Google Assistant might let you play podcasts from third-party apps soon

Source: Google

It might soon be possible to use Google Assistant to play podcasts without launching the app on your phone. Android Police and its readers discovered that Google is looking to support third-party podcasts services, starting with Spotify. You can choose your podcast provider of choice in the podcast settings in Assistant. Google hasn't confirmed the rollout yet, but AP's writer Rita El Khoury can't get the feature to work at the moment. Engadget points out that this might be due to regional issues.

Lenovo Smart Clock Essential retails for $69.99 in Canada

Source: Lenovo

The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is now available in Canada for $69.99. It's a "smart clock" as much as it is a Google Assistant-enabled smart speaker with a digital display. It can show you the time and weather on the LED screen, but you can expect no other touch interaction. There are buttons to let you set alarms as well as a "built-in light that helps you walk around without bumping into things."

With its price, the Smart Clock Essential is meant to occupy different spaces in your home. Its 3W speaker is more useful for sounds than casual listening, and you can pair it as part of a group. It also has a USB port to let you charge your other devices while you sleep.

Source: TechCrunch

Spotify spotted testing out new 'Car Mode' design

It looks like Spotify is trying to revamp its Car Mode. App researcher Jane Manchun Wong spotted the changes. The Car Mode home page is getting larger grids for recommended playlists, a redesigned navigation bar, and a new banner that promotes Spotify control using Google Assistant. The player UI is also getting a new look with larger buttons to make it easier to control the app. 

According to Wong, other features Spotify is testing include a new animation for new likes and allowing free users to play content offline for 30 minutes a day. Offline listening is currently only available to its Premium subscribers.

With this potential update hitting the app, it looks like Spotify is cozying up to Google. The streaming service recently launched a free Google Nest Mini giveaway for Premium users.

Waze brings Google Assistant integration to Canada

English-speaking Waze users in the country can now use Google Assistant to access the app's features hands-free. It's rolling out to both Android and iOS. Waze brought this feature to the US last year. You can now ask "Hey Google" to report traffic, incidents, or hazards; help navigate; search; or ask Assistant questions without leaving the app. Android users can also set Google calendar appointments, play music, and make phone calls.