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Support Status and Details for Older Google Home Speakers

In early October 2025, Google announced that the Gemini AI assistant would officially take over from Google Assistant in its smart home offerings. This transition has already begun with devices like the new Pixel 10 and Pixel Watches, but it’s the first significant integration of Gemini into smart home products. It brings a wealth of new features, more fluid conversations, and enhanced AI processing capabilities for tasks and inquiries.

Accompanying the announcement is new hardware, including an upgraded Google Home Speaker designed to accommodate Gemini Live’s more natural conversation style and the on-device processing necessary for advanced AI functionalities. This speaker will provide quicker and smoother responses, along with additional audio enhancements. However, upgrading is not mandatory at this time. If you own an older model Google speaker, it will still function. Gemini will be available on all Google and Nest devices released over the past ten years. While the experience may not be as seamless as with the latest version, including rapid and smooth interactions, these speakers will remain usable for the foreseeable future.

Which Google speakers remain supported?

Google is extending Gemini’s compatibility to its Google Home and Nest devices launched since 2015, allowing you to continue using them with the latest Gemini access. Specifically regarding smart speakers, this encompasses the Google Home (2016), Google Home Mini (2016), Google Home Max (2017), Nest Mini (2019), and Nest Audio (2020). For smart displays, which enhance the experience with a screen, you can utilize the Nest Hub (2018), Nest Hub Max (2019), and Nest Hub 2nd-gen (2021). Moreover, support also covers security cameras and video doorbells you may have in your ecosystem.

Gemini Live necessitates a subscription, but it will offer a more natural interaction compared to the usual robotic commands and responses you’ve become familiar with from Google Assistant. Most significantly, the speakers will grasp context. For example, if you ask Gemini to add ingredients for Spaghetti Bolognese to your grocery list, it will recognize which items to include and may even inquire about how many servings you need to adjust the quantities accordingly. If you’re starting your workday and request it to turn on the lights, Gemini will understand that you mean in the home office.

Some features require payment

It’s important to note that while your older Google Home smart speaker will upgrade to Gemini, to access advanced features like an interactive Gemini Live conversation, you will need a Google Home Premium subscription starting at $10 per month. With this subscription, you can engage with Gemini and start conversations without needing a trigger phrase like “Hey Google.” Nevertheless, even without signing up, you can still use basic Gemini functionalities.

The features are being gradually rolled out, so you may have to wait until late October 2025 to access them. If you’re particularly keen, open the Google Home app and tap your Profile icon in the top-right corner. Go to Home Settings > Early access, and wait for a notification when it’s ready. Additionally, the app is undergoing a complete redesign. You’ll benefit from upgrades such as a unified view of all your connected devices, new gestures, an Activity Tab, an Automation Tab, and more. While using your current smart speaker is a great way to explore with equipment you already own, you will achieve an even better experience with the latest model, so consider planning for a hardware upgrade eventually.

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Best MagSafe Battery Packs for iPhone Air, iPhone 17, and Additional Models

# Investigating Substitutes for Apple’s MagSafe Battery for iPhone Air

With the launch of the iPhone Air, Apple has brought back the MagSafe battery pack, which is priced at $99 and tailored specifically for this device. Although the MagSafe battery is sleek and practical, its capacity is somewhat limited, leading users to seek alternative options that might provide enhanced value and efficiency. This article will examine some of the leading alternatives currently available in the market, particularly for those looking for a MagSafe battery without the steep price or for those not acquiring the iPhone Air.

## The Development of MagSafe Charging

Since Apple opened the MagSafe standard to Qi2 last year, third-party manufacturers have been able to develop MagSafe chargers that can support charging speeds of up to 15W. This marks a notable advancement from the earlier Qi standard, which was capped at 7.5W. Interestingly, the iPhone Air’s MagSafe battery only allows for charging at a maximum of 12W, even though the device can accommodate up to 20W with MagSafe. This difference makes third-party alternatives more attractive for users wanting faster charging options.

## Best Alternatives to Apple’s MagSafe Battery

### Anker Nano Power Bank

The **[Anker Nano Power Bank](https://amzn.to/42zzweP)** represents a mid-tier choice that is distinguished by its high-end feel and super-slim design. It provides a capacity of 5000mAh and charges devices at 15W due to Qi2 technology. Users have noted that it operates cooler than many rivals. Generally priced at $54.99, it is now available for **$45.99** during a limited-time offer. The Anker power bank comes in both black and white.

### Baseus Battery Bank

For budget-conscious consumers, the **[Baseus battery bank](https://amzn.to/4mltc1q)** is the most economical option in this lineup, currently available for **$22.99**. Although it shares a comparable 5000mAh capacity and slim profile with the Anker, it does not support Qi2, restricting charging speed to 7.5W. Nevertheless, it includes a USB-C port that permits 20W wired charging. The Baseus battery bank is offered in four shades: Cosmic Black, Rose Pink, Natural Titanium, and Space Gray.

