What you need to know

• Google Home Speaker users have reported a glaring issue: their device's assistance has become incredibly sluggish.
• Other users have experienced the same; however, this latency problem appears to affect more than the Home Speaker, as other Nest devices struggle, too.
• Google has responded to this thread, stating a fix is being worked on "ASAP."

Google's latest smart speaker got off to a fast start, but users are reporting anything but good news, as problems emerge.

Earlier this week, reports surfaced on the Google Home subreddit from a user with a Home Speaker (via Android Police). The root of their report is that their Home Speaker has weirdly become sluggish. They say that the "First day all was smooth... the second day every single question (even 'hello') needs at least 30s of answer time." Troubleshooting provided no such relief from this issue.

Users started flowing into the thread, stating that others with the Home Speaker are having the same problem. The publication spotted another thread from a user that blows this problem wide open. It's not just a Home Speaker issue, but rather a Google smart home issue that's affecting a range of its products. The user says, "Everything is timing out."

They add that their smart home devices are all struggling with delayed or sluggish response times. Resetting has seemingly offered no aid in solving the issue. One user said, "Definitely noticed this since the update. Especially for simpler tasks which used to be snappier, eg turn on the light, change to warm white, set 50%." A subsequent report says they haven't noticed anything timed out, but rather their streamed content (like music) is stopping midway.

Google has become aware of this smart home problem. A community member says the company is "working on a fix ASAP." There's no clear timeframe for when we could see this, so users will have to tough it out as best as possible.

Updates were made to do the opposite

It's interesting to see users bring up the fact that the Home Speaker "used to be" snappy with its response times for mundane tasks. Google rolled out an update for Gemini's home assistance in March, quickening its responses by ~30% to ~40%. This patch reduced the latency between the user giving the task and Gemini responding to it/following it.

Google's smart speakers were brought into the spotlight a week ago, as the company fixed a long-standing SiriusXM radio problem. Users had been receiving errors with SiriusXM on their smart speaker, stating, "I looked for that, but it either isn't available or can't be played right now." SiriusXM would work via the user's phone, just not on Google's smart home devices. All is seemingly well now after Google's patch.

It's no secret that SSDs and other storage devices are absurdly expensive right now, and it doesn't seem like that's changing any time soon. Fortunately, Prime Day gave us a few solid deals on portable SSDs and other storage devices, and even though that sale has officially come to a close, there are still a few leftover discounts hanging about.

One of my favorite leftover deals is this offer that slashes 38% off the 1TB T9 SSD by Samsung, knocking the price of the storage device down to $179.99 for a limited time. Up until Prime Day, the 1TB SSD was floating around $250, so this is no small discount — it essentially amounts to $0.18 per gigabyte. And the best part is that, unlike many of the official Prime Day deals we saw last week, you don't need to be a Prime member to enjoy the savings.

Whether you're a photographer, musician, or business professional, if you're dealing with large files on the go, the Samsung T9 is the ideal companion. This compact device boasts read-and-write transfer speeds of up to 2,000MB per second, plus you get regular firmware updates with AES 256-bit password protection and a high-end thermal cooling system that keeps your SSD running smoothly, no matter how heavy the usage.

The SSD is also built from durable materials and has been drop-tested from up to 9.8 feet in height, so you can take it with you anywhere without worrying about the safety of your most important files. If something does go wrong, Samsung also offers a five-year warranty.

Indeed, the Samsung T9 is a powerful storage device for on-the-go file management, and this is a good price. If you're planning to upgrade your storage setup this year, I'd recommend jumping on this deal before Amazon's leftover Prime Day deals expire. After all, the current RAM crisis isn't going away any time soon, and if you miss this discount, you'll likely have to wait until Black Friday to save this much cash on a portable SSD by Samsung.

More deals - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon Fire tablets from $50
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99

What you need to know

• Google states a fix is rolling out late in June for a bug that impacted several of its smart speakers and SiriusXM radio.
• Users given multiple errors a month ago, when reports surfaced, and were unable to get their content to stream via a speaker.
• While this issue gets resolved, Google's also debuted its new Home Speaker and expanded Gemini for Home to more partners.

Google has been busy with new launches and bug fixes since May. This week, it's been reported that a major fix is on the way for a satellite radio problem.

About a month ago, users on the Google Home subreddit reported a sudden problem attempting to listen to SiriusXM radio on their smart speakers (via Android Authority). Getting down to brass tacks, Google responded to this month-old thread this week, stating "We've resolved an issue impacting the ability to stream SiriusXM on some Google Home devices." These "issues" Google refers to were highlighted by the thread's OP (original poster), who states their smart speakers were unable to stream any content.

Specifically, the user states their device would consistently give them the following error: "I looked for that, but it either isn't available or can't be played right now." They checked their Google Home settings and ensured their SiriusXM subscription was properly linked. Spoiler alert: everything was fine. Further investigations showed that they could listen to the radio via the app, just not through their speakers.

Many more reports on the subreddit stated similar issues. After contacting Google Support, users were told to run through normal troubleshooting procedures. Many users already said they did this on their own, to be fair. However, through these reports, Google acknowledged it was an issue, at least that's what users said after contacting support.

Now, over a month later, a fix for the radio issue is coming through for Google Home smart speakers.

New speaker on the block

In the time that these issues were reported, Google launched the Home Speaker, its future of smart speakers and AI assistance at home. For $99, the Home Speaker is the brand's first device built completely around its AI, Gemini. The AI is capable of understanding normal speech, meaning users don't have to constantly remember and throw buzzwords around. The AI can act on multi-step commands, and users can engage in follow-up questions to keep their conversations going.

Since Gemini is so tightly integrated, we all know what that means: Gemini for Home is at its core. When Google expanded its availability to more countries, the company improved Gemini's response times by 40%. What's more, it improved the AI's ability to understand what device users are talking to about to (hopefully) avoid mistaken commands. On a related note, Google opened Gemini for Home to hardware makers and carriers.

This means consumers will likely see more devices hitting the market that support Google's AI natively.

Google just released the Home Speaker, its first smart speaker in half a decade. It's a small device designed with Gemini at the core, but it's not very impressive as a speaker. A single, tiny full-range driver is responsible for all the sound. Luckily, if you want a smart speaker with high-quality audio chops, you can get the Amazon Echo Studio instead for just $75 more than the Home Speaker during Prime Day.

Amazon's Echo Studio is an impressive smart speaker. It has large audio drivers with Dolby Atmos support, an integrated mesh Wi-Fi extender, and complete Alexa support. This device really does it all, and the Echo Studio justifies its price tag. It's an easier sell for Prime Day, as you can get the Echo Studio for only $175, saving 20%.

• Prime Day 2026 ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

✅ Recommended if: you need a smart speaker with sound that can fill your living room; you want Dolby Atmos and spatial audio support; you value a smart home controller with a built-in mesh Wi-Fi extender.

❌ Skip this deal if: you don't have a lot of Amazon Echo or Matter accessories; you want Gemini or Siri instead of Alexa.

Too many smart speakers skimp on sound quality, but the Echo Studio doesn't make that mistake. This speaker includes three full-range drivers and a 3.75-inch high-excursion woofer. There's software support for lossless audio, spatial audio, and Dolby Atmos. Everything you'd need from a living room or home theater speaker is here. You can even pair two of them together to create a stereo set for room-filling sound.

The Echo Studio uses four microphones to ensure it picks up your voice, even when music is playing. Alexa is the voice assistant, and you can subscribe to get the upgraded Alexa Plus version.

Another neat Echo Studio feature is the built-in Wi-Fi mesh extender. You need an Eero router to use it, but if you have one, the Echo Studio can add up to 1,000 square feet of extra coverage for up to 10 connected devices. It also has Zigbee, Matter, and Thread support, so the Echo Studio can be the centerpiece of your smart home.

The Google Home Speaker's sound quality is somewhat disappointing, and if you're looking for something better, the Amazon Echo Studio is a great alternative. For only $175 until time runs out, you can't beat this smart speaker's feature set.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

No one likes bad Wi-Fi connections. In fact, the only thing I hate more than slow Wi-Fi is spending money on networking gear. I get it — there are a million things you'd rather spend your money on before Prime Day runs out than a new router. But if you're tired of buffering, connectivity issues, and slow speeds, that's exactly what you should buy.

After years of using the router provided by my ISP, I upgraded to the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro. I had tons of Android and Google Home or Nest devices, so buying a router with the smarts to tie the entire ecosystem together made sense. Now, you can get the Nest Wi-Fi Pro for just $85, saving nearly $115 compared to the usual retail price. It's a no-brainer if you need a Wi-Fi 6E router and are invested in the Android or Google ecosystems.

• Prime Day 2026 ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

✅ Recommended if: you need a reliable mesh Wi-Fi system; you want Wi-Fi 6E speeds; you have a Google Home or Nest ecosystem and want your router to fit in.

❌ Skip this deal if: you have internet speeds faster than 1Gbps from your ISP; you need a router with more Ethernet jacks.

There's a lot to like about the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro, starting with its simplicity. It's just an orb-shaped, plastic Wi-Fi 6E router with a power cord and two Ethernet jacks. One is used for the Ethernet cable coming from your modem, and the other can be used to connect other devices to your network. You can even hook up an unmanaged Ethernet switch to add ports to your Nest Wi-Fi Pro.

The subtle design and stylish colorways allow you to place the Nest Wi-Fi Pro anywhere in your home. You manage it through the Google Home app, just like your other Nest devices. They all work together nicely. For instance, I can ask my Nest Hub display to run a speed test for my Nest Wi-Fi Pro, and see the results on the screen.

Google uses software optimization to help your Nest devices run better on networks powered by Nest Wi-Fi Pro. For example, it says that you can get a "stronger live connection to your Nest Doorbell and faster 4K streaming on Chromecast with Google TV." I personally use a Nest Doorbell Battery and two Nest Cam Indoor cameras in my home, and they all run great thanks to the Nest Wi-Fi Pro router inside.

The best thing I can say about the Nest Wi-Fi Pro is that after upgrading to it, I haven't had to think about my Wi-Fi. It just works, and when there's an issue, it lets me know before my ISP can. If you struggle with Wi-Fi issues too, this is the $85 fix you need for Prime Day.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

The journey toward an actual release date for Grand Theft Auto VI has been arduous, to say the least. After 13 long years, pre-orders are finally live for the massive open-world game for PS5 and Xbox Series X players. After placing your order for the game, why not make some extra preparations to make the experience that much more special? With the help of some smart RGB lights on the back of your TV, you can transform your gameplay into a more immersive experience.

Since it's Prime Day until tomorrow, there are hundreds of deals on tech products of all kinds, including smart RGB lights. I prefer Govee and SwitchBot above all other brands because you get ambient audio sync modes, plenty of customizability options, and affordable pricing for high-grade RGBIC light strips. Most importantly, both brands' light strips are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home without the need for any hub.

These smart TV light strips are half off for Prime Day, so now is the best time to get your living room GTA 6 ready. Once they're all set up, it'll be the gameplay of a lifetime!

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

Govee TV LED Backlight

The Govee TV LED Backlight comes in two sizes, a 12.5ft options for 55–65 inch TVs and a 15ft option for 70–80 inch TVs. These RGBIC smart LED lights stick to the back of your TV to create mesmerizing showcase of colorful lights.

Depending on the mode you choose, the dynamic lights react to the sounds around you, creating a truly immersive viewing experience. With GTA VI playing on your TV, the glowing lights shifting with the sound of your gameplay will truly look awesome.

Since these lights have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support, you can either customize and adjust their brightness and color modes via the smartphone app or through voice controls. You even get segmented control over the light strip. The Govee lights support both Alexa and Google Assistant.

SwitchBot LED Strip Light

SwitchBot offers an even wider compatibility with smart home ecosystems. You can connect the SwitchBot LED Strip Light to Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home, and IFTTT. This five-meter-long strip, or roughly 16-foot-long strip, is more expensive than the Govee option, but it is also more versatile and much longer.

The SwitchBot LED Strip Light 5M can display 16 million colors and deliver up to 1200 Lumens with tunable color temperature from 2700K–6500K. It also has music sync modes. This strip glues onto the back of your TV and creates a bright halo behind it. You can customize your light presets or choose from one of the 26 preset scenes within the app, and you get segmented control on these lights too.

The bonus perk with the SwitchBot LED Strip Light 5M is that it is Matter-enabled. You can create smart home automations and incorporate this strip light into it, for example by creating a smart gaming routine involving your smart TV, smart speaker, and maybe even smart AC. Get the room cool, groovy, and ready to game in with one voice command. You could even create a specific smart home routine just for playing GTA VI!

Regular NAS servers use mechanical HDDs, but if you want to make the switch to flash storage, there are a few decent choices available. The benefit of using an all-flash NAS is that you get significantly higher bandwidth; most traditional HDDs can hit 250MB/s at a maximum, but with an SSD, you easily get ten times that bandwidth.

I tested all the SSD NAS servers available today, and TerraMaster's F8 SSD Plus is the best of the lot. It holds eight SSDs, comes with thermal pads that ensure the drives don't overheat, and you get active cooling.

The best part is that the NAS is now selling at just $719, and I think that is a good value. While it debuted at $899, the F8 SSD Plus usually sells at around the $765 to $799 figure, so even in that context, you're getting a good overall deal this time.

✅Recommended if: You're ready to move to SSD storage. The F8 SSD Plus has 10GbE connectivity, holds eight drives, and doesn't take up much room at all.

❌Skip this deal if: You just want a media server. There are plenty of other choices if you just need a NAS server to house your media collection, and going with a regular HDD is still a better choice.

While I use the F8 SSD Plus regularly, most of my media is in another NAS with regular HDDs. That's because you don't get nearly as much storage when buying SSDs as you do mechanical drives. I have four 2TB SSDs totaling 8TB in the F8 SSD Plus, and they cumulatively cost as much as a 24TB HDD.

With SSD prices inflated right now because of high demand, you'll end up shelling a lot of cash to get a decent amount of storage. The plus side is that as SSDs don't contain any moving parts, they generally last longer than a HDD. An all-flash NAS is better-suited for office tasks, and it's generally overkill if you just want a media server.

Coming to the F8 SSD Plus, you get eight NVMe slots in total, so you can add eight drives, with each slot able to hold 8TB, giving you 64TB of total addressable storage. The NAS is powered by Intel's N305 platform, and it's designed to be fast; I didn't see any issues whatsoever after close to a year of use.

With connectivity, the F8 SSD Plus has 10GbE as standard, and you can easily saturate the bandwidth of the connection with the available bandwidth. While the initial costs are higher, the F8 SSD Plus is a great all-round choice if you want an all-flash NAS with standout features.

If you're looking to buy a new NAS, there's a good chance that you came across UGREEN. The brand is a relative newcomer, but a combination of great hardware and aggressive discounts made it swiftly rise up the ranks in this category.

The DXP4800 GT is UGREEN's latest NAS, and it just made its debut in June 2026. The NAS is aimed at enthusiast users and content creators, and it notably has two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports. It launched at $659, but you can get it for $527 during Prime Day, which is a pretty good 20% discount on what is a brand-new model. While RAM and storage modules are still at an all-time high, UGREEN must not have gotten the memo, because this is a great price on an enthusiast-focused NAS.

• Prime Day 2026 is June 23-26: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You want ultra-fast connectivity. With powerful AMD internals, good software with container management, dual 10GbE connectivity, ECC memory, ability to slot in U.2 SSDs, and a high amount of extensibility, the DXP4800 GT is a true enthusiast NAS. The best part is that there's hardware-assisted transcoding with the AMD Ryzen platform, and that's just a welcome move.

❌Skip this deal if: You want Thunderbolt 4. Although the DXP4800 GT gets most right, it misses out on Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.

Now, the DXP4800 Pro is a solid NAS by itself, but the DXP4800 GT gets a few additional features. It gets ECC memory, 2.5-inch U.2 SSD integration, and two 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectors. It's clear that the NAS is aimed at creators and enthusiasts, and even though there's no Thunderbolt 4, it isn't a big deal in and of itself.

