Smart Home

The Displace TV is touted as the world's first smart screen that works without cables of any kind, and also without a conventional wall-mount of any kind. Now, its OEM has gone into more detail on the "vacuum suction system" that keeps it up instead, and what happens if it or the integrity of the wall behind it were to fail. This involves the "ingenious" safeguards inside the TV rated to let it abseil down gently rather than shatter on the floor.

Amazon has revealed an invite-only deal which will give some customers a 60% discount on the Amazon Fire TV 50" Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV. The deal will be available to successful Prime customers between October 10th and 11th as part of the Prime Big Deal Days event. Features of the 4K TV include support for HDR10, HLG and Dolby Digital Plus, and Amazon Alexa voice commands.

An invite-only Amazon deal will offer 60% off the Hisense 50-inch U6HF 4K ULED Smart Fire TV. Successful applicants will be able to access the discount via a link shared by email between October 10th and 11th. Features of the TV include support for Dolby Vision HDR, built-in Fire TV, and Amazon Alexa voice commands.

Hisense asserts that its L5H 4K Smart Laser TV is the best gateway to the "big-screen experience" as delivered by a high-end short-throw projector with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos. For those with even more of a big home cinema budget, there is the L9H with the OEM's hallmark TriChroma technology. Both Laser TVs also support Google TV and NEXTGEN TV, and come bundled with large ALR screens in the US.

The Roborock Q5 Pro, Q5 Pro+, Q8 Max and Q8 Max+ robot vacuum and mops are now on sale with an introductory offer. Customers can get up to US$220 off the devices, with discounts offered at the brand’s store and Amazon. The vacuums have a maximum of 5,500 Pa suction power and a 5,200 mAh battery.

The BenQ X500i and X300G gaming projectors have been unveiled. The new short throw 4K models cover 84% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and have up to 2,200 ANSI lumens brightness. Gaming features include modes to suit various game types, a low input lag and audio enhanced with BenQ CinematicSound technology.

ULTIMEA has launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for the Thor T60 Laser TV. The device has a triple laser light source delivering up to 4,000 ANSI lumens brightness and covering 120% of the BT.2020 color space. Other features include a 3D mode, ALLM and support for Dolby Vision.

BenQ has unveiled the X3100i, a 4K HDR gaming projector expected to launch later this year. The device has a 4LED light source for up to 3,300 ANSI lumens brightness, throwing images up to 150-in (~381 cm) wide. Gaming features include RPG and SPG modes and a 4.2ms input lag for a 1080p@240Hz resolution.

EcoFlow promises the "biggest discounts ever" offered on its DELTA series of portable generators during the Prime Day period. Those deals are to be augmented by various single-day flash sales with extra offers on select bundles. EcoFlow's Smart Device line, which include the WAVE wireless HVAC unit and GLACIER "portable fridge with integrated ice maker", is also involved in the event.

Jackery asserts that it will be offering "guaranteed lowest prices" during its latest sale, even on newer products such as the Explorer 3000 Pro. The event will also have specials only available for the last two days of the sale, during which apparently unprecedented deals on accessories such as solar panels go live.

Kioxia has announced that its latest product for smart home and mobile devices upgrades to the latest 5.1 standard for the eMMC storage of its category. The new BiCS-series memory is rated to achieve up to 2.7 times the performance of its predecessor, and is touted to be more user-friendly and to integrate better with other components.

A report by Reuters claims that Amazon is working on several new smart home devices, including a projector which can turn any surface into a screen to help you with everyday tasks. The new outlet suggests that it has information from people close to the project, with the acquisition of a start-up helping to provide momentum to the product’s development.

The Redmi Projector 2 and the Redmi Projector 2 Pro are now on sale in China. The gadgets are brighter than the original models, with the Pro offering up to 300 CVIA lumens brightness. Other features include built-in speakers, voice commands, automatic focus and screen alignment tools.

The Hisense Laser TV L5K is now on sale in China. The company claims that the 110-in 4K gadget is a world first, with a Laser Engine LPU for up to 380 nits brightness. Other features include an integrated 100W Harman Kardon speaker system, Android 9.0 and a 1TB hard drive for storage.

Casiris has launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for its H6 4K projector. The company has already reached its funding target with over 50 backers at the time of writing. The new model has up to 3,000 ANSI lumens brightness from an RGB triple laser light source and an ultra-short throw ratio of 0.25:1.

Amazon just unveiled the third generation Echo Show 8 at its launch event yesterday. The smart speaker now features spatial immersive audio and room adaptation, and its 8” screen features proximity-based Adaptive Content for maximum legibility. It can now connect with Zigbee, Sidewalk, Thread, Bluetooth, and Matter compatible devices. The new Echo Show can be pre-ordered for US$150 and will begin shipping on October 25.

