Global News: Google Nest Devices Can Finally Play Nice With the Competition

December 16, 2022

December 16, 2022. Another Friday means another day to take it easy. If you're looking for a little bit of fun today, check out our What Kind of Laptop Are You quiz. Already took it? Take it again; maybe you'll get a different result.

⏰ Today's Big Stories... in 30 Seconds

Today We Watched, Read, and Listened to (so you don't have to):

395 articles, 16 podcasts, 22 press releases, 417 tweets, and 30 YouTube videos

1. Google Adds Matter Smart Home Control to Several Nest Devices

A new Google update is adding Matter protocol functionality to your Google Nest devices, making it simpler to use multiple connected items. This extends to Fast Pair on Android devices as well, which is intended to make connecting new gadgets fairly easy. The future of smart devices looks bright!

2. VR Developer Resolution Games Teases a Bunch of New Releases

VR developer Resolution Games just announced a bevy of upcoming titles for the Meta Quest and Steam VR platforms. The biggest news is the beta launch of mixed-reality shooter Spatial Ops, followed by VR tennis game, Racket Club, and a few others. Expect all those and more to come in 2023. Sign us up!

3. Instagram's New Platform Helps Accounts That Have Been Hacked

Instagram has just launched a new "comprehensive destination" for users with stolen or hacked accounts. The cool thing is you don't need to be signed in to use it, and instead go to a dedicated URL and follow the prompts to begin the investigative and restoration process. Thanks, Insta--or, uh, Meta!

🦑 Go Deeper

Imagine pitting your own chatbot against customer service and winning big. Well, dream no longer, because Charlie Sorrel says DoNotPay is a chatbot capable of just that. Wild.

🎱 By the Numbers

We guess people feel secure in VR

Data: Security.org

Not a lot of people are super concerned about security and privacy in the VR space. In fact, only 5% of those who have been in VR are taking it seriously. Meanwhile, a whopping 29% aren't worried at all. Maybe because they think whatever happens in VR, stays in VR.

🔥 Today's Hot Deal

Your picture frames need an upgrade, and the Nixplay 15-inch Smart Digital Frame could be the way to go. It's down to $181.99 on Amazon right now, and with support for Google Photos, Instagram, and more, you could set things up to never see the same photo twice.

Don't Miss This Deal

🤓 Nerd Out

"See, AI can be good!" —Bob Schulties, Senior Editor

AI doesn't have many allies in the art world at the moment, but it can still be used for good. To that end, check out 10 things AI did this year that actually benefitted us. (Share on Twitter)

💎 You Know You Want It

Meta Quest who?

Image: HTC

You know the Meta Quest 2 isn't the only VR headset out there, right? If you're looking for something slightly different, maybe give the Vive Pro 2 a try. 5K display, 120-degree FOV, designed to minimize eye strain, and more. Sure, it's a bit more expensive than the Quest, but we think it's worth it.

🎥 Behind the Scenes

Wait, come back!

If you're a fan of HBO Max shows like Raised By Wolves & The Time Traveler's Wife, you should know they're being removed from the service in the near future? Why? ~~Because money~~ To move them to ad-supported TV. Yay? It's yet another reminder that nothing on streaming services last forever.