Another difference is that the DXP4800 GT uses AMD hardware instead of Intel. While this has been an issue in the past, the Ryzen R2514 has hardware transcoding, so if you use Plex or Jellyfin, the DXP4800 GT is just as good as an Intel-based NAS. If anything, it's faster; I got four 4K transcodes running in Plex at the same time without any issues, so the DXP4800 GT has power to spare.

The UGOS Pro software has plenty to like as well, and you can install just about anything you want using Docker; this is what I used to get Plex, Pi-hole, Jellyfin, Immich, and other utilities installed on the NAS.

The DXP4800 Pro is still a great NAS — particularly now that it is down to $639 — but if you need two 10GbE connectors or want to use U.2 SSDs, the DXP4800 GT is the obvious choice. And with the DXP4800 GT now selling for just $527, this may just be the best time to get it.

All Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Phones: major savings on Pixel, Samsung, and beyond
• Wearables: up to 50% off Garmin, Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit
• Headphones/earbuds: huge discounts on Beats, Sony, and more
• Smart Home: up to 60% off Alexa devices
• Tablets: Galaxy Tab, Kindle, and Amazon tablets from $50
• Smart TVs: cheap smart TVs from $69.99
• Chromebooks: discounts on ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

After three years of trying (and failing) to build any semblance of a schedule, we wanted to get a smart calendar to see if it made things any easier. And with our toddler set to start pre-school soon, we needed a way to plan the family schedule, add and change meal plans, have a shared to-do list, and just bring some level of organization to the daily routine.

There's a decent amount of choice if you're looking to get a smart calendar these days. Cozyla, Skylight, Hearth, and Amazon all make dedicated devices aimed at this category, and while I liked the look of the Skylight Frame, I wasn't keen on yet another subscription just to use a shared calendar, and the coincidentally, I got a review unit of the Cozyla Calendar+ 2, so that's what we ended up using.

I tested the 15.6-inch variant of the Cozyla Calendar+ 2, and it costs $349 on Amazon as of writing. There's also a 24-inch model that retails for $699, a 32-inch model that costs $899, and a 32-inch 4K option that is available for $1,099. The larger 24-inch and 32-inch models are good to consider if you're mounting the calendar on a wall, but if you want to just position it on the kitchen island (like we have), the 15.6-inch model is arguably the better choice — and it costs a lot less.

I'll get to the features in a little bit, but let's talk about the product itself. The Calendar+ 2 is sold in a white color option, and it houses a 15.6-inch 1080p panel with a standard 60Hz refresh and chunky bezels on the sides. The panel itself is decent enough; it doesn't come close to the clarity of most modern tablets like the Xiaomi Pad 8, but it gets the job done in this context. I would've preferred an anti-glare coating on the screen given the use case, but that's only available on the 24- and 32-inch models, which is annoying.

Coming to the hardware, the Calendar+ 2 is powered by a Rockchip RK3576, which has Arm's v7 Cortex A72 cores running at 2.11GHz and A53 cores at 1.91GHz. There's 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, with around 38GB available for use. You won't see something this old on a phone or tablet, but it is serviceable on a device that's ostensibly meant as a shared family calendar.

On the software front, you get Android 14 out of the box, and while the Calendar+ 2 runs Cozyla's custom CalendarOS, you have the Play Store, so there's the ability to install custom apps. This is a big enough differentiator, and while the hardware is decidedly entry-level, you can install YouTube, to-do list apps, and just about any productivity app on this device without any issues.

The interface was laggy when we set up the calendar, but it has gotten much better thanks to recent updates. The home page pulls up the calendar view with widgets for tasks and meals, and there are dedicated tabs: Calendar, Tasks, Meals, Notes, and Settings. You get an App Library that serves as the app drawer, and you can add widgets, apps, or folders to the home page and customize it as needed.

In fact, the biggest advantage to the Calendar+ is the sheer amount of customizability. You can install any app you want and tweak the interface to highlight the information that matters to you. We used the Calendar+ 2 predominantly for two things: meal planning and managing to-do lists.

Adding a meal plan to the calendar was an exercise in frustration — when we set it up a few months ago. The interface on the Cozyla itself was slow, and while a desktop app would be ideal, Cozyla still doesn't have that, so we manually added everything via our phones.

Now, this was only a problem because we added an Indian meal plan. Cozyla has a recipe database, but that mostly includes western dishes, and even Indian dishes like rotis, dal, or chutneys weren't available, so we had to add all of these individually. Having said that, Cozyla rolled out updates in the last two months that made a big difference. There's a decent selection of global dishes now, and that's good to see — it made adding new dishes to the meal plan that much easier.

Setting up calendars is as easy as logging in to your account and syncing to the device. You can use Google, Apple, Outlook, Yahoo, and CalDAV as the providers, and it was relatively straightforward to link my Google calendar to the device. The best part of the calendar is the Tasks feature; it lets you add to-do lists and assign chores, and it made a big difference in how regularly I do the laundry.

We've been using this calendar for just under six months now, and honestly, I'm glad I waited before writing the review — the updates to the app and calendar made it much more responsive, and Cozyla sorted out a lot of the lingering bugs, making the Calendar Plus 2 a better overall product now. And the fact that you can get it for 20% off means now is as good a time as any to buy the smart calendar.

I get that ditching cable is hard, but there are viable alternatives if you're looking to build your own media library and break the cycle of incessant price hikes. Plex is a media platform that stands out as the best option in this category; it's easy to set up and use, and it has a growing library of content. The best way to install and manage Plex is on a NAS server, and there are models that excel at this use case.

I've been using NAS servers for well over a decade now, and I crossed 500TB of storage in my homelab across all storage servers. I tested all major 4-bay NAS models available at the moment, and UGREEN's DXP4800 Pro gets my vote. I tested the DXP4800 Pro a few weeks ago, and there's no doubt in my mind that this is the best 4-bay Plex NAS you can buy in 2026.

The DXP4800 Pro launched at the end of last year for $699, and it got a price hike to $719 because of the RAM crisis. But right now, you can get it for $639 on Amazon during Prime Day, its lowest price yet and a decent $80 discount.

✅Recommended if: You need a powerful 4-bay Plex server. With an Intel Core i3-1315U platform, 10GbE connectivity, M.2 slots, 8GB RAM and built-in SSD, the DXP4800 Pro has outstanding hardware.

❌Skip this deal if: You don't need 10GbE connectivity. If you need a more affordable choice, the DH4300 Plus may be a better bet — and it costs half as much right now.

If you're already using a NAS, it can be a bit of a hassle to switch to a new brand. I understand that sentiment quite well, and that's actually a big part of why DiskStation models continue to sell so well — that familiarity is a big draw.

But with the DXP4800 Pro, you're getting a NAS with considerable hardware upgrades. The 10GbE connectivity by itself is a huge bonus against the DS925+, and you also get a 2.5GbE connector, faster Intel platform, 8GB of DDR5 RAM, and a built-in SSD.

In short, this is one of the best mainstream 4-bay NAS servers around today. The DXP4800 Pro is an outstanding Plex server, so if you're looking at a home NAS that's aimed at media streaming and hardware transcoding, I wouldn't consider any other model. It's also great as a hobbyist NAS, so if you're looking to run containers and build hobby projects, this is the one I'd get.

The software was a big limitation when UGREEN made its debut in this category two years ago, but the brand made decent inroads, particularly over the last six months. You'll get all the basics around data storage, plugging into public cloud servers, photo and video organization, and advanced tools around virtualization. There's also the inherent advantage of being able to run TrueNAS or any other media server platform if you want additional flexibility.

Basically, the DXP4800 Pro has everything you need in a 4-bay Plex NAS, and with the deal bringing it down to $639, this is the best time to get the server.

Digital clutter is a real problem, and consolidating all of your digital media — including valuable photos, videos, and documents — in one location can be a hassle. Maybe you've got photos and videos in Google Photos, documents in Drive, and saved older media in a few external drives.

This is where a network attached storage (NAS) server comes in handy. A NAS is basically a hard drive that sits in an enclosure, and it connects to your home network, so you can access it from all devices — TVs, phones, tablets, Windows and macOS machines, and so on. UGREEN's DH2300 and the DH4300 Plus are the models I recommend if you're just getting started with organizing your digital life; they're designed to be easy to set up and use, and the idea is to make it as convenient as possible for you to start locally storing your data instead of relying on a cloud storage service like Google Drive or iCloud.

Why should you trust me? I tested dozens of NAS servers over the last 12 years — including all budget and high-end models released by mainstream brands in this category — and maintain over 500TB of data across several servers at home. I know what I'm talking about when it comes to local data storage, and after testing the 2-bay DH2300 and 4-bay DH4300 Plus over the course of the last year, it's clear to me that these are the ideal beginner NAS models.

The 2-bay DH2300 usually retails for $219, but it is down to just $175 on Amazon. The DH4300 Plus is a bigger model that has the ability to house four drives; it usually costs $439 but is now available for $351 on Amazon, making it a terrific deal.

✅Recommended if: You want an easy-to-use NAS to store your data and centralize your media collection. The DH2300 is designed to be user-friendly, and you still get plenty of great features.

❌Skip this deal if: You need container management. If you need advanced features, you should consider getting the DXP2800 NAS instead.

The DH2300 and DH4300 Plus are beginner models, but you're not getting shortchanged when it comes to the hardware. Both NAS models have powerful internals, and in the case of the DH4300 Plus, you get four drive bays, 8GB of RAM out of the box, and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. This gives you greater bandwidth if you want to transfer data to and from the NAS, but you'll also need a multi-Gigabit network. If you don't, that's not an issue at all — you can still use the standard Gigabit Ethernet networking.

The DH2300 has Gigabit Ethernet and 4GB of RAM, and it has two drive bays, allowing you to slot in two hard drives. Neither model includes hard drives, so you'll need to buy those separately. I suggest getting WD Red Plus or Seagate's IronWolf drives; they are designed to run 24/7 within a NAS.

With the drives sorted out, you can get started with configuring the DH2300 and DH4300 Plus. The built-in software is easy to use, and you can easily connect your phone to the NAS via NFC, and start transferring photos, videos, and any other data. You can also consolidate your media collection by transferring all the data to the NAS, and use a service like Plex or Jellyfin to stream media to connected devices in your home — like your phone, TV, or tablets.

In short, these models are the ideal way to start organizing and storing all your data locally in a single location. If I had to choose one, I'd get the DH4300 Plus; it has better hardware, and as you get four total drive bays, you can add additional storage down the line (which you'll need to). And while $351 is a lot, that's more than what you'll shell out to public cloud storage over the course of three years, and at least with a NAS, you're guaranteed the privacy of your data.

This year's Prime Day finally went live on June 23rd, but Amazon isn't the only retailer dropping great deals this week. Walmart just kicked off its rival "Walmart Deals" sale event, slashing prices on everything from headphones and smartphones to top-selling VR headsets. Sure, it may not be the most cleverly-named sale event around, but if you want to skip Amazon's big sale this year, the Walmart Deals event has you covered.

One of the best parts of the weeklong sale event is that, unlike the best Prime Day deals, Walmart won't force you to sign up for a membership program to enjoy most of these discounts. Simply hit that Add to Cart button and the savings are yours.

With that being said, if you were interested in Walmart+, it's worth mentioning that the retailer is currently slashing 50% off an annual membership, dropping the price to only $49 for one year. Walmart+ members get benefits like free shipping, fuel discounts, and access to select deals before anyone else.

• Walmart Deals week is live - see the full list of deals

When does the Walmart Deals sale end?

The Walmart Deals sale event kicked off on June 22nd and will run through Sunday, June 28th. That being said, many of the best discounts are "flash deals" that only run for a limited time, so don't wait too long if a particular offer catches your eye.

When is Amazon Prime Day?

Amazon's biggest sale of the year began on June 23rd and will run through June 26th.

More Prime Day 2026 - quick links

• Best Buy Tech Fest deals
• Prime Day Google Pixel deals
• Prime Day Samsung Galaxy deals
• Prime Day Garmin deals
• Prime Day storage deals
• Prime Day Headphones/Earbuds deals
• Prime Day Kindle deals
• Prime Day Amazon Fire deals

What you need to know

• Google's new Home Speaker starts at $99.99 and is the company's first smart speaker built around Gemini.
• Gemini allows natural conversations, multi-step commands, and follow-up questions without repetition.
• The speaker offers 360-degree sound and can pair with Google TV Streamer for home theater audio.

After teasing it last year, Google has officially launched its new Google Home Speaker.

Google says the new Home Speaker is the company's first smart speaker built specifically for the Gemini era. It starts at $99.99, is available for pre-order starting today, and will begin shipping on June 25. Similar to the Pixel phones, Google is offering it in four colors: Hazel, Porcelain, Jade, and Berry.

While previous Google Home and Nest speakers featured LEDs on top, the new Home Speaker comes with an underglow light ring that softly indicates when the device is listening, processing, or responding.

I actually quite like this change. It feels like Google is extending the visual identity it first introduced with Googlebook, and it wouldn't surprise me if we see similar lighting elements make their way to more Pixel products (Pixel 11 series, for example) later this year.

As for features, this speaker is built around Gemini from the ground up. Unlike older Google Assistant speakers, it is designed to understand more natural conversations and complex requests. Users can issue multiple commands at once, correct themselves mid-sentence, and ask follow-up questions without needing to repeat wake words or specific commands.

For example, users can ask Gemini to "turn off all the lights except for my bedside lamp" or combine several actions into a single request, such as dimming the lights, starting music, and setting a timer simultaneously. The assistant can also maintain conversational context, allowing follow-up questions without you having to say the wake phrase again and again.

Google is also bringing several premium Gemini-powered features through Google Home Premium. These include Gemini Live for conversational interactions, Camera History Search for Nest cameras, and Home Briefs, which summarize activity around your home while you're away.

Google is including six months of Google Home Premium free for anyone who purchases a Home Speaker before September 30.

Beyond AI, Google says it has also focused heavily on audio quality. The Home Speaker delivers balanced 360-degree sound and, compared to the Nest Mini, features a driver that's up to twice as large along with 2.5 times stronger bass. Google has also upgraded microphone processing to improve voice recognition in noisy environments.

The speaker can also pair with a Google TV Streamer, and users can connect up to two Home Speakers together for a surround-sound-style home theater setup. We'll be going hands-on with the new Google Home Speaker very soon, so stay tuned for our full impressions.

Android Central's Take

I love how Google is calling this its first audio device built for Gemini. The wording itself suggests the company isn't treating this as a one-off product, but rather the beginning of a broader Gemini-powered smart home lineup.

Now all I need is a Gemini-powered Nest Hub with a screen.

To say that the DiskStation DS225+ had a troubled launch would be an understatement. Synology controversially chose to limit the use of HDDs to its own branded drives, and that didn't go down well with its userbase. The decision made long-time DiskStation users switch to rival brands, and it contributed to UGREEN's meteoric rise in this category.

There's no doubt that NAS servers like the DXP4800 Pro and the DXP2800 have better hardware than just about any of their rivals, and Synology's short-sighted strategy lost the brand a lot of the goodwill it gained over the last 15 years. Thankfully though, the brand reversed its HDD decision, and with the DSM 7.3 software update, you can use any Seagate, WD, or Toshiba HDD with the DS225+ and not run into any issues.

With that out of the way, let's talk about the NAS itself. The DiskStation DS225+ is a minor refresh of the best-selling DiskStation DS224+, and at the outset, it doesn't really have many changes. It has the same design, features the same Intel Celeron J4125 platform, has the same 2GB soldered memory, and you still don't get M.2 slots.

The DiskStation DS225+ comes with a key upgrade ...

The key difference with the DS225+ — and all DiskStation 2025 models — is the introduction of 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. While its predecessor was limited to Gigabit, the DS225+ gets a 2.5GbE port, giving it much better headroom when it comes to data transfers. The DiskStation DS225+ is available for $339 on Amazon, and it costs the same at Best Buy, B&H as well as Newegg. To put that into context, the DS225+ retails for $40 more than the $299 launch price of its predecessor. UGREEN's 2-bay DXP2800 now costs $369, or $30 more than the DS225+.

