Smart Home

Sony has confirmed that the Bravia Z9K 8K Mini LED TV will soon be available to pre-order in some European countries. The device has many features, such as XR 8K upscaling and gesture controls. Exclusive tools for PS5 include Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode to optimize the image.

TCL concedes that the economic climate was not kind to the global TV market, one of the areas in which the OEM is best known, throughout 2022 thus far. Nevertheless, the company has now reported very healthy revenues and profits for the first half of this year (1H2022). It attributes much of this success to its growing reputation for mid- to upper-tier smart screen sales, as well as improving supply-chain conditions

The EcoFlow Power Kits can be pre-ordered in several countries across the world. The modular systems have been designed to provide power to off-grid buildings and RVs, with various components on offer. The Power Hub provides 3,600 W AC and 1,000 W DC outputs and supports charging via solar panels and smart generators.

Xiaomi has announced that new electronics from 2 categories will hit the Indian market soon. The intriguingly-named Notebook Pro 120G will join a "series" of 4K smart TVs that, while new to this country, might be re-brands of products already on the Chinese market. Nevertheless, with the bezels and specs as advertised or hinted at thus far, prospective customers are unlikely to care all that much.

The Xiaomi Smart Multimode Gateway 2 is currently crowdfunding in China. The smart home hub supports the Bluetooth, Bluetooth Mesh and Zigbee protocols, and you can also connect to the device via dual-band Wi-Fi. The gadget allows you to link various smart home gadgets, enabling you to set up multi-product scenarios.

A crowdfunding campaign for the Fluid One smart home system has launched on Kickstarter for customers in the US. The technology allows you to use your iPhone to point and click to control your gadgets, such as smart lights and TVs. You can also use the system to trigger smart home products with gestures or motion detection.

LG Display has showcased transparent OLED panels, another step in the advancement of the technology. Additionally, the display manufacturer has exhibited the world's largest OLED panel, which also has a 5.1 channel sound system built directly into the display.

ZTE has introduced the AX3000 Pro as its latest dual-band router that is available on Amazon. The device supports up to Wi-Fi 6 speeds over up to 160MHz channels thanks to a "winning" Qualcomm processor. Its new and award-winning design is touted to maximise its surface-area coverage and ability to form a house-wide mesh.

A crowdfunding campaign for the Lawna smart mower is live on Kickstarter. The robot uses visual AI technology to map your garden, so it does not need a perimeter wire. An integrated humidity sensor allows Lawna to detect rain, stop mowing and return to its dock. Plus, you can control the mower via an accompanying app.

MediaTek has unveiled the T830 as a new platform for the router-, Mi-Fi-, or CPE-type devices of the future. It is Wi-Fi 7 capable, and can handle 4G, 5G, up-to-10Gb/s Ethernet or Wi-Fi 6/6E inputs as well. The SoC is also compatible with battery power, and is touted as light on power use in these cases.

MediaTek's latest Pentonic chipset has debuted with an emphasis on remote group-watching and group-calling use-cases. It also features the up-to-date specs and features required to enjoy 4K gaming and content in general. The 700 is also touted as being Wi-Fi 7-ready and supporting "powerful AI enhancements".

The Harbor Dynamics SuperCam is crowdfunding on Kickstarter. The portable gadget combines a security camera with a power bank. The 1080p camera can capture video, images and sound, which you can store locally or have automatically transferred to your phone. A power bank has a total output of 140 W with a 100 W USB-C port and 10 W wireless charging pad.

Anker has launched the eufy RoboVac L35 Hybrid robot vacuum and mop. The gadget has up to 3,200 Pa suction power, with various vacuuming and water flow modes available. LiDAR technology maps your house in real-time, and you can set virtual boundaries in the app. Plus, you can control the device with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

The Xiaomi Mijia Partition Washing and Drying machine will shortly launch in China. The machine has two drums, supporting loads up to 15 kg (~33 lbs) in total. The device has intelligent features, