Google Chromecast and Home goes down due to backend issues

If your Google Chromecast or Google Home is fritzing, you’re not alone. A backend systems issue caused the outage for the two products for users from different parts of the world. As of 7:00 p.m. ET, TechCrunch reports that Google is working on the fix to the issue and are working to make sure this doesn’t happen in the future.

Here’s Google’s official statement on the issue as well as the fix it offers in the meantime as they work to bring everything back to normal: “We’ve identified a fix for the issue impacting Google Home and Chromecast users and it will be automatically rolled out over the next 6 hours. If you would like an immediate fix please follow the directions to reboot your device. If you’re still experiencing an issue after rebooting, contact us at Google Home Support. We are really sorry for the inconvenience and are taking steps to prevent this issue from happening in the future.”

Google Assistant can now provide more information about the rain

Google is continuously updating both Assistant and by extension Google Home with more features. One of the newest thing the company seems to be testing out is related to the weather—or rain, to be specific. Previously, when you ask Google Assistant if it’s going to rain, it’ll give you a yes or no answer. Now, it’ll be able to provide more information. It can tell you when exactly it’ll rain and if there will be a break from it. A lot of Reddit users have confirmed that this feature is rolling out for some people and it is coming to Google Home users, too. Here’s to hoping this rolls out to more users.

Source: XDA Developers

Google and Netflix partner to introduce ‘Lost in Space’ game for Google Home

Google and Netflix have done it once again. Just like with Stranger Things before, you can play an audio-based game on Google Home. All you need to do is say “Hey Google, play the Lost in Space game.” The game will have you talking to Will and the rest of the Robinson family as you help them navigate their way through unfamiliar territory after they crash land on the way to Alpha Centauri. The game ties in with the recently released Lost in Space series that’s now streaming on Netflix.

Source: Android Police

Google isn’t ruling out making a Google Home speaker with a screen

The JBL Link View is one of the third-party Google Assistant-enabled speakers

Before you wonder if Google is thinking on letting third-party manufacturers occupy the space of Google Assistant-enabled speakers with display, we’re here to set the record straight, sort of. Google’s VP of home products Rishi Chandra said in an interview with Variety that the company isn’t completely ruling out developing a Google Home device that comes with a screen. He says, “It’s an emerging category. I’m not saying we are not going to do it.” Having a display on a Google Home speaker would help enhance the experience of using it. You’ll be able to see the map, if you’re asking for directions or check your calendar, among other things. But it’s too early to say when this might happen or if it really will. And if Google will tie in exclusive features to their homegrown product. What it means for consumers though is one more option to consider.  

Source: CNET