Besides the name change at the front, the design of the DiskStation DS225+ is identical to its predecessor — which was in turn indistinguishable to the DS220+. Synology isn't really in the habit of changing its design language, but to the brand's credit, this is a proven design with good airflow and easy installation. I had no trouble slotting in two 8TB HAT3300 drives into the NAS, and the shroud at the front attaches without any issues.

You get LED status lights on the right, and there's a USB-A connector at the front if you need to transfer data from an external drive. The power button is located at the bottom, and the rear has the rest of the ports. The 2.5GbE port is new this time, but other than that, you get a standard Gigabit Ethernet port, another USB-A port, and a barrel connector for the power. It would've been good to see USB-C on the NAS, but other than that, there isn't a lot wrong with the design or selection of ports on the DS225+.

Coming to the internals, the DS225+ is powered by the Intel Celeron J4125 platform. If that sounds familiar, it's because it has been around for close to a decade now, and it's not quite as capable as newer N series models, or what AMD is doing in this category. That said, it's still decent in everyday use, and I didn't see any problems while using the DS225+.

... but there are a few features missing

Even though the hardware is the same, you miss out on a key feature: hardware transcoding in Plex and Jellyfin. The J4125 has an integrated GPU, but Synology didn't enable Quick Sync transcoding, so while the hardware is able to transcode, you can't actually use it on the DS225+. This is annoying to say the least, but thankfully, there's an unofficial workaround to enable the drivers needed for hardware-assisted transcoding.

Another bugbear is the limited RAM; most NAS models now come with 8GB of memory pre-installed — like the DXP2800 — but the DS225+ still gets 2GB of soldered memory. This isn't anywhere close to being enough, particularly when you consider that around 30% of the memory is utilized by the system cache. There is a SO-DIMM slot where you can add 4GB of additional RAM, and I suggest doing so if you're eyeing this NAS. However, it would have been much better to just get 8GB of RAM as standard, instead of again having to pay to increase memory.

The software is the main reason to buy the DiskStation DS225+

Are there any positives, you ask? The switch to 2.5GbE networking gives the DS225+ a sizeable boost over its predecessor, and it makes a noticeable difference — it does a better job utilizing the full bandwidth of the mechanical HDDs. There's no link aggregation — so you can't bridge both Ethernet ports — but 2.5GbE by itself is a decent enough addition in this area.

The biggest reason to consider the DS225+ is the software. Even though the hardware choices are annoying, the DSM software is the most refined you'll get on any NAS server today. You get an extensive suite of features to manage data, back up photos from phones, and consolidate your media library. You can also use Docker, but the limited memory makes this annoying; you'll have to install a memory module to run containers on the DS225+. I used a 4GB module to bring the total memory to 6GB, and I set up Pi-hole, Tailscale, Home Assistant, and other utilities without any problems.

If you've used a DiskStation NAS in the past and are looking to upgrade, the DS225+ is a good choice. You get the same great software features, and 2.5GbE networking makes a difference. It doesn't cost too much more than its predecessor, and the fundamentals are reliable. I like using Synology NAS servers solely due to the software, and the brand continues to be dominant in this area. Even though there are limitations around pre-installed memory and missing drivers for hardware transcodes, the DS225+ does enough to warrant a recommendation as a home NAS server, and it's a solid 2-bay option in 2026. If you want a 4-bay model instead, the DiskStation DS925+ continues to be a reliable workhorse.

What you need to know

• Google has hinted that its long-awaited Home speaker could finally be announced as early as next week.
• An email to Gemini for Home testers teased news about a "certain speaker" arriving very soon.
• The new Google Home speaker is expected to feature Gemini for Home, Gemini Live, and 360-degree audio.

If you've been waiting for Google's new smart home speaker, it looks like the wait may finally be coming to an end, as Google has all but confirmed a launch for next week.

Alongside the Pixel 10 series launch last year, Google teased a brand-new smart home speaker, marking the first major update to its speaker lineup in nearly three years. The company hadn't refreshed the Nest speaker family since 2022, but later confirmed in October that a new Google Home speaker would arrive sometime in 2026.

Google specifically said the speaker would launch in the spring, and with only a few days left in the season, it looks like the company is finally about to deliver on that promise.

As spotted by 9to5Google, Google sent an email to users participating in the Gemini for Home early access program. In the email, Google's Chief Product Officer for Home and Nest, Anish Kattukaran, revealed that more than 3.5 million users had signed up for the program.

Kattukaran also noted that user feedback had resulted in more than 2,500 bug fixes and helped expand Gemini for Home to over 20 countries across 10 languages. Google has been steadily improving its Gemini-powered smart home over the past few months with a number of updates and fixes.

However, the most interesting part of the email was a small teaser. Kattukaran specifically wrote that "for those of you who have been waiting patiently for a certain speaker, keep a very close eye on your inbox next week,' strongly suggesting that Google's new smart speaker is finally about to be announced.

Previous leaks had already pointed to a possible June 25 launch date with a starting price of around $100 in the U.S. This latest email only adds more weight to those rumors. If the timeline holds, Google could announce the speaker or open pre-orders next week, before retail availability begins on June 25.

Google has already confirmed that the upcoming speaker will feature 360-degree audio alongside Gemini and Gemini Live integration. Users will reportedly be able to pair two speakers together for stereo sound, and the device is expected to launch in several color options as well.

Of course, nothing is official until Google makes an announcement, but all signs point toward the launch being right around the corner.

Android Central's Take

It's great to see Google finally returning to the smart speaker market after such a long gap. But honestly, the product I'm still waiting for is a new smart display. Google hasn't meaningfully updated the Nest Hub lineup in years, and while the Pixel Tablet briefly looked like its replacement, that strategy seems to have fizzled out.

I'm really hoping Google has something to say about the future of smart displays alongside the new speaker launch.

What you need to know

• Gemini for Home is becoming more conversational, replacing rigid voice commands and static responses with a more natural AI experience.
• Weather forecasts, media controls, news summaries, and overall responsiveness are all getting upgrades through Google Home app version 4.18.
• Gemini now respects preferred temperature units, answers hour-specific questions, and keeps spoken forecasts aligned with on-screen information.

Talking to a smart speaker may have, at some point, felt like giving commands to a stiff, literal-minded robot. If you didn't use the exact phrasing, everything went awry. Gemini for Home’s latest Early Access update transforms the experience by replacing static broadcasts with a fully interactive, conversational AI experience.

Gemini for Home Early Access gets a new update with improvements to weather forecasts, media playback, news summaries, and general responsiveness. The changes are being rolled out via Google Home app version 4.18 and may not be available to everyone immediately.

The first big change is around weather. Before this update, voice assistants have struggled to provide detailed forecasts and to ensure spoken answers matched what was shown on smart screens. Google says Gemini now does a better job respecting users’ preferred temperature units and answering more specific questions, such as if it will rain at a certain hour. For a more consistent experience, spoken responses are now synchronized with detailed hourly forecasts presented on-screen.

Flexible media browsing

Google is also expanding Gemini’s entertainment capabilities. Now, users can browse YouTube content using more natural language, rather than strict commands. Ask what’s trending in K-pop, launch music videos, or follow up with other requests to keep the conversation going. That conversational approach extends to TV shows and movies too, with playback from supported subscription services right on smart displays. Volume controls are becoming more flexible too, so things like “lower it a tad” or “turn it up a smidge” work naturally.

Under the hood, Google says it has improved Gemini’s infrastructure and models to enhance speed and reliability. The company says the assistant is now better at filtering out background conversations and more accurately handles requests for media, news, and smart home cameras. Notes, reminders, and shopping lists should also be more responsive and snappier.

News gets another big change. Gemini for Home is moving beyond just playing static broadcasts to interactive summaries that users can dive into with follow-up questions. A tailored News Brief lets owners get topic-specific updates, request more details about individual stories, or continue listening to broadcasts from their preferred news providers. You can control those preferences within the Google Home app.

Google is also dabbling with subscriptions. The company has redesigned its plan comparison page with a billing-cycle toggle that makes it easier to compare pricing options and find the best value.

Android Central's Take

I think these updates will make Gemini for Home seem more useful than complicated. That said, it’s also a little amusing that Google is basically getting the basics right that voice assistants should have nailed years ago. Better natural conversations and accurate weather are welcome improvements, but users will likely not see these as revolutionary but rather overdue. But if Gemini continues to receive these practical upgrades, Google’s smart home ecosystem may finally start to feel as smart as the company has been promising.

I just tested the DXP4800 Pro, and my key takeaway of that 4-bay NAS is that it has everything you need if you need to buy a home server in 2026. So when UGREEN said that it's coming out with a new 4-bay model, I was intrigued. The DXP4800 GT just made its debut, and I've been using the NAS alongside the DXP4800 Pro and the ZimaCube 2, and after two weeks of testing, it's easy to say that this particular NAS server is unique in several ways.

Think of the DXP4800 GT as the creator-focused model in the DXP4800 series. The DXP4800 Plus is powered by the Intel Pentium Gold 8505 platform and costs $619 on Amazon, the DXP4800 Pro gets the Intel Core i3-1315U and retails at $679, and the DXP4800 GT uses AMD's Ryzen Embedded R2514 and is making its debut at $659. As is always the case with UGREEN products, there's a decent $70 discount at launch, bringing the price down to $589 — you get the same deal when buying the NAS on UGREEN's site. If you don't need four drive bays, there's also a DXP2800 GT that's being introduced alongside the DXP4800 GT, and that model costs $509.

Regardless of what model you're considering, you get 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity as standard, along with 8GB of pre-installed memory, and the ability to slot in a total of 144TB of storage — each of the four drive bays holds a maximum of 32TB, and the two M.2 slots can take in 8TB SSDs. You also get an SD card reader, HDMI out, USB-C with 10Gbps bandwidth, and USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports.

The DXP4800 GT is being positioned at creators, and it has a few key differences from the DXP4800 Plus and DXP4800 Pro. The biggest change is the inclusion of two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which make the DXP4800 future-proof. While the other two models get Intel, the GT is powered by the AMD R2514, and unlike other AMD models, this has an integrated Vega 8 GPU, enabling hardware-assisted transcoding. The R2514 platform is fabricated on a 12nm node, and includes four cores and a max turbo of 3.7GHz with base clocks of 2.1GHz.

Another change on the DXP4800 GT is ECC memory and U.2 NVMe SSD integration. While it's good to see UGREEN offer these features, the installed 8GB memory in the NAS isn't ECC-compatible, so you'll need to switch it out with an ECC memory module if you want to use the feature. The NAS uses DDR4 memory instead of DDR5 like the Plus and Pro, and you can install a total of 64GB. And as for U.2 NVMe integration, the SATA1 and SATA2 drive bays can slot in these 2.5-inch SSDs if you want to go that route instead of traditional HDDs.

Lastly, the DXP4800 GT gets pre-installed storage that houses the UGOS Pro software, but unlike the DXP4800 Plus and Pro models — which have 128GB SSDs — you get a 64GB eMMC instead. Similarly, the M.2 SSD slots use PCIe Gen 3x2, so you can't slot in faster Gen4 SSDs in the NAS. I get that Gen3 drives are good enough, but as this is being targeted at enthusiasts, Gen4 connectivity would have been much better.

Oddly enough, for a NAS positioned as a creator-focused product, there's no Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. This is where a NAS like the ZimaCube 2 wins out with its two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and I would've liked UGREEN to include at least one port.

What does all of this translate to in everyday use? The DXP4800 GT has proven to be just as capable as its siblings, and I didn't see any problems with the NAS. The software has identical features, and I was able to use Docker containerization to install utilities I wanted — including Plex and Jellyfin. The AMD platform is more than adequate for a NAS server, but I'd suggest adding another 8GB of RAM if you want to use it as a homelab.

Traditionally, AMD-based NAS models missed out on hardware transcoding, but that thankfully isn't the case on the DXP4800 GT. The NAS handles 4K transcoding in Plex without any issues, and even if you have several client devices, there won't be a bottleneck — I got 4K HDR streams playing simultaneously on four devices at once.

The UGOS Pro software is decent enough, but it doesn't quite have the same feature-set as other NAS models in this category. The plus point is that you can install TrueNAS or any of its derivatives without too much of a hassle.

The design of the DXP4800 GT itself is similar to the DXP4800 Pro and Plus, and the only difference is the gold accents at the front. I do like how the accents contrast the gunmetal chassis, but other than that, it has the same dimensions, and the same weight. The metal chassis is built to last, and you get the same magnetic dust filter at the rear.

To sum up, I think the DXP4800 GT is a good choice if you need two 10GbE ports. The AMD platform holds its own against the Intel-based NAS servers in this category, and the ability to add ECC memory or U.2 SSDs is a decent enough differentiator. However, if you don't need those niche features, the DXP4800 Pro is the better choice — it has faster M.2 storage slots, faster RAM, and you still get 10GbE connectivity.

What you need to know

• Wyze is recalling 321,360 Solar Cam Pan cameras in the U.S. after reports of overheating, fires, explosions, and minor burn injuries.
• The problem isn't the hardware itself but confusing installation instructions that could lead users to puncture the camera's lithium-ion battery with the wrong screw.
• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission logged 13 overheating incidents, including six fires or explosions and six reports of minor burns.

Wyze’s newest security camera is facing a major setback just months after hitting the market.

The smart home company announced that it is recalling about 321,360 Solar Cam Pan security cameras in the U.S. following reports that some units overheated, caught fire, and caused minor burn injuries. The recall follows an investigation that found the problem is in the installation instructions for the camera, not the core hardware design, which could cause the user to inadvertently damage the device’s lithium-ion battery.

The issue is how the Solar Cam Pan is mounted. Some customers may have used a long flat-head screw to secure the solar panel to the camera instead of the shorter pan-head screw that was meant to be used in that step, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes. If installed improperly, the longer screw may pierce the metal casing of the battery and may cause rapid overheating, fire, burns, or even an explosion.

Massive fire risk

The CPSC said it received 13 reports of the cameras overheating, including six reports of the units exploding or catching fire. Six consumers also sustained minor burn injuries.

The recall involves the Wyze Solar Cam Pan wire-free, model number WYZESCPWH. The white outdoor camera, released in late 2025, was Wyze’s first battery-powered pan-and-tilt camera with an integrated solar panel, providing 2K video recording, AI-powered person tracking, and maintenance-free solar charging.

The company had previously sounded alarms on the product earlier this year. In April, Wyze told customers not to build or install the Solar Cam Pan while it worked with the CPSC on a safety review. The company also disabled setup support for the camera within the Wyze app while it investigated the issue and developed revised instructions.

The impacted cameras were sold between October 2025 and April 2026 through Wyze’s website and major retailers. The product cost about $80.

How to participate in the recall

If your device matches the description, stop using it now. Start your claim on the official portal. To process the return, you’ll need your device’s MAC address from the Wyze app. Interestingly, instead of having you send back a burned or volatile battery, Wyze will send a special firmware update to your camera that will fully drain and kill the battery over 48 hours. If disabled, you will need to fill out a verification form and attest to disposing of the bricked device safely at a local municipal household hazardous waste collection center.

Eligible customers can select a free replacement camera and solar panel accessory, a full refund, or a store gift card equal to the original purchase price. The company also requires customers to confirm proper disposal of the recalled device before a remedy is provided.

Android Central's Take

I have to give Wyze credit for providing a free upgrade to the objectively better Battery Cam Pro and handling the disposal through a clever remote-kill firmware update. But it’s absolutely wild to me that a company whose entire brand is built around protecting your house was able to ship a product that tries to burn it all down because someone didn’t proofread the screw lengths in a manual. It’s a nice apology, but maybe next time Wyze should read the instruction booklet before sending out DIY explosive devices.

