Smart Home

The Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K and Play HDMI sync box 4K devices are currently receiving firmware version 2.4.2. The latest model, released earlier this year, gets three changes via the update. These include a new setting as well as various signal-related bug fixes.

Xiaomi is now selling the Smart Temperature and Humidity Monitor 3 in a couple of European countries. The product was revealed globally earlier this year, with a large display offering three modes. Plus, Bluetooth connectivity allows for app-based controls and links to other smart home products.

The latest smart home hub from Homey is much smaller and cheaper than the Homey Pro, but offers most of the functions of the top model. Thanks to Homey Pro OS and numerous wireless technologies, the Homey Pro Mini can control many smart home devices without the need for a subscription.

Samsung's new wave of OLED Smart TVs have been spotted on their way to being released. On the basis on recent of recent leaks, the company plans to offer the S85F, S90F and S95F series throughout 2025 with QD-OLED and WOLED panels ranging from 48- to 83-inches.

The original Anker Solix Solarbank E1600 has been updated in the latest version of the brand’s app. Version 3.3.2 is reported to bring support for connections between the older Solarbank E1600 and the Solarbank 2 E1600 Pro and Solarbank 2 E1600 Plus balcony power stations, which launched earlier this year.

The Orvibo Mixpad M5 smart home hub has been unveiled for the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The new device allows you to control connected smart home devices via the integrated touchscreen, in an app or with voice commands. Plus, it has a built-in speaker and offers weather forecasts and alarms.

A new Home Assistant release, version 2024.12, is now available. The update for the smart home automation software brings new features like scene editor modes and a download snapshot button. Plus, there are several additional integrations, and the company has teased more voice features that will be coming later in December.

Mixi has added AI features to its latest conversational robot, including the ability to see and talk about its surroundings in English or Japanese. The tabletop robot is designed to be a companion much like a pet without the restrictions of owning one. Interested buyers can visit CES 2025 for a demonstration of Romi.

While no details about the particular processor (or processors) developed so far, Chinese media has just unveiled that Gree Electric is now producing its own chips, six years after announcing its plans in this field. All research, design, and manufacturing efforts were funded without the government's involvement.

TCL has unveiled the 2025 T6L QD-Mini LED TV in China, available in four sizes. The new 4K model is said to be over 50% brighter than older TVs, thanks to the latest QD-Mini LED technology. Other features include an up to 288Hz refresh rate, four HDMI ports with support for 4K@144Hz, and customization options for gamers.

The Hisense 110UX Mini LED TV, a 110-inch model, has rolled out to more countries. The company revealed the 4K TV at CES 2024, and it initially went on sale in some regions in October. Features include up to 10,000 nits brightness, 144Hz VRR and support for Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos.

The new IKEA adaptive lighting feature for smart lights is rolling out to more users. The tool initially arrived for iOS users; now, an update for the IKEA Home Smart app brings the feature to customers with Android devices. Based on the description in the release notes, this tool is similar to one found on Philips Hue smart lights.

The Flic Duo Smart Button has been announced ahead of its debut at CES 2025. The company has shared limited details about its new product, which are revealed when customers sign up for launch updates. Plus, the company has released Flic Duo The Game, an interactive puzzle game with rewards for those who crack the code.

The Xiaomi Mijia Smart Safe has been launched in China. You can link the device to your smartphone to receive alerts when you are not at home or remotely view the status of the safe. Plus, there are various ways to unlock the safe, including fingerprint recognition and Bluetooth.

The Apple tvOS 18.2 has arrived with improvements for 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TVs. Enhancements include support for more cinematic aspect ratios for projectors and displays. Plus, there are new screensavers and a dialogue-enhancing tool for a connected HomePod (2nd generation).

Samsung has announced that The Premiere 8K projector is the first model to receive the new certification from the 8K Association. Various factors, including the brightness, contrast and sound system, are taken into consideration by the organization. This projector has been shown at CES for the last couple of years, though its release date is still unclear.

