Smart Home

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.

Govee has revealed the COB Light Strip Pro, a new smart lighting product available worldwide. Customers can choose between two lengths, and the light strip can be cut down to size. The products are Matter compatible and are significantly brighter than older strip lights from the brand.

The Govee Strip Light 2 Pro is now available in three sizes. Launching in various countries worldwide, the new product offers upgraded RGBWW LED light beads for brighter lighting with a wide color temperature range. Other features include over 100 preset light effects and Matter compatibility.

At RE+ 2024, Eaton announced its partnership with Tesla to make it easier and faster for customers to upgrade to residential solar and energy systems. The collaboration will also optimize the Eaton AbleEdge smart breaker.

The Philips Hue Lightguide Table lamps will launch in North America in the near future. While the new Lightguide bulbs are already available in the US, the table lamp bases are currently only offered in Europe. Customers will be able to choose from a variety of bulb shapes and base shapes and colors to suit their taste.

Although the 6% discount is something to usually overlook, when talking about the 85-inch Sony Bravia 3 LED 4K smart TV with model number K-85S30, which was released earlier this year, it's enough to push it to its lowest Amazon price so far. Sporting the X1 image processor, it comes with PlayStation 5-exclusive features and much more.

Xiaomi has unveiled the Mijia Smart Bathroom Heater S1 in China. The new multifunctional smart home device can heat and ventilate the room, and a built-in LED panel mimics natural light. Plus, with HyperOS, you can remotely control the product in several ways, such as in the app or by using voice commands.

The well-known audio company Sonos had been planning a new product to take on the likes of Roku and Google Chromecast - however, it may have to delay the release of the brand-first product. The OEM is now reportedly shedding employees, not to mention the production of its inaugural Ace wireless headphones compared to in-house projections. The source of all this adversity is said to lie in the furore caused by what should have been a simple update to its smartphone app.

The Philips Hue Tento ceiling panel will soon be available in a new square shape in Europe. Five additional versions will join the existing round variant of the smart light, with different sizes, light sources and frame colors. The new model shares many similarities with an older smart light from the brand, though it is cheaper.

The Philips Hue Ensis, a smart pendant light, has been launched in the US. The ceiling-mounted product is available in two colors to suit your home decor. Plus, the smart light features dual light sources, which can be controlled individually, providing white and colored light.

Xiaomi has introduced a new smart TV lineup in China. The new range, called Redmi A Pro, has 4K TVs starting from CNY 1,599, around $225. There are six sizes, with the smallest one being 43 inches and the largest being 75 inches.

Valerion has revealed details of its VisionMaster Pro 2, a new portable 4K gaming projector. It is set to launch on Kickstarter at the end of this month and is expected to cost $3,599.

1X Technologies has announced its Neo bipedal humanoid is one step closer to taking over home chores forever. The humanoid is entering beta testing at select homes before consumer rollout. The humanoid adopts many of the AI technologies utilized in Eve, allowing Neo to clean the home and bake cookies for its owner.

Philips has confirmed that some of its newer TVs are being updated with a Dolby Vision Filmmaker mode. These models already supported Filmmaker Mode for SDR and HDR10 content, and Philips is not the first manufacturer to offer the new tool. The feature was spotted during a test of a 2024 4K Amblight TV.