Smart Home

The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20+, or X20 Plus, has appeared on the company’s global website. The new model has various upgrades compared to the recently revealed X20, including greater suction power and a more advanced docking station for up to 75 days of hands-free cleaning. Other features include auto-lifting mop pads and Amazon Alexa voice commands.

Samsung has recently unveiled the pricing of its 2024 TV line, which includes the new Neo QLED 8K and 4K, OLED, and The Frame. As a promotional offer, with a qualifying preorder of one of these smart TVs, the company is offering a 65-inch 4K TV for free. But this promo ends on April 11, so you need to act fast.

SwitchBot has announced that "almost all" of its smart and automatic home devices are now eligible for the OEM's conversion to support Google's universal connection system Matter. That includes its latest K10+ mini smart vacuum, which might now be able to respond to user controls in a more streamlined, direct manner.

The Dreame X40 Master robot vacuum and mop has been revealed at an event in Germany. The device has a compact docking station, with hot water mop washing and drying. Other features of the powerful new model include MopExtend RoboSwing technology and a side brush to reach into corners.

Roborock has launched its new S8 MaxV Ultra robot vacuum and mop in Germany and revealed a release date and pricing for the US. The company is also offering various deals to the first customers in these two countries. The powerful vacuum features a FlexiArm brush, a DirTect tool, and the RockDock Ultra.

A few new details have emerged about the AI hardware project currently under development by Jony Ive and Sam Altman. While not a smartphone as originally reported, the new device will still be targeted at consumers to enhance aspects of their daily lives.

More Philips Hue Lightguide smart bulbs are launching soon according to recent rumors. Five models have been spotted at an online store, including the existing Lightguide Ellipse and the previously postponed Globe and Triangular models. Two new smaller Lightguide bulbs could also be in the works.

Rumors suggest that two new routers from AVM are on the way: the FRITZ!Box 4050 and the FRITZ!Box 7690. Details on the gadgets were shared on the IP-Phone Forum, indicating that the 7690 would support Wi-Fi 7. The report also mentions the upcoming AVM FRITZ!Box 5690 Pro.

Dreame has launched a new flagship model: the X40 Ultra Complete Robot Vacuum Mop. The powerful device has up to 12,000Pa suction power and various tools to help it clean corners and under low furniture. Plus, the X40 has a docking station that can automatically wash and dry the mop with hot water and air.

The Garden SILENO city robot lawn mower 400 m² is now available in the EU. The model is suited to smaller lawns and can fit through narrow spaces measuring at least 60 cm (~24 inches) wide. Other features include an automatic mowing schedule based on the grass length and weather, GPS positioning, and Amazon Alexa voice commands.

Roborock has revealed the V20 robot vacuum and mop in China. The new model is offered with a choice of two docking stations, both compact and offer 60°C hot water mop washing. The robot also has a low profile at 8.2cm (~3.2in) tall, as the lasers sit on the side rather than on top of the device.

As Apple continues its search for “the next big thing” the company is said to be exploring robotics as a potential area where it could release a major new product. While still in the early development stage, the device is one of two Apple is currently investigating where robotics technology plays a key role.

Xiaomi has announced a new TV in China: the S85 Mini LED. The device has an 85-inch 4K display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a Mini LED backlight for up to 1,200 nits brightness. Other features include a Game Mode with a 240Hz boosted refresh rate, support for FreeSync Premium Pro, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

Peerless-AV touts its latest Neptune-series TV as the ideal screen to install in one's patio, lobby or restaurant. The Full Sun Outdoor Smart TV is rated to withstand extreme temperatures and withstand dust, rain or even snow to stay bright and clear all year round. It is powered by LG's UI for TVs and comes with a free "commercial-grade" wall mount.

Lepro claims that its new RGB lighting effect aren't just smart - they're AI-generated, too. Their "first-of-its-kind" LightGPM technology is touted as capable of learning to adjust and adapt in response to a user's voice or even their facial expression to create the most "precise" mood lighting around. The new LED Wall Lights, Neon Rope Lights and LED Strip Lights are also rated to sync with other devices for seamless, intuitive control and smart home integration.

