Google Assistant tests broadcast feature for specific rooms

Right now, when you use Google Assistant's Broadcast feature, it's an all-or-nothing affair. It will broadcast your message to all Google Assistant-supported speakers your account is linked to. But Google seems to be testing a way that it'll just broadcast to a specified room.

9to5Google reports that this seems to be an A/B test of the feature. Users will need to say something like, "Hey Google, broadcast a message to living room, the food is ready." And then Google will broadcast this message to the speakers located in the living room. It'll be handy for things like calling your kids down for dinner. But since it's being tested, the feature isn't available widely yet. Here's to hoping Google rolls this one out soon.

These iPhone, Apple Watch models will support CarKey

One of the newest features of iOS 14 turns your iPhone (or Apple Watch) into a car key. This CarKey feature is coming to iOS 14 and even iOS 13 users, allowing you to lock, unlock, and start compatible cars. But just because your device runs on iOS 14 or watchOS 7 doesn't mean it can support it.

CarKey makes use of NFC technology to communicate with the car. During the initial process, the iPhone or Apple Watch needs to be placed on top of the NFC reader in the car. It'll be accessible via the Wallet app. Once set up, CarKey should work without having to unlock your device or open any app. But that means your device needs Background Tag Reading tech, which is only available on the iPhone XR and later. And so this feature will only work with the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and iPhone SE (2nd-gen).

Click to read more ...

Apple AirPods get automatic switching, 'Spatial Audio'

Apple adds some new features for its AirPods earbuds, which it announced at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference. One useful addition is automatic switching. As the name suggests, it automatically switches audio inputs based on the Apple device you're using through your iCloud account. So, from your iPhone to your iPad to your Mac, it'll be a seamless transition. And if you get a call on your iPhone, then it'll automatically switch back to your phone. The feature is coming to the AirPods Pro, second-generation AirPods, Powerbeats, Powerbeats Pro, and Beats Solo Pro via a firmware update.

On top of that, the AirPods Pro is getting a new "Spatial Audio" feature. It provides 3D, surround sound-like audio for these earbuds to offer what Apple calls a "movie theatre experience." The AirPods Pro will continuously recalibrate according to the position of your head as well as how you position your device.

Click to read more ...

Apple iPadOS 14 optimizes tablet experience

The latest update coming to the iPadOS turns the iPad into an even more capable device. Like iOS 14, redesigned widgets and compact Siri are also coming to the iPad. But aside from that, some iPad-specific features inches it closer to being a proper PC replacement.

iPadOS 14 is bringing sidebars to most of its first-party apps to make it easier to navigate and access different parts of the app. There are even toolbars with drop-down menus, similar to what we see on desktop apps. Apple Music has a new full-screen player, too.

Click to read more ...