Google Nest Aware Price Hike Alert, Home Security at Risk

Google is making changes to its Google Nest Aware subscription, and if you’re a user of their security cameras, be prepared to shell out a bit more for peace of mind. Since its inception in 2019, Google Nest Aware has maintained a fixed rate of $6 per month. However, those days of budget-friendly security subscriptions are drawing to a close, as the service is hiking its prices to $8 per month. If you opt for the yearly plan, it will now set you back $80 annually, up from the previous $60.

This price adjustment was communicated to subscribers via email, and like many companies facing recent price hikes, Google has cited factors such as inflation, taxes, and market fluctuations as the driving forces behind this decision.

In the realm of security cameras, monthly subscriptions have become the norm for accessing essential features. The upgraded Nest Aware Plus service, which now offers 60 days of event recordings (up from 30) and an additional 10 days of 24/7 history, will also see an increase in cost, going from $12 to $15 per month. The annual Nest Aware Plus plan will now be priced at $150, up from $120.

This shift in pricing positions Google Nest on the higher end of the home security subscription spectrum. For comparison, Blink charges $3 a month per device or $30 annually, while Ring offers a $4 per month or $40 per year subscription.

However, there’s a significant advantage to Google Nest Aware plans: they cover all cameras, doorbells, speakers, and displays within a single household. In contrast, many competing services either require payment per device or necessitate an upgrade to a more expensive plan when numerous devices are in use. Therefore, even with the price increase, Google Nest could still be the more cost-effective choice for users with multiple products.

But here’s a silver lining for some subscribers: If you obtain your Nest service through home security provider ADT, you won’t see any immediate increases, at least for now.

New customers will start paying the higher prices right away while existing customers will encounter new rates on their upcoming bills. So, whether you’re a current Nest Aware subscriber or considering joining, these changes are worth noting as you weigh your options for safeguarding your home.

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Gadgets

The lowest-priced iPad ever made by Apple is now available

by George Mensah 2025-04-28

Apple’s entry-level iPad has just become its most compelling deal ever, dropping to a **record-low price of 299∗∗(normally299∗∗(normally349) at major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. For anyone needing a reliable, no-frills tablet for everyday tasks—streaming, web browsing, light productivity, and video calls—this is one of the best tech bargains of the year.

What’s New in the 11th-Gen iPad?

Compared to its predecessor, Apple’s latest budget iPad brings meaningful upgrades that make it a much better long-term investment:

✔ A16 Bionic Chip – The same processor powering the iPhone 14, delivering smoother performance for multitasking and apps.
✔ 128GB Base Storage – Double the 64GB of the 10th-gen model—no more constant storage anxiety.
✔ 11-inch Liquid Retina Display – More screen space for movies, reading, and productivity.
✔ Improved 12MP Front Camera – Better for Zoom calls and FaceTime.
✔ USB-C Apple Pencil Support – Great for note-taking and light creative work.

Who Should Buy This iPad?

✅ Students – Perfect for note-taking (with Apple Pencil), research, and streaming lectures.
✅ Casual Users – Ideal for browsing, social media, and video streaming.
✅ Remote Workers – A solid secondary device for emails, Slack, and video calls.
✅ Families – A durable, long-lasting tablet for kids’ entertainment and learning.

What You’re Missing (And Why It Might Not Matter)

As Apple’s most affordable tablet, the 11th-gen iPad lacks some premium features:

❌ No Apple Intelligence (AI Features) – Only newer iPads (Pro, Air) support Apple’s upcoming AI tools.
❌ No Apple Pencil Pro Support – The USB-C Pencil works fine, but you miss extras like Find My and squeeze gestures.
❌ Non-Laminated Display – Slightly thicker bezels and less premium feel than the iPad Air.

But here’s the thing: If you just need a fast, dependable tablet without the bells and whistles, these omissions won’t affect your experience.

Is This the Best Budget Tablet in 2024?

iPad vs. The Competition

Feature	11th-Gen iPad ($299)	Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE ($399+)	Amazon Fire Max 11 ($229)
Performance	A16 Bionic (Very Fast)	Exynos 1380 (Mid-Range)	Mediatek (Basic)
Display	11″ Liquid Retina	10.9″ LCD	11″ LCD
Stylus Support	USB-C Apple Pencil	S Pen Included	No Precision Stylus
Software	iPadOS (5+ Years Updates)	One UI (Slower Updates)	Fire OS (Limited Apps)
Best For	All-around use	Android fans	Prime Video & Kindle users

Verdict: If you want long-term software support, better performance, and Apple ecosystem benefits, the iPad is still the best value.

Final Recommendation

For $299, the 11th-gen iPad is a no-brainer for casual users. It’s fast enough for daily tasks, has great battery life, and will receive updates for years. Unless you need AI features or a pro-level stylus, this is the best cheap iPad deal right now.

Gadgets

Expanding Home Assistant Integration with SwitchBot: A Revolution for Fans of Smart Homes

by George Mensah 2025-03-23

In a major win for smart home enthusiasts, SwitchBot has announced plans to integrate over 45 of its products with Home Assistant in the first half of 2024. This move, confirmed in an email to The Verge, underscores SwitchBot’s commitment to interoperability and user flexibility in the rapidly evolving smart home ecosystem. Among the highlighted devices is the highly anticipated SwitchBot Hub 3, which was recently revealed in a filing with the Connectivity Standards Alliance.

What’s New in SwitchBot’s Home Assistant Integration?

SwitchBot’s integration rollout, set to begin in April, will include some of its most popular devices, such as:

Robot Vacuum K10 Plus Pro: A powerful cleaning solution that can now be seamlessly controlled via Home Assistant.
Curtain 3 Smart Shades: Automate your window treatments with precision and ease.
Garage Door Opener: Add your garage to your smart home network for enhanced security and convenience.

These new integrations will join existing SwitchBot devices like the SwitchBot Lock Pro, which already supports Home Assistant. This expansion not only enhances the functionality of SwitchBot’s ecosystem but also solidifies its position as a leader in the smart home industry.

Why This Matters for Home Assistant Users

Home Assistant, an open-source platform beloved by tech-savvy users, thrives on its ability to unify devices from various brands under one roof. However, integrations with major smart home players can often be fragile. Companies sometimes make undocumented software changes or actively block third-party integrations, leaving users frustrated.

SwitchBot’s proactive approach to integrating its devices with Home Assistant is a breath of fresh air. By officially supporting these integrations, SwitchBot ensures a stable, reliable, and user-friendly experience. This is particularly important for Home Assistant users who value customization and control over their smart home setups.

The Bigger Picture: A Shift Toward Open Ecosystems

SwitchBot’s announcement reflects a growing trend in the smart home industry: the push for open ecosystems and interoperability. As more consumers demand seamless integration across devices, companies like SwitchBot are stepping up to meet these expectations. This move not only benefits users but also fosters innovation and competition in the market.

For Home Assistant users, this means greater flexibility and fewer headaches. Instead of relying on fragile community-created integrations, they can now enjoy official support for a wide range of SwitchBot devices. This is a win for both convenience and reliability.

What’s Next for SwitchBot and Home Assistant?

With the first wave of integrations launching in April, users can look forward to a more cohesive and powerful smart home experience. The inclusion of devices like the Robot Vacuum K10 Plus Pro and Curtain 3 Smart Shades demonstrates SwitchBot’s dedication to enhancing everyday life through technology.

As the smart home landscape continues to evolve, partnerships like this one between SwitchBot and Home Assistant will play a crucial role in shaping the future of connected living. For now, smart home enthusiasts have plenty to be excited about as SwitchBot brings its innovative products into the Home Assistant fold.

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