Smart Home

In the latest firmware update for Google Nest Hub users, Fuchsia version 14 fixes bluetooth-related audio bugs, improves Matter support and finally resolves the detection of "spurious overnight presences".

Alongside a slew of new features available for public preview, the first-gen Nest Cam now has full support on the Google Home app. The app also allows custom clipping of footage from Nest cameras and can detect when you leave your garage door open.

The Philips Ambilight PUS8108 TV is currently up to 25% off in the UK at Amazon and AO.com. The 4K LED model is available in various sizes ranging from 43-in to 77-in, with discounts differing by size. The TV's Ambilight projects a colored halo of light behind your TV for a more immersive experience, with other features including Dolby Vision and voice commands.

Xiaomi has launched the Mijia M30 Pro robot vacuum and mop in China. The new model has a hair-cutting tool to remove tangles around the roller brush. Other features include 7,000 Pa suction power, AI dirt recognition for tailored cleaning and a self-emptying docking station with hot mop washing and drying.

Unlike typical routers, the Aquila Pro M30 smart mesh router from D-link Corporation features an in-built AI algorithm to optimize network performance, WiFi-6E connectivity and compatibility with Matter, Alexa and Google Assistant.

Epson has launched the EpiqVision LS650 ultra short throw projector worldwide following its announcement earlier this year. The model is billed as having a 4K PRO-UHD resolution with up to 3,600 lumens brightness. Other features include Android TV with Google Assistant, a Yamaha sound system and various HDMI ports.

IKEA appears to be working on two new smart plugs for the US, TRETAKT and INSPELNING. The gadgets would let users make regular household appliances smart and control them remotely. These models would follow the existing TRADFRI outlet as more compact products using Zigbee technology.

LG has announced that it will showcase new tech rated to help "Reinvent your Future" at CES 2024. The company will also reinvent itself as more of an AI-focused "Smart Life Solution Company" during the upcoming trade expo in earnest, which will also see it score more CES Innovation Awards than ever before on devices such as its OLED TVs, portable speakers and UltraGear gaming monitors.

Walmart just launched an update to its popular US$15 streaming stick. The new model, which is sold under Walmart's in-house Onn brand, runs on Google TV and can stream up to FHD content. The price remains the same at just under $15.

The IKEA PARASOLL, VALLHORN and BADRING smart home sensors have been confirmed for launches in the UK, Sweden and Germany in 2024. PARASOLL senses open windows or doors, VALLHORN is a motion sensor, and BADRING detects water leaks. IKEA has also shared new details about the uses of the previously leaked products.

Xiaomi has launched its Mijia Smart Electric Hot Water Bottle 5L in China. The device can boil large volumes of water, purifying it in the process. You can then choose to keep the water warm or to cool it with circulating air. Controls, such as temperature adjustments of 1°C (~2°F), are offered via a touch panel or accompanying app.

Customers in the EU can now pre-order the ULTIMEA Thor Apollo P10 projector. The device has a native 1080p resolution with 4K decoding and can project images up to 120 inches (~305 cm) wide. An LED light source delivers up to 900 ANSI lumens brightness, and the gadget has built-in 30W speakers.

Dreame has launched the L30 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop, following the release of the L20 Ultra earlier this year. The new model has a hot-mopping feature and increased suction power compared to its predecessor. Other features include a self-cleaning docking station for up to 75 days of hands-free cleaning and automatic carpet detection.

Hisense has launched the Mural TV R8K in China. The new model has a matte screen, helping the gadget to mimic artwork when not in use. Other features of the 4K TV include intelligent picture enhancement technology, an integrated 72W speaker system and support for Dolby Atmos.

Huawei has launched the BE3 Pro Wi-Fi 7 Router in China. The new model provides speeds of up to 3,600 Mbps, an upgrade from its predecessor, alongside improved signal strength and stability, and lower latency. Plus, intelligent routing optimizes your Wi-Fi experience when gaming.

