Weeks after sneaking it into a product demo and teasing it on social media, Google has finally taken the wraps off its first new smart speaker in five years, but we’ll have to wait a little longer before we can get our hands on one.  The $99 Google Home Speaker—yes, Google dropped the “Nest” branding for the new device—has been built for Gemini, Google says, and it boasts features like 360-degree audio and the ability to pair with the Google TV Streamer.   But unlike Google’s new Nest security cameras (Google is sticking with the “Nest” moniker for its smart cams, at least for now), which are available for purchase now, the Google Home Speaker won’t go on sale until spring 2026.  That delay is a “very deliberate and intentional choice” that will give Google time to roll out and “perfect” Gemini for Home on its existing smart speakers and displays, said Anish Kattukaran, director of product management for Google Home and Nest.  The Google Home Speaker in Porcelain (the shot up top is the speaker in Berry). Note the light ring at the bottom of the speaker.Google Wrapped in “eco-friendly” 3D-knit yarn and available in four colors (hazel, porcelain, berry, and jade), the Google Home Speaker arrives with an Alexa-style light right encircling its base, good for offering “expressive visual feedback of what Gemini is doing at any given moment,” including whether it’s listening, processing a voice command, or entering into the conversational Gemini Live mode.  Inside, the speaker packs a custom processor that will “handle a lot of Gemini’s advanced AI,” including Gemini Live, Kattukaran said, while audio processing will help Gemini hear better by cutting down on background noise, reverb, and echos.  Speaking of audio, the Google Home Speaker will support 360-degree audio, good for spreading sound around the room, and you’ll also be able to pair two of the speakers together for stereo sound, similar to what’s possible with Google’s older Nest Mini and Nest Audio speakers.  Besides creating stereo pairs, you’ll also be able to connect one or more Google Home Speakers with the Google TV Streamer. That means you could use two of the speakers for outputting the left and right audio channels from Google’s streaming video player, just as you can use Apple’s HomePod speakers to output sound from an Apple TV 4K.  From this Google-supplied phot of the bottom of the Google Home Speaker, it appears it will have a fixed cable.Google One detail left unsaid about the Google Home Speaker during the company’s pre-brief session was its home hub capabilities, including whether the speaker will act as a Thread border router for Matter devices. We’ve reached out to Google for more information.  Asked when Google might finally reveal a new smart display—the last one was 2022’s second-generation Google Nest Hub—Kattukaran declined to offer a timeline, but said the company remains “deeply committed to that category and we will have more to share next year.”  This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart speakers. Also, be sure to check our complete coverage of Google’s Gemini for Home rollout, including details on new Nest Cams and the new Google Home Premium subscription plans. Read...

Lots of change is coming to Google Home in the coming weeks, from the replacement of Google Assistant with Gemini for Home to an overhaul of its smart home subscription service, complete with a new name.  Google is rebranding its Nest Aware plans as Google Home Premium, adding a bevy of Gemini-powered features to the service’s two tiers (Standard and Advanced), but it’s not chaning the prices for those tiers. So yes, the Google Home Premium reboot doesn’t include any price hikes, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise, given that Google just boosted the price of its former Nest Aware tiers back in July—perhaps in anticipation of the coming changes.  In any event, here’s the lowdown on what each Google Home Premium tier includes, starting with the least expensive plan.  Standard ($10 a month, also included in Google AI Pro)  30 days of video history for all your cameras: Same as the old Nest Aware Plus plan, Google Home Premium Standard will store 30 days of video events in the cloud.  