Google is offering free Home Mini to One subscribers in Canada

Embed from Getty Images

After showing up for Google One subscribers in the US, it seems One users in Canada are part of this new promo. The company has been sending emails to users saying they get a Home Mini speaker for free. According to Android Police, the accounts need to have been created before August 6 are eligible. They didn't specify what storage tier is required, though. In the US, 2TB and above plans are eligible. It might be time to check your email or even one.google.com to see if you can score a free smart speaker from Google.

You won't be able to disable the status light on Nest cameras, Dropcams, and Nest Hello

Back in May, Google introduced the Google Nest brand and its "commitment to privacy," which promised a "clear visual indicator when your Nest cameras are on and sending video and audio to Nest." Google showcased this with the Nest Hub Max. But now, Google is applying this retroactively to its dedicated security products like Nest cameras, Nest Hello doorbells, and Dropcams. Nest and Dropcam users will no longer be able to disable the status light. Legitimate users who want to keep these products hidden from home invaders are displeased with Google's decision. But the company says this update is meant to keep unscrupulous individuals from secretly filming guests. The only option users have now is to dim the lights. But when the camera is on, the light will stay on.

Source: Engadget

Bixby on the Galaxy Note10 will let you save photo reminders of where you're parked

Embed from Getty Images

Much like Google Maps, Bixby can remember your parking location, if you ask it to do so. Samsung is taking this a step further with the Galaxy Note10 and Note10+. It'll let you save a photo reminder of where you've parked. The virtual assistant will let you take a photo with the camera app, and it'll add it to the location reminder. This gives you that visual cue you need if the coordinates aren't enough for you to remember where you parked your car. At the moment, this feature seems to be exclusive for these two phones.

Source: SamMobile

Spotify tests new convenient Nearby Device feature

A new feature Spotify is testing out makes it easier to switch to your "favorite" nearby device. Thurrott's Mehedi Hassan reported that this new nearby device feature allows users to easily switch playback to their most-used device whenever they're nearby. If this test is available to you, then it'll ask you first if you want to set a "favorite" device within Spotify Connect. When you set it to your preferred device, the mobile app will ask you whether you want to start playback on that device whenever you are near the device.

An example Hassan gave was that he set a Harman Kardon Invoke speaker as a favorite device. Every time he comes home, Spotify detects that the Invoke is nearby. It would send him a notification asking if he wants to start playing on the Invoke. Spotify would then switch playback immediately from the notification, easing the process for him to make the switch. Theoretically, it should work with any device that supports Spotify Connect, but Hassan notes that it doesn't work with his Windows 10 PC yet. Since this seems to be a test, you may or may not get it yet. Let us know what you think if you have access to it.