Smart Home

Xiaomi is launching a new sensor for indoor air quality, the Smart Temperature and Humidity Monitor 3, which comes with a large display and several other features.

BioLite has just upgraded its two portable power stations. The BaseCharge 1500+ and BaseCharge 600+ recharge up to 4 times faster than before, from both solar panels and power outlets. Both models also get a significant price drop, now costing $1299 and $599 respectively.

Philips Hue has released an update for its app, version 5.22. The release, available for iOS and Android, brings features for several smart cameras and motion sensors, including an AI tool, though this is only available for some users. This new software follows another release in mid-July with a broader range of features.

Eve’s compact smart weather station joins the list of Thread devices from the smart home manufacturer that support Matter. The new Matter-compliant version of Eve Weather retains all the features of the original weather station – without a price increase.

The Philips Hue Go to sleep automation is now available for all smart light switches. The tool can automatically adjust your lighting, suppressing blue light to help you get ready for sleep. The feature became available for some accessories in July but has since been rolled out to the remaining switches via a second update.

The Google TV Streamer will succeed the Chromecast with Google TV (4K). It will also ditch the dongle form factor for a set-top box design and ship with a somewhat different remote.

TCL has shipped over 12 million TVs worldwide in 2024 thus far, according to the OEM's latest mid-year market performance report. That number has apparently grown by nearly 10% year-on-year (YoY). TCL also asserts that sales of its big screens with mini-LED or QLED technology have also grown significantly in the first half of 2024 (1H2024).

For the first time ever, third party smart gadgets can now work with LG’s ThinQ-enabled appliances thanks to Homey integration. In a bid to gain more clout in the smart home, LG has bought 80% of Athom, the parent company of the Homey smart home platform, and is well on its way to owning the remaining 20%.

Dangbei has announced its Prime Day 2024 deals with at least $140 off a selection of its best and/or most innovative home projectors. They include the brand's current 4K Google TV flagship the DBOX02 (or Mars Pro 2), the ultra-thin Atom and the uniquely gimbal-enabled N2.

CheckMag You don’t have to invest in expensive hardware to run a home server. With Docker you can run containerised applications on almost anything including PCs, Macs, laptops and even a Raspberry Pi. Ideally it needs to be on 24/7 which makes the Raspberry Pi an excellent low power option. If you are curious about Docker, here are 3 of the best containers to get you started on low end hardware.

Sales of the Amazon Echo Spot were discontinued five years ago, and now Amazon is relaunching the compact smart home speaker with integrated touchscreen and Alexa voice control. For the launch, the new Echo Spot comes with a considerable 44% discount.

Makita has launched the RM350D robotic lawn mower in the UK and some EU countries. The product was unveiled earlier this year and is suited to more extensive gardens up to 3,500m² (~37,700ft²) in size. The model’s features are somewhat basic, but it does have a scheduling ability and an anti-theft tool.

Chefee Robotics has opened preorders for its robotic kitchen chef system that automates ingredient ordering and meal preparation. A quick selection on a mobile app instructs the kitchen robot to cook meals from over fifty locally-sourced fresh and refrigerated ingredients. The system can be installed on a countertop or integrated with the cabinetry and is priced from $10,000.

LG has announced the global rollout of the OLED evo M4 TV. The model comes with the wirelessly connected Zero Connect Box; the company claims it is the first TV to support wireless video transmission at 4K 144Hz. Plus, there are various gaming tools such as VRR, HDMI 2.1 ports and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility.

The Bosch Eyes Outdoor Camera II has been launched in Europe. The smart home device combines a security camera with a floodlight, triggered by motion detection, helping you to survey your property. Other features include app-based controls, an audible alarm and free video storage.

Xiaomi has added a product listing for the Smart Filtered Water Dispenser Pro on its global website. The model appears identical to a smart home product the brand launched in China some time ago. Features include app-based controls, fast water heating and NFC cup identification.

