Google has built a new smart speaker that uses artificial intelligence to understand what you're saying in a more natural, conversational way—rather than requiring you to use specific commands word-for-word. For people who find today's smart speakers frustrating because they don't understand variations of requests or follow-up questions, this could make voice control feel more like talking to a real person. Worth knowing: if you already have a Google Home device, you might not need to rush out and buy this new one—check whether a software update brings similar features to what you already own.
A power bank is a portable battery pack you carry in your pocket or bag that charges your phone, tablet, or other devices when you're away from home. Without one, you risk your phone dying at an inconvenient moment—whether you're out socializing, trying to navigate somewhere, or need to reach someone in an emergency. Worth knowing: most power banks work with standard charging cables, and prices range from budget-friendly options around £20 to premium models over £60, so you can find something that suits both your needs and your wallet.
Google is finally letting people order a new smart speaker they announced last August—a small, round device that costs $100 and arrives June 25th. For those who like voice commands to control their home (playing music, checking weather, managing smart lights), this fresh option after a six-year gap gives you another choice beyond Amazon's Alexa devices. You can preorder one today if you're curious, though it might be worth waiting for early reviews to see how well it actually performs once real people start using it.
Netflix's "Are you still watching?" prompt is meant to save electricity and prevent accidental streaming, but you can disable it entirely if it bothers you. For older adults who like to fall asleep to a show or watch at their own pace, removing this interruption means uninterrupted viewing without guilt or annoyance. You can turn it off by going into your Netflix account settings, selecting "Playback settings," and unchecking the "Playback" option—though the exact steps vary slightly depending on whether you're using a TV, phone, or computer.
Google is releasing a brand-new smart speaker next week—its first major update to this product in six years—and you can order one starting today for $99. Unlike some tech releases, this one hasn't changed much since it was announced nine months ago; it's a round device with touch buttons on top, a light ring at the bottom, and comes in four nice colors including white and green. Worth knowing: if you're interested in trying it out, it launches June 25th, so you have time to read reviews before deciding whether it fits your home setup.
Google has released a new home speaker for $100 that plays music in all directions at once and works more smoothly with Google's AI assistant. If you enjoy music around your home or rely on voice commands to control your smart devices, this speaker could be a practical upgrade that makes everything feel more connected and responsive. Worth knowing: check what smart home devices you already own—the new speaker works best if you have other Google-compatible gadgets like thermostats or lights.
Pinterest has created a new experimental app called "Ask Pinterest" that works like having a helpful shopping assistant you can chat with—you simply ask it questions about what you'd like to find, and it suggests products and ideas. For anyone who finds endless scrolling through websites tiring or enjoys getting personalized suggestions, this conversational approach could make finding gifts, home décor, or fashion ideas much quicker and more enjoyable. Worth knowing: since this is still experimental, features may change, so it's worth trying it out to see if it suits your shopping style before relying on it regularly.
Comcast's Xfinity service now offers same-day Wi-Fi installation for new customers in selected areas, meaning you won't have to wait weeks for an appointment. If you're moving or switching providers, this faster setup saves you from the frustration of being without internet while waiting for a technician. Worth knowing: check with Xfinity when signing up whether same-day service is available in your neighborhood, as it only applies to certain regions right now.
Google has released a major update for Pixel smartwatches that brings a redesigned interface, faster notifications, and their new AI assistant Gemini built right in. For watch users, this means getting information more quickly on your wrist and being able to ask Gemini questions—like weather forecasts or quick facts—without reaching for your phone. Worth knowing: if you own a Pixel watch, check your device settings to see if the update is available, as it may roll out gradually over the next week or two.
Google's latest Android 17 update makes it easier to do several things at once on your phone, adds stronger privacy protections, and gives parents better tools to manage what their children can access. These improvements matter because they help keep your personal information safer and make your phone more intuitive to use if you're juggling multiple apps or keeping an eye on family devices. You can check for the Android 17 update by going to your phone's Settings menu and looking for System Updates, though the rollout typically happens gradually over several weeks.
# Summary
Roku, the popular device many people use to stream shows on their TVs, has become increasingly frustrating with constant ads, slow performance, and privacy concerns that push users toward their own services rather than the ones you actually want to watch. For streaming fans, this matters because you're paying for services like Netflix and Disney+, but spending more time watching advertisements for Roku's own content than actually enjoying what you subscribed for. Worth knowing: if you're finding your Roku slower or more ad-heavy lately, it might be time to explore alternatives like Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or even a Samsung or LG TV with built-in streaming apps.
# Fire TV Stick Running Slow? Here's What You Need to Know
Your Fire TV Stick can become sluggish over time because it builds up temporary files and runs too many apps in the background—similar to how a computer desk gets cluttered. Keeping your device running smoothly matters because waiting for shows to load or dealing with freezing menus is frustrating, especially when you just want to relax and watch. Worth knowing: before trying anything complicated, simply unplug your Fire TV Stick for 30 seconds and plug it back in; if that doesn't help, go into Settings to delete apps you're not using and clear the cache from unused applications.
