PCWorld reports that Home Assistant has launched a major update to its default overview dashboard, replacing the old cluttered interface with a clean, organized design featuring three main sections. The redesigned dashboard includes Favorites for quick device access, Areas for room-specific control, and Summaries that aggregate devices by type with easy setup options.

PCWorld tested Microsoft Copilot's new reminder feature for Android and iOS phones, which allows setting reminders from a PC similar to old Cortana functions. The feature proved unreliable during testing, with reminders failing to trigger notifications on devices, raising concerns about Copilot's overall utility. With SimilarWeb reporting only 1 percent usage figures for Copilot, this unreliability could further impact user trust and adoption rates. Microsoft has quietly added reminders to Copilot. Well, at least Copilot seems to think so.

AMD CEO Lisa Su indicated the next Xbox console may launch in 2027, suggesting Microsoft's next-generation gaming platform could arrive sooner than expected. PCWorld reports that AMD and Microsoft are collaborating on a new chip that will power both desktop and portable Xbox devices with advanced AI and machine learning capabilities. The upcoming Xbox is expected to feature a hybrid platform combining local hardware with cloud gaming technology for enhanced gaming experiences. AMD CEO Lisa Su says Microsoft aims to launch its next generation of Xbox in 2027. The information came in connection with AMD's latest quarterly report, in which Su says development of a new Xbox chip with Microsoft is on track for a launch that year, reports Engadget .

Apple is mandating users upgrade to its new Home architecture by February 10, 2026, or risk losing control of HomeKit-connected smart devices and automations. PCWorld reports the updated system no longer supports iPads as home hubs, requiring an Apple TV 4K ($129+) or HomePod ($99) instead. Despite initial rollout problems in 2022, the re-released architecture since iOS 16.4 promises improved reliability and efficiency for smart home management. Well, this is it: After a series of delays, Apple is finally nixing support for its old Home architecture, meaning those still relying on the previous version of Apple's Home framework have some decisions to make--quickly. The moment of truth arrives February 10, 2026, less than a week away.

PCWorld reports that Amazon has ended free access to its advanced Alexa+ AI service, now charging non-Prime members $19.99 monthly for full features. Prime subscribers receive Alexa+ at no additional cost, while the original classic Alexa remains free for all users regardless of membership status. Alexa+ offers ChatGPT-style conversations and advanced agentic AI capabilities, officially exiting its early access phase with a limited free web-based text option available. The days of free Alexa+ for everyone just ended, with Amazon announcing today that it will start charging non-Prime members who want to use the AI-supercharged voice assistant on their Echo devices. Starting now, full Alexa+ access will cost $19.99 a month for those without Prime, while Prime members will get Alexa+ as a free benefit with their subscriptions. Amazon also announced a new free tier of Alexa+ that lets you text chat with the assistant over a web browser.

Google Home now supports smart button triggers for routines, filling a significant automation gap that Alexa and HomeKit have long offered users. PCWorld reports the update includes additional triggers like humidity levels, robot vacuum status, and contact sensor alerts for enhanced home monitoring.

PCWorld reports that over 1 million Android apps exposed 700 TB of sensitive user data through hardcoded API keys and security vulnerabilities. Research found 72% of AI apps contained dangerous "secrets" in their code, with 81% linked to Google Cloud projects enabling unauthorized third-party access. Users should exercise extreme caution when installing new apps, particularly AI applications that request sensitive financial or personal information. Towards the end of January, security researchers at Cybernews published a study on AI apps in the Google Play Store. The study revealed that numerous AI apps had inadequate security, leading them to inadvertently leak data from Google's cloud servers.

PCWorld reports that Mozilla Firefox is introducing comprehensive AI Controls in its browser, allowing users to completely disable or selectively manage AI features. This development matters as other major browsers like Chrome and Edge integrate AI extensively without easy opt-out options for users. The feature debuts in Firefox Nightly builds and will reach most users within two months, with settings persisting through updates. Mozilla Firefox has always seemed like the "cool kid" browser option, for the power users who don't want to deal with Google or Microsoft. So perhaps filling it up with "AI" features -- you know, the things people are kind of tired of seeing from Google and Apple -- might not be winning people over.

Ring has expanded its AI-powered'Search Party for Dogs' feature to non-Ring users, allowing anyone to request help finding missing pets through the Ring app. PCWorld reports that the tool scans footage from nearby outdoor Ring cameras and sends alerts with images and video clips when potential matches are found. Users maintain control over video sharing and can opt out of the feature, which is enabled by default to enhance community involvement in pet recovery efforts. Roughly two months ago, Ring rolled out an AI-powered tool that lets Ring owners band together to find a missing pooch. Now, Ring says anyone with a wayward pet can ask for help using the feature, not just Ring users.

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