Intelligent alerts: Another layer of benefits similar to Nest Aware, the Standard tier of Google Home Premium includes alerts for pre-enrolled “familiar faces,” garage door open/closed alerts, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm detection, and package alerts. New to the mix are mobile notifications with zoomed-in image previews that focus on the activity that triggered the alert.  Gemini for Home: As Google has long promised, Google Assistant is being replaced by a “new experience” powered by Gemini, and Gemini for Home is that new experience. While Gemini can still control your smart home the way Google Assistant did (“Hey Google, turn on office light 5”), it also promises more a more fluid conversational style as well as the ability to understand the context and intent of your commands, meaning (theoretically) you can say things like “Hey Google, it’s too dark in here,” and Gemini will know a) where you are and b) intuit that you want the lights in that room turned up brighter.  Gemini Live: A more freewheeling conversational mode that you can invoke on a Google Nest Hub tablet or the new Google Home Speaker, Gemini Live lets you hold free-flowing back-and-forth chats with Gemini without having to say the “Hey Google” hot word.   Natural-language automation: Thanks to Gemini’s AI smarts, Google Home can create automations using natural-language prompts. For example, you could say something like “Hey Google, when nobody’s home, turn all the lights off,” and Gemini will create the automation without the need for stepping through automation menus or wizards.  What you can do with Google Home and Gemini depends on how much you’re willing to pay for a subscription.Google Advanced ($20 a month, also included in Google AI Ultra)  The equivalent of the old Nest Aware Plus plan, Google Home Premium Advanced includes all the features in the Standard tier, plus… 60 days of event video history for all your cameras: Again, this is the same benefit as Nest Aware Plus users got, and it also includes up to 10 days of 24/7 video recording.  AI descriptions and alerts: Rather than just getting video descriptions and event notifications that read “Motion detected downstairs,” Gemini will describe the activity captured in the video event: “A person wearing a red jacket was working in the garden.”  “Ask Home” for video history: You’ll be able to quiz your smart home about recent activity using natural-language queries typed into the “Ask Home” search box, such as “Who ate the plants?” or “What time did the kids come home?”  Home Brief: A Gemini-composed overview that summarizes the key events of the past 24 hours.  What you get without a paid Google Home Premium subscription  You can still use the Google Home app and Google’s various Nest cams, speakers, and displays, but doing so means giving up on Gemini’s more advanced features. In short, the free tier of Google Home doesn’t include Gemini’s natural-language descriptions, summaries, or conversational features.   What Gemini will do is mimic the same smart home features that Google Assistant performed, including basic device control (“Hey Google, set kitchen lights to 30 percent”) and music playback (“Hey Google, play Taylor Swift in living room”).  You’ll also get six hours of video history on your Nest cameras, up from the previous limit of three hours. (That’s not much, but at least it’s better than the zero hours of video history you’ll get from Ring without a paid Ring Protect plan.)  In a briefing, Google Home and Nest boss Anish Kattukaran stressed that free-tier users won’t lose any functionality once the transition from Google Assistant to Gemini for Home is complete.  “All of the same stuff that you could do [with] the Assistant as far as actions … turning on your lights, playing your music, that’s in Gemini, and that’s in the free tier,” Kattukaran said.  This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best security cameras. Also, be sure to check our complete coverage of Google’s Gemini for Home rollout, including details on the new Google Home Speaker and new Nest Cams. Read...