Samsung is now selling the QLED 4K Q80D TV in the US; pricing has also been revealed in Europe. The 2024 model has a direct LED backlight with Quantum HDR+ and the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor. Available in five sizes, most versions have a 100Hz/120Hz refresh rate with a maximum HDMI input rate of 4K@120Hz.

The IKEA JETSTRÖM LED wall light panel has arrived in Europe. The new smart light is wirelessly dimmable and offers white and colored lighting. The product has a range of control options, including a remote control or the IKEA Home smart app, which offers various smart home platform integrations.

The Philips Hue update version 5.14.0 for iOS and Android apps is now available. The software returns interactive widgets to Apple devices, with options to display them in three spaces. Also noted in the change log are new features for Friends of Hue switches and a faster way to save scene changes.

IKEA has added a new smart bulb to its range, the TRÅDFRI LED bulb E14 806 lumen. The product can produce particularly bright white or colored light, which can be dimmed to suit your needs. As with other IKEA smart bulbs, it can be connected to other smart home devices and controlled via the Home smart app.

Friends of Hue users have reported a range of new features for more advanced controls. The tools seem to have arrived in an update for the Philips Hue Bridge. Thanks to the release, the third-party accessories for Philips Hue smart lighting can now access the natural light scene and have improved dimming abilities.
Update: This has since been confirmed in the release notes for the Philips Hue app version 5.14.0 update.

The Mijia Air Purifier 5S is Xiaomi's new air purifier. It is designed to remove not only dust and pathogens, but also volatile pollutants. The manufacturer also offers respective devices in this country.

Samsung has launched its new S90D and S95D OLED TVs in the US and is currently offering customers a free 65" TV with their purchase. The S95D has an OLED Glare-free coating to reduce reflections, which the company claims is a market first. Other features include built-in speakers with Dolby Atmos, Motion Xcelerator 144Hz and support for FreeSync Premium Pro.

Edifier's new Desktop Active Monitors are also its first speakers that can double as fast chargers for the user's USB devices. The QR65s also provide "immersive" ambient Lumia lighting and support the LDAC codec. They are touted to deliver bass-rich Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless-grade audio thanks to their acoustics-friendly design.

The Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN85D and QN90D TVs are now available in the US. Plus, customers are currently offered a free 65-inch TV with their purchase. Compared to last year's equivalent models, the new TVs have an upgraded processor and various feature improvements.

Samsung is now accepting pre-orders for its flagship Neo QLED 8K QN800D and QN900D TVs in the US. Available in sizes from 65-in to 85-in, the models feature a MiniLED backlight, 8K upscaling and support AMD Free Sync Premium Pro. Plus, customers who pre-order the models can currently receive a free TV.

Eufy has launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for its new Robot Vacuum Omni S1 Pro, offering the first customers up to 40% off the MSRP. The model has up to 8,000 Pa suction power and uses a roller mop to scrub floors. Other features include ozone cleaning, mop lifting on carpet detection, and a self-cleaning docking station.

Oasa has revealed the R1 robot lawn mower, an upcoming model that does not require a boundary wire. According to Oasa, the device’s cutting method also makes it the first robotic mower of its kind. The new company has yet to confirm an official product release date, though clues suggest it could arrive in the next few months.

The new 115" TCL X955 Max TV is now available to purchase via some third-party retailers in the EU. The product listings suggest that the model will go on sale in countries including Germany and Czechia shortly. Features of the larger TV include over 20,000 local dimming zones and 5,000 nits peak brightness.

Xiaomi has revealed the TV S Mini LED in China, which is available in three sizes. The new smart TVs have bright panels with a 144Hz refresh rate and 94% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut. Other features include Xiaomi HyperOS, HDMI 2.1, support for Dolby Vision and AMD FreeSync Premium.

Wyze has unveiled the Wyze Cam v4 wireless security camera. The latest model improves upon the Wyze Cam v3 Pro with wider dynamic range imaging, better audio, and a built-in siren.

Xiaomi is launching the Body Composition Scale S400, a smart scale already available in China at a low price, onto the global market. It can measure 25 different health indicators.

Philips Hue has launched two new black and white versions of the Being ceiling light. With an LED light source and up to 2,350 lumens of brightness, the smart light is dimmable and offers a wide range of shades of white light. Other features include app-based controls and compatibility with Apple Home and Amazon Alexa.