What you need to know

• Google's Gemini-powered Home speaker appears close as older Nest Audio and Nest Mini stock dries up.
• A leaked retailer listing points to a June 25 launch and a price of roughly $100 in the U.S.
• The new speaker is expected to offer 360-degree audio, Gemini Live support, and stereo pairing.

It looks like it might finally be time for some new smart speakers, as Google's upcoming Home speaker with Gemini appears to be getting closer to launch.

Alongside the Pixel 10 series launch last year, Google briefly teased a new Home smart speaker. The company hasn't refreshed its Nest Audio or Nest Mini lineup since 2022, but later confirmed in October 2025 that a new Gemini-powered Home speaker was on the way.

At the time, Google said the speaker would launch sometime in Spring 2026, and it now looks like that timeline may finally be lining up. Several of Google's older smart speakers, including the Nest Mini, have started showing up as out of stock or unavailable across major U.S. retailers, including the Google Store and Best Buy.

That's usually a pretty familiar sign. Companies often start winding down inventory of older products before introducing replacements, and Google seems to be following that same playbook here.

Previous retail listings suggested the new Google Home speaker could launch around June 25, 2026. A product page briefly appeared on Best Buy Canada's website last month with a listed price of CAD $140. In the U.S., the speaker is expected to cost around $100.

The leaked listing also suggested the speaker will be available in Hazel and Porcelain color options and feature 360-degree audio along with Gemini and Gemini Live integration. Users will reportedly also be able to pair two speakers together for a more immersive audio experience.

Google still hasn't officially announced a launch date, but it doesn't seem like we'll be waiting much longer. The company has previously also revealed two additional colors, Jade (light green) and Berry (pink/red).

We'll keep you updated once Google officially announces the new Home speaker and confirms its release date.

What you need to know

• Google's rolling out an early smart home update to users, adding personalization to its camera AI, called "Pet Memory."
• Through Ask Home, users can make sure the AI knows their pet's name and type, so when it alerts them, it's more accurate and specific.
• This update also expands Home Brief to several more "support markets," while Gemini for Home voice assistance heads to Germany.

Consistency has been the name of the game for Google Home, and there's another round of updates headed to users this week.

As usual, Google shared its release notes in its Nest community, highlighting the three major updates it's bringing to users. Kicking things off is another camera AI feature called "Pet Memory." Leaving the house for extended periods with a dog or a cat at home can feel daunting, but Google says it's personalizing how your cameras perceive your pets. As the name implies, Pet Memory allows your cameras to "remember key details about your pets."

As an example, your camera would say, "Bandit is in the living room right now." Google says this small, but personal change will replace the stiff "a dog is walking..." statement. If you're interested, the patch notes state users can personalize their camera's Pet Memory by heading into Ask Home. Users can "share their pet's name and type" with the AI, so the next time they cross the camera's FOV (field of view), its statement is accurate.

Elsewhere, Google is expanding Home Brief to more "supported markets." Users can find a comprehensive list of all supported countries joining the U.S. for Home Brief. This feature lets users ask their smart home AI via voice to search through live videos. "Broad summaries" of the day are also possible with Home Brief.

Another expansion comes to users in Germany, as Google brings in Gemini for Home voice assistant.

Keeping the momentum

It's only been a week since Google Home improved camera events to the point that they could become automations. Our smart home cameras keep a watchful eye, but there are some occurrences that happen pretty frequently. In this scenario, users can take a look at what their cameras have seen and create an automation based on that event. This is useful for deliveries, pests in the yard, and more.

This update also brought faster response times for common requests given to Gemini, alongside media control updates. Ask Home made the news recently, too. Public Preview users can now access Ask Home on the Web. From your computer, users can check "camera history, devices, or create new automations."

At the outset, the ZimaCube 2 doesn't look any different to its predecessor; it has the same distinctive chassis, and you still need screws to install HDDs in the drive bays (what is this, 2010?). Even the box that it comes in is unchanged, and because it is designed to just fit the NAS, all the accessories — the power brick, cables, and screwdriver — are delivered in a secondary box.

It isn't until you boot it up that you realize the ZimaCube 2 has a few new tricks. Thermal management was a big problem on the original ZimaCube, and IceWhale (the brand behind the NAS) resolved the issue with this product. Then there's the internals; the ZimaCube 2 gets the new Intel Core i3-1215U platform — just like the DXP4800 Pro I tested — and it is much better than the N100 the ZimaCube came with.

The design is unchanged, and you still get a cube that's a little wider and taller than most 6-bay NAS models. I got the silver model this time, and I prefer it to the dark grey unit — it is just that little more distinctive, and it looks better overall. The reason for the height is that the internals are housed above the drives, and you can access the PCIe and SO-DIMM slots by removing the screws on the side panels and lifting up the lid. The NAS comes with an 8GB DDR5 memory module pre-installed, and holds up to 64GB of memory in total (a maximum of 32GB in each slot).

There's a magnetic grille that sits in front of the drive bays, and it creates a unified design that doesn't immediately give away the fact that the ZimaCube 2 is a NAS system. The drive bays are easily accessible, but I'm a little annoyed that IceWhale hasn't come up with a toolless design to slot in HDDs. There's a dedicated panel next to the HDD bays where you can install M.2 SSD; there are four SSD slots, so you get a total of ten bays in total when you include the six HDD bays, but the issue is that the SSD bandwidth is limited to 800MB/s.

You also get a PCIe 4.0 x4 lane with an x16 connector, as well as a PCIe 3.0 x2 lane with an x8 connector. The inclusion of two lanes gives you much greater flexibility if you want to add a GPU or networking card down the line, and it's a definite bonus over other 6-bay NAS servers in this category.

That said, you miss out on native 10GbE connectivity, with the ZimaCube 2 instead offering two 2.5GbE ports. It's still a decent alternative, but if you need a true 10GbE NAS, you'll need to add an NIC. Just like the ZimaCube Pro, the ZimaCube 2 retains Thunderbolt, and you get two Thunderbolt 4 ports. There are four USB-A ports as well, and a USB-C connector if you want to connect external drives to the NAS. Rounding out the ports, you get HDMI 2.0 alongside DisplayPort 1.4, and 3.5mm audio out.

Configuring the ZimaCube 2 is much easier than its predecessor. When I tested the ZimaCube, I had an issue with my unit where the HDDs wouldn't be recognized, and I ultimately had to change the mainboard. That wasn't a problem with the ZimaCube 2; the Seagate IronWolf HDDs showed up immediately, and I was able to partition the drives and create a new storage volume. The only bugbear is that JBOD is not available as of writing, but that shouldn't be a big issue to most users buying this NAS.

What I like about Zima OS is that it allows you to connect to other NAS servers on your network, so if you're migrating and need to move a lot of data, this is just about the easiest way to do it — if you're using new HDDs in the ZimaCube 2.

Like other NAS servers, ZimaCube 2 uses a web interface, and it has a clean design with dashboards that show real-time memory, system, and network usage. The OS itself is installed on the dedicated 250GB SSD that's pre-installed, and this is something I like quite a lot. Another benefit to using ZimaOS 1.6.1 is that it has an app store that's one of the best you'll find on any NAS system today.

Whether you need Home Assistant, Plex, Jellyfin, Calibre-web, Pi-hole, Tailscale, RetroArch, or Immich, you can easily install hundreds of apps via the app store. If you have a niche utility that isn't available, you can use Docker containerization. Of course, you can also install TrueNAS or any other NAS software if you want. Honestly, I want other brands to build out their software in a similar way; UGREEN's own store doesn't have nearly as exhaustive a list of apps you can install.

The NAS is powered by the Intel Core i3-1215U, and it is a much better choice than the previous generation. It has plenty of headroom if you're multitasking, and I didn't see any issues with hardware transcodes. If you're looking to build out a homelab with the ZimaCube 2, I'd suggest getting additional memory; 8GB of RAM is decent enough, but 16GB gives you much better overhead if you want to run several hobby projects — this is one of the best home NAS servers you can get at the moment.

Ultimately, the ZimaCube 2 is much better than its predecessor, and coming in at $799, it doesn't cost much more than other 6-bay NAS models. If you need 10GbE connectivity natively, the ZimaCube 2 Pro is a better choice as it also has 16GB of pre-installed memory, but you'll be shelling out $1,299. If you're using a NAS and need a more powerful model to run projects or your media library, the ZimaCube 2 is a great all-round choice.

What you need to know

• Best Buy Canada reportedly slipped up and revealed the assumed launch date for the Google Home Speaker.
• The listing claims the device will debut on June 25, 2026; however, this has since been removed from the product listing.
• Google revealed the Home Speaker during its big Gemini for Home announcement in October, stating the AI will be its backbone, and it will arrive for $99 in the U.S.

I/O 2026 came and went without so much as a peep about Google's next smart speaker, but it looks like a retailer's got that covered.

Over the weekend, it was reported that a Canadian product page (accidentally?) revealed when the market might see the Google Home Speaker debut. A post by 9to5Google highlights this, stating it discovered a product page on Best Buy Canada for the Google Home Speaker. The store lists the device in Hazel and Porcelain, but the kicker is the "Release Date: June 25, 2026" marker.

The product is listed for $139. You'll have to remember that this is in CAD, not USD. The publication did some extra digging, noting that this date doesn't appear on the U.S. Best Buy website. However, this date is also no longer appearing on the Canadian version. We checked today (Jun 1), and the retailer has removed the date, likely because it wasn't supposed to be shown yet.

The rest of the product listing is pretty standard, offering a small blurb: "Brilliant 360-degree sound meets Gemini magic in this Google Home smart speaker. Gemini Live lets you get expert help, chat naturally, and brainstorm ideas (subscription required)." Google then went into some specifications for the speaker.

A true AI speaker

A conversational home speaker describes Google's next device to a T. The company announced the speaker late last year when Gemini for Home debuted. Gemini is at the core of this Home Speaker, which has been equipped with "custom processing" to handle a user's tasks. As far as its design goes, the Home Speaker is fairly simple with a rounded design and a lively ring light beneath.

This ring light is for Gemini. Google says it will provide visual feedback while the AI is listening, "reasoning," or responding to your question. Curiously, Google's Canadian Best Buy listing didn't show all four colors. It only showed Hazel and Porcelain, even though Google teased the product in Jade and Berry, too.

The Home Speaker was teased to arrive in "Spring 2026," but it's looking more like Summer 2026 (unless things change?). Google is also going to integrate the Home Speaker with the TV Streamer, which it states was a highly requested feature.

Gemini for Home entered early access in the Home app shortly after its October 2025 announcement. Since then, the company has worked on it tirelessly, rolling out consistent updates for months. The latest makes it possible to create automations based on your camera events.

When I tested the DXP4800 Plus two years ago, I called it an unmatched value. It's still a great choice in 2026, but if you're looking to get a new 4-bay NAS, UGREEN has a new variant dubbed the DXP4800 Pro. It has the same design, similar features as the DXP4800 Plus, and you get the same connectivity: 10 Gigabit Ethernet alongside a 2.5 Gigabit port.

The key difference is that the DXP4800 Pro is powered by the 6-core Intel Core i3-1315U. This platform handles multi-core workloads better, has AV1 hardware decode, and does a better job with hardware transcodes. Other than that, the NAS has two M.2 slots, accommodates up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM (it comes with 8GB installed), and you get the usual assortment of USB ports.

The DXP4800 Pro doesn't cost much more than other 4-bay NAS models

Basically, the DXP4800 Pro is a mid-cycle refresh of the DXP4800 Plus. You're not getting generational gains in any area, and the pricing reflects that. UGREEN is still selling the DXP4800 Plus at $656, and the DXP4800 Pro costs $719 as of writing, a $63 increase.

To put things into context, the DiskStation DS925+ is available for $629, but you don't get 10GbE connectivity. Having used the DS925+ extensively, I can state with some confidence that the DXP4800 Pro is a better choice if you want the best hardware in this category, and while the software isn't quite as good, you can always roll your own — UGREEN lets you install TrueNAS or any other platform without any issues.

The DXP4800 Pro has a durable design and all the features you need

The DXP4800 Pro looks identical to the Plus model; UGREEN didn't change the design at all, and that's a good thing. You get a metal unibody chassis that's built to last, four drive bays, SD card reader, USB-C, and USB-A connectivity at the front. It's easy to install 3.5-inch HDDs into the NAS thanks to the toolless design, and the hardware looks elegant. It has good ventilation as well thanks to the rear-mounted fan, and there's a dust filter.

The rear of the NAS houses all the connectivity options. You get a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port alongside a 2.5GbE port, and there's HDMI 2.0 out, USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 and USB-A 2.0 ports. Basically, you get all the ports you'll need, and the inclusion of 10GbE connectivity — just like the DXP4800 Plus — makes it future-proof.

You'll find the M.2 slots on the bottom of the unit, and it's easy to install SSDs if you want to augment mechanical drives with faster storage. The SO-DIMM slots are next to the storage, and you get an 8GB DDR5 module installed out of the box. What's interesting about the DXP4800 Pro is that you can install a total of 96GB of memory, and you get slightly higher memory bandwidth (5600MT/s) out of the box. While 96GB will be overkill, I'd suggest installing another 8GB module in there if you need additional memory headroom.

On that note, the NAS consumes a little more power than the Plus model. I noticed idle power draw of 26W, going up to 60W when drives are active. Most NAS models in this category usually come with a 120W power brick, but the DXP4800 Pro has 150W, and it's clear that it has a higher power threshold. It isn't a big deal, but as a device that's meant to run 24/7, I wanted to highlight it.

This is the best 4-bay NAS you can buy in 2026

Coming to everyday use, the DXP4800 Pro is without a doubt one of the best 4-bay Plex NAS servers around. It handles hardware transcodes without any issues, and where I noticed a difference against the Plus model is that it has a higher headroom with transcodes in general. If you have an extensive 4K media library and need a 4-bay model that excels at hardware transcoding and includes AV1 decode, the DXP4800 Pro is the one to get.

While UGREEN's software efforts are getting better, you still don't get the same number of pre-installed utilities as other major NAS models. Don't get me wrong; the web interface is clean and fluid, and you get the essentials — file management, data storage and organization, sync with public cloud storage platforms, and native music/video utilities. There's no built-in Plex client (Jellyfin is available), but as you have Docker, you can easily install Plex or any other media utility you need.

I slotted in four 6TB IronWolf drives and two 1TB Gen 4 SSDs into the DXP4800 Pro, and after a month of use, I didn't notice any problems. I used a half-dozen UGREEN NAS models in the last three years and didn't see any hardware issues in that time, so long-term reliability isn't something you need to worry about. The NAS handled transfers just as admirably as other 10GbE models I have on hand, saturating the limits of the mechanical drives and maxing out the SSDs while transferring data over a 10GbE switch to another NAS.

Ultimately, the DXP4800 Pro gives you a little better headroom. It is identical to the Plus model in many ways, but it's slightly faster, and you get a few extras, including AV1. Considering the minor increase in cost over the DXP4800 Plus, I'd suggest getting the Pro model if you need a new 4-bay NAS in 2026. The advantages may not seem like a lot right now, but they will add up over time.

What you need to know

• Google detailed a late May update rolling for Gemini for Home and its Home app.
• Cameras are getting another significant update, which lets users create automations based on what their camera has seen.
• In the app, Google is refining media controls, improving Gemini's speed for common commands, and it's ability to take action on a single command with several tasks.

Google Home users have been receiving consistent updates for weeks now, and the end of May is no different, as the latest adds a major upgrade for cameras.

Gemini for Home is a major part of Google's vision for its smart home environment. This week, the company shared details about an update that's rolling out, which brings a major "visual insights" feature for your connected cameras. Google has made cameras smarter with its AI, capable of "seeing" or "understanding" what they see. Now, users can create automations based on what their cameras see.

Using written descriptors, users can design automations and select which camera needs to adhere to them. Google states users can create automations for Amazon deliveries, children arriving home, car doors left open, and more. What's more, users can get specific when referring to people by mentioning their name; however, you must enable Familiar Faces for this to work.

