Smart Home

A new version of the Philips Hue app has arrived. Version 5.59 is the first update for the software in 2026, and is available for both iOS and Android users. However, a range of recently announced features for the brand’s smart home products were not included in this release.

The Xiaomi Self-Install Smart Lock has started to roll out globally. So far, the smart home product has reached countries in the Middle East and Asia, and is expected to be released in Europe in the near future. The device is designed to work with a standard lock and comes with a keypad with a fingerprint scanner.

Kärcher has released its new RVF 7 Comfort Extra robot vacuum and mop in Europe. This model is equipped with a roller mopping system, which is thought to be more efficient than other robotic mopping solutions. Plus, the model comes with a smart docking station that will automatically clean the mop and refill the water tank as necessary.

The Sunseeker S4 is another robot mower with LiDAR technology that will be an option for the 2026 gardening season. In addition to a 360-degree LiDAR sensor, the wireless lawn robot features an AI camera which makes an RTK antenna obsolete.

BenQ has finally released the W5850, a 4K laser projector for home cinema, in the US. Launched in Europe in 2025, this model can throw images up to 200 inches wide, and the light source is said to generate up to 2,600 ANSI lumens brightness. Other features include support for HDR10+ and wide color gamut coverage.

Xiaomi has released a new smart kitchen gadget in Europe: the Smart Double Stack Air Fryer 12L. This model can be used to cook up to four dishes simultaneously, with two independently controllable baskets. Plus, you can remotely control the compact air fryer through the brand’s app.

The Xiaomi Mijia Front Load Washer Dryer Pro 9kg has been released in more European countries. This smart appliance has a range of typical features like a quick wash cycle and low-temperature drying. However, it also offers remote controls via the app or a voice assistant, as well as intelligent detergent dispensing.

The Svea Strom dynamic electricity tariff has been announced by IKEA and Svea Solar in Germany. This offering is said to provide lower energy bills to its customers in several ways. For example, the solution enables users to view changing electricity prices and take advantage of reduced rates when there are higher levels of renewable energy on the grid.

Xiaomi has launched a new Hi-Fi speaker. A cheaper option to the existing Sound 2 Max, the Sound 2 Pro features two drivers with RCA and USB Type-C connections plus Bluetooth connectivity, all within a stylish metal enclosure.

Arlo has revealed two new smart home security cameras called the Ultra 3 and Pro 6. The Ultra 3 features 4K HDR and a 180-degree field of view, while the Pro 6 is more affordable. Both come with AI features.

SwitchBot is now offering a new smart home hub that is intended to provide many useful features and utilizes local AI instead of a cloud-powered system. This might be beneficial from a privacy standpoint and opens up new possibilities for advanced users.

The Xiaomi Mijia Washing Machine Pro Super Electrolysis Smart Wash and Dry 10kg has been launched in China. It arrives as a smaller version of a recently released machine, with similar features like super electrolysis technology, intelligent detergent dispensing and HyperOS Connect.

The Hisense E8S RGB MiniLED TV has arrived in China. This slim 4K model has a native 180Hz refresh rate and will be available in three sizes up to 100 inches. It appears to be the Chinese version of a new model which was recently announced for the global market.

Two new updates are on the way to users of the Philips Hue Bridge Pro and the Hue Bridge v2. Software versions 2071193000 and 1975104000 bring minor improvements to the smart hubs. Plus, the release notes indicate that they make these devices compatible with a new feature which will soon be added to the brand’s app.

Ezviz has launched several new security cameras that are designed to provide reliable surveillance of properties, homes and other locations that are outside WiFi range and require 4G LTE connectivity instead.

The MobiView is a portable TV and monitor that’s now crowdfunding on Kickstarter. This device runs on Google TV, features an integrated soundbar and a battery that's supposed to last up to five hours on a full charge.

The new smart IKEA Varmblixt LED table/wall lamp may be released earlier than expected. Announced in January 2026, this smart light was originally scheduled for an April 2026 launch. However, a new listing on one of the brand’s websites suggests that it could be released in the near future, and also confirms the pricing for Sweden.

The Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete robot vacuum and map will shortly be released in the US. This new model is significantly more powerful than its predecessor, and also offers a slimmer body to fit under lower lying pieces of furniture. Other features include a retracting LDS, a dirt detection light and the ability to climb over some obstacles.

The Jmgo N1S 4K Special Edition projector has been launched in China. Compared to the original model, this new version is said to be upgraded, with a higher brightness level. Features include an integrated adjustable angle stand, built-in speakers and a range of gaming modes and tools.

The SwitchBot Keypad Vision Pro is a new and particularly powerful keypad for unlocking smart locks. Various unlocking methods are supported, including contactless unlocking.

Reolink has just announced the launch of a new smart security camera. It offers AI-powered video search using keywords, even without a subscription, and features powerful lighting. Two lenses are on board.

TP-Link has launched the Tapo RV50 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop in Europe. Currently sitting at the top of the brand’s range, this model has an anti-tangle brush and dual rotating mop heads. Plus, the mops can be removed, cleaned and dried at the accompanying smart docking station.

The TV market is evolving, and at CES 2026, Samsung outlined its strategy to stay ahead. Alongside technical upgrades, the company is placing a stronger emphasis on personalized user experiences.

The Anker Solix E10 smart hybrid home backup system is now available to pre-order in the US. Designed for use during power outages or to reduce energy bills, it can be powered via solar panels or a smart generator, and the battery is expandable up to 90 kWh. Plus, customers who pre-order the product will be eligible to receive a $500 discount and several free gifts.