Xiaomi has unveiled the Mijia M30 S robot vacuum and mop, which is now available to pre-order in China. The new model has many similarities to the M30 Pro, though its feature set is more basic. Tools include an anti-tangle hair-breaking solution and automatic hot water mop washing and drying.

Roborock has announced that a new flagship model, the G20S, will be unveiled at a conference at the end of the month. Few details have been shared about the model so far, though the company has highlighted its ability to clean close to the edges of a room. Several differences exist between this model and the V20, which will also be revealed at the event.

The Roborock V20 robot vacuum and mop has been teased in images and videos shared on social media in China. The new model will be revealed in full later in March. However, some product details have already been shared, such as its low height of 8.2 cm (~3.2-in) and smart docking station.

The Dreame Roboticmower A1 is now available at Amazon in various EU countries. The new model does not require a boundary wire and can mow an area of up to 2,000 m² (~0.5 acres/ 21,500 ft²) in a 24-hour window. Other features include an edge mowing mode and a rain detection feature.

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra finally has a launch date. The new flagship robot vacuum with many new functions and improvements will go on sale in a few days.

The Xiaomi Outdoor Camera CW500 Dual Camera Version has launched via a crowdfunding campaign in China. The model features two rotating 4MP cameras with a 2.5K resolution and full-color night vision, providing multiple viewing angles across your property. Plus, the product is listed as shipping worldwide via AliExpress.

Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Projector Lite Edition in China. The compact 1080p model can produce images up to 100 inches (~250 cm) wide a 150 CVIA lumens peak brightness. Other features include a built-in speaker, a time-of-flight sensor for intelligent picture adjustment and Mijia smart home linkage.

Sonos is now tipped to launch a second generation of its portable wireless speaker, the Roam, soon. It is backed to debut as an accessory that might be more reliable as well as more convenient to use compared to its predecessor. It might also be one of the first devices to ship with compatibility with Sonos' latest, potentially improved, app.

Security researchers have disclosed a vulnerability in three million Dormakaba Saflok RFID locks. After reading one keycard used on the premise, criminals can create a working keycard using a MIFARE Classic card, NFC hacking tool, or Android phone with NFC to gain entry to all Saflok secured rooms.

The Husqvarna Automower 520 EPOS is a new robotic lawn mower on sale in Europe. The latest model does not require a boundary wire, instead using the EPOS system for satellite navigation of an area of up to 5,000 m² (~53,800 ft²/ 1.2 acre). Other features include a weather timer, warning lights and support for Husqvarna Fleet Services.

Wanbo has launched a new projector worldwide, the Davinci 1 Pro. The 1080p model has an LCD light source delivering up to 600 ANSI lumens brightness. Other features include an integrated stereo speaker, an autofocus tool, and Google TV OS with Google Chromecast and Google Assistant voice commands.

The Hue Labs testing platform for Philips Hue smart lights and accessories will be discontinued later this year. Signify announced the end of the program on its website, stating that Beta features will now be available in the Philips Hue app. With the announcement, Signify shared a table detailing which Hue Labs formulas are already available in the app.

CheckMag Any PC can run Windows, Linux or other OS of choice, but the average multicore processor provides enough headroom for a multitude of simultaneous tasks. Go beyond multitasking in a single OS and make your PC your home hub with this guide to the best home lab software solutions.

LG has just announced pricing and availability for its uniquely compact, versatile CineBeam Q 2024 4K UHD projector in the United States. It has been released to pre-order with freebies that include an equally stylish wireless speaker, a case and possibly even more for a limited time.

Eve has launched its new Blinds Collection in Germany. The range provides customers with tailored, smart motorized shades in various semi-sheer, blackout and thermal insulating fabrics. Features include Matter compatibility, app-based or voice commands and Apple Home integration.

The Hisense Starlight S1 Laser TV is now available to pre-order in China. The 100-inch model combines an ultra-short-throw 4K projector with an unusual folding screen. Other features include a built-in speaker system, Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, and support for IMAX Enhanced, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos.

The Philips Hue app version 5.13.0 is now available for iOS and Android. The update adds a host of new features to smart lights and accessories. These include a Prism colored lighting effect, energy-saving scenes and smart features for the various Hue Tap switch accessories.