Smart Home

The LG CineBeam PU700R 4K projector has launched in the US, retailing for US$1,699. The compact gadget has a 1.2 throw ratio, producing images up to 120-in (~305 cm) wide with up to 1,000 ANSI lumens brightness. Other features include Apple AirPlay and Screen Share, built-in speaker and various streaming apps.

Xiaomi has launched its Robot Vacuum X10 in EU countries, including Spain, France and Italy. The flagship model arrives as a cheaper alternative to similar products from other brands. The X10 has up to 4,000 Pa suction power, a self-emptying docking station and a 180-minute runtime.

Roborock has launched a pre-sale event for the A10 Ultra wet and dry vacuum in China. The gadget has up to 17,000 Pa suction power and 20N pressure washing for a thorough clean. Smart features of the new device include dirt detection to determine the amount of cleaning fluid or suction power required. The gadget is self-cleaning, with automatic mop head washing and drying.

Samsung has discounted its QN95B Neo QLED 4K Smart TV in the US, with price cuts of up to US$1,300 available at the Samsung online store, Amazon and Best Buy. The 2022 TV has a Mini LED display and runs on Tizen OS, allowing you to control the device with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands.

The co-founder of Pluto TV has announced Telly, a service that provides a free 4K Smart TV for your personal data. Telly will debut later this year in the US, with half a million units to be shipped before 2024.

Google continues to integrate more functionality into its Google Home app. Not only has the company added a light colour picker to the Wear OS app, but it also enabled Talk and Listen functionality on its web app. Additionally, the company will soon offer Matter support within the Google Home iOS app.

Virtual reality (VR) is touted to take a player to new dimensions of gaming - right up until it does it literally and increases the risk of crashing back into real reality, or its very real walls, obstacles and personal possessions, that is. Virtuix claims to be able to solve these problems with a version of its Omni "VR treadmill" for the home, creating a space in which a user can move freely and safely with less danger to or from the non-gaming world.

The TCL 2023 Smart S Class TVs are now available in the US. The lineup includes the S2, S3 and S4 models, ranging in size from 32 to 85-in, starting from US$169.99. The range-topping S4 is a 4K Ultra HD TV with Dolby Vision and Dolby Audio support. All new models run on Google TV OS, with Google Assistant voice commands and Chromecast.

The 2023 TCL QLED Q Class TV lineup has been launched in the US. The range features a 98-in QM8 model, with 2,000 nits peak brightness and Mini LED with 2,300 local dimming zones. All TVs use Google TV OS, allowing you to control the devices with Google Assistant voice commands.

Unveiled at the end of 2022 with a list price of US$1,499.99, the 34-inch Samsung Odyssey G85SB QD-OLED curved gaming monitor (model number LS34BG850SNXZA) is now available for US$1,299.99 via both Amazon and Samsung US. Its highlights include a 175 Hz refresh rate, a minimum response time of 0.03 ms, HDR True Black 400, and more.

The Fengmi R1c Nano ultra short throw laser projector has been launched in China. The gadget has a 0.23:1 throw ratio and delivers up to 1,050 ANSI lumens brightness. Features of the 1080p projector include voice commands, Mijia smart home integration and two built-in speakers.

An update for the IKEA Home smart app has revealed that a new RODRET wireless dimmer is coming. The gadget will allow you to control up to ten smart lights simultaneously with various controls. Plus, a Declaration of Conformity suggests that the RODRET range will also include a smart blind/curtain remote and shortcut button gadget.

The VANKYO Leisure 470 Roku projector kit has been launched in the US. The product combines the VANKYO 720p projector with a Roku Express streaming player, providing access to many streaming platforms and Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa voice commands. Plus, the compact gadget has a built-in speaker and support for wireless screen mirroring.

Fengmi has launched the R1c ultra short throw laser projector in China. You can use the 1080p device to throw images up to 200-in (~508 cm) wide with up to 850 CIVA lumens or 1,400 ANSI lumens brightness. Features include voice controls, Xiaomi Mijia smart home integration and built-in speakers.

XGIMI has launched a pre-sale event for its 100-in Soft Light Art TV MIRA in China. The laser TV uses Dual Light technology in its ultra-short throw projector with a 0.21:1 throw ratio. Other features include an “Art Frame” display, 2.1 channel Harman Kardon sound system and voice commands.

JBL has unveiled Wi-Fi-capable versions of its Charge 5 and Boombox 3 portable speakers. The improved connectivity reduces interruptions and enables you to wirelessly stream content from a mobile device via Apple AirPlay or Chromecast. The models also support HD audio with 24bit/96kHz playback over Wi-Fi.

