speakers Archives

5 hidden Google Assistant tricks for your Android

Virtual assistants can be used with smartphones, tablets, computers and smart devices, including speakers, TVs, lightbulbs, thermostats, surveillance cameras and more. While Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Cortana, Bixby and others are designed to make your life easier, it helps to know everything they can do.

Google Assistant is among the most popular virtual assistants, and there’s always something new to learn when it comes to what it can do for you. We’ve gathered five neat tricks you may not know about.

1. Take screenshots

Screenshots are great for sharing anything from a recipe to a funny meme. They’re also helpful reminders for appointments and grocery lists when browsing recipes online.

You can take a screenshot simply by using your voice. Just activate Google Assistant through the app, start it with a button press or say, “Hey Google,” and then say, “Take a screenshot.”

You may need to check your settings if the command isn’t working. Open Settings and go to Apps & notifications > Advanced > Default apps > Assist & voice input. Then turn on Use screenshot.

2. Search photos

Google Lens lets you explore your photos in detail or take action, such as linking to a store that sells an item in the image. It can also translate text into your language.

According to Google, “Google Lens lets you search what you see. Using a photo, your camera or almost any image, Lens helps you discover visually similar images and related content, gathering results from all over the internet.”

You can open Google Lens by activating Google Assistant and saying, “Open Google Lens.” While using Google Lens, point at an object and ask Google Assistant what you’re looking at.

3. Read this page

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How Amazon, Target and Walmart will pay you for old stuff

Several online platforms help sell your old stuff. Tap or click for a few options that are better than Craigslist.

But most people aren’t aware that their favorite retailers can do a lot of the heavy lifting for you. Many offer superior trade-in value for your stuff. Chances are, you’ll be able to get rid of your clutter without venturing further than your local shopping center.

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My picks to bring your records into the digital age

Got vinyl? You need a USB-based turntable that connects to your PC or Mac’s USB port. Just hit “record” and bring those records into 2024, ready for your phone, smart speaker and more!

Low: This retro-looking beauty has built-in stereo speakers, RCA outputs for connecting additional speakers, a Bluetooth input to turn it into a Bluetooth speaker, and USB outputs so you can record your LPs as MP3s. Best of all, it’s 39% off (only $42.99!).
Mid: This one has a slightly more modern look — white marble! — and the sound quality on the built-in speakers is a step up from the bargain pick. It also has Bluetooth input so you can play music on it from your phone, along with USB input and output options. It’s $129.98 (don’t forget to click the 15% coupon!).
High: Audio-Technica is one of the biggest names in sound, which means a big price point but also big sound quality. This player ($279) doesn’t have a built-in speaker (audiophiles would never do a two-in-one!), but it does have RCA and Bluetooth outputs for connecting it to your own speakers or sound system and a USB output for ripping your LPs.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

🍎 For the Apple household: You can switch your music (or podcast or whatever) from your iPhone to your HomePod. Just hold your phone near the top of the speaker. If it doesn’t work, open your iPhone’s Settings, then pick General > AirPlay & Handoff and enable Transfer to HomePod.

Control smart home devices with Google Home or Amazon Echo

Open/download audio

You don’t need a big budget to create a smart home. These smart speakers can help you set up your own command center.

🚨 Recall alert: Anker is recalling 80,000 Bluetooth speakers after 33 reports of overheating batteries and fires. If you have a Soundcore or PowerConf speaker with the model number A3102016, A3302011 or A3302031, stop using it and get a free replacement.

Earbuds always falling out? Try these 4 fixes

If you’re anything like us, you love the comfort and convenience of wireless earbuds. Like their wired predecessors, many find one major obstacle between tranquility and a constant annoyance: Why won’t these things stay in my ears?

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Use tech to have the spookiest house on the block this Halloween

Spooky season is well underway and you should be expecting some trick-or-treaters soon. Before you get the candy ready, take some time to ramp up your security.

Vandalism and property damage are more common during the holiday season. Whether you’re home or away, you’ll want to keep an eye on things. A video doorbell is a simple way to secure your home. Tap or click here for my favorite video doorbell to keep an eye on what’s happening out front.

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Life upgrades you didn’t know you needed

Get the best night’s sleep of your life with a Bluetooth sleep mask.
A high-tech mug warmer will keep your java nice and hot.
This power bank is small enough to fit in your pocket and works with iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and others.
You’ll use this combo phone stand, Bluetooth speaker and clock every day.
Protect your debit and credit cards from thieves with this slim RFID-blocking wallet.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Dropped your phone in water? Forget the bowl of rice. The collective internet is going bonkers over this video. It uses low sound frequencies to literally pull the liquid out of speakers. Caveats: It won’t help with water trapped in the USB port or SIM card slot, and you’ll need to turn your phone on for this to work. Let it dry out for 24 hours before you try.

“Alexa, change your voice”: If you have multiple Amazon Echo speakers, Alexa will ask which one to change, and then she can preview some voices for you. The British accent makes Alexa feel fancy.

Don’t throw your Bluetooth speaker in a lake; it’ll sync: Sonos rolled out a screwed-up app in May that’s missing basic features, and now speakers are turning off intermittently. They’re working on a fix that’ll cost a cool $20 million or more, but there’s no timeline yet. I’m sure it doesn’t help that they just laid off 100 people yesterday …

Apple’s specs appeal: No one’s buying Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro headsets, so Apple’s now holding off on the Vision Pro 2 to focus instead on a cheaper version of the original for 2025. It’ll have the same high-end displays but fewer cameras, a simpler headband and smaller speakers. I bet its price is around $1,500, much like a high-end iPhone.

Seoul you wanna start a revolution: I thought this was super interesting. Korean activists are using 3D-printed smart balloons to send messages deep into North Korea. Each balloon costs up to $1,000 and can carry up to 16.5 pounds of cargo, like leaflets or mini speakers. The mission: Undermine dictator Kim Jong Un.

Bravo! Samsung has a new TV that comes with a free 8K TV, valued at $8,000. The 114-inch “ultra-premium” set costs $132,630 and uses Micro-LED display tech for enhanced colors, brightness and response times. They’re also throwing in a discount on a new pair of speakers and a $2,200 hotel stay. Sorry, but this offer’s for Korea only for now.

Goop, begone: Grab a ball of Blu-Tack and press it into your earbud speakers. Pull it away, and all the junk inside comes out with it. Gross, I know.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Smart speakers are great: But if you’re worried about accidental (or intentional) eavesdropping, find and use the mic mute and camera shutter buttons on your devices. On an Echo, the light will turn red to indicate the mic is off.

Home intercom 2.0: If you have Google Nest speakers all around the house, you can send a message to everyone at once. Mobilize your family by saying, “Hey, Google, broadcast …” and then your message. The car will be leaving in 5 minutes, kids.

Your earbuds are gross – Here’s how to clean them the right way

It’s a bit stomach-turning when you think about the germs, viruses, grime, and other crud covering our devices.

Dust can do a surprising amount of damage to your TV. Particles find their way into every crack and crevice and stay there unless you do something about it. Tap or click for the safe steps to clean out your TV’s ports — and shine up the screen.

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Hear your TV at whatever volume you want

Watching TV at home is supposed to be an easy stress reliever. But it’s hard to relax when your roommates or family tell you to turn it down. Sometimes, they make you turn it down so low you can barely hear anything.

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