ULTIMEA is now accepting pre-orders for its T50 and T60 4K laser TVs, with discounts available for early customers. The T50 has a single laser light source for up to 3,000 ANSI lumens brightness, while the T60 has a triple laser engine, increasing the peak brightness to 4,000 ANSI lumens. Other features include Google Assistant voice controls and support for Dolby Vision.

Three new LG TVs, the B4, C4, and G4, have been leaked. Details of the 2024 models were spotted on the AMD FreeSync Premium database, and images were found at Safety Korea. Compared to the 2023 TVs, the new models could have an improved variable refresh rate and an upgraded processor.

SwitchBot has launched the Lock Pro in Japan. The new model has several improvements over the standard version, including increased battery life and a microcurrent unlocking tool for emergencies. Other features include Matter compatibility, fingerprint unlocking, and magnetic auto-locking.

The 9-square kit can brighten up a room or power up to a total of 500 panels for stylized wall colors or pixel art. Its expansive software features help to separate Nanoleaf lights from the competition.

Xiaomi is releasing the Smart Door Lock E20 Wi-Fi Version in China following a successful crowdfunding campaign earlier this year. The smart home device offers multiple unlocking methods, including a fingerprint scanner, password keypad, Bluetooth and NFC. Plus, it has a built-in doorbell and can be controlled via an app.

Xiaomi has announced that it took in over 70 billion yuan (well over US$9 billion) over its latest quarter, which ended on September 30, 2023. The OEM's smartphones accounted for over half of that revenue, although its smart home, internet services and advertising businesses also made their contributions known.

The Xiaomi Smart Home Screen 10 is now available to customers globally via AliExpress. The smart home hub is compatible with many gadgets via Bluetooth 5.0 and IR. Other features of the touchscreen device include built-in speakers, for watching content, and a microphone and camera for video calling.

Fengmi has launched the Xming Q3 Neo smart projector in China. The new model has a native 1080p resolution and can project images up to 120-in (~305 cm) wide. Other features of the gadget from the Xiaomi subsidiary brand include Miija smart home compatibility, screencasting, and integrated speakers.

YEELIGHT has announced its Black Friday deals on a selection of its smart RGB accessories. They include the Smart Cube Lamp, which can be built and extended in nearly all directions for a more custom desk lighting solution. The brand's light bars, smart buibs and LED strips can also be picked up for less than normal during this sale.

IKEA has discounted various products in its SYMFONISK smart Wi-Fi speaker range in Europe. Customers in the UK, France, and Germany can buy discounted bookshelf speakers and speaker lamps. The products were designed in collaboration with Sonos and can be remotely controlled with an app or voice commands.

The advanced robot vacuum features LiDAR navigation, edge cleaning, auto mop lifting and washing, Siri voice commands, and AI-powered dirt-sensing technology to focus on dirtier sections of the home.

Govee has launched the Galaxy Light Projector Pro in the US. The smart home device creates an at-home planetarium experience with various images, color effects and white noises. Plus, you can control the gadget using physical buttons via the Govee Home app or with voice commands.

Joybee is now crowdfunding for the K2 robot lawn mower at Kickstarter. The gadget uses RTK and VSLAM technology for blind spot-free positioning and has an auto-lifting camera for additional visuals. Other features include ToF obstacle avoidance, a rain detection tool and app-based controls.

Govee has launched the TV Backlight 3 Lite in countries globally. The device uses a fish-eye camera to detect the colors on your TV screen, projecting them on the wall behind for an enhanced viewing experience. Other features include app or voice controls and Matter compatibility in the future.

Signify has announced the Philips Radii Wall and Pedestal lights. The products are designed for outdoor use and have integrated motion detection sensors to increase the light's brightness when you arrive home in the dark. Plus, the solar-powered lights have Ultra Efficient technology that makes them more reliable.

Anker’s Nebula sub-brand has launched the Capsule 3 and Mars 3 Air portable Google TV projectors with integrated Netflix worldwide. The gadgets have a 1080p resolution, with the Mars 3 Air’s maximum brightness at 400 lumens. Plus, both models are currently discounted thanks to in-page vouchers.

