lightbulbs Archives

5 hidden Google Assistant tricks for your Android

Virtual assistants can be used with smartphones, tablets, computers and smart devices, including speakers, TVs, lightbulbs, thermostats, surveillance cameras and more. While Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Cortana, Bixby and others are designed to make your life easier, it helps to know everything they can do.

Google Assistant is among the most popular virtual assistants, and there’s always something new to learn when it comes to what it can do for you. We’ve gathered five neat tricks you may not know about.

1. Take screenshots

Screenshots are great for sharing anything from a recipe to a funny meme. They’re also helpful reminders for appointments and grocery lists when browsing recipes online.

You can take a screenshot simply by using your voice. Just activate Google Assistant through the app, start it with a button press or say, “Hey Google,” and then say, “Take a screenshot.”

You may need to check your settings if the command isn’t working. Open Settings and go to Apps & notifications > Advanced > Default apps > Assist & voice input. Then turn on Use screenshot.

2. Search photos

Google Lens lets you explore your photos in detail or take action, such as linking to a store that sells an item in the image. It can also translate text into your language.

According to Google, “Google Lens lets you search what you see. Using a photo, your camera or almost any image, Lens helps you discover visually similar images and related content, gathering results from all over the internet.”

You can open Google Lens by activating Google Assistant and saying, “Open Google Lens.” While using Google Lens, point at an object and ask Google Assistant what you’re looking at.

3. Read this page

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10 things you should buy on Amazon and NOT Costco, Walmart or Target

If you need to buy some things for around the house, you might run out to a Big Box store. Many of us assume that everything is cheaper at Walmart or Target, but that isn’t always the case.

If you are looking for a great price, you might want to skip the store and pick up your laptop instead. Shopping online can often lead to some undiscovered sales you weren’t expecting. If you are not an Amazon Prime member, you should be. Tap or click here for 11 Prime benefits you’ll wish you knew sooner.

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MVPs = Most Valuable Purchases

Jar openers ($10), because no one needs to know you’re standing in front of the fridge at 2 a.m. eating pickles.
Is there anything more rage-inducing than dropping your phone in between the car seats? Save your sanity with a car seat gap filler.
A smart coffee warmer (25% off), so cold coffee never ruins your morning again.
Let your nosy neighbors think you’re hosting a rave with smart light bulbs (under $15).
This bug bite relief tool sucks out all the stuff that makes bites so itchy. It’s under $10, too.

Save money: Check this page to see if anything you’ve bought on Amazon is on sale. I love a good stock-up.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

How to build a smart home at any budget

Smart homes feel pretty magical. Walk into a room, say the word and a light turns on or a lock slides into place. They’re also great for security: Out goes an SOS or medical emergency alert with a touch of the button.

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Rock your resolutions

💡 Don’t go it alone. Sometimes, a simple tool can take your goals from “impossible” to “no biggie.”

Save money: A smart light switch (33% off, $30) cuts your electric bill by letting you turn off lights from your phone. It works with Alexa and Google Home, too.
Get better sleep: A white noise machine (47% off) blocks out all the little creaks and noises so you can sleep easier. Plus, this one’s under $20 right now.
Lose weight: A mini pedal exerciser lets you stay active while sitting at your desk or vegging out on your couch. Or try a $100 walking treadmill when you’re watching TV or working.
Drink more water: Get a smart water bottle that reminds you to take a slug of the mug. It glows when you should take a sip!
Exercise your brain: Start every day with a new brainbuster with this ”Jeopardy!” day-to-day calendar (50% off, $9).
Get creative: This $8 embroidery kit is great for beginners. Already know how? Try a woodcarving kit!
Pray more: I like this book that gives daily devotionals. If you scroll down, there are several more to choose from you might like.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.