Smart Home

From smart locks to smart door bells with cameras, there are various ways to keep your home safe. Now you can take things further with a smart door with a glass that can switch between opaque and transparent with the touch of a button, an app, or a voice command.

Apple is said to be developing two touchscreen devices that will serve as a control center for the smart home. Based on homeOS, these smart home displays will reportedly also support calendar and notes apps, according to the latest rumors from a reliable source.

Xiaomi is launching an affordable soundbar onto the global market, namely the Soundbar 2.0ch, which offers numerous inputs and Bluetooth 5.3, among other things.

Lenovo has unveiled the Xiaoxin 100GT smart projector, which is now available in China. The model is similar to the older Xiaoxin 100S though it has a higher maximum brightness level. Features include a PTZ stand, built-in speakers and tools like autofocus and automatic keystone correction.

A new security camera from Anker, the EufyCam S3 Pro, is now available to pre-order globally. The smart home product is the first of its kind from the brand in over four years to support Apple Home. Other features include built-in solar panels for ‘endless’ power, the MaxColor night vision tool and dual motion detection technologies.

Apple was recently reported to be working on a new smart home device similar to the Google Nest Hub Max. However, according to new info, the device will be powered by the same chipset iPhone 16 phones have, making it way more powerful than rival devices.

The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20 Max has been unveiled at a recent launch event and is already available at some European retailers. The company suggests that this is its best global model yet, with an innovative hair-cutting tool to remove tangles from the brush, edge mopping and a self-cleaning docking station.

The Xiaomi TV Max 100 has been launched in Europe. The 100-inch model was tipped for a global release earlier this year and is already on sale in other markets like China. Features of the 4K TV include a 144Hz refresh rate, Google TV, built-in speakers and support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

Two new HP Envy All-in-One printers, the 6555e and the 6155e, have been launched in the US. The models support the wider Display P3 color gamut for “true-to-screen” photo printing. Other features of the wireless printers include scanning, photocopying and automatic double-sided printing.

A new update has arrived for the Philips Hue Bridge, bringing two new features for connected accessories. One is for Secure cameras and motion detectors, and the other is linked to smart light switches. The release notes also suggest that there are general improvements for the Hue Bridge.

The 75-inch Sony Bravia XR X90L is now on sale on eBay and can be had for less than $1,400 for a limited time. With features like Google Smart TV, Full-Array local dimming, 4K resolution, Nvidia G-Sync support, and HDMI 2.1, the Sony X90L is a mid-range TV that is suitable for both media watching and gaming.

JBL has launched new white versions of the PartyBox Stage 320 and the PartyBox Stage 120. The speakers have built-in lights that can be controlled via the accompanying app, and they support Bluetooth Auracast. The more powerful of the two models has dual tweeters and subwoofers, with wheels and a handle to make it easier to transport.

The JBL PartyLight Beam and PartyLight Stick have been launched in North America and Europe. These smart lights have integrated microphones, allowing the lighting effects to sync to your music. The PartyLight Beam is an uplighter, while the PartyLight Stick is a battery-powered floor lamp.

Govee is now selling the Curtain Lights 2 in the US, the UK and the EU. The smart lights can display photos, patterns and GIFs, with various preset modes and the ability to use AI to generate effects. Plus, the product supports Matter and is compatible with various voice assistants.

Level Lock is the latest in a series of acquisitions that have yielded the 190 brands in Assa Abloy’s portfolio. This purchase comes barely two years after the Swedish locksmith giant gave up August and Yale due to an antitrust lawsuit with the US Department of Justice.

Eufy has launched its Outdoor String Lights E10, offering durable, IP65-rated RGB lighting for outdoor use. Priced at $129.99, these smart lights integrate with Eufy cameras, provide over 80 themes via app control, and can be installed using multiple methods.

A new robot vacuum and mop from 3i, the S10 Ultra, is crowdfunding at Kickstarter. The company claims that this is the first model with a water recycling system, collecting moisture from the air and processing this alongside the dirty water from the last clean. Other features listed include 13,000 Pa suction power, an extending roller mop and voice commands.