The Xiaomi Multi Function Camping Lantern has been launched in EU countries, including France, Italy, and Germany. The gadget has a larger lantern with a small detachable light in the centre. Plus, its color temperature and brightness can be adjusted with app-based remote controls.

"Chips are the new oil", proclaims MediaTek CEO Rick Tsai. The company will be pivoting more of its resources towards computing with a special focus on the fast-growing automobile sector for 2024 and beyond.

Bose has discounted its new Smart Ultra Soundbar in countries including the US, Canada, the UK and the Netherlands. Customers are offered up to US$100, with the deal terms differing by region. The soundbar, featuring Dolby Atmos and AI Dialogue mode, can be controlled with voice commands.

Aqara's latest smart home camera offers great bang for very little buck. For less than US$100, the Aqara Camera E1 boasts a 2k sensor, wide-angle lens, night vision, and is compatible with a range of third-party platforms including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Hisense has discounted its U7 Mini LED 4K TV series at Amazon in the US. The 55-in model is now less than US$500, with the 85-in model more than US$700 cheaper than the retail price. The TV has up to 1,000 nits brightness, supports Dolby Vision IQ, and has a 144Hz gaming mode.

Now rolling out for public preview, Alexa users can now control all their smart gadgets from a centralized map. The new Map View is limited to compatible LiDAR devices with the Alexa app, and Amazon plans to extend support for its Echo Hub by next year.

The Body Pro 2 is Withings' most advanced smart scale to date, which can connect to the internet via an integrated LTE modem and be expanded with specialized modules, including for early diabetes detection, thanks to its modular design.

They're not cheap, but there's no denying the appeal of Nanoleaf LEDs. The pack of hexagons or triangles are US$50 off and users can mix and match different shapes and sizes to make each setup unique.

The Nuki Smart Lock and Smart Lock Pro 4th generation are now available in Europe. The new models are compatible with Matter and will soon support Thread for a wide range of remote control options. Plus, the new Keypad 2 allows you to unlock your door with a fingerprint or code.

Zendure is now accepting pre-orders for its Flexible Solar Panels, which have a rated maximum power of 210W. These lightweight panels, which can be bent to fit a curved surface, are designed for use in a balcony power plant and can be purchased in packs of two, four, six or eight.

Signify has launched the Philips Hue Black Friday sale in markets including the US, the UK and the Netherlands. Customers can save up to 45% on individual items, 30% when choosing two or more smart lights and accessories, or 25% off when they buy two or more smart lamps. Products included in the sale vary by region.

CheckMag If you've upgraded to the new M3 MacBook Pro or a Lenovo X1 Carbon, take a look at some of the options for repurposing your old hardware instead of selling, recycling or sending to landfill. Repurposing old hardware can be a rewarding adventure that forms a core part of your home network.

The 65-inch Sony X90L 4K LED TV has dropped to less than US$1,000 on Amazon. The TV features Full Array Local Dimming, a high contrast ratio, excellent peak brightness, and support for Dolby Atmos/Vision. The TV is also highly rated with an 8.1 rating from RTINGS and a 4.1 star rating on Amazon.

With the AC200L, Bluetti has announced a new powerful power station. It has a capacity of 2,048 Wh, is modularly expandable and has a peak output of up to 3,600 W. In addition, it features app control, UPS function and fast charging.

NOMVDIC is now selling its projectors at Amazon in the UK. The brand also announced a range of Black Friday discounts, offering up to 50% off. The offers are available in the US and UK Amazon stores, including models like the portable R150, 4K P1000, and RGB triple laser L500.

Porsche Design has launched the PDS20 portable speaker in the US, the UK and the EU. The compact gadget comes with an interchangeable strap to make it easier to transport. Other features include a ten-hour runtime, Bluetooth connectivity and a voice assistant to control the speaker.

The SwitchBot Mini Robot Vacuum K10+ is now on sale in the US and Europe. The device has up to 2,500Pa suction power, can mop and comes with a self-emptying docking station for up to 70 days of hands-free cleaning. The gadget is compact, with the company suggesting it is the world's smallest robot vacuum.