On the flip side, Google is solving a few issues and hitches with its AI during vocal responses. The patch notes this week state that users asking Gemini a question while playing music can say "stop" without interrupting their playlist. Apple Music support has returned, and the Bluetooth Pairing systems have been enhanced. Users can say "pair Bluetooth" for speakers or their phone.

Voice assistance continues to be a focus for Google. The notes state that Gemini will be able to take action for "casual language" commands, such as "set brightness to zero" or "make the living room a little warmer" for lights and thermostats. Frequently used commands with Gemini should feel a little faster. Moreover, Google has again increased Gemini's capability to take action on a single command with multiple tasks.

Gemini's tracking abilities for timers/alarms have been improved, and users should also find "more complete answers" when asking questions about sports, general knowledge, and the weather.

TLC for the app

Familiar Faces is getting a UI refresh this week. Google states the UI should now better inform you of suggested names. The company's smart home widgets for devices now sport "improved responsiveness" when controlling smart plugs and lights. Users can find a faster way to update their Voice Match in settings, while a fix rolls in for Wear OS, bringing back "name and reordering options for easier favorites management from your wrist."

A week ago, Google announced that it's expanding Gemini for Home, opening access to carriers and hardware makers. A key highlight was "Gemini built-in." Google partners creating hardware for consumers can easily leverage Gemini's capabilities without having to worry about the hard stuff (the research). These makers can easily integrate Gemini into their speakers and cameras.

What's more, Google said it was bringing its Home Premium plan to ISPs, carriers, and security companies.

I was initially hesitant to get a smart lock; I didn't like the idea of using an internet-connected product to control the main door. I have dozens of smart home products in the house, and while I don't mind using them, I'm still wary about security vulnerabilities, which is why I put all IoT devices in their own VLAN.

These fears proved unfounded once the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra showed up. I wasn't familiar with Nuki, but it's the rare smart home brand that cares about security. The Smart Lock Ultra comes with end-to-end encryption, I didn't have to set up an account to use it, and Nuki didn't ask for any data outside of what's needed to set up the device.

Honestly, it's such a refreshing change of pace to most other smart home products I use that I recommend Nuki just for its security practices. Of course, there's also the fact that the Smart Lock Ultra is a great piece of kit; I really like the design of the lock, and after a full year of use, it has proven to be unerringly reliable — something I can't say about any other product I tested in this category.

All of these positives come at a cost, however. The Smart Lock Ultra is available for $359 in the U.S. and costs €349 in Europe, and you'll ideally need to get the Keypad 2 as well, with the bundle going up to $409/€429. Now, what are you getting for what price? The Smart Lock Ultra is unquestionably the best retrofit smart lock around, and the design along with sensible security measures give it a sizeable advantage.

The Smart Lock Ultra is a retrofit solution, so you can install it over an existing deadbolt. The lock comes with its own universal cylinder that's designed to fit most door profiles, and it's pretty straightforward to install. I set it up while getting the house interiors done, and the contractor was able to install it in under 15 minutes. I had an existing Yale lock on the door, and it wasn't any problem to slot in the Smart Lock Ultra over it. Nuki provides all the requisite parts, and the lock comes with three sets of keys that can be used to manually unlock the cylinder (you can order more as needed on Nuki's site).

The Smart Lock Ultra is encased in stainless steel, and it's much smaller than most of its rivals. The design itself is quite elegant, and the base of the unit has an interchangeable plastic ring that's available in white or black. The unit has an LED ring that flashes white when the door is unlocked, and red when the built-in battery needs to be charged. It's a well-designed product, and I didn't run into issues with installation or usage over the last year.

Nuki went with a brushless motor, and it has proven to be reliable. It does get quite loud when unlocking, and while there are three modes, even the quietest Gentle mode can get pretty loud. Controlling the lock is best done with the Nuki app; it has a minimalist interface, and plenty of features to get the most out of the lock. You can easily configure auto unlock, night mode — which automatically locks the door — and set up the built-in Wi-Fi. Once you connect the product to your home network, you can control it remotely from anywhere in the world, and even after a year of use, it's just cool to be able to do that.

You can control the Smart Lock Ultra with just about any smart home platform. It integrates with Google Home, HomeKit, Alexa, and Samsung's SmartThings platforms, and comes with Matter over Thread. I also got the Keypad 2, and I use it to unlock the door with a fingerprint. You can set up a numeric lock as well, and it's a nifty solution if you want to give someone access to your home.

The one problem came two weeks ago when a plastic cog that sits in between the motor and the thumb turn broke. This cog is designed to fail so as to not damage the motor, and in that regard, it worked as intended. Basically, a guest tried to open the door while the motor was still unlatching, and the cog broke as a result. Nuki bundles two of these cogs with the Smart Lock Ultra, but it should ideally provide more; we broke one initially while calibrating the product, so there weren't any left to use with the lock. Thankfully, there's a 3D-printed solution that came to the rescue. I got the part 3D-printed, and it slotted into the lock without any issues (I got 20 of these made just in case).

Battery life has been decent overall, with one caveat. I initially had to charge the Smart Lock Ultra once every two months, but nowadays, I'm having to plug in the charger every four weeks on average. Nuki has a charger with a USB-C port and a pogo pin on the other side, and it's convenient to just use a power bank to charge the product while it's connected to the door (it just needs 10W of power). I recently got a new router system, and I switched the built-in Wi-Fi to Compatibility mode, which according to Nuki uses more battery. I reverted the setting to the Automatic mode, and I'll update this post if I notice a difference in the battery life next month.

On the whole, the Smart Lock Ultra is the best retrofit solution around. It's effortless to set up and use, looks great, connects to every smart home platform, and has class-leading security features. Yes, it costs more than its rivals, but you're also getting a much better overall product, and a level of trust that you don't normally see in this category. That alone makes it easy to recommend the Smart Lock Ultra if you're looking to get an internet-connected product to lock your door.

The Google Home and Nest ecosystems are excellent for building a capable, automated smart home, but automations are necessary to master them. Automations are simply preset commands that trigger actions when certain conditions are met. For example, instead of using your voice to tell Google to turn on the lights at sunset, an automation can execute that command at sunset daily without you having to lift a finger.

However, the process for building automations in the Google Home app might seem daunting at first. There are so many options, and the more smart home devices you own, the more options you'll see. Luckily, Google redesigned the automations editor in the Home app, and it's easier than ever to use. You can create your own smart home automations from scratch or use Gemini to generate them using AI. Whichever way you prefer, this is how to do it.

What's new about building automations in the Home app?

Google has been rebuilding the Home app from the ground up to fit the Gemini era for a while now. It first redesigned the UI and introduced Google Home Premium, a new AI-powered smart home subscription that replaced Nest Aware. Now, Google has a new automations editor. It gives the editor a facelift while adding new automation elements.

For example, there's expanded support for Security & Access control. You can add automation building blocks for arming or disarming security systems, door lock monitoring, and status-based starters for binary sensors. Additionally, you get better appliance support, such as start, stop, pause, and resume actions. Switches can now be used to trigger initial presses, long presses, and release events as starters. Robot vacuums can be instructed to dock, pause, or resume as part of an automation.

It's a big update with a new look and even better functional upgrades. If you haven't tried Google Home automations yet, now is the time to give them a shot.

How to build automations in the Home app

Your Google Home will work fine without any custom automations, but automations are what make your smart home truly feel "smart." With the redesigned automations editor in the Home app, it's easier than ever to start automating your smart home. You can either build them from scratch yourself or have Gemini create them for you. Here's how to get started.

1. Open the Google Home app. If you have more than one household, select the one you want to automate.

2. Switch to the Automations page to view all your current automations. Then, tap the + at the top of your screen to create a new one.

3. Press Automation in the list.

4. Now, you're greeted with the new Automation editor in the Google Home app. You can add a name and a description, then start building your automation with Starters, Conditions, and Actions.

5. Starters are a crucial part of your automation. They determine what will trigger the automation. You can choose a Device, Presence, "Hey Google", or Schedule as the starter for the automation.

6. Nest, move to Conditions. These are optional requirements that must be met for the automation to run, in addition to the Starter. You can set conditions using Presence, Date, Time, or a Device.

7. Finally, you need Actions. These dictate what the automation will do. You can select Broadcast, Device, Notify, Time Delay, or Ask Google as Actions.

8. When you're finished, tap Save to activate the automation.

Each type of Starter, Condition, or Action has a variety of options based on the smart devices in your home. If you only have smart lights, you won't be able to use the same building blocks as someone with Nest cameras, for instance. If you're overwhelmed by the automation builder, read on to learn how to create automations instantly with Gemini.

How Gemini can help you make smarter automations

Gemini offers a Help me create mode in the Google Home app. The way it works is simple — describe the automation you want to build, and Gemini will create it for you. You'll still have the option to manually edit or delete it before saving. It's a simpler way to build automations than using the manual blocks. You can take Gemini's suggestions or use them as a starting point for further refining your automation.

Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Google Home app. If you have more than one household, select the one you want to automate.

2. Switch to the Automations page to view all your current automations. Then, tap the + at the top of your screen to create a new one.

3. Press Automation in the list.

4. Now, you'll again see the new Automation editor in the Google Home app. This time, tap Help me create to start using Gemini.

5. Tap Describe what you want your home to do to give Gemini a natural-language prompt telling it what you want from your automation.

6. Alternatively, tap one of the suggestion chips to try having Gemini create a pre-generated automation.

7. After using dictation or typing to enter a prompt, hit the Send icon.

8. When Gemini creates your automation, either press Ask again or Continue.

9. Now, you'll see a preview of your AI-generated automation. You can add or edit the Starters, Conditions, or Actions. When finished, hit Save to finalize and activate the automation.

You now have a working automation created with Gemini, and you can repeat the process for any other automations your smart home needs.

Why you should use automations in Google Home

Automations take the burden off your shoulders of remembering to manually give your smart home commands. They start actions automatically based on pre-set conditions, saving you time and effort.

Now that the Google Home app supports more versatile automations, your smart home actions can be automated in new ways. With Gemini, AI can do the heavy lifting of building automations.

What you need to know

• Google announced that it's opening Gemini for Home's doors to service providers, hardware makers, and more.
• A major highlight is its new Gemini built-in program, which targets partners who are creating hardware for consumers, so they can leverage Gemini's capabilities for their speakers and cameras.
• Google is also integrating its Home Premium subscription with carriers, ISPs, and security companies.

I/O has given us a lot to go over this week; however, Google's smart home sector isn't quite done, as it announces a major step for Gemini.

Google states in a press release that it has opened up Gemini for Home into a "full-stack AI offering." This sounds technical, but all it means is that Google is "empowering service providers and hardware manufacturers to create monetizable, proactive services for customers and their homes." A developers post shared more, announcing the start of the "Google Home Gemini built-in" program.

This is targeting Google's partners who create smart home hardware for consumers. Google states hardware makers won't have to stress about the research; they need only "focus on delivering an exceptional service experience." Through the "Gemini built in" program, companies can create and launch Gemini-capable smart cameras, thanks to Google's Camera Reference Design. Moreover, makers can now leverage the full force of Gemini's voice capabilities for smart speakers in 2026.

Similarly, we have what Google is doing with service providers, like AT&T. The company says it is integrating its Google Home Premium subscription plan with carriers, ISPs, and security companies. This brings in daily household features, such as Home Brief: a daily roundup of what's gone on around your home. "Advanced deterrence" methods are also included, letting users make it appear as though they're home for extra home protection.

Companies will also benefit from better protection for smart cameras. This technology makes cameras smarter, so they only alert you to the important things: deliveries, someone at the door, etc. Google says AT&T is spearheading this movement, using Home's APIs and Gemini in its Connect Life app and security services.

Gemini arrives for more people & devices

This announcement for a better, smarter home for consumers that companies can leverage includes Gemini for Home's availability for developers. These are a set of tools that developers can utilize to begin creating for their ecosystems and consumers. Many of these features we're already privy to. Google highlights Home Brief and Ask Home as "core capabilities."

Smart cameras have been upgraded for Google Home. These keen eyes around the home can "see" what's happening. This lets them "describe" what's going on, so the homeowner is well-informed, instead of delivering generic responses like before.

Google's update for smarter cameras arrived earlier this month. A major part of that update was what the company highlighted today: AI. Combined with its software, cameras could "see" and describe to the homeowner what was going on for the full story. Google also rolled out skip buttons to jump through clips and a new option to help swipe between views. Users should also know that the Event feeds got a visual boost, too.

Clearer, zoomed previews help you focus on the action for a particular clip (event). Additionally, users can filter out these events based on "person seen" or "glass break."

What you need to know

• Rumors claim that a "Google Home Display" product name has appeared in the company's smart home app code on iOS.
• This model was spotted alongside several other home devices, and a "setup" string.
• What we're expecting for Spring 2026 (and potentially I/O) is the Home Speaker, which Google revealed during its huge Gemini for Home launch in October.

Rumors are bubbling up about a potential new entry to Google's smart home ecosystem, and we can't help but feel like the timing's a little too perfect.

A post by MacRumors' analyst, Aaron, on X highlights a mention of a purported new smart device in the company's code (via 9to5Google). Aaron states that the discovery was made in the Google Home app's code on iOS. Within the many strings, they found a "Google Home Display" name. Additionally, a subsequent string marked "setup" was also spotted.

This name was seen alongside several of Google's other smart home products, like the Nest Hub Max, Nest Hub, and Home Mini. Other than sitting with the smart home devices we know today, the publication's analyst couldn't find anything more substantial. In the end, all we're left with is the device's alleged name.

What's most curious is that a long-awaited product is listed there, too: the Google Home Speaker. Seeing this here gets our minds thinking, considering I/O 2026 is right around the corner.

Is I/O bringing more than we realize?

Let's take a moment to remember Google's grand "Gemini for Home" reveal last fall. There was a great deal of discussion about how its AI can help users at home, which we've seen it consistently work on through its early access. However, one device during that reveal that we saw but didn't get was the Google Home Speaker. This small speaker, equipped with a color Gemini-coded ring light, was said to launch in Spring 2026.

The Home Speaker was reported to produce 360-degree audio and pair with the TV Streamer. Aside from that, Google made it clear that it engineered this model for Gemini. The visual feedback, the ability to converse with the AI, and more are its hallmarks. Seeing Spring 2026 gets us thinking about I/O 2026. The bigger question here is: will we see this alleged "Home Display" teased during the keynote?

The folks at 9to5 referenced this, too, but an interview with Google Home's chief, Anish Kattukaran, after that Gemini for Home reveal is important. Kattukaran said that Google was working on new "Nest Hub devices," though a date for launch wasn't discussed. If we look at how it's changed its naming with the "Home Speaker," maybe this leak is onto something.

May smart display deals are officially here, and this next entry is a great option for those in need of a speaker, display, and home control hub all in one. Amazon's Echo Show 11 just got a 23% price drop, marking $50 off the normal purchase price.

The Echo Show 11 includes an 11-inch, Full HD display, an improved spatial audio speaker, and an auto-framing selfie camera for all your video call needs. It's compatible with a wide range of smart home products using Alexa voice assistant, making it easy to control lights, doorbell cameras, thermostats, and still others. It also utilizes Omnisense technology, which intuitively helps create device routines using factors like presence, temperature, visual ID detection, and other smart features.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for an Alexa-backed smart display with a speaker, a selfie camera, and a relatively large screen; you want something that makes it easy to control a wide range of other smart home devices, including lightbulbs, thermostats, security cameras and more; you'd prefer a smart display with built-in microphone and camera toggle buttons for optimal privacy when not in use.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd prefer to go with a different-sized Echo Show model, and would rather go for the Echo Show 5, 8, 15, or 21; you'd rather upgrade to the larger sizes that come with the Fire TV OS built in; you don't want to have to watch streaming services other than Netflix and Prime Video using the browser.

The Amazon Echo Show 11 sports many of the needs of the modern smart home user, from controlling thermostats and doorbell cameras to lighting and more. As with all of the best Amazon Echo Show models, the Echo Show 11 comes with seamless compatibility across Alexa smart home devices, and Amazon also upgraded this generation's speaker to include twice as much bass as the 2023 Echo Show 8.

