GoKawiil
Tech News
Govee's color-changing Christmas String Lights 2 are discounted across all four sizes at Amazon and Govee's own store, with the 66-foot strand at $74.99, up to the 328-foot set at $259.99. The lights support customizable colors, over 130 preset effects, music syncing, and Matter-based voice control, and are weatherproofed for outdoor use.
A bug had prevented some users from changing smart light colors through the Google Home app and Nest speakers or displays, with the color selector and automated routines also failing. Google has now rolled out a fix, and at least one affected user on Reddit confirmed the issue was resolved.
Users report that Google Home has stopped letting them change the color of connected smart lights, whether via the Google Home app, voice commands through Nest Hub displays, or automated routines. The issue affects lights from multiple manufacturers, including Philips Hue, while turning lights on/off and adjusting brightness still work normally. Google has not publicly acknowledged the problem.
Nanoleaf has released a Model Context Protocol server enabling its smart lights to be controlled through AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude using natural language commands. The system can also let lights react to real-time data such as weather. Developer tools are available now, with pre-built integrations for major AI assistants arriving in October.
Google Nest support has confirmed reports that Google Clock alarm routines are malfunctioning: tapping to add or edit an alarm routine sometimes opens Assistant settings instead, and some existing routines fail to trigger after an alarm is dismissed. The company says its team is working on a fix and is also looking into separate complaints about timers. Google separately said a fix for voice-controlled lights with non-English names should roll out within 24 to 48 hours.
Aqara has unveiled a new range of smart home lighting products, including permanent outdoor lights and a stick-style floor lamp. The launch signals Aqara's push beyond its core sensor and hub business into the competitive smart lighting market.
Philips Hue is expanding its smart lighting range with unconventional designs, including a flexible, colorful light that can be bent into shapes and a tall pole light meant to be propped against a wall rather than mounted. The additions signal a shift toward more sculptural, decor-focused lighting rather than purely functional fixtures.
Philips Hue is rolling out Custom AI Behaviors, a feature letting users describe desired lighting automations in plain language instead of manually configuring rules. Announced at IFA alongside a new Sonos speaker integration for Hue switches, both updates arrive via a software update in November. The AI feature requires the Hue Bridge Pro's processing power to run.