Best Buy US is currently offering US$130 off the VIZIO 65-in Class MQ6 Series 4K QLED HDR Smart TV. The device supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG and has various gaming features. You can control the TV via an app or voice commands and cast content via AirPlay or Chromecast.

Fengmi has launched a pre-sale event for its Laser TV C3 in China. The 4K ultra short throw projector can cast images up to 200-in (~508 cm) wide with up to 400 nits brightness. Other features of the device include support for HDR10+, MEMC and two built-in 15W speakers. Plus, the Formovie projector is compatible with the Xiaomi Mijia smart home system.

Haier brand Casarte has unveiled the new E68 4K QD Mini-LED TV in China. The device has a 240 Hz refresh rate with VRR, MEMC and ALLM. The TV's display is anti-reflective, and a built-in speaker system supports 5.1 channel surround sound. Plus, you can control the gadget with voice commands.

A report by DisplaySpecifications suggests that a new Hisense A85K TV will launch in Europe later this year. The 4K OLED model has a 120Hz refresh rate and gaming features like AMD FreeSync Premium. Plus, you can use Anyview to wirelessly cast content from a mobile device and control the TV with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands.

A Thread Smart Motor is now available for Smartwings smart blinds and shades. The product launched via an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign last year, with orders shipping in recent months. The new smart blinds work directly with Apple HomeKit, and a bridge enables you to control the device via other systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

TCL has launched a pre-sale event for the Q10H 4K Mini-LED TV in China. The device has a 2,304 zone backlight and up to 3,000 nits brightness. Other features include a built-in sound system with a subwoofer, a 144 Hz refresh rate and the ability to control the gadget with voice commands.

A pre-sale event for the Xiaomi Roufeng Air Conditioner 1 hp is now live in China. The energy-efficient gadget has an APF of 5.30 and uses a full DC frequency converter. With an integrated light sensor for intelligent adjustment, you can control the smart home device with Xiao AI voice commands or the Mijia app.

Xiaomi has launched the Mijia Refrigerator Side by Side 610L Ice Crystal White in China. You can control the smart home device via the Mijia app, Xiao AI voice commands or the integrated touch panel. Plus, the fridge has a smart temperature adjustment tool with quick cooling and holiday modes.

Sony has announced pricing and availability for the new BRAVIA XR TVs that are coming to the North American market. They will come in OLED, mini LED or Full Array LED varieties, all of which be 4K HDR, will run Google TV and have the latest Cognitive Processor XR. The new BRAVIA XR range for the US or Canada will have sizes ranging to 55-inch entry-level models to the top-end 98-inch X90L model.

The BenQ TK860i and W2710i 4K projectors will shortly launch in the EU. The TK860i has up to 3,300 lumens brightness and 98% Rec. 709 color space coverage, while the W2710i has a maximum brightness of 2,220 lumens and supports HDR10+. Both models have a built-in 2.1-channel speaker system and Android TV.

Hisense has unveiled the E7KQ PRO TV on its Spanish website, available in sizes from 55-in to 75-in. The 4K TV has gaming features, including a 144Hz refresh rate, a game bar and HDMI 2.1 ports. Other tools include Anyview wireless screen-casting and integrated 2.1 channel speakers.

Roborock has finally started selling S8 Plus and S8 Pro Ultra vacuum cleaners, months after introducing the pair at CES 2023. Unsurprisingly, the S8 Pro Ultra has more bells and whistles than the S8 Plus. However, both robot vacuums offer 6,000 Pa of suction power and have auto-empty docks.

A Xiaomi Youpin pre-sale event for the Redmi Smart TV MAX 90-in has launched. The gadget has a 4K display with a 144Hz refresh rate and support for HDR10+. Other features of the device include integrated 30W speakers, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and support for AMD FreeSync Premium.

Samsung has discounted its QN800B Neo QLED 8K 65-in, 75-in and 85-in TVs in the US. Deals are available at Amazon and Best Buy, with price cuts of up to US$3,500. The 2022 TV can upscale content to close to 8K and has a built-in 70W 4.2.2ch sound system, supporting Dolby Atmos.

IKEA has launched the VINDSTYRKA smart air quality sensor in the US; the gadget is also available in the UK and EU. You can use the device to check the temperature, humidity or presence of fine particles in your home. Plus, you can control the sensor via an app and link it to other smart home products.

Philips Hue could launch new products in its Aurelle and Surimu lines as soon as June. The Aurelle LED panels are expected to be available with black frames; currently, only white frames are available. The report from hueblog.com also suggests that new shapes of the Surimu colored light could arrive later this year.

Xiaomi has launched the Smart Speaker Lite, available in countries including Spain. The gadget has a 1.75-in loudspeaker unit and a 350cc sound cavity to enhance the audio. Plus, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, the speaker supports Amazon Alexa voice commands, Apple AirPlay2 and Spotify Connect.