MIT-based research analyzed Amazon Ring footage using AI models like GPT-4 to assess police intervention decisions. The study revealed inconsistencies, including high false-positive rates and bias against minority neighborhoods, potentially leading to unnecessary police calls in non-criminal situations in the future.

BioLite announced an affordable and user-friendly power backup solution for major home appliances. Backup by Biolite has already met its $100,000 goal, with backers valuing the idea of easy protection from blackouts. 

With a discounted price of $2,199.99, the 100-inch Hisense 100U76N is not too far from the all-time low figure of $1,997, which was recorded in early July. Although it now has a list price of $2,997.99, this gargantuan smart TV topped at $4,999.99 in early April 2024, so 27% off the current list value is certainly a very good deal.

The result of a collaboration with Foxconn, Sharp's LDK+ electric minivan concept "focuses on stationary time, viewing the interior as an extension of the living room" with the help of a massive 65-inch display located in the rear. Sadly, it will take a few years for this Japanese brand's first EV to hit the market.

An update for the Philips Hue app brings two new features for users of Secure cameras. Version 5.26.0, available for iOS and Android, provides new settings to enhance the battery life of wireless security cameras. On top of that, it adds a new indicator to the video livestream.

The 65 and 77-inch LG C4 OLED TV is now available on eBay at a massive discount. The reduced price makes the LG C4 an excellent deal, since the TV boasts a 4K resolution, WOLED technology for infinite contrast and high brightness, and up to a 144 Hz refresh rate.

Reolink has announced that its latest Battery Doorbell is the industry's first to debut with a 2K resolution conferred by a 4MP camera, thereby offering a potentially clearer, sharper and more detailed picture of a visitor. The new home security accessory is also touted to come with upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity and not to demand monthly fees from the user.

The Philips Hue Centris smart ceiling light range has received a refresh in Europe. Plus, some of the new products are also expected to arrive in the US soon. Thanks to the latest GU10 technology, the updated smart lights have a higher maximum brightness and are expected to last longer.

A refreshed version of the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Argenta smart spotlight is now available in Europe. The company’s latest GU10 bulb is now sold with the light providing a higher level of brightness and a longer life expectancy. However, not all products from the original range have received the upgrade.

The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF-21 and EpiqVision Mini EF-22 projectors will soon launch in Europe. The new models, designed for home theaters, offer a 1080p resolution and can throw images up to 150 inches (~382 cm) wide. Other features include integrated Google TV and built-in speakers.

The Eufy Smart Scale C20 is now at its lowest-ever price, $34.99 on Amazon. It features 16 key metrics, a large TFT display, and Bluetooth connectivity. Rated 4.5 stars (across 1100+ reviews) on Amazon, the C20 is ideal for families, pet owners, and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Xiaomi has finally launched the Robot Vacuum S20 in European countries. The model was revealed earlier this year as a cheaper option with basic features. The robot has different cleaning routes for vacuuming and mopping and can be controlled via the Xiaomi app or with voice commands.

The Roborock G20S Ultra is now available to pre-order in China. The new flagship model combines technologies seen in the new Qrevo Slim and Qrevo Curv robots for a powerful offering. On top of this, it is particularly slim meaning it can easily clean under furniture in your home.

The popular Dreame L10s Ultra robot vacuum and mop has been refreshed with a series of upgrades. The L10S Ultra Gen 2 has almost double the suction power of the original model as well as improved mopping abilities. Plus, the robot is automatically cleaned at the docking station.

If you are in the market for a mid-range 4K TV that performs well for both media consumption and gaming, take a look at the Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN85D which is now on sale on Amazon. Part of Samsung’s 2024 TV lineup, the Samsung QN85D features a mini-LED VA panel that can run at up to 120 Hz, boasts VRR, and has high brightness.

Philips Hue has refreshed the Fugato single spotlight, double spotlight, triple spotlight and quadruple spotlight products in Europe. The new versions are brighter and have a longer expected lifetime thanks to the latest GU10 bulbs. As with the original, you can control the smart spotlight with the Philips Hue app.

