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Google Declares Imminent Elimination of Phone Actions from Smart Home Automations

These features are on their way out.

Essential Information

  • Users of Nest devices received a notification indicating that “phone actions and automations” will be removed from Google Home during the first week of May.
  • This has raised concerns among users, and Google has made it clear that while they are not eliminating automations entirely, they are removing “phone-related actions” from those automations, leading to user frustration.
  • As one feature is set to be discontinued, Google has introduced “Continued Conversations” to Gemini for Home, which facilitates follow-up questions and additional queries more easily.

Recently, Google’s smart home devices have been alerting users about an impending feature removal.

A discussion was initiated in the Google Nest Community, highlighting a warning given by a user’s smart device regarding phone actions and automations (as reported by 9to5Google). While engaging in their evening routines, the smart device notified the user that “phone actions and automations will no longer be available” starting in the first week of May. The user expressed their unease with this announcement, mirroring the sentiments of others in the community discussion.

One user responded that they utilize this feature “multiple times each day” and would be disappointed if it were discontinued. The publication found another case of users mentioning this warning on their Nest Hub and other devices on Reddit, where users likewise voiced their dissatisfaction with this unexpected removal of automations from Google Home; however, the situation may not be as dire as it appears.

A Google Community Specialist replied on the main forum and Reddit, providing clarification. According to their statement, “we are not eliminating automations in May.” They have specified that only phone-related actions within the automations are what will be terminated. The representative provided examples such as checking the battery level, setting/unsetting Do Not Disturb, and adjusting the phone volume. All aspects of your home will stay the same, but it seems Google is discarding anything related to your phone.

Features ebb and flow

Despite the clarification, it seems that users will miss these phone-related actions. Google has not yet addressed inquiries regarding possible workarounds for what is set to vanish in (potentially) a week. There may be an official update from Google at that time, so we will have to remain patient.

As Google looks to remove one feature, it has recently introduced another for Gemini, which now keeps its “ears” attentive for extended periods. The company launched “Continued Conversations,” allowing users more chances to discuss prior tasks or requests with Gemini. This feature, currently in Early Preview, was prompted by user feedback. Now, Gemini will “remember” the conversation, maintaining its microphone active for follow-up questions or additional tasks. Meanwhile, Nest Hub users have reported a curious issue with their devices, as they inaccurately indicate the time.

It’s not the clock that’s incorrect, but rather the way the AI communicates about it. Some users have observed that when they set an alarm for 3 pm, their device instead states “3 am.” Nevertheless, the alarm that was requested has been set.

Smartphone Sales Drop as Fairphone Sees Notable Increase

In a year characterized by a worldwide drop in smartphone sales, Fairphone has distinguished itself as an exceptional player with an impressive 116% rise in shipments year-over-year. This increase signifies the company’s third consecutive quarter of advancement, counteracting the prevailing downward trend in the industry. The growth is especially notable in Europe, with the UK spearheading the movement with a 241% boost in phone shipments. The Netherlands and France have also documented substantial increases, with phone sales climbing by 200% and 121%, respectively. Germany exhibited consistent growth as well.

Fairphone’s achievements are credited to its distinctive approach to smartphone design, emphasizing repairability and sustainability. This tactic appeals to consumers who are progressively looking for enduring and ethically manufactured technology. The company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Rutger Sneep, points out that Fairphone’s growth amid a declining market indicates a shift in consumer inclinations toward more responsible technology.

The momentum builds on a solid 2025, where Fairphone’s sales surged by 42%, culminating in total revenue of €73.3 million, reflecting a 35% increase from the previous year. As Fairphone nears the benchmarks of one million devices sold and $500 million in overall revenue, its model of transparency and repairability continues to resonate, presenting a robust business strategy during challenging times for the electronics sector.

Microsoft Office Now Compatible with Logitech’s MX Creative Console

Logitech has announced a new suite of Productivity Plugins for its entire MX line of accessories, including its Stream Deck alternative, the MX Creative Console. Since the console launched in September 2024, Logitech has been expanding its capabilities with plug-ins that support creativity-focused apps such as Final Cut Pro, Adobe Lightroom, and Figma. That is […]

Crucial Details for Importing a Phone from China: Six Important Factors

Purchasing a Chinese phone can lead to significant savings, but there are important factors to consider.

Devices available in China differ greatly from their internationally released versions. Since these phones lack the Play Store, each manufacturer presents its own unique app marketplace, and their update processes vary as well.

Over the past year, I experimented with Chinese versions of Vivo, OPPO, Xiaomi, Huawei, and Honor devices, and I observed that the differences between the global model and the Chinese variant—at least regarding software—are not as pronounced as they once were.

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Data transfer occurs without delay

Google includes a built-in feature for transferring data to a new Android device, and although the process is slower than I prefer, it effectively transfers your content—photos, videos, texts, apps, calls, contacts, and more—to your new phone.

However, since Chinese phones do not utilize Google services, manufacturers have developed their alternatives. In the case of Vivo, they provide EasyShare for data transfer to your new device, which is significantly quicker than Google’s option. While setting up the Chinese version of the Vivo X300 Ultra from the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, I migrated over 100GB of data in under 10 minutes.

What I appreciate most is that it transfers all the applications present on your current phone, addressing many issues associated with not having the Play Store pre-installed.

Installing the Play Store and Google services is simple

The primary drawback of using a Chinese device is the absence of Google Mobile Services (GMS). This means that you won’t find the Play Store, Chrome, YouTube, Gmail, or other Google services pre-installed.

However, this isn’t a significant drawback on contemporary Chinese smartphones, as installing the Play Store is straightforward, allowing you to download all your usual applications. Most of these devices come with something called Google basic service management accessible in the settings. You’ll need to activate this feature, which supplies the essential services that Google employs for many functionalities you typically receive on

What a Difference Two Years Make: Comparing SBC Prices in 2024 vs. 2026 – CNX Software

SBC Price 2024 vs 2026

Looking back, 2024 feels like a golden year for single board computers, as the increasing price of RAM (and storage and other components) since late 2025 due to the AI demand has made those much less attractive, price/performance ratio-wise. We’ve already documented Raspberry Pi SBC price hikes, and after several increases, the Raspberry Pi 5 16GB went from $120 to $305, or a 154% change in price. Yesterday, I noticed the Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero had a new version with 4GB RAM and 32GB eMMC flash, and a reader was quick to point out the $181 price tag to Europe was painful, bearing in mind it also includes VAT and shipping. Looking at the original December 2023 article, the BPI-M4 Zero 2GB/8GB sold for $28.90 plus shipping, and it now shows up at $115 before taxes. That’s a 297% hike, or about four times the price from a little over […]

The post What a difference two years make? Comparing SBC prices in 2024 and 2026 appeared first on CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.