It's worth noting that this particular Echo Show doesn't come with the Fire TV platform built in, and streaming services beyond Prime Video and Netflix will need to be used through a browser. If you do prefer using those natively in-app, you'll want to upgrade to the Echo Show 15 or 21 models.

Still, it's not a bad pick as primarily a smart hub, and it strikes a nice balance in size for the kitchen countertop or elsewhere.

What you need to know

• Google details its second major update today (May 5), rolling out an expanded set of automations, starters, and conditions for supported smart home devices.
• Devices include "Security & Access" control, appliances for "Start & Stop" parameters, automatic vacuum cleaners, and more.
• Public Preview prepares to roll out Ask Home for the web, giving computer users access to camera history and more, alongside "Quick Actions" in the app's notifications.

Google's rolling out a double featurette for its smart home environment today (May 5), giving its app users a more refined experience with their devices.

This morning, the company announced a few ways it's advancing its mobile app, beginning with a new set of "robust" automations, starters, and conditions for supported devices. While this might've been a pain point for some users, Google says it's rolling out expanded support for Security & Access control. Users will find controls for arming/disarming security systems, door lock monitoring, and binary sensors, such as contact/no contact or freeze/no freeze.

Appliance automations are getting a much-needed boost this week, too. Google says users can now set their "Start & Stop" state. Users will find "start, stop, pause, and resume" options for washers, dryers, and coffee machines. These capabilities extend to automatic vacuum cleaners, so you can tell it to "dock, pause, or resume" its duties. Additionally, users will find better support for device power management and "Switch events," meaning you can manage smart switch inputs, like "initial presses, long-presses, and release events."

The remaining support updates are as follows:

While these updates focus on controlling your smart home devices, Google highlights another area for improvement: smart home management.

The Google Home app is supposed to be your digital eye in the sky for everything involving your home. This update prepares users for two updates: Access Ask Home on Web and improved notifications. Regarding the latter, Google says Public Preview users can use "Quick Action" in a notification for "instant" device control. It adds that if you have multiple properties and receive an alert, the app will intelligently switch to that property without manual input.

The Access Ask Home on Web will arrive in Public Preview soon. This gives users a new way to check their camera history, devices, or create new automations, as this feature comes to computers.

A smarter home

The first update that rolled out today was all about Google Home's update for smart cameras and its AI. Now, the company says the two will work together to deliver a clearer story about what's happened around your home. Users can swipe through views, resize the player, and skip through clips in 10-second jumps. Elsewhere, Gemini 3.1 debuts in Google Home to upgrade the voice assistance model.

The new software makes it easier for the AI to understand and act on your complex tasks and multi-step requests without speaking more than you have to.

Google rolled out another patch at the start of May, which sought to upgrade the camera feed and media controls. What's more, Advanced plan Premium subscribers got their hands on new "AI Descriptors" for their smart cameras, playing right into the latest updates this week.

Android Central's Take

One of the best things about this update is the automations, starter, and condition expansion for devices. When we get to the point where we have complete customization and control, that's when it'll feel like a true smart home. It feels like Google's pushing us along to that eventuality, so our homes feel effortless. Just think about managing your coffee machine after this update. No more waiting around for that early morning coffee.

What you need to know

• The Google Home app gets a full refresh with faster performance, smoother scrolling, and a cleaner, more modern camera experience.
• Cameras now work together with AI to tell a clearer story, with new options for swiping between views, resizing the player, or skipping clips with 10-second jump buttons.
• Gemini 3.1 upgrades the voice assistant, letting you handle complex, multi-step commands in a single request.

Going through hours of security footage to find out who or what set off a motion alert has always been a tedious task. To address that, Google is launching a major Spring 2026 update for the Home app, including a modern, AI-powered camera experience and a smarter smart home system.

In the past, smart cameras worked alone and just saved raw video to a cluttered timeline. With this May update, your cameras now work together to give you a clear story of what’s happening around your home. Google said in a blog post that the app is much faster and smoother, with a new event details page that keeps the video player visible as you scroll. Google also improved the frame rates and reduced lag, so moving through your timeline feels quick and easy.

To make things even faster, there are new camera controls. You can swipe left or right to switch between your Timeline and Events, pull down to resize the video player, or swipe down to close the camera view. Google also added 10-second forward and backward buttons, making it easy to skip through your recorded events.

Action-focused previews

Event feeds are also getting a big visual update. Instead of still, hard-to-read thumbnails, you’ll now see zoomed-in animated previews that focus on the action, like a person, package, vehicle, or pet. If you’re looking for a specific event, you can quickly filter your list by options like "Person seen," "Glass break heard," or activity in a certain area.

Familiar face detection is also improving. The system now automatically cleans up your face library by removing low-quality images, such as blurry, ghosted, small, or side-view faces, to keep things accurate. To help train the AI, users now have thumbs-up and thumbs-down feedback buttons on the familiar face previews.

You’ll need an Advanced plan of Google Home Premium to use Gemini-generated event descriptions. These smart event summaries are coming to older Nest cameras too, as long as you turn on the 'Gemini for Home camera features' in your settings. It’s now easier to find these options, since Google has simplified the camera settings menu and put all "seen" and "heard" events on one page.

Gemini 3.1 voice upgrades

The voice assistant is also getting much smarter. Early access users are being upgraded to Gemini 3.1, which brings better reasoning skills. Now, you can give complex, multi-step commands in one go, like adding new items to a list while updating others, and the system won’t get confused.

The update also adds more home automation options. You can now manage kitchen appliances, control robot vacuums, check smart lock statuses, and see battery levels. Ask Home on Web is coming soon to Public Preview, so you’ll be able to search camera history, check devices, and set up automations from your desktop.

Android Central's Take

I have to admit, living in a busy house with people and dogs setting off motion alerts every few minutes makes AI-generated summaries sound like a great feature. It really saves you from searching through endless false alarms. Still, letting Gemini watch, analyze, and describe every frame of my living room footage raises privacy concerns. While this update finally makes the app smooth and easy to use, be sure you’re comfortable with a cloud-based AI watching and describing your private life before you turn on this feature.

What you need to know

• Google could finally be opening Gemini to third-party speakers, with Walmart likely first in line.
• A new Onn speaker listing reveals Gemini onboard, featuring Google Cast for Audio support, smart home controls, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a 10W driver.
• While official pricing is under wraps, the Onn model is expected to undercut Google’s own unreleased $100 Home Speaker.

Google seems to be opening up its Gemini AI to third-party smart speakers, and Walmart looks set to be the first to take advantage.

A new Onn smart speaker has appeared on the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) website, first spotted by a Reddit user. The listing hints at Gemini running inside, not the older Google Assistant we’re used to (via Android Authority).

Since late 2023, there haven’t been any third-party smart speakers using Google’s latest AI. The last major ones were JBL’s Authentics 200, 300, and 500, which came with Assistant built in.

The first of its kind

Now, Google has been quietly focusing on Gemini for Home and has offered early access on its own speakers for the past year. But no third-party devices have launched with Gemini until this Walmart leak came along.

The CSA filing says it supports Google Cast for Audio, smart home controls, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, physical playback buttons, LED indicators, and a 10W driver. For those concerned about privacy, it also has a far-field mic array with a hardware kill switch. When you flip the switch, the mic is completely off, with no software involved.

The listing shows the speaker has a compact, simple design, matching Walmart’s affordable Onn products. There’s no price yet, but based on Onn’s history, it will likely cost less than Google’s $100 Home Speaker, which also hasn’t been released yet.

It remains unclear when the smart speaker becomes available. Walmart hasn’t made any official announcements, but the CSA listing suggests the launch could be soon. After all, new Onn 4K streaming sticks and Pro models have already appeared in stores quietly.

Android Central's Take

While it’s good to see someone besides Google taking the lead, it’s a bit surprising that Walmart is first. I use “At a Glance” on several devices and have been hoping Google would open up its best AI features. But putting Gemini in a budget Onn speaker feels a bit like putting a powerful engine in a basic machine. Although it’s great for users who don’t want to spend over $100 on a Nest, I wonder if the hardware can really keep up with what the software can do.

What you need to know

• Google Home starts rolling out a major update this week for its app and Gemini for Home early access.
• All users are receiving an updated media control experience across several smart devices, while Advanced plan Premium users get new "AI descriptors" for their smart cameras.
• Google says it's updated Gemini's context understanding, which plays right into its recent Continued Conversations update.

Google's smart home environment is taking a visual step forward late this week with an update that focuses on your cameras.

Google shared details regarding its recent Home app update, which introduces an updated camera experience for smart homeowners. The patch that's started rolling out has "modernized the camera user experience with dynamic theming." A major feature Google Home Premium (Advanced plan) subscribers can expect is "AI descriptions." What users should now expect from the AI are clearer, more accurate descriptions of what your cameras have experienced.

Google says this should help make it easy to look back at your camera's history. Event search history results are "quicker" now in Ask Home. Google also refined its camera settings, making them easier to find. Moreover, updating familiar face detection and Activity Zones should be faster, as well. The Home app now displays "seen and heard" events on one page for convenience in this update.

Relinking a device that's gone offline has been made easier. The changelog states users will now receive an "instant account-relinking prompt that lets you connect your devices in one click." The media control updates included this week concern all Google Home users. All users can take advantage of the new, enhanced media control experience for music and videos across "smart speakers, smart displays, Google TV streamers, and other Cast devices."

Gemini for Home gets refined

The early access Gemini for Home experience gets two key refinements this week, too. Google leads off by stating it has taken another look at how the AI interprets the context of your commands. As a result, Gemini's contextual logic update should "reduce errors and interruptions." Additionally, Gemini's response times for device commands have been upgraded for English, French, and Spanish-speaking users "in supported countries."

Google says users may notice a quicker response time when giving Gemini commands for lights and plugs.

The company's update to Gemini contextual logic plays right into a recent Continued Conversations update. The purpose of this was two-fold: not only did it keep the AI's metaphorical ears open longer, but it gives the user time to finish their thought completely or engage in follow-up questions/commands. Google says this feature was highly requested in its early access. Gemini will now "remember" the conversation, as it stays active for a few seconds more.

Android Central's Take

I've been pretty impressed with what Google's been doing with its smart home environment lately. It's truly been rolling out updates, especially some that adhere to user feedback (which is always important). It makes me wonder what it's preparing for I/O. We've been on this Gemini for Home train for several months now, but I can't help wondering what else is in the pipeline.

What you need to know

• Nest device users were given a warning that "phone actions and automations" will leave Google Home in the first week of May.
• Causing concern amongst users, Google clarifies that it is not removing automations, but rather "phone-related actions" from automations, drawing user frustration.
• As one feature prepares to exit, Google added "Continued Conversations" to Gemini for Home, making it easier to deliver follow-up questions and more.

Google's smart home devices have been sending out warnings to users recently, informing them that a feature is about to leave.

A thread was started in the Google Nest Community, drawing attention to a warning that a user's smart device gave them about phone actions and automations (via 9to5Google). While beginning their nightly routines, the user's device told them that, in the first week of May, "phone actions and automations will no longer be available." The user stressed their discomfort with this, just as others have done in the community thread.

One user's reply said that they use this feature "multiple times a day," and would be upset if it were to leave. The publication spotted another instance of users reporting this warning on their Nest Hub and other devices on Reddit. Again, users there express their displeasure with this strange removal of automations from Google Home; however, it's not as bad as it seems.

A Google Community Specialist responded on the main forum and on Reddit, clarifying the situation. According to their post, "we are not removing automations in May." It's been stated that only phone-related actions in automations are what's getting axed. The representative offers the following examples: check the battery level, set/unset Do Not Disturb, and set the volume of your phone. Everything regarding your home will remain untouched, but it looks like Google is kicking anything about your phone to the curb.

Features come and go

Despite the clarification, it looks like these phone-related actions will be missed by users. Google has yet to respond to questions about whether or not there's a workaround for what's going to disappear in (potentially) a week. There's a chance we'll get a proper update from Google when this happens, so we'll have to wait and see.

As Google prepares to take a feature away, it has added one recently for Gemini, which keeps its "ears" open for longer. The company introduced "Continued Conversations," giving users more of an opportunity to keep talking to Gemini about their previous task or request. This feature, headed to Early Preview, comes off the back of user feedback. Now, Gemini will "remember" the conversation, keeping its mic active for follow-up questions or added tasks. Elsewhere, Nest Hub users reported a strange issue with their devices, as they fail to tell time correctly.

It's not the clock that's wrong, only the way the AI speaks about it. Some users have noticed that, when setting an alarm for 3 pm, their device will say "3 am," instead. However, the alarm that was requested was set as desired.

Android Central's Take

These aren't features that I've personally used before, but browsing through many user comments, I can see that others did. There are a few negative comments directed at Google's line of thinking with this decision to cut phone actions from automations next month. I hear where they're coming from. These are features they've used consistently for a while, and now they're leaving. What hurts the most is that these users are left without knowing an alternative or workaround. Hopefully, they get one.

What you need to know

• A user on the Google Home subreddit reports that their Nest Hub Gen 2 is struggling with the time.
• The post says their device will set an alarm properly (on its display), but the AI speech will say "it's set for 3 am," when in reality it's set for "3 pm."
• Google recently rolled out Continued Conversations for Gemini on its smart home devices.

Issues surface with Google's Nest Hub, as user reports on social media highlight a strange problem with its sense of time.

It's unclear just how widespread this issue is, but a user on the Google Home subreddit reports that their Nest Hub Gen 2 is struggling with time (via Android Authority). The user states that while their device can set the correct time (say, three o'clock, for instance), it will mess up the AM/PM ending. They state that if they're looking to set an alarm for 3 pm, their Nest Hub Gen 2 will say it's set for 3 am.

This is a big issue—a twelve-hour issue, to be exact. The speech part is the primary issue, as the user reports that their desired alarm is correct. The Nest Hub will set it for 3 pm; however, it's the device's AI speech that's incorrect. The user attempted to test this further, asking their Nest Hub Mini for an alarm, but not only did it set the correct time, but it spoke it properly, too.

The vocal capabilities of the Nest Hub Gen 2 are being called into question this week, but Google is seemingly on the case. A response says that the company is aware and working on a fix. Right now, the post does not state when it will arrive. As previously stated, it's unclear just how widely affected Nest Hub Gen 2 users are. The publication even brought this up, stating how scarce reports are about this problem.

Smart home hiccups

It's been quite a while since we last had issues with Nest devices. There were a few reports that also concerned Google Home products. Speakers and displays were struggling, becoming unresponsive when given verbal commands. Users attempting to ask the devices about the weather and other mundane questions were met with silence. Google started fixing those issues some time after, though it did take a while, given how those reports crossed into the holidays.

Hopefully, the problems this time around won't take so long, even if it is just a speech issue. In more exciting news, Google rolled out Continued Conversations for Gemini. Now, the AI will keep its "ears" open for a little longer after receiving a command from the user. Google sees this as a way of keeping things feeling natural, while making it easier to ask follow-up questions.

What you need to know

• Google Home is rolling out an update for its "Gemini for Home" early access, upgrading the AI with "Continued Conversations."
• This highly requested feature helps Gemini "remember" the conversation and keep the device's mic active for a few seconds, so users can add-on to their requests.
• Gemini for Home recently updated the AI with better musical capabilities for songs and playlists, as well as understanding for casual speech.

Early access runs can be rocky, but in Google's case, it says these tests have given it a wealth of feedback, facilitating the arrival of a "top request" this week.

Announced this morning (Apr 21), Google says Gemini in Home is receiving a highly requested feature this week that helps refine its conversational aspect. The primary goal with this feature is to keep the conversation going, as the feature is aptly named "Continued Conversation." The AI retains more "context" with this update. Google says that, unlike the old Assistant (bye, Assistant), Gemini "remembers" your conversation thread for better follow-up Q&As.