Anker is said to be working on a new smart home product for its eufy sub-brand. The Security Video Smart Lock S3 Pro allows you to unlock your door in many ways, including with palm recognition. Plus, there is a built-in camera, support for two-way audio conversations and Matter compatibility.

The new Homey Energy Dongle tracks your power usage and sends the data to Smart Home. For example, this can trigger automations when a rooftop or balcony PV system begins feeding electricity into the grid. An integration with dynamic electricity tariffs is also in the pipeline.

Philips Hue has launched a Holiday Lighting Sale, including dozens of its smart lighting products. Customers are offered money off when they purchase two or more selected items, with an increased discount when they also buy the Hue Bridge. The Holiday sale includes a wide range of products like smart bulbs, light strips and accessories.

The Philips Hue apps for iOS and Android have been updated to version 5.32.0. The release brings two new features to the brand’s smart lights, as well as improved Winter Holiday scenes. Plus, the update provides early access to enhanced smart home ecosystem integrations for Hue Secure products.

The addition of Kia myQ Connected Garage to compatible Kia vehicles frees drivers from manually opening and closing their garage doors with geofenced operation. Drivers can also control and monitor multiple garage doors from anywhere in the world as long as their cars are online.

Xiaomi's newest Mijia Air Purifier 5 Pro introduces dual-fan technology and six-layer filtration, delivering exceptional clean air output of 13,333L/minute. With advanced sensors and 99.99 percent virus removal capability, it sets new standards for home air purification at ¥2,499 ($343).

Xiaomi is now selling the Outdoor Camera CW700S in various European countries. The PTZ model, which launched in China late last year, offers dual 4MP lenses with 9x zoom. Other features include sound and light alarms, intelligent human recognition and two-way voice calling.

Portronics has revealed the Beem 500 projector, which is now for sale in India. The recently released 1080p LED model is said to offer up to 6,700 lumens brightness. Other features include an Android-based OS, built-in speakers and a range of image-perfecting tools, such as automatic focus.

The Philips Hue Bridge is receiving a new software update. Version 1968096020 lays the groundwork for a recently rumored dynamic lighting feature. On top of this, the release is said to improve brightness in some scenarios and improve the general stability of the smart home device.

The smart home company has now released its Android app alongside a factory Matter-enabled version of its smart radiator valve, the Eve Thermo. The caveat is that the Android app at launch can only work with Google Home and can only support the Eve Thermo.

Meross' latest product for the smart home presents a contender to Google Nest. The Meross Matter Smart Thermostat is the company's first Matter-compatible thermostat and at $69.99, provides the most bang for your buck.

After a torturous two-year wait, users of the Level Bolt can now upgrade their smart locks to Matter. Level is also launching a Matter-supported version of the Bolt smart lock for $229 on its website.

Govee has launched the Outdoor Flood Lights 2 in various European countries. These smart lights arrived in the US earlier this year, though two versions are offered here. According to Govee, this product is brighter than its predecessor, with other features, including Matter compatibility and a wider range of preset scenes.

The Redmi Smart TV A75 2025 Energy Saving Edition has been revealed by Xiaomi in China. This new larger model is said to be more energy efficient than the original version. Features include a 144Hz refresh rate in gaming mode, built-in speakers and a range of ports, including HDMI ARC.

Xiaomi is now accepting pre-orders for the Mijia Super Clean Washing and Drying Set (10kg+10kg) in China. The smart washer and tumble dryer can be connected, allowing settings to be synced across both machines. Plus, you can remotely control the products via app and voice commands.

The LG B3 OLED 55-inch TV is once again down to just under $800 at Walmart. Featuring an OLED panel, the TV delivers infinite contrast alongside a wide color gamut for excellent picture quality. The TV is also a pretty good option for gamers with things like VRR and low input lag.

The IKEA Home smart app has recently been updated. While there are versions for both iOS and Android users, only those with Apple smartphones get a new dynamic lighting effect with this release. Similar features are available with smart lighting products from other brands like Philips Hue.