A new PC is rarely a spontaneous purchase: people usually try to continue using their old computer for as long as possible. And in terms of the environment and your wallet, this makes perfect sense. But at some point, the problems start to pile up: Windows updates fail to appear, programs start agonizingly slowly, or the hard drive is permanently full. When the computer is just annoying in everyday use or it can no longer keep up with the latest hardware, it’s time for something new. These five clear warning signs will tell you when it’s time to think about a replacement. Sign number 1: No more updates available Regular updates are crucial for keeping your PC safe and functional. If Windows or other important programs no longer receive updates, this is a clear warning signal. It becomes particularly critical when the operating system itself is no longer supported – as was recently the case with Windows 10, which will no longer receive security updates from October 2025. Without such updates, important security patches will soon be missing. This makes a PC vulnerable to viruses, malware, and other attacks from the internet. In addition, many new programs will eventually only run on the latest Windows versions. Old computers will then also fall by the wayside in terms of software. Tip: Check the Windows settings regularly to see whether new updates are available. If your system constantly reports that it is “up to date”, even though a newer version of Windows already exists, then it’s high time to think about a new PC. Sign number 2: Constant overheating and noisy fans You can detect temperature problems with the free HWMonitor, for example.Foundry A healthy system should remain reasonably quiet even under load. However, if your PC runs hot even when performing simple tasks and the fans become loud in continuous operation, this indicates outdated or overloaded hardware. In addition to the annoying background noise, you also run the risk of components being damaged by overheating or the PC quitting at a critical moment. In the worst case scenario, important data could be lost. Tip: First clean your PC to remove dust and check the temperature with tools such as HWMonitor. If the problems persist despite maintenance, it often makes more sense to buy a new one than to retrofit cooling components while you’re still stuck with other outdated components. Sign number 3: Hardly any storage space left If the hard drive is constantly full, working on the PC quickly becomes a test of patience. Windows then constantly warns of insufficient memory, programs can no longer be installed, and even simple updates fail. An external hard drive or cloud storage can help out in the short term. In the long run, however, it becomes tedious to constantly move data back and forth. Tip: Check Explorer to see how much free memory is left on your system hard drive (usually under “C:”). If this is permanently full or almost full and the hardware cannot be upgraded sensibly, a new PC is the better solution. Sign number 4: Everything is only running at a snail’s pace Does your computer take minutes to boot up, programs start slowly, and even simple tasks such as opening a browser tab feel sluggish? Then the hardware is simply too old or overloaded. An new SSD or more RAM can help in the short term. But if the system is getting on in years then that means most of the other components should be replaced as well. Tip: Pay attention to how long your PC needs for everyday tasks. If waiting times accumulate and new software constantly jerks or crashes, it’s time to think about an upgrade. Not only will programs run quickly and smoothly, a responsive system will also be much more fun to use. Sign number 5: Upgrade components isn’t possible or no longer makes sense Another clear sign that a PC upgrade is due is if the computer can no longer be upgraded in a meaningful way. Old motherboards often don’t support the latest processors or RAM standards, and there is simply no room for a new graphics card in small ready-made systems. Anyone trying to upgrade here is often investing a lot of money in an old platform without any major improvement in performance. Tip: Before upgrading your hardware, check whether your system supports modern standards (e.g. DDR5 RAM, PCIe 4.0 or 5.0). If this is not the case, in many situations it’s worth switching to a completely new device. Conclusion: When a new PC really makes sense Missing updates, full hard drives, sluggish performance, overheating, or lack of upgradeability: these are clear signs that your PC has had its day. However, a new system is not only worthwhile in the event of problems. Suitable hardware is also important to improve productivity or to enjoy multimedia and gaming with modern standards—and promises you’ll have more fun in daily use, too. If you’re on the hunt for a new computer be sure to check out our roundup of the best computer deals to help you snag a great price on your next gaming rig, home office all-in-one, mini-PC, and more. Read...