EE has announced plans to bring Wi-Fi 7 routers powered by Qualcomm to the UK market soon. The carrier asserts that its residential broadband customers will be among the first on Earth to access such potential speeds thanks to the new devices. The partners are also confident that the upgrade will improve the service in general.

Qualcomm has announced that it will partner the US broadband company Charter to deliver a new router for the latter's Spectrum Advanced WiFi service. It is rated to deliver 10 gigabit per second (Gb/s) wired speeds as well as Wi-Fi 7 to the customers that upgrade to it, while still supporting features such as the My Spectrum App and Security Shield.

Qualcomm asserts that it will unlock next-gen broadband speeds with its new 10G Fiber Platform. It is designed to become the basis of next-gen service access devices capable of using 10 gigabit (10Gb) cables to unleash Wi-Fi 7 speeds within the home. It also features Qualcomm's Service Defined Wi-Fi technology, a feature touted to make the gateway in question as custom as possible.

Xiaomi has unveiled the Mijia Smart Curtains Telescopic Track Version, now available to pre-order in China. The motor lets you open your curtains remotely using an app, voice commands or a wireless remote. Alternatively, you can set the curtains to open or close at a specific time.

ASUS has unveiled the ZenBeam L2 Smart Portable LED Projector. The device has a native 1080p resolution and a maximum recommended image size of 120-in (~305 cm). The projector also has integrated Harman Kardon speakers, and a built-in battery powers the gadget for up to 3.5 hours.

Hisense has launched the Vidda S85 or 85V1K-S TV in China. The new larger model has a 4K resolution with a 120 Hz refresh rate and support for HDR. Other features include a built-in 2.1 channel speaker system, a voice assistant, auto low latency mode and other features geared towards gamers.

The Xiaomi Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43-in will shortly launch in India. The new bezel-less model has built-in Fire TV, giving you access to over 12,000 apps and allowing you to control the TV with Alexa voice commands. Other features include ALLM, Apple AirPlay 2 screencasting and integrated 24W Dolby Audio speakers.

The Xiaomi Mijia Graphene Heater is now available in China. The smart home gadget has rapid heating technology, with 2,000W power, a maximum temperature of 28°C (~82°F) and an integrated thermostat. You can control the device with built-in buttons, Xiao AI voice commands, or the Mijia app.

Casiris has revealed the H6, a 4K ultra short throw tri-color laser projector. The new model will shortly crowdfund on Indiegogo, though pricing has not been confirmed. The device has up to 3,000 ANSI lumens brightness, covers 110% of the BT.2020 color gamut and runs on Android TV.

A product page on the Xiaomi global website has appeared for the Robot Vacuum E10C. The smart home device can vacuum and mop floors with up to 3,500 Pa suction power and various water flow settings. Other features include a 110-minute runtime, voice commands and voice updates on cleaning progress.

The Xiaomi Mijia Instant Hot Water Purifier Q1000 is now available to pre-order in China. The smart home gadget can heat and purify water, with instant heating technology delivering 1L of boiling water each minute. Other features include a touch display on the faucet and app controls.

Sonos has just introduced the Move 2, its substantially upgraded portable WiFi speaker. Among other changes, it now has dual-tweeters for stereo sound, 24 hours of battery life and a new color option, while retaining its IP56 weather- and shock-resistance. The Move 2 can be pre-ordered for US$499 and will be available starting September 20.

AWOL Vision has launched the LTV-3500 Pro Series 4K Triple Laser Projector in the UK and EU, with pre-orders offered in the US. The device upgrades the LTV-3500 by adding support for Dolby Vision and smart home integration. Other features include 8ms input lag for gaming and a 36W sound system.

Dreame has unveiled its Roboticmower A1 at IFA 2023. The robot uses the OmniSense Ultra sensor system with 3D LiDAR to navigate your lawn and avoid eleven types of obstacles. The device is suitable for gardens up to 2,000 m² (~21,528 ft²) in size with various modes and app controls.

Airseekers has unveiled the Tron-One, a robot lawn mower, which will soon begin crowdfunding on Kickstarter. The model uses five cameras to navigate your garden with a removable RTK module. Plus, the robot has an unusual vacuum and chop system to return grass clippings to your lawn as fertilizer.

The Sony BRAVIA XR A95L QD-OLED 4K TV can now be pre-ordered in countries including the US, the UK, France and Germany. The new model is available in 55-in, 65-in and 77-in sizes, with a 4K@120Hz resolution. Other features include gesture controls, Google TV and gaming optimization tools, with some exclusive to the PlayStation 5.

Epson has revealed the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 Streaming Laser Projector. The home theater gadget can produce images up to 120-in (~305 cm) wide with a 4K PRO-UHD picture quality. Other features include a built-in 2.1 virtual sound system, the Epson Setting Assistant app and Google Assistant voice commands.