Users will notice that saying "Hey Google" and giving their initial request will keep Gemini's microphones open for a few seconds longer. Moreover, the lights on your smart home devices will pulse. This is that extended conversational context window, so Gemini is ready for any additional requests.

The post adds that Continued Conversation is available for everyone in the home, including guests. Additionally, it has received multilingual support, as other regions receive it this week, alongside the U.S.

Gemini has been given "side-talk" detection, too. Google states this helps the AI better distinguish between household chatter and a genuine request for it. Users can find and activate Continued Conversation in the following steps: Home Settings > Gemini for Home voice assistant > Continued Conversation.

Gemini loves to talk

Better understanding of user requests has been a strong focus for Google recently. An earlier update helped make the AI feel a little less robotic. Google removed the necessity for specific commands, as Gemini is reportedly capable of understanding "casual phrases." Now, you shouldn't have to repeat yourself constantly just because Gemini can't understand you. This update also included its device recognition, so it shouldn't mix up lamps and lights.

An update this past week saw Gemini becoming a better home DJ. The AI can understand the songs and playlists you want, and play them right when you ask. For busy houses, Gemini's task management capabilities go up a notch for editing lists and completing "complex, multi-step" tasks.

Android Central's Take

I tested a lot of NAS servers over the years, and while I prefer using the powerful 8-bay DiskStation DS1823xs+ as my main server, I'm increasingly switching to UGREEN's products in this category. There's a good reason for that, as the brand is consistently rolling out class-leading NAS servers.

This is particularly true in the budget category; the introduction of the 2-bay DH2300 and the 4-bay DH4300 Plus allowed UGREEN to meaningfully counter just about every other brand in the sub-$400 category. Even after six months of availability, the DH4300 is the best overall NAS you can buy if you're just getting started, and with the server now available for $399, it is the best time to get your hands on it.

I set up the DH4300 Plus at the end of 2025, and I like that UGREEN went with a vertical design; it makes the NAS stand out a little bit, and it's much more convenient to install the HDDs. Build quality is quite good, and you get good ventilation — the vertical design makes that a little more effective than traditional NAS servers. I like the look of the DH4300 Plus, and I haven't had any issues with the NAS as such in the six months I used it. I like that there's NFC on the NAS that lets you download the mobile app, and it just makes setting it up that much easier.

The internals are just as enticing, with the DH4300 Plus coming with an Arm-based platform with Cortex A76 and A55 cores clocked at 2.0GHz. It has 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, which by itself is good to see, and while it's soldered, it isn't a big deal — the onboard memory is more than adequate to handle anything you throw at it.

There's a 32GB eMMC drive that houses the software, and the solitary 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port is a welcome addition. You also get USB-A and USB-C connectivity alongside HDMI, and the basics are handled well.

The 4-bay NAS accommodates 128TB of data in total, with each bay holding a 32TB drive. It's another matter entirely that a single 32TB Exos drive costs a lot more than the NAS itself at $1,099, but as I had a few 30TB IronWolf drives on hand, I tested the NAS with those. There's no M.2 storage, and while that's annoying, it isn't a dealbreaker — the DH4300 Plus is aimed at buyers just getting started with local storage servers.

Obviously, the biggest selling point of the DH4300 Plus is that it acts as a local alternative to Google Drive and other public storage services, and it does a good job in that context. UGREEN's UGOS Pro software was limited when it made its debut, but it has plenty of useful features now. The software has a clean interface, comes with photo and file management essentials, and lets you access your data anywhere.

The software may not have quite the same level of polish as the DiskStation DS925+, but you'll find all the utilities you need, and that's what matters at the end of the day. Installing Plex is about as easy as it gets, and while the DH4300 Plus doesn't have hardware transcoding, it isn't a huge issue — you'll be able to stream content on most modern devices without issues.

Like every other brand, UGREEN is leaning into AI, and while the NAS isn't anywhere as powerful as the iDX6011 Pro that just launched (which I'm testing next), you get a few decent machine learning extras when it comes to photo and album management that make a difference.

Outside of that, there isn't much to talk about. The DH4300 Plus is a great choice if you're just interested in setting up a home server to store your documents and photos, or if you want a dedicated media server. It doesn't have some of the extras like Plex hardware transcoding or M.2 SSD storage, but as a starter NAS, there really isn't anything better right now.

Enabot makes a wide variety of wheeled robots. All of them are designed to be home security cameras that can be remotely maneuvered and accompany people and pets at home.

Prices for Enabot's EBO robots range from as low as $120 to a whopping $1,000. Of the dozens of models offered by the brand, my favorite continues to be the most expensive one of them all: the EBO X.

This nifty Alexa-powered pet companion robot on wheels has many merits, but affordability is not one of them. Having used many of the other entry and mid-level options from Enabot, I cannot go back now that I've experienced the most premium tier.

Enabot set the bar too high with the EBO X

It has been three years since the EBO X debuted at CES 2023. Enabot leaned heavily on the guardian robot label with the EBO X, which isn't uncommon for the brand. The $1,000 EBO X has a lot in common with other robots from Enabot. They all come with docking stations, wheels, cameras, speakers, mics, night vision, and remote control support.

But the EBO X sticks out proudly, its head held high, shining brightly and distinctly. In addition to all the perks of the regular Enabot robots like the EBO Air or the EBO ROLA Mini, the robot packs a mighty punch with best-in-class specs. Features like fall detection and cry recognition are super helpful and unique.

With the EBO X, you get brilliant Harmon Kardon speakers that can be used as just Bluetooth speakers once you choose that mode. The combination of high-quality speakers and mics means two-way comms are of higher quality too.

And because Enabot decided to equip the EBO X with a spectacular upgraded 8MP 4K UHD camera with a stabilized gimbal, the video quality is unmatched. I use the EBO X robot almost every single day when I'm out of the house. When my cat is hiding in a tight corner, I can easily zoom in or swivel the camera up or down to find him.

There's no going back once you've tasted the deluxe version of EBO robots

Navigation is incredibly smooth thanks to the hardware and software optimization, and it has only improved over time. The EBO X has real-time GPS tracking with a quad positioning system, visual simultaneous localization, and mapping (V-SLAM) technology.

The Enabot EBO X guardian robot returns to the charging dock on its own once the battery is low and can be set to patrol your house or to interact with people and pets through the app.

You can adjust a ton of settings and preferences in-app, including remote control settings. Even the RGB lights of the robot's "eyes" can be customized through the mobile app, or you can simply touch the sides of the robot itself to change the colors.

Perhaps my favorite aspect of the Enabot EBO X smart home companion robot is native Alexa support. Once you've connected your Alexa account to the robot, it becomes an Alexa speaker on wheels. You can add Alexa skills that enable the robot to follow you around when given the correct voice command. The convenience is unimaginable.

It is the combination of Alexa support, superior camera quality, and the premium-grade Harmon Kardon speakers that make it so hard for me to go back to using an inferior EBO Air or EBO Air 2.

If you ask me to recommend a smart home security camera for your home, the Enabot EBO X is without a doubt my top recommendation.

As long as you can afford it, choose this multifunctional smart home robot without reservation. It'll accompany your pets, check in on your family members, surveil your home, act as an Alexa speaker that can follow you around, and help you communicate with people or pets at home while you're away.

The EBO X robot even notifies you of fall alerts and when it detects babies crying. It's an incredibly useful sentinel to have in one's home, one that is easily the best Enabot has ever made.

What you need to know

• Samsung announced that it's bringing its Now Brief feature to SmartThings, integrating it with your smart locks, appliances, Family Care, and more.
• Soon, users with a Samsung TV from 2024 or later will find Now Brief on their displays with a recap of the night.
• Samsung is also rolling out smaller improvements to Family Care, which originally debuted in 2025, giving family members smart insights about their parents "activities" at home.

Samsung is rolling out its newest SmartThings update, and the company is highlighting a feature that's found a new home: Now Brief.

In a Newsroom post, Samsung's press release details how users will be able to interact with its Galaxy AI Now Brief. Arriving as a fully integrated piece with SmartThings, Now Brief reportedly "delivers a rich AI experience" that keeps the user informed through their smart home devices. The Galaxy S26 series is seemingly spearheading this feature's debut, as Samsung says Now Brief will support "Home Security, Family Care, and Pet Care."

Existing features are included in its support, too, such as Home Insight, Energy, and Sleep Environment. Beyond this, since Now Brief is present on Galaxy phones, Samsung says its usefulness remains present when you're not at home. Through this, Now Brief will inform you of your home's energy usage, device status, and information on your door locks, sensors, security mode, and more.

You might have to wait a little while before this arrives, as Samsung states Now Brief in SmartThings will begin arriving for TVs from 2024 or later in a "phase rollout." Family Hub refrigerators are also getting in on this; however, this applies to models launched in 2021 or later. Once you have it, and if Now Brief is set up on your device in advance, Samsung says all you'll need to do is approach your TV, and it will "automatically activate."

Care for home and family

Samsung's Family Care is also receiving a boost in how it can keep families together over various distances. With a focus on helping users care for their parents, Samsung highlights its Family Care integration in SmartThings, which connects "with a range of home appliances and mobile devices to provide notifications regarding the activities of users’ aging parents and reminders for medication and hospital visits."

In particular, it says Care Insights delivers more actionable and long-term data within the Family Care environment. Data about the house's temperature and humidity are called to action, as well as "significant changes in activity levels and connected device usage."

You might remember Family Care from its huge update last year, helping caregivers keep a closer eye on those they're responsible for. One of the major highlights was the user's ability to keep tabs on their parents' "Activity." This involves when the TV is in use and other appliances, too. However, alerts can be sent if a particular device hasn't been used for a longer period than normal. So, if your mom usually watches TV all day, but it hasn't turned on yet, that might warrant a visit or a call.

What you need to know

• Google shared details about another smart home update rolling out this week, that makes Gemini more capable at playing the right songs and playlists.
• More updates for Gemini's understanding are included, as the AI can now use context clues to understand the user's intent to better complete a task.
• The AI's management is also taking a step up, as it can now edit lists appropriately, while also completing complex, multi-step tasks.

Google's smart home environment has been rolling with updates, and another update is arriving for users in mid-April.

Google shared details about its Home app update this week, stating users can expect four key improvements. Its changelog offers more insight, as the first update involves your media and playlist support. The overall support isn't changing; however, it's Gemini's ability to find and play the song or playlist you requested that's getting an upgrade. Google says the AI should still be able to play the song/playlist you requested, even if you made a mistake or if you're in a "noisy environment."

Once more, Google's focusing its efforts on improving the understanding side of Gemini. This update makes it possible for Gemini to "combine context clues to better understand your intent, so it can choose the right action." Google intends for this small update to improve its ability to follow commands for controlling devices, playing music, and more. Additionally, Gemini should interrupt you less by waiting for your command to finish before speaking.

Gemini has also been upgraded to respond to questions about the time and date much more quickly.

As an AI assistant, Gemini's ability to organize and manage lists/tasks is getting a needed update. Google says the AI can now handle "more complex requests and better understand exactly which item or list you are referring to." Editing lists and handling complex tasks, such as multi-step instructions, have been improved.

Another round on Google

The parenting and digital well-being side of Google Home is getting a small touch-up. Parents can now pause device access or limit screen time for "supervised and guest accounts." As far as bug fixes are concerned, this mid-April patch brings a Thermostat settings UI refresh, specifically for its temperature slider. Users with iOS devices are receiving a reliability fix for their camera connection, as well as a clearer timeline.

April's been busy; on the first day of the month, Gemini for Home received an update that made the AI-integrated software feel a little less robotic. Exact commands became a thing of the past, as users no longer need to be so precise and stiff. Instead, Gemini can now understand more casual speech/phrases when you're asking it to do something. What's more, Google finally gave Workspace accounts the Home app support they've been missing.

Workspace account users can now set up Nest devices, invite others to their "home," and more.

Android Central's Take

I don't think anyone can deny that Google's placed a brighter spotlight on its smart home environment. The updates that it's coming with, some of which I'm sure have been vocalized by users, are arriving fast and furiously. Probably the most important updates concern Gemini. Its ability to understand, its ability to respond quicker. These improvements are on equal ground (personally), as they can make or break your experience. No one wants to keep repeating themselves to an AI.

I have three HDMI connections on my TV, and they're used by the Shield TV Pro, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar (which has eARC), and the PS5. Now, I used to connect my gaming machine to my TV in the past, and I just used a 50ft HDMI cable to do so. It was a bit of a hassle as my gaming machine sat in my office while the TV was in the living room, but the long HDMI cable was just about adequate.

But we moved to a new house last year, and I realized I wasn't able to use the cable any longer. That's where Nyrius comes in; the Aries Pro+ is a wireless HDMI dongle, and it admirably solved the problem of connecting devices in different rooms. It is costly at $249, but if you're in a similar situation where dragging an extra-long HDMI cable just isn't feasible, it is a solid alternative.

The Aries Pro+ has two parts: a transmitter and receiver. The receiver plugs into the TV, and the transmitter to the source device. The transmitter uses HDMI as well, so you'll need to connect it to something with HDMI out. Once you do so, you can easily stream 1080p video at a low latency, and that's something the Aries Pro+ does incredibly well.

While Nyrius advertises a range of 165ft, that's based on line-of-sight, and the actual range is around 70ft when you account for walls in between the source and target device. That said, the HDMI dongle is able to deliver clean 1080p video without any issues as long as it's in range, and the system is easy to set up and use.

In fact, a big use case of the Aries Pro+ is travel, where you can just mirror content from your notebook to a hotel TV. I did this with a minimum of effort, and while there was some artifacting — which is mostly noticeable while gaming — the 1080p footage looked good for the most part.

The transmitter itself is roughly the size of a standard TV dongle like the Google TV Streamer, and while the receiver is a little bigger — it's a smidgen shorter than the Shield TV Pro — it is easy enough to use the bundled HDMI cable to connect it to any TV. Other than that, the system is plug-and-play; once you have both the transmitter and receiver connected, you just need to choose the right HDMI mode on the TV to get started.

If anything, the only quibble I have with the Aries Pro+ is that it uses USB Mini-B to power both the transmitter and receiver. Nyrius bundles the requisite USB Mini-B to USB-A cables in the box, and considering the product debuted nearly a decade ago, I'm not going to too harsh about the omission of USB-C. But a newer model with USB-C to power it would be a much better option.

Outside of that, I didn't run into any issues with the Aries Pro+ in the time I used it. While the pricing is on the higher side and it's showing its age, the product continues to be a good choice if you need a wireless HDMI dongle. If you don't need as much range, the Pro model is a much better choice at $179 — it uses a similar system but goes up to 100ft.

What you need to know

• Gemini for Home is expanding beyond North America with support for 16 new countries and more languages.
• Google has improved performance with up to 40% faster smart home response times for common commands.
• The assistant is now more context-aware with better device understanding and more precise control.

Gemini for Home has been exclusive to North America for some time, but that is now starting to change as Google has started the expansion of the feature to more regions and languages.

Google announced in a community blog post that the Gemini for Home voice assistant is rolling out to seven new languages and 16 new countries beyond the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

In Europe, it will be available in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. In the Asia-Pacific region, it is coming to Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.

In terms of languages, Gemini for Home will now support Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Spanish, and Swedish. It's a significant expansion from Google, although some key markets, including India, are still missing for now.

It's worth noting that the feature will remain opt-in. Google says users will start seeing invitations to join the early access program in the Google Home app. Google says the rollout has already begun, and most eligible users should be able to opt in within the next week.

Alongside the expansion, Google also says it has improved performance. The company claims it has reduced smart home latency by up to 40% for common commands like turning on lights.

Google also says Gemini is now more context-aware. It can better distinguish between devices like lights and lamps and use your home address to deliver more relevant local news and weather updates. There is also more precise control for smart home devices, such as setting specific humidity levels or preheating ovens.

The company is also introducing more advanced features like world-aware alarms, where you can set reminders for events like your favorite team's match. Additionally, there are improvements to live camera search for users on Google Home Premium.