Philips has launched the 5000 series Smart Deadbolt, which is now available in the US. Shown at CES 2024 and said to be the first device of its kind, the smart lock offers palm recognition unlocking alongside other methods like a PIN code or voice commands. The product also offers a doorbell feature and has a built-in Wi-Fi module.

JMGO has launched the N1S Ultra, a triple laser projector. The new model is currently available at a lower than expected price thanks to discounts offered to some customers. Features of the projector include up to 3,000 ANSI lumens brightness, Google TV and an adjustable angle stand.

BLUETTI touts its latest portable generator as the ideal camping (or blackout) companion due to its compact size, ability to charge quickly using solar panels and up-to-date LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries. The new, up-to-700W addition to the AC series has launched as part of the OEM's Amazon Prime Day Deals event, which yields special offers on the new power station's larger siblings, albeit with some caveats.

A new, upgraded version of the Philips Hue Pillar spotlight has arrived. Customers can choose between the single or double pillar, each with a dimmer switch in black or white. Compared to the older model, improvements include a higher peak brightness and a longer expected lifetime for the light source.

Upgraded versions of the Philips Hue Runner spotlight smart home products are now available in Europe. The new lights use the brand’s latest GU10 bulbs for a higher brightness level and a longer life expectancy. Various options include black and white colorways and single, double and triple models.

Xiaomi has revealed the Robot Vacuum S20+, a new model that is expected to launch worldwide. The latest product has several upgrades over the original S20, launched earlier this year, including a larger battery and greater suction power. You can also remotely control the robot via an app or voice commands.

IKEA could be about to launch a new smart plug, INSPELNING. The device was revealed earlier this year and has since appeared in the IKEA Home Smart app. Features include energy usage tracking and the ability to create a schedule.

Philips Hue has released an upgraded version of the Milliskin recessed spotlight. Using the brand's new GU10 bulb, the latest version of the smart spotlight is said to be brighter than its predecessor and has a significantly longer expected lifetime.

LG has refreshed the latest iterations of its MyView Smart Monitor, a device that can act as an external display and a (small) TV in one, with a new colorway. Furthermore, the 27-inch version of this re-painted, webOS 23-capable, peripheral is available in a new Desktop Setup bundle, which also includes a matching wireless keyboard and mouse.

A new upgraded version of the Philips Hue Adore Bathroom recessed smart spot light has been launched in the UK and the EU. Available individually or in packs of three, the product offers dimmable warm and cool light. Improvements to the device include a higher brightness level and longer lifetime.

Govee has launched the TV Light Bars 2, with various upgrades over the original version. The new product is suited to larger TV models, with LED beads and a lens cover that is said to provide double the brightness. Other features include microphones for lighting synced to sound and support for voice assistants.

The Oasa R1 is a new and unusual smart robot lawnmower with advanced sensor technology, and is currently still available at a heavily discounted price.

The TRMNL is an E Ink-based display that has a very minimalist design and can be customized to suit your needs. The model can also be mounted on a wall.

Amazon has dropped prices on Ring security cameras for US Prime members as part of its early Prime Day deals. The Ring video doorbell is currently 50% off MSRP and other Ring devices have similar discounts. Thieves are increasingly using hidden cameras to monitor residents for home robberies.

The DELTA 3 Pro is a new smart portable generator rated to store up to 4,000 watts (W) of back-up power, which can be restored in as little as 50 minutes thanks to EcoFlow's new X-Stream fast-charging technology. It has just become available to order with offers such as $500 off its recommended price or a free solar panel for early-bird buyers.

The new Govee Neon Rope Light for Wall Lining has been launched in North America and Europe. Designed to run along wall edges, the smart light is Matter-compatible and comes with an AI Lighting Bot for customized settings. Plus, customers can currently get discounts via coupons at Amazon.