### UGREEN Power Bank

The **

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Electronics Needed for Scanning at TSA Security

actually eliminated the shoe removal requirement for travelers at domestic airports. Additionally, several policies have also been adjusted for the sake of efficiency, particularly concerning TSA electronics regulations. Beyond identifying which devices are allowed and which are prohibited, it’s also beneficial to understand how to interact at checkpoints. While you no longer need to take off your shoes, what electronics indeed have to be screened at TSA security outside of your bag?

Generally, the TSA typically informs you that any device larger than a smartphone should be taken out of your bag and placed in a bin, with the largest items such as laptops requiring their individual bins. However, this is more of an informal guideline, meaning it is at the discretion of each agent, and they can still request the removal of specific items. Retro handhelds are generally the size of smartphones, so you might need to take those out, especially a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch. Cameras can often remain in the bag but might need to be taken out if in their own case or if they’re oversized.

Laptops and tablets must always be extracted. Large charging bricks or power banks might need to be taken out. Portable drones and sometimes their accessories may need to be removed as well. Even electronics-based toys might need to be scanned separately if children are accompanying you. Inquisitive individuals may wonder why these electronics must exit their cozy bags and go through distinct scans. This merits a succinct yet separate clarification.

Why must you remove large electronics for screening?

The Garmin Venu 4: My Preferred Selection for a Fitness Watch

I evaluated the Garmin Venu 4 alongside several other health and fitness devices.

It’s been two years since the launch of the Venu 3, and the Venu 4 arrives with a fresh design and some additional features. Nevertheless, Garmin has largely kept the Elevate sensor unchanged, which isn’t necessarily negative. As demonstrated with the Venu X1, this sensor continues to prove itself to be quite precise.

I’ve been utilizing the Garmin Venu 4 as my primary workout companion for a couple of weeks. I compared it with the Garmin Venu 3 to assess any changes (if there are any), and also with the Pixel Watch 3 to evaluate its performance against my preferred smartwatch.

Fitness features I appreciate

In contrast to the Forerunner series, the Garmin Venu 4 acts more as a versatile gadget, emphasizing overall fitness rather than just running. As a result, Garmin has packed numerous fitness features into the watch, building upon earlier versions while ensuring it’s suitable for anyone looking to just put it on and begin.

Numerous helpful and new training features are available to enhance your workout experiences, but the one I focus on the most is Training Readiness. This metric considers various factors, including sleep, recovery duration, and acute load, to assess how intensively you should engage in your forthcoming workouts. Ideally, this serves as a useful tool to prevent overexertion, which can hinder your performance.

The Venu 4 also accommodates more coaching features, allowing me to experience a better variety of workouts that refresh my usual routine. This feels more curated and diverse, which should appeal to enthusiasts of the Venu series. Weightlifters like myself will appreciate the watch’s enhanced ability to track reps and sets with greater accuracy than the Venu 3, leading to more precise exercise and muscle categorization in post-workout summaries.

If you lack a coaching plan, you will also receive a wider selection of suggested workouts, marking a positive development from the Morning Report seen on the Vivoactive 6.

After each workout, the Venu 4 offers a summary of the session, including metrics like training load to measure workout intensity. You’ll also receive a figure indicating your recovery time, which influences your training readiness. This figure represents your recovery period between challenging activities, including sleep. It’s Garmin’s way of advising you to relax.

Heart rate

Smartwatches are generally reliable when it comes to heart rate monitoring, but they are ultimately not perfect. The accuracy of the watch’s heart rate detection can hinge on several factors, including fit, positioning, cleanliness, and even the type of band used. Although Garmin’s Elevate V5 heart rate monitor on the Venu 4 has demonstrated reliability over the years, it is not without faults.

In most instances, the Venu 4 aligned with my expectations during workouts. Having used smartwatches for some time, I have a good idea of what the readings should show. However, there are occasional moments when the watch seems slow to respond, as illustrated in the charts below:

In the initial chart, the Venu 4 remained considerably lower than the Pixel Watch 3 throughout my run. I noticed this discrepancy in real-time, unable to identify the reason for such differing readings, as both devices were securely fastened on my wrists. Thankfully, the watch seemed to rectify itself as my pace increased, though it was confusing during my run.

Following runs showed no significant discrepancies, with both watches remaining fairly consistent with each other. However, things got slightly odd when comparing the Venu 4 to the Venu 3 during my HIIT sessions.

HIIT workouts typically exhibit more variability than runs, leading to fluctuating heart rates. Despite this, the Venu 4 showed a few brief but notable dips during certain workouts that the Venu 3 did not. What’s intriguing is that both smartwatches utilize the same Elevate sensor, leaving me puzzled about the source of these dips. Fortunately, the Venu 4 managed to correct itself most of the time.

Overall, the heart rate sensor on the Venu 4 tends to be reliable, with occasional minor fluctuations.

Step counter

I put the Garmin Venu 4 through two abbreviated sessions of my usual walking test, covering a total of 2,000 steps each time. I compared the step counts with the Google Pixel Watch 4, Venu 3, and the Oura Ring 4 while simultaneously using a manual step counter on my phone. The results were pleasantly unexpected, especially for the Venu models.