What you need to know

• Google announced that it's rolling out support for Workspace apps in the Home app.
• Beginning this week, users can set up the latest Nest devices, invite others to their home in the app for device control, and more.
• Google Home's recent updates have focused on Gemini by quickening its response times and helping its understand of the user's commands.

Users have been vocal enough that Google has announced it's rolling out support for Workspace accounts in its smart home app.

Google claims that this highly requested feature should give Workspace account users more "flexibility" in the Home app. There are a few new goodies users will unpack in this update that's rolling out today (Apr 2). For one, Workspace account users can now set up the company's latest Nest devices, like the 4th-gen Learning Thermostat and the Nest Doorbell 3rd-gen, in the app.

Another key part of this patch is Google's expanded home sharing. This was a feature Workspace users were restricted from. Beginning this week, those users can now "invite others to your home or accept invitations to join existing homes." This is primarily used for those wanting to invite others into a home to grant access to their smart devices. If you're just getting started with this, Google has some details that walk you through it.

Nest Account migrations reach Workspace users, too. Any account from 2019 or before can be swapped over to Google by linking it to your preferred Workspace account. While one restriction gets lifted, Google says there are two more in place. Workspace users in the Home app cannot access the early access "Gemini for Home" program, nor will they find "select Google Assistant and personal results features."

Refining the home

There are some other factors to consider, such as whether or not your Workspace account can access Google Home app features. The post says if you're encountering issues, then you should speak to your administrator.

This update for Workspace support couldn't come at a better time. Google Home recently rolled out two updates. One patch this week focused on Gemini; specifically, it helped the AI feel less robotic and more natural. Google also worked on better understanding for Gemini, meaning users won't need to use exact terms when giving it a task. Gemini should also better understand the difference between household items, like a lamp and a regular light.

The update before that quickened Gemini's response times. It was pretty obvious that Gemini could lag between giving it a task and its completion. Google says the AI's responses have sped up by ~30% to ~40%.

Android Central's Take

It was probably quite the headache for Workspace users when they needed to constantly switch accounts for the Home app. I get that sense even more after Google itself points out how much of a "highly-requested" feature it was. So, good on them. Lately, the company's been focused on improving its AI in Home, which we knew was coming. Ever since Gemini for Home was announced, it was clear that Google saw its smart home devices as the next frontier for it. In terms of usefulness, it seems to be getting there, slowly but surely.

What you need to know

• Google is making Gemini in Google Home feel less robotic and more natural to use.
• You no longer need exact commands—Gemini now understands casual phrases and context better.
• Device recognition is improved, reducing mix-ups like confusing a “lamp” with a “light."

Google’s smart home setup is quietly changing in important ways. If you’ve ever struggled with stiff voice commands or awkward controls, you’ll probably relate to this update.

Chief Product Officer Anish Kattukaran announced several improvements on X that make Gemini feel like the helpful housemate you’ve always wanted. The main point is that you no longer have to use technical language to control your living room.

In the past, smart assistants had trouble if you didn’t remember the exact name of a device or a color. Google has redesigned how Gemini understands natural language and recognizes devices. The company says the system now responds faster and is much better at telling apart items with similar names, like a "lamp" and a "light".

Expressive lighting is here

This new language flexibility leads to one of the best upgrades: expressive lighting. Now, you don’t need to remember exact color names or struggle to describe the mood you want. Instead of searching for the word "cerulean," you can just ask for “the color of the ocean,” “the glow of the moon,” or even your favorite team’s colors. Gemini understands these requests and picks the right color for your smart bulbs.

There are also big improvements for your larger appliances. Precision controls now let you manage your home devices in detail. You can set exact humidity levels or start dinner early by saying, “Preheat the smart oven to 350°”. For heating and cooling, advanced climate management now supports holding temperature presets. You can also clear active modes without having to go through every option.

The update also makes the assistant available to more people. Early access to Gemini for Home is now live in Mexico, and Spanish language support is available in all supported countries. To try it, update your Google Home app to version 4.12.

Families benefit as well, since kids with supervised Google accounts can now use Gemini for Home along with everyone else. Whether they need help spelling a word or want to hear a new joke, the AI is ready to help them learn and have fun.

If you use your smart speaker for daily updates, Gemini Live now offers more detailed and interactive news summaries. You can ask, “Catch me up on tech news,” and then ask follow-up questions to learn more about a story during the conversation.

The Android app is also improved. The Google Home app now supports all the new Android 16 features, including edge-to-edge display and predictive back gestures that show you where your back swipe will go.

Android Central's Take

For months, Gemini felt like a step back from the old Google Assistant. Remember when it couldn’t tell the difference between my “living room lamp” and “living room light”? This update finally shows Google using its AI for real usefulness instead of just making bad poems. Still, let’s not celebrate too much. We’re just getting basic features, like describing “ocean blue” without needing a color code, and turning off heating without cycling through every mode. That’s not innovation; it’s just fixing what should have worked all along.

If you're on the hunt for a smart speaker deal, Amazon's Big Spring Sale has you covered. Until midnight tonight, March 31st, Amazon's Echo Show 11 is 23% off as part of the sitewide sale event, bringing the price down to just $170 on one of our favorite smart speakers on the market.

This Amazon Echo Show boasts a large, spherical speaker, easy Alexa Plus voice assistant use for smart home commands, and a good-looking 11-inch touchscreen. It also features a front-facing camera for video calls, an auto-framing camera, and a privacy button that can be used to turn off the microphone and cameras.

This particular deal is for the 11-inch model, though users can also get a discount on the 8-inch version of the smart display. The discount is also available for both the Glacier White and Graphite speaker and accent colors in both sizes.

• See the full list of deals during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

✅Recommended if: you're already immersed in the Alexa ecosystem and you want a smart hub that's also perfect for streaming and video calls; you like having a relatively large display around 11 inches; you need a smart display that actually has a good-sounding set of speakers rather than those built into the unit housing.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd rather go with something even smaller that won't take up as much counter space; you need a device with Fire TV built in and would rather upgrade to the even larger Echo Shows 15 or 21; you'd rather go with a different brand of smart displays than Amazon's.

The Echo Show lineup offers the best displays for a smart speaker on the market, and the latest-gen 11 model is no different. Many like it for its balanced size that isn't massive but isn't small, along with its simplified access to Alexa Plus for smart home control, music, and more. Needless to say, at just $170 during Amazon's Big Sale, the Echo Show 11 is a solid pick for smart home veterans and Alexa newbies alike.

I'll admit that it's easy to sign up for Google One and store your photos in Google Photos and documents alongside any other data in Google Drive. But with price increases and the fact that cloud storage gets extremely costly once you cross a terabyte of data, having a local server is a much better choice.

That's what I do; I have a massive collection of data, and as I don't want my data stored in a cloud server, I went with a network attached storage (NAS) system over a decade ago. I now have over a hundred terabytes of data, and all of it is stored locally and accessible immediately. If you're just getting started with local storage, this is the best time to do so — there are plenty of great choices, and new brands that are lowering the barrier to entry.

UGREEN is a charging brand that also makes NAS servers, and its DH2300 is my current recommendation if you need a starter NAS system. It usually retails for $219, but is down to just $175 on Amazon, and it has all the features you need in a local storage server, including the ability to store your photos, videos, any other data, and acting as a centralized media server.

✅Recommended if: You want a local storage alternative to Google One. The DH2300 is easy to set up and use, and you can do so with your phone.

❌Skip this deal if: You want to use M.2 SSDs to store data. The DH2300 uses traditional 3.5-inch hard drives instead.

UGREEN nailed the basics with the DH2300. The 2-bay NAS system holds two hard drives, and you get a powerful hardware configuration that lets you run containers like Plex, turning the NAS into a streaming solution that can be used anywhere in your home — and even outside.

You can store photos and videos with ease, and the NAS has an AI-assisted photo management feature that categorizes faces and scenes. It has Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, and you can easily connect any external storage drives via USB-A or USB-C to transfer data over to the NAS. There's even HDMI connectivity to hook it up to your TV.

The software has a clean design and gives you access to utilities that let you manage your data without any issues, and the best part about the NAS is that you can access that data even when you're traveling.

Basically, the DH2300 has everything you'd want in a local storage server, and the ease of access makes it the ideal starting point. And with the sale bringing it down to $175, now is the best time to get your hands on it.

There's a decent amount of choice if you want to get started with local storage. If anything, now is the best time to start with a NAS server; it gives you the flexibility of storing all your data in a single location, and you don't have to rely on public cloud storage services — you're in control of your data.

UGREEN has all the momentum in this category, and the brand's DH4300 Plus is the model I'd recommend if you're just looking to start out. This 4-bay NAS has everything you need: it comes with 8GB RAM, holds four traditional HDDs, has 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, and a clean software that lets you install all your media streaming utilities.

In fact, the DH4300 Plus is better at the basics than more powerful models, and the best part is that it's now down to $351 on Amazon, a decent 20% discount from its retail price of $439. This is the lowest price the NAS has been down to, so if you need a reliable NAS server to store photos and other data, now is the time to act. If this deal is sold out, you can get the DH4300 Plus at the same price on UGREEN's website.

✅Recommended if: You need a good starter NAS with extensive features. The DH4300 Plus has a good design, 2.5GbE connectivity, all the software utilities you can install, and it makes easier than ever to store your photos, videos, and other data on the NAS. You can also install Plex and use it as a media server.

❌Skip this deal if: You need M.2 storage. If you want to add SSDs, you'll need to get the powerful DXP4800 Plus model, which is down to $583 right now.

I like the design of the DH4300 Plus; the vertical design ensures the NAS doesn't take up too much room, and you get better airflow to the HDDs. The design is great in its own right, and you can easily slot in HDDs into the NAS — although you will need to use the screws included in the box.

Once that's done, it's easy to configure the NAS and get started with the UGOS Pro software. UGREEN does a good job with photo organization and management, and it is straightforward to get photos and videos from your phones to the NAS. It also stores all other data, and while the built-in software isn't as extensive, you get Docker integration, so you get the ability to install just about anything — including Plex and Jellyfin.

The DH4300 Plus uses an Arm-based Rockchip platform, and it doesn't have any issues in daily use. There's 8GB of soldered RAM, and that's more than adequate to run just about anything on the NAS.

The 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity guarantees the NAS will hold its own down the line, and you get USB-C and HDMI ports as well. There isn't much missing on the NAS, and it also allows you to transcode in Plex, if that's something you need.

On the whole, the DH4300 Plus is the best 4-bay starter NAS, and the fact that it's down to $351 makes this the best time to get your hands on the storage server.

Ready to take your smart home to the next level? Amazon's Big Spring Sale is currently slashing up to 55% off its own brand of Kindle, Echo, and Fire devices, and I've dropped five of my favorite deals from the sale below. 

Whether you're in the market for a new smart speaker, tablet, or Fire TV, there is no shortage of sweet Amazon-brand deals to explore. Keep reading for all of my favorites, and don't forget that Amazon's big sale ends on March 31st! That means you have less than a week to explore the best deals until they're gone for good (or at least until the next Prime Day). 

Interested in learning more? Check out my ultimate guide to Amazon's Big Spring Sale, where I've gathered additional deals, tips and tricks, and more. 

My TOP 5 favorite smart home deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Finding cheap home internet deals is a challenge nowadays, and finding offers that aren't full of confusing fine print can be even harder. Fortunately, wireless carriers both large and small have begun offering 5G-powered internet solutions to simplify the process, with Tracfone standing out as one of the best for AARP members.

Owned and operated by Verizon, Tracfone is a prepaid carrier that now offers 5G home internet for as little as $39 per month when you use Auto-Refill and an AARP membership. Simply use the code GETHOME at checkout and the savings are yours.

If you're not an AARP member, you can still use Auto-Refill with the above promo code and get 5G-powered home internet for just $49 per month. It's as simple as that!

Get 5G Home Internet for as little as $39/month at Tracfone

Tracfone Home Internet is powered by Verizon's vast 5G network, so you're basically getting the big provider experience without paying the big provider cost. All you need to do is use Tracfone's website to ensure that 5G home internet coverage is available in your area, choose the plan you want, and apply your discounts using code GETHOME when checking out. 

Once that's done, you just need to wait for your Tracfone router to arrive in the mail. Set-up can be done in minutes by following the steps laid out in the company's activation guide, or you can call customer support (1-800-867-7183) for extra assistance. 

As soon as you're up and running, you'll enjoy 5G-powered download speeds of up 200 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 15 Mbps. There's no confusing contract or credit check to worry about, and all of Tracfone's internet plans come with unlimited data and a three-year price guarantee. Naturally, 5G speeds can never match fiber, but if you just want a simple home internet plan that won't break the bank, now's the time to put that AARP membership to work. 

• See the full list of deals at Tracfone today

I don't prefer using mesh Wi-Fi systems, and while I tested plenty of models over the course of the last decade — including Netgear's Orbi 970 series — I generally switch over to a standalone router after the testing window. We moved to a bigger house last year, and I realized the router I was using didn't quite manage to cover the entire home, so I turned my attention to Wi-Fi 7 mesh router systems once again.

To be clear, my annoyance with most mesh routers isn't the coverage or connectivity; it's the limited selection of ports, and missing configurability. I use a custom DNS solution, so I need to have the option to configure that while setting up my home network, and I need at least two Ethernet ports in addition to the WAN port.

This is where TP-Link's Deco BE65 Pro comes in. I used several TP-Link routers over the years and like the value-focused positioning of its products, and the BE65 Pro is no different. This is a Wi-Fi 7 mesh system that costs just $299 for a router and a satellite, and that's the configuration I'm using. If you need additional coverage, TP-Link sells a bundle with a router and two satellites, and that costs a very reasonable $399.

The Deco BE65 Pro is interchangeably called the Deco 7 Pro BE11000, but I'll stick to the model name. The mesh system has a clean design that blends in well with modern decor; TP-Link did a good job in this area, and the router is considerably smaller than most mesh nodes. This is a key consideration as the previous standalone router I set up stood out for all the wrong reasons; sure, the BE65 Pro doesn't quite have the same stunning design as Huawei's Mesh X3 Pro, but it is elegant in its own right.

What I also like is that each node gets three Ethernet ports, and all ports get 2.5GbE connectivity as standard — most mesh systems just have a single multi-Gigabit port, so this is a welcome addition. Each node gets a USB-A port as well, giving you the ability to plug in a drive and use it as a home streaming server.

Setting up the BE65 Pro is about as easy as it gets; TP-Link's Deco app has a modern interface, and it gives you extensive customization when it comes to tailoring the network to your preferences. More than anything else, it's because of this configurability that I used the BE65 Pro as my main router over the last six months.

I have a static IP and a private DNS, and I was able to set up all of that via the app, and it was hassle-free. TP-Link also has meaningful parental controls built into the Deco app, and it has a Security+ intrusion prevention plan that monitors IoT devices and provides protection against online threats. I didn't see any need to use the paid plan, but it's available should you want it.

The BE65 Pro is a Wi-Fi 7 mesh system, and it has excellent bandwidth over the 6GHz (5765Mbps) and 5GHz channels (4324 Mbps). The 2.4GHz mode is a little limited, but I didn't see any problems in this regard even after connecting a few dozen smart home devices to the network. Coverage itself is outstanding, and the mesh system was able to provide stable coverage throughout my home without any issues.

I like that the BE65 Pro provides Multi-Link Operation (MLO), allowing it to combine all three channels into a single SSID to maximize coverage and bandwidth. Of course, you'll need to use a Wi-Fi 7 client device, but most phones these days leverage the protocol, and it's great to be able to take advantage of this feature — I didn't see any problems using it with the Vivo X300 Pro, Find X9 Pro, and a dozen or so Android phones I used in the last six months.

On the whole, the BE65 Pro proved to be a revelation; the mesh system is just as powerful as standalone routers, and you don't miss out on any of the configurability either. TP-Link deserves credit for getting this right, and when you combine the feature-set with the pricing, it's easy to see why the BE65 Pro is one of the best Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems you can buy today.