Finding a fitness gift that actually gets used is difficult. Most home workout equipment promises results but delivers confusion. The AEKE home gym takes a different approach.

The Govee Outdoor Filament String Lights are on the way to markets like the US and the EU. This new smart lighting product features transparent, globe-shaped bulbs, each with a four-color filament. Plus, the company has confirmed specifications like the brightness and weatherproof ratings.

Govee has teased the upcoming Outdoor Cylinder Pathway Lights on its US website. This new smart lighting solution is said to offer a high level of brightness, with a range of white and colored lighting effects. Images of the unreleased product reveal how its design will differ from similar older models from the brand.

The TCL RM9L, the brand’s first RGB Mini-LED TV for the international market, has been announced. Similar to a recently released model for the Chinese market, this TV will be available in three sizes up to 115 inches. Features include up to 9,000 nits brightness, 288Hz Game Accelerator and integrated Bang & Olufsen speakers.

TP-Link has finally released the Tapo H110, a universal IR remote control and smart hub, in the US. This Matter compatible device can be used to control various household appliances, such as AC, as well as smart home products. Using the hub, you can remotely control connected devices via the brand’s app or with voice commands.

The HaLowLink 2 is a new Wi-Fi HaLow router with up to 1 km (0.6 miles) of range. It works with HaLow devices out of the box but can also link standard Wi-Fi devices using a second unit as an extender.

The Xiaomi Mijia Washing Machine Pro Super Electrolytic Smart Wash and Dry 12kg has been launched in China. The brand claims that its latest model offers stain removal, whitening and color bleed prevention without the need for additional washing products. Plus, the washer dryer offers smart detergent dispensing and can be remotely controlled via the brand’s app.

Xgimi has released the MoGo 2 Pro (New) projector in Europe, following its recent launch in the US. This upgraded version of the portable model is said to be brighter and comes with Google TV. Other features include an automatic focus tool, integrated speakers and support for voice commands.

The Roborock Saros 20 Sonic robot vacuum debuted at CES 2026. The flagship model is particularly powerful, with over 50% more suction power than its predecessor. It features a vibration mopping system, as well as a retracting navigation sensor and a new climbing chassis.

IKEA has finally released the Klippbok Water leakage sensor in the UK. Already available in the US and the EU, this is one of the brand’s new Matter compatible smart home devices. It features a relatively compact body and has an integrated alarm to alert you to leaks when detected.

The Govee Outdoor Solar String Lights, a first for the brand, have appeared on its official website. Listed as coming soon, these new smart lights will deliver white and colored lighting effects. They are powered by a solar panel accessory, and an integrated battery can extend their runtime.

IKEA has released its new Kajplats range of smart bulbs in the UK. There are many options to choose from, including white and clear glass bulbs, with white and colored lighting effects. Plus, these products are Matter compatible for a broad range of smart home integrations.

Home Assistant 2026.1 is rolling out to users of the open-source smart home automation software. This latest release brings improvements for the Home dashboard on mobile and more purpose-specific triggers. It also includes a range of new integrations and a reorganized Settings page.

New IKEA Varmblixt smart lighting products have been announced. The smart lamp and smart pendant light will offer dynamic lighting effects. Expected to be released in the coming months, these products will also support the Matter smart home protocol and come with a smart remote.

Xiaomi recently introduced a new, budget-friendly security camera that delivers high-resolution images. It is designed to easily cover larger spaces thanks to its pan-and-tilt capability.

Mammotion is showcasing two compact robotic lawn mowers, the Luba mini 2 AWD and Yuka mini 2, for smaller gardens at CES 2026. The new Luba Mini model is particularly exciting thanks to its special edge mower, while the Yuka mini 2 comes in two model variants.

HIZERO’s patented No Suction Technology utilizes a self-cleaning polymer roller to provide a more hygienic alternative to traditional mops and cloths. The new H100R multi-surface cleaner extends this innovation to various hard surfaces and features automatic waste separation for professional-grade results.

Govee has unveiled the new Outdoor Wall Light Pro, which is expected to launch in the US in the near future. This model features a couple of upgrades over its predecessor, including a higher maximum brightness level. Plus, it supports Matter, meaning it will work with many third-party smart home devices.

The Xgimi Titan Noir Max series projectors have debuted at CES 2026. Building on the older Titan model, these devices are said to offer a high native contrast ratio thanks to upgraded hardware. Plus, images of the projector reveal its design and a couple of other specifications.

The Govee Outdoor Chromatic String Lights have appeared on the brand’s official website. Marked as “coming soon”, this appears to be a new premium smart lighting product, with high-density RGB LEDs. Features include preset and customizable dynamic lighting effects and support for the Matter smart home standard.

Philips Hue is becoming smarter, as the system now uses Hue SpatialAware to recognize where different lamps are located in order to adjust the lighting to the user's preferences. However, this feature is only available in conjunction with a Philips Hue Bridge Pro.

Govee appears to be working on a smart ceiling fan with integrated lighting. The Govee Ceiling Fan With Lights was recently listed on the CSA website as a Matter certified device. Plus, a second source suggests that it could be an outdoor model, and offers a potentially leaked image of the smart home product.

The Hisense 163MX, a brand new RGBY MicroLED Display, has been revealed at CES 2026. This is the brand’s first model to offer its new four-color technology for greater color accuracy. Plus, the premium screen sits in an ultra-thin body, and can be mounted practically flush to the wall. 

Making its debut at CES 2026, the Roborock Saros Rover is a robot vacuum equipped with two extendable legs. This innovative design allows the robovac to not just climb and clean stairs but also perform small hops.