According to a new report, ongoing software issues has forced Apple to delay its next HomePod release. Reportedly combining an Apple A18 chipset with up to a 7-inch display, the HomePod Smart Home Display is also expected to support Apple Intelligence from day one.

Rumors suggest that two new smart locks are on the way from the Anker eufy brand. The Smart Lock E34 and E35 are both expected to offer palm recognition technology, making it easier to unlock your door. Other features of the battery-powered devices could include automatic locking features and a built-in sensor.

The Xiaomi Mijia Washing Machine Mini Washer and Dryer 1kg has been launched in China. The smart home device offers a wide range of cycles, including a 15 minute wash and features like auto dosing. Plus, you can remotely control the machine via the app or with voice commands.

Six of Anker’s products, across various ranges, have won 2024 Good Design Awards. The winners include a wireless charging accessory and two Solix power solutions. The company has also been recognised for several eufy smart home devices, including a security camera and an unreleased vacuum that functions as a robot or cordless stick.

The 55-inch Samsung QN90C 4K QLED TV is currently on sale at Walmart for less than $800. The TV is super bright, features excellent contrast, boasts a quick 120 Hz refresh rate, and low input lag. So, for both gaming and media watching, the Samsung QN90C is a solid pick.

The Wanbo T2 Ultra, a new cheaper projector, is now available in several markets globally. The 1080p model is said to offer up to 500 ANSI lumens brightness and a maximum image size of 180 inches. Other features include built-in speakers and Android TV OS with Google Assistant voice commands.

The Xiaomi Robot Vacum X20 Max is now available in Europe. The model is the most powerful in the X20 range and offers a newer hair-cutting tool to prevent tangles. Another feature is automatic hot water mop washing and drying when the robot docks to ensure it is kept clean.

Xiaomi is now selling the Robot Vacuum X20 Pro in several European countries. This mid-range model offers 7,000Pa suction power and mopping, with app-based controls and support for voice commands. Plus, it comes with a smart docking station to maintain the robot, allowing up to 75 days of hands-free cleaning.

The Xiaomi Smart Projector L1 is expected to launch in various countries globally in the near future. This is a compact 1080p model with Google TV and various automatic picture-perfecting tools. Other features include support for voice commands and built-in speakers compatible with Dolby Audio.

Formovie is offering $500 off its latest UST projector, but only for the next few days. Replacing the Formovie Theater with a shorter throw ratio, the Formovie Theater Premium also provides a 22% brighter image that reaches 2,200 ISO Lumens.

Nanoleaf has started to ship its new Sense+ Smart Wireless Switch in some regions, where the accessory is now on general sale. The magnetic switch can be used to remotely control several smart lights at the same time. Other features include a built-in motion detector and light sensor, and the product will get Matter support in a future update.

Homematic IP has launched two Smart Home Lightstrip products in a few European countries. This smart light can produce white and colored lighting and is extendable up to 10 m (~33 ft). Features include lighting effects that automatically adjust to mimic natural light, app-based controls and support for voice commands.

Govee has launched a new smart light, the Wall Sconce, in the US and EU. The product has an LED light source offering dimmable white and colored lighting. Features include timed Sleep and Wake-up modes, music-synced lighting effects and Matter compatibility for a wide range of smart home integrations.

Philips Hue users can now control multiple Bridges at the same time. This multi-Bridge feature means that users can adjust all smart home products simultaneously, removing the need to switch between Bridges. However, there are a couple of issues which still need to be ironed out.

Philips Hue is rolling out a new app update, version 5.31.0, which is now available for iOS and Android users. The change log for Apple devices suggests that there is new widget functionality, though this arrived in the previous update. However, the update does bring a new feature for all customers, but it was not included in the release notes.

The Xiaomi TV Speaker 2.0 and the Xiaomi TV Speaker 2.1 are now available in China. The new soundbars are relatively cheap and come with accessories like a remote and cable. Features of the speakers include Bluetooth connectivity, NFC pairing and a range of sound modes.