Mammotion is now selling the new YUKA robot lawn mower in the US and the UK at Amazon, following a similar EU launch earlier this year. The model uses dual navigation technologies and is available in two versions for different yard sizes. Plus, an optional kit allows the robot to sweep up twigs and leaves.

Dyson has launched the WashG1 wet floor cleaner in Europe. The product is the first of its kind from the brand, arriving as a more premium model in its segment. Features include dual rotating rollers, separate waste tanks and a self-cleaning function.

The Hisense E8N Ultra Mini LED TV has been unveiled in China. The new 4K Mini LED model is available in sizes up to 85 inches and has gaming features tailored to the PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. Plus, a mmWave radar sensors provides intelligent tools like automatic brightness level adjustment and pausing content when you leave the room.

A promotion from Philips Hue named Create Your Own Starter Kit offers customers 20% off selected smart lights. The product range varies by country, with the deal available across North America, Europe and Oceania. To qualify for the discount, you must add a Hue Bridge and at least one smart light to your basket.

The Philips Hue Slim recessed light has arrived in Europe. Available in two colors and two sizes, the thin model could be useful in rooms with a false ceiling. According to the product listing, the light offers a wide beam angle and a higher brightness level.

A new version of the Philips Hue smart spotlight is now on sale in various countries across North America and Europe. The model features several upgrades on the older generation, including increased brightness and improved energy efficiency. Customers can choose between white and colored lighting options and single or multi-packs.

Aqara has launched the Starry Magic Knob V1 in China and is expected to release it in other markets like North America and Europe. The gadget allows you to control a range of smart home devices using the rotating knob and integrated display. Plus, the product has won a 2024 iF Design Award.

A new leak has outed Motorola as one of the next players in the emerging smart tag market in advance. The upcoming Moto Tag has some of the cutting-edge specs found in the Apple AirTag or Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2, with batteries that may or may not be removable. It seems poised to be unleashed alongside the OEM's latest flagship Razr-series smartphones.

SwitchBot has unveiled its new Universal Remote. This remote control offers Matter support when paired with the Hub 2 or Hub Mini. The company says that it is designed to enhance home automation by making it easier to control different household appliances.

The Philips Hue Tento round ceiling light is now on sale, with many versions offered in the EU. The smart light can produce customizable white and colored lighting from its LED light source, with app-based controls. The Tento arrives alongside another ceiling light model, Datura, though there are several differences.

Philips Hue has launched a new lightstrip, Solo, which is now available in the US and Europe in three lengths. The smart light offers white and colored lighting and can be trimmed to size. Other features include a wide range of settings via the Philips Hue app and voice commands.

Logitech may have discontinued its Harmony universal remote line. However, Unfolded Circle has now released the Remote 3 and Dock 3, a customisable new option that runs locally and without any subscriptions necessary.

Hisense has launched the S7N CanvasTV 4K QLED Google TV in North America. The model is similar to Samsung's The Frame, with an ultra-slim wall mount, teak frame and Art Mode. Other features include a 144Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium and support for Dolby Vision.

OLED has a challenger as an emerging type of high-tech TV in the form of panels that use mini-LED as a backlight. They confer potential advantages such as color-accuracy and dynamic range, and are as such now tipped to ship up to 1.8 million more units than OLED next year.

The Philips Hue Datura ceiling light is now available in Europe and will launch in North America later this year. The smart light offers dimmable white and colored lighting and has a frameless appearance. There are two sizes of the round light on offer, each with two independently controllable light sources.

Philips Hue has launched new table lamp base accessories for its Lightguide smart bulbs. There are three bulb shapes that work well as lamps without the need for a lampshade. You can customize the look by choosing from two base shapes and various colors, each 3D printed with recycled materials.

Philips Hue has released four new shapes for its Lightguide smart bulb range. Small Globe, Large Globe, Triangle, and Edison versions join the existing Ellipse model. The bulbs offer white and colored lighting and are designed to be on show, hung with a pendant cord or as a table lamp with an accompanying base.