IKEA is now selling the VAPPEBY Portable Bluetooth waterproof speaker in countries including the US, UK and the Netherlands. The gadget can run for up to 80 hours on a single charge and is rated as IP67 waterproof, meaning you can use the speaker outdoors or in the bathroom. Plus, you can pair two speakers for a stereo sound.

The 2022 LG 83 Series QNED MiniLED 4K TV is discounted at Best Buy in the US. You can save up to US$1,000 off the three models, ranging in size from 65-in to 86-in. Features of the TV include support for Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos, as well as wireless screen mirroring from a mobile device.

Skyworth has launched the Coocaa X5 Projector in China. The cheaper model has a native 1080p resolution with support for 4K decoding and up to 800 ANSI lumens brightness. Features of the device include autofocus, auto obstacle avoidance and wireless screen mirroring. Plus, you can customize the projector with office and kids modes.

JMGO has announced that its Kickstarter campaign for the innovative N1 Ultra 4K projector has come to an end, having amassed over US$2 million in the process. The device attracted this much backing thanks to claims of in-house "Brilliant Color" optics and an innovative "Gimbal System". Now, the OEM indicates that it is getting ready to ship the N1 Ultra to its backers, and also prepare it for release to retail.

A new report from SmartApfel claims that IKEA will launch new FYRTUR and KADRILJ smart blinds in 2024. The products are expected to have improved functionality, which currently includes wireless app control and Apple HomeKit compatibility. The existing models are still on sale in various countries, though listed as "last chance to buy" in some areas.

Xiaomi has launched the Smart Home Hub 2 in countries including the UK, Spain and Germany. The gadget is twice as powerful as its predecessor, the Mi Smart Home Hub, with support for Bluetooth, Bluetooth mesh and Zigbee protocols. Plus, the device has an RJ45 port and is powered via USB-C.

It's Earth Day 2023, and, thus, a potentially ideal time to augment your personal or home audio set-up finished in FSC-certified wood. If so, House of Marley has you covered with speakers, ANC TWS earbuds or wireless headphones in sustainable style. They often back it up with high-quality materials such as stainless steel and recyclable aluminum.

Google is rolling out Matter support for its Nest Thermostat. The new compatibility will enable you to control the Google device using other Matter-compatible devices and apps, such as Apple Home. The rollout for the 2020 device began on April 18, with the full distribution expected to take several weeks.

A product page for the Xiaomi TV F2 32-in Fire TV has appeared on the company’s global website. The new size variant is an LED HD TV running on Fire OS 7. The TV features the Fire TV interface, Amazon Alexa voice commands and wireless screen casting via Apple AirPlay or Miracast.

Acer asserts that its latest Vero-series projector has a laser source robust and stable enough to support "round-the-clock" throw in color-accurate FHD. The PL3510ATV also has in-built 10W speakers with an Audio Return Function to augment an external sound system. It runs Android TV and can act as a Chromecast for wireless content-control.

An Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for the Segway Navimow robot lawn mower with VisionFence will soon launch in North America. The device can use integrated sensors to detect lawn edges and obstacles and navigate in areas of weak signal. Other features include EFLS positioning and adjustable cutting height.

HOOKII has launched the Neomow S robotic lawn mower in the EU; the device will also shortly go on sale in the US. The robot uses IMU and GPS to navigate your lawn, with various sensors to avoid obstacles and pause mowing when rain is detected. Other features include app control and a cross-mowing mode to combat weak signals.

The Roborock S8 robot vacuum series will shortly launch in the US, with introductory offers available on the S8 and S8+ models. The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra will also arrive in the US and EU in April. This more expensive model adds an intelligent docking station to empty the dustbin, refill the water tank and clean the mop head.

The TCL C745 QLED Gaming TV, also known as the C74, has been launched in Europe. The QLED 4K devices have various gaming features, including Shadow Enhancement and a 240Hz Game Accelerator. Plus, the TV has built-in speakers, the Google TV interface and supports voice commands.

Xiaomi has added to its TV Master range with a new 86-inch model. Promising exceptional image quality thanks to 1,080 Mini-LED backlight zones, the Xiaomi TV Master 86-inch also peaks at 2,000 nits, has HDMI 2.1 ports and combines a 4K native resolution with a 144 Hz refresh rate.

Xiaomi has launched a pre-sale event for the new Mijia Sweeping and Mopping Robot 2 in China. The gadget has up to 5,000 Pa suction power and mops, which can be automatically lifted. Plus, the robot will return to its dock to clean the mops during the cleaning process to ensure that collected dirt is not spread around the home.