A new version of the Philips Hue Xamento recessed spotlight has arrived. The latest GU10 technology makes this latest variant brighter and provides a significantly longer estimated lifetime. The smart spotlight can provide white or colored lighting and is controllable with an app or voice commands.

Tile has announced that its latest line of personal tracker devices come with an upgraded Bluetooth range of up to 500 meters (~1,640 feet) in the new Pro variant. The new series also includes updated Mates and Stickers, not to mention an all-new Slim version for wallets. All 4 new trackers are rated to be sleeker, louder, and safer than their predecessors with the integration of Life360 SOS alerts.

Eufy Security will soon release two new video doorbells: the C30 with a 2K resolution, 5,000mAh battery, and 16:9 aspect ratio, and the C31 featuring a 4:3 aspect ratio and 6,500mAh battery. Both models offer two-way communication and smart home integration, competing with similar products from Ring, Nest, and Arlo.

At $999.99, the 65-inch Hisense 65U8N smart TV is $50 above its all-time low price, but no less than 33% below the $1,499.99 Amazon list price. Its highlights include 144 Hz refresh, a QLED panel with full array local dimming, Alexa compatibility, 2.1.2 multi-channel surround sound, and more.

Lenovo has launched the Xiaoxin Elephant monochrome laser printer in China. The new model can also scan and copy, and offers automatic double-sided printing. Plus, there are various ways to connect to the printer and a direct printing feature for a popular messaging app.

The Philips Hue Centura recessed spotlight has been upgraded with new GU10 technology. The new version of the smart light is brighter than its predecessor and has a notably longer expected lifetime. The spotlight can generate white and colored light and be controlled remotely via an app.

Xiaomi has launched the Mijia Smart Bathroom Heater N1 in China, which is currently available to pre-order. Not only does this smart home product provide heating, it can also draw fresh air into the bathroom and has a built-in light. Plus, it comes with a wireless remote control panel and can be adjusted with voice commands.

Xiaomi has launched a crowdfunding campaign for the new Mijia Body Composition Scale S400 Pro in China. The latest model offers a 3.5-inch display, an upgrade on the original S400 smart scale. You can use the product to track 25 health metrics, with historical data viewable on the device.

The Philips Hue Datura will soon be available globally in two new shapes: square and rectangle. These will join the existing small and large round ceiling lights, which arrived earlier this year. As with the original models, the smart lights have two light sources and can produce white and colored light.

The IKEA DIRIGERA Hub can act as a Matter bridge thanks to a new update. Previously in beta testing, this new feature is now rolling out to all users and has been reflected in a recent app update. The firmware will allow many IKEA smart home products to work with other ecosystems like Apple Home.

The Xiaomi Redmi Projector 3 is now available in China. The latest 1080p model is relatively cheap and can be used to throw images up to 110 inches (~280 cm) wide. Other features include integrated speakers, a time-of-flight autofocus tool and support for HyperOS Connect.

With over 1,440 titles per USD and a catalog of over 17,000 items, Amazon's Prime Video provides the best value currently available in a video streaming service. Since its introduction, Prime Video has had an average yearly price increase of 3.8%, while Crunchyroll is the only one in the top 10 with the same price since its release.

The IKEA INSPELNING Plug has launched in the US and some European countries. The smart plug was announced earlier this year, with two versions currently available. Features include remote controls, energy consumption tracking, and the ability to wirelessly connect other smart home products.

The Gardena Smart Sileno Free, a new robot lawn mower, has been unveiled. The model will launch in Europe in 2025 and will be the first from the brand that does not need a boundary wire. Other features of the upcoming mower include app-based controls, a Trim-to-Edge tool and a frost sensor.

Eufy’s new Robot Vacuum Omni C20 has been revealed with a hybrid vacuum and mop system, and features like 'iPath' laser navigation and 'BoostIQ' adaptive suction. It has an auto cleaning system as well, and will likely be priced between $500 and $900, with a rumored release date in September or October.

The Govee Outdoor Deck Lights have been launched in markets worldwide. The smart lights offer white or colored lighting with a range of effects, including a music sync mode, and are built with Matter for integration with many smart home ecosystems. Plus, customers in the US are currently offered the products at a discounted price.