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Qualcomm declared a “full victory” in its ongoing litigation with Arm, as a judge tossed out the remaining claim outstanding between the two companies in Arm’s suit. Qualcomm, meanwhile, has previously sued Arm for breach of contract and interference with customer relationships. That trial is expected to kick off in March 2026, the company said in a press release. The litigation goes back to Qualcomm’s agreement to purchase Nuvia in 2021, which would give Qualcomm access to a team of engineers that the company hoped would improve its Snapdragon 8-series chips into something more competitive. It did, producing the Snapdragon X Elite design in 2023. Arm didn’t see it that way. It sued Qualcomm in 2022, arguing that the company, via Nuvia, was illegally using Arm’s intellectual property. In October 2024, Arm notified Qualcomm that it would terminate its architectural license. (Although Nuvia’s license was terminated, Qualcomm’s independent license continued in effect.) The matter went to court, where a district judge ruled in favor of Qualcomm on all counts, save one: whether Nuvia had breached the architectural license that Arm had granted it. A judge in a Delaware district court has found in favor of Qualcomm, resolving the case. Ann Chaplin, the general counsel for Qualcomm, called the decision a “full and final judgment.” Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Unique keycaps and body Gorgeous design Luxurious typing Cons No wireless Few customization options Pricey Our Verdict The Keychron Q16 HE is pricey, but not ridiculous Considering its unique ceramic material. But if you want more customization options, you can just buy ceramic keycaps and put them on a standard mechanical board. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Keychron Q16 HE keyboard Retailer Price Keychron $240 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices What makes a keyboard “premium”? Is it the feel and experience of typing, its technical or gaming capabilities, the way it looks? Of course it’s all of them, in varying degrees depending on the model and your particular desires. But for Keychron’s latest keyboard, it comes down to just one thing: the material. And that material is ceramic. The Q16 HE is the first mechanical keyboard (at least the first that I’m aware of) that uses shiny, slick ceramic material for both the keycaps and the body of the keyboard itself. That latter point is an important distinction, as ceramic keycaps have been available from other vendors for a couple of years. Underneath that headline feature is Keychron’s typical set of Q series capabilities, including hot-swap switches, a chunky body, plenty of RGB, and lots of easy programming options. It notably omits wireless and some customization, but the “HE” designation means the magnetic switches have adjustable actuation. That’ll be an acceptable trade for at least some gamers. Michael Crider/Foundry “Premium” has another important meaning: pricey. So if money is any concern for you at all, it’s vital to determine whether the premium materials are worth the premium price of $230. Considering that similarly equipped Q-series boards go for almost as much, and a set of ceramic keycaps would cost at least $100 in and of itself, the asking price isn’t unreasonable. I wish the keyboard was a little bigger than this 65% form factor, and had a rotary dial. But for something so specialized, I guess going larger would make the price shoot even higher, and having at least the option of portability isn’t too bad.  Tickling the ivories The custom keycaps of the Q16 HE (which come in white or black, to extend the piano theme) are not as heavy as grand piano keys. They’re smaller, of course, and it’s only the top and sides of the keycaps that are made of ceramic material. Underneath is a base and stem made of plastic, possibly POM to my eyes (though I won’t swear to it). I assume that’s because ceramic material is too brittle to be made into a thin stem without breaking under repeated stress. Michael Crider/Foundry That said, these are very thick, very premium keycaps — the only ones I’ve tried that are heavier are made out of steel. And the slippery glaze on them feels unique and satisfying, “premium” in every sense. Though the ceramic material never comes in contact with the switch or the keyboard’s metal plate, they are extremely “thocky” nonetheless. Normally, I abhor this kind of thing, but I really think a sound test is necessary for the sake of evaluation. So PCWorld readers, I present to you my very first and hopefully last attempt at ASMR: These keycaps are, in a word, fancy. I think just about anyone will enjoy them, unless they’re one of those people who simply doesn’t like the long travel of mechanical keys and prefer a laptop-style keyboard. The only exception is if you’re, well, not very good at typing, and your fingers have a tendency to slip. If that’s the case, the slick ceramic glaze — far more slippery than even the cheapest plastic — might present a problem. This could also be the case for those who have mobility or dexterity issues. Underneath the keycaps are Keychron’s custom-produced (read: Gateron-supplied) magnetic switches, “Lime” designated, though colors have long since ceased to have any relationship to the switch’s function. They’re rather light at 48 grams on the spring, and linear, extremely so, thanks to the nature of hall effect magnetic switches.  