As demonstrated, during both sessions, the V

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Apple’s Latest iPhone Air Aims at Samsung Galaxy Devices

 iPhone Air – the most lightweight and elegant smartphone that Apple has manufactured to date. With the iPhone Air, Apple seemingly asserts that exceptional performance can still be achieved with an ultra-slim device, without compromising on durability, power, display quality, and other high-end characteristics. Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy series — one of the iPhone’s primary competitors — produces some of the largest smartphones currently available based on their size. Consider the Galaxy S25, for example. Although the device weighs just 162 grams, it still measures 7.2mm in thickness. 

In contrast to the iPhone Air’s 5.6mm ultra-slim profile, the S25 is certainly bulkier. The iPhone Air also features a larger screen while maintaining a sleeker body. However, there’s also the S25 Edge, a device that more directly competes with the iPhone Air in terms of design. At only 5.8mm thick and weighing 163 grams, the S25 Edge is nearly the same size as the iPhone Air. It also accommodates a larger battery of 3,900 mAh and an extra camera. Yet, in Apple’s quest for luxury, a few design enhancements allow the iPhone Air to stand out in terms of feel and finish, while still leaving opportunities for hardware advancements in the future.

Two different perspectives on durability and aesthetics

The Key is in Enhanced Batteries, Not Quicker Charging.

Genuine all-day battery longevity need not be a fantasy. In the contemporary fast-moving environment, where smartphones form an essential part of our everyday routines, the need for batteries that last longer is increasingly urgent. Despite developments in technology, numerous flagship devices from companies such as Samsung, Apple, and Google still do not meet the all-day battery longevity that users desire. Although rapid charging options are emerging, they frequently involve risks and drawbacks.

The fundamental problem lies in the current batteries not enduring long enough between charges, compelling users to depend on fast charging to keep their devices functional throughout the day. This dependence on quick charging can raise safety issues and may lead to battery deterioration over time. The emphasis should instead be on creating batteries that genuinely sustain usage from morning to evening, enabling users to recharge their devices securely during the night.

Certain companies, including OnePlus, have sought to tackle this by devising methods to safely charge phones at elevated power levels. However, this strategy still fails to address the core issue of inadequate battery capacity. Rather than focusing on sleeker phones with smaller batteries, manufacturers should investigate innovative alternatives like solid-state batteries, which promise increased capacity, safety, and efficiency without adding bulk.

While the current costs of solid-state batteries are high, their ability to transform battery life in smartphones is undeniably significant. Ideally, a smartphone would be compact, able to perform all necessary functions, and need charging only once daily. Until such innovations gain widespread acceptance, the pursuit of true all-day battery longevity persists, remaining a vital domain for advancement in the technology sector.

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Evaluation of the MX Master 4: Improvements to Logitech’s Favored Mac Efficiency Mouse

**Logitech MX Master 4: An In-Depth Review**

Recently, Logitech introduced the newest generation of its highly favored productivity mouse – the MX Master 4. After a month of hands-on usage, it’s obvious that this mouse presents an appealing option for both casual users and professionals alike.

### What’s Different?

For those transitioning from the MX Master 3 or 3S, the MX Master 4 brings three major advancements: haptics, feel, and a new action wheel.

1. **Haptic Feedback**: The MX Master 4 comes equipped with an outstanding haptic engine that enhances the entire user experience. For example, while utilizing the thumb pad for gestures, users enjoy tactile feedback with every movement, improving the feeling of control and responsiveness.

2. **Enhanced Feel**: The materials employed in the MX Master 4 have seen upgrades. The prior silicone surfaces have been substituted with high-quality matte plastics, creating a more premium sensation. Users have observed that the MX Master 4 exhibits little wear even after prolonged use, in contrast to its forerunner.

3. **New Mappable Button and Actions Ring**: The MX Master 4 boasts an additional mappable button, which is configured for gestures by default. The thumb pad is now associated with the new Actions Ring feature, enabling users to easily access various shortcuts. This function currently supports Adobe applications and can also be tailored for system operations.

Furthermore, the MX Master 4 is bundled with a USB-C dongle, departing from the previous USB-A format. The ‘for Mac’ variant operates solely via Bluetooth, while the standard version includes the USB-C dongle, all offered at the same price.

### Is It Worth the Investment?

The MX Master series has consistently been commended for its adaptability, especially for macOS users who take advantage of gestures. The MX Master 4 effectively merges the benefits of a mouse and a trackpad, rendering it a valuable asset for productivity.

With the newly integrated haptic feedback, the mouse experience has been significantly improved. However, it comes with a steeper price of $119, which is $20 higher than the former MX Master 3S, likely due to tariffs.

For those contemplating the MX Master line, now is a prime time to make a purchase. Users of the MX Master 3 may discover the upgrade to be beneficial, particularly with the enhanced DPI sensor (8000 DPI on the 3S/4 compared to 4000 DPI on the 3) and quieter clicks.

### Conclusion

Logitech has effectively enhanced its well-liked productivity mouse, making it even more enjoyable to operate. The MX Master 4 is priced at $119 on Amazon and is available in three colors: graphite, pale gray, and white (the latter exclusively in the ‘for Mac’ variant).

Ultimately, the MX Master 4 emerges as a leading option for anyone in search of a high-quality mouse that amplifies productivity and comfort.

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