TCL has announced that it is bringing its line of energy storage and management solutions to the home to the global market. Its Energy Storage System is based on "high-security, long-life" LiFePO4 battery technology in order to better manage a home energy supply in a potentially bill-cutting, emergency-solving manner. There is also a One-Stop Smart Energy Solution rated to connect TCL solar panels to the OEM's new Heat Pump for a "self-sufficient" hot water supply.

The XGIMI HORIZON Ultra 4K Projector has arrived, featuring a hybrid light source. The new long-throw model can produce images up to 200-in (~508 cm) wide with 2,300 ISO lumens brightness. Other features include a gaming mode, built-in speakers, autofocus and optical zoom.

The BP2000 is Oukitel's first portable power station that can be expanded with its own add-on batteries, for a total capacity estimated at up to 16,384Wh. The portable power station core is rated to pack 2,084Wh on its own, with an output of up to 2,200W thanks to its inbuilt AC outlets. The BP2000 is also compatible with up-to-1000W solar panels for an off-the-grid power supply solution.

The Formovie Xming Q3 Pro smart home projector has arrived in China. The device has a 1080p resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, throwing images up to 120-in (~305 cm) wide. Other features include integrated 5W speakers, auto-focus, a 10ms input lag and voice commands.

Xiaomi has launched the Mijia Graphene Baseboard Heater 2 in China. The new model has up to 2,200W power, heating your room to temperatures up to 28°C (~82°F). You can control the device with a touch panel, voice commands or the Xiaomi app, with a built-in thermostat automatically switching the gadget off when the room reaches your desired temperature.

Dangbei has introduced the Atom, a laser projector that is said to weigh just 1.27 kg. Reportedly also measuring 19.5 x 19.5 x 4.74 cm, the Dangbei Atom will be capable of creating up to 180-inch images at 1080p while running Google TV with Chromecast, Hey Google and Play Store support.

JBL has just introduced the first ever Wi-Fi speakers to integrate Alexa and Google simultaneously, allowing customers to switch between talking to either voice assistant seamlessly on the same device. All three models in the retro-styled Authentics lineup will be available starting September 17.

After some major leaks, Sennheiser’s Ambeo Soundbar Mini is now officially launching on September 1 for US$799.99. As the smallest member of the much-praised Ambeo soundbar range, the Mini has impressive 3D audio capabilities and boasts features like room calibration, 7.1.4 virtualized surround audio as well as support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats, Alexa, Chromecast, AirPlay, and popular streaming services.

Baseus might be best known for its Blade power banks - however, it has now announced that it now even supports electric vehicles (EVs) thanks to the latest upgrades in its accessory portfolio. The Nebula Series Green GaN EV Charger is to be joined by new peripherals such as the Eli Sport 1 Series Earbuds in the OEM's IFA 2023 showcase.

The Roborock Zeo One washer dryer has been unveiled. The machine has features like ZeoCycle low-temperature drying, reducing damage to your clothes, auto-dosing and automatic lint removal. You can also control the device with an accompanying app or voice commands.

Hisense’s Vidda brand has launched the S75 smart TV in China. The 4K model has a 120Hz refresh rate with HDR, VRR and MEMC support. Other features of the new TV include built-in speakers, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and minimal bezels for a 97% screen-to-body ratio.

Roborock has revealed the new Q8 Max series robot vacuum cleaners. The models feature the DuoRoller brush and Reactive Tech obstacle avoidance technology, previously only seen on more expensive models. Plus, the Q8 Max+ comes with a self-emptying docking station for up to seven weeks of hands-free cleaning.

The Roborock Q5 Pro and Q5 Pro+ vacuum cleaners have been revealed before their release later this year. The gadgets feature a DuoRoller brush for a deeper clean and up to 5,500 Pa suction power. Other features include PreciSense LiDAR navigation, app controls and voice commands.

Thanks to the latest firmware update, the extended LE Audio capabilities now available deliver improved audio recording on smartphones, as well as "rich and complex audio transmission" via Bluetooth to Auracast broadcast technology-capable Samsung TVs. Galaxy Book3 Ultra, Book3 Pro, Book3 Pro 360, and Book3 360 will also receive audio improvements.

Samsung has launched a limited Disney100 Edition of its The Frame TV. The gadget is now on sale in various countries worldwide in 55-in, 65-in and 75-in sizes. Features of the Disney version include custom platinum bezels, a redesigned remote and free Disney artwork to display when the TV is in Art Mode.

Nebula has discounted its recently released Mars 3 Outdoor Portable Projector in the US, Canada and the UK, offering up to US$220 off. The gadget arrived in July with up to 1,000 ANSI lumens brightness and a maximum recommended image size of 200-in (~508 cm). Plus, the battery-powered device has built-in speakers and an auto-focus tool.

Introduced as "a personalized, AI-powered food and recipe platform," Samsung Food has just landed in no less than 104 countries. It works with any smartphone platform and all Bespoke Family Hub refrigerators (WiFi plus a Samsung account are also needed) and supports English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, and Korean.