Alarm.com can now lock and unlock doors with Google Assistant

Alarm.com adds a whole bunch of features into its ecosystem with its latest update. Taking part in the Actions on Google platform, Alarm.com users can now add their system to Google Assistant’s Assistant apps section. One way you can activate this is by saying, “OK Google, talk to Alarm.com.” Once you’ve authenticated the credentials, you’ll get a lot of features to work with.

These include being able to lock and unlock doors and garage doors, arm and disarm security systems, change thermostat temperature, control individual or grouped lights, and even ask about the state of any light, lock, or thermostat connected to the site. For those concerned about security, Alarm.com provides an optional setting for a 4-digit PIN code you’ll need to say to perform these potentially compromising actions. If you want a more direct approach to controlling your devices at home, you can also download the Alarm.com app.

Source: Android Police

You might soon be able to see Messenger and Instagram notifications on Facebook

Gordon Gottsegen/CNET

Facebook is trying to keep you within its main app as long as possible. The social network is testing out with some users the ability to see Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram notifications within the Facebook app itself. It’ll help lessen the time having to switch between the apps just to check if you have notifications. You’ll be able to see a circle icon at the top right corner of your newsfeed and when you tap on it, you’ll be able to switch between the three apps.

At the moment though, it isn’t available to all users. According to Facebook’s statement to CNET, they’re “conducting a very small test” for this specific feature so you may or may not be one of the lucky few who see this. If Facebook does decide to bring this to more users, is this something you’ve been waiting for them to do? 

Apple blames third-party batteries for Beats headphones that exploded on its user

Apple is denying that the explosion of a pair of Beats headphones while on its user has anything to do with the product itself. Apple claims their investigation found that the “issue was caused by a third-party battery” and they are refusing to compensate the victim. The incident happened back in February to an unnamed Australian woman flying from Beijing to Melbourne. She woke up on the flight to the sound of the explosion and a burning sensation. Her face, hands, and hair were burned. But what she’s seeking compensation for is the headphones and the ruined clothes.

As mentioned, Apple doesn’t want to compensate her for these. But the woman says she was using AAA batteries bought in Australia and there weren’t that many alternatives. "The headphones don't work without batteries, yet nowhere on the headphones —or their packaging —did it specify which brand of batteries should be used," she said. The Beats headphones in question are said to be an older model bought back in 2014 that needed extra batteries to work.

Source: Engadget + Apple Insider

Google Assistant now lets you type out your queries

You saw it show up on Google Assistant for iOS. Now, it’s also making its way to Android. If your Assistant-equipped phone updated, you should see that there’s a new keyboard icon at the bottom left corner of the screen. Up top on the right you’ll also see a blue icon which has two new sections: Explore and Your Stuff. Explore shows you the capabilities of Assistant and what you can do with it. Meanwhile, Your Stuff houses some stuff similar to Google Now, including your calendar and reminders, what’s on your shopping list, and a new Shortcuts feature. The last one, lets you automate things on your own with select phrases. For example, if you say the words “Workout time,” you can then prompt it to play workout music on Google Play Music.

Source: Droid Life