your sleep schedule to set an optimal sleeping temperature right from the Dreo app. Original price: $359 A Hisense 10,000 BTU air conditioner is easy to maintain and install. The filter is removable and washable, so it's easy to ensure you're always breathing clean air. Included is an easy-to-install window kit that helps you install the AC hassle-free. The smart 24-hour timer helps you program automatic on/off times that match your schedule. Using this feature, you can be sure your home is nice and cool when you come home from work, but isn't running all day. You can choose between multiple different cooling modes, including fan, dry and cool. Original price: $219 Cool up to 250 square feet with the GE 6,000 BTU window air conditioner. This efficient model is on the more affordable side, and is a good choice for smaller studio apartments, bedrooms and home offices. This is a quieter AC, so there's no worrying about disruptions when you're studying, working or watching TV. There are three cooling modes, and you can also choose between three different fan speeds to get the perfect temperature. For more Deals, visit There are hundreds of air conditioner models to choose from, so if you're trying to figure out where to start, we answer a few of the most common questions shoppers ask. Air conditioners' cooling capacity is measured in BTUs, with higher BTU ratings indicating a more powerful unit. If you have a large room, upwards of 300 square feet, look for higher BTU ratings, while smaller rooms can handle lower capacity ACs. Most ACs state the size room they're able to cool. Yes, there are definitely energy-efficient air conditioner models that take less energy to cool your home. Many ACs also have eco modes that shut the AC off and on when you're not home, when you're sleeping or when it gets cool enough in the room. With proper maintenance, most air conditioners can last for years. Make sure to take window units out and store them in dry places. Covers or keeping the original boxes to store your ACs in can help components stay clean and safe.