Michael Crider/Foundry If that’s not to your taste, you can swap them out…but your options will be very limited. Keychron sells three variants, Gateron many more, but still a tiny fraction of the options available to a standard keyboard. You give up a lot of customization options for that adjustable actuation functionality. And if you want anything except linear switches, you give up all of them.  Customization options are lacking Speaking of customization, there isn’t much to this keyboard’s hardware in that respect. Unlike other Q-series boards you need to remove the screws in the plate itself to open it, presumably because that ceramic body is a single piece and drilling holes into it isn’t easy. Underneath is a single layer of foam, one of thin plastic, and there’s another layer between the plate and the PCB. Not a whole lot to work with, and as is the standard for the series, there are no adjustable feet. Boo.  Michael Crider/Foundry What the Q16 HE lacks in hardware modding options it more than makes up for with Keychron’s software customization tools…if “software” applies to a browser-based interface. The Keychron Launcher can handle everything you need in terms of mapping adjustments, lighting, macros, firmware updating, et cetera. I think Keychron has the best, easiest, most straightforward interface for this stuff, as long as you don’t need any connections to external apps or gaming functions.  But about those gaming functions. They’re pretty limited compared to other adjustable actuation keyboards, though I doubt many people will care. You can set the actuation distance for all keys or individual ones, and activate “rapid trigger” for incredibly fast settings (you might also know this as “snap tap”). And you can bind a single key to an impressive eight commands on the down or up stroke, which is so specialized that I think you might actually need to be superhuman in order to make use of them all. And Keychron includes a “Gamepad Analog” setting that lets you get pretty close to true analog input.  Keychron But the Achilles’ heel of Keychron’s keyboard customization is that it can’t be bound to specific games, like most of the alternatives from Razer, Corsair, et cetera. Granted, that’s a tradeoff for the browser-based interface, and unlike Keychron’s Lemokey sub-brand, this keyboard is not marketed specifically at gamers (even though it has that ridiculous 8,000Hz polling rate). So I’m less put-off by this weakness than I would be in a specific gaming keyboard at this price, though speaking as a mechanical keyboard fan, I’d still prefer standard switches for far more options.  Is the Keychron Q16 HE keyboard worth it? The Q16 HE is a fancy, pricey keyboard for those who want a fancy, pricey keyboard, and it isn’t a ripoff given those qualifications. I’m not going to tell you that putting ceramic on top of plastic keycaps fundamentally changes the nature of mechanical keyboards, and for myself, it’s not something I’d really seek out or pay extra to acquire. But for those who really like the feel and/or sound of those heavy, clacky keys, and want a full board that complements them, it’s a pretty great buy. Michael Crider/Foundry That being said, there isn’t a whole lot that makes this particular keyboard stand out against others in its price range aside from the ceramic body. And since you’re not getting handsy with the body while you’re using it, I’d put some serious thought into just buying ceramic keycaps for the keyboard you already have as an alternative, especially if you want options for switches beyond the extremely limited selection from Gateron.  I can think of an extremely specific situation where this would make a great gift: If you want to give a special keyboard to a piano player. That’s about as perfect as it gets. Read...

There are a lot of underutilized technologies in common PC apps that are really useful once you discover them. One on my list is Object Character Recognition (OCR) technology. You’ll find OCR in Google Docs, for example, which makes the app ideal for converting handwriting to text on your PC. I’ve started using it to create text versions of handwritten notes I’ve just scribbled down on scraps of paper, so that I can share them with family and friends. But any kind of handwritten notes can be converted in Google Docs, whether they be letters, family recipes, or even your weekly shopping list. In this “how to” I’m going to show you how to convert a handwritten note of a list of party supplies to text in just three simple steps. What to do: Scan a handwritten document with your chosen smartphone app. Adobe Scan or Office Lens are two possibilities. Upload the image from your smartphone to Google Drive and open Google Drive on your PC. Then all you have to do is right click on the uploaded image and select Open With > Google Docs. This will automatically open the image and will make a copy of the text in the image beneath it. You can then delete the image if you don’t need it and just use the text. Katherine Stevenson Note: The handwriting usually converts as text with formatting all askew, so you’re going to want to format the text afterwards. Then what you do with your document is up to you; you might like to copy and paste it into Microsoft Word for more editing.    That’s all for this tip. Be sure to sign up to the Try This newsletter to receive more of these tips delivered to your inbox twice per week. PCWorld sends out a bunch of other newsletters too, so be sure to browse the list and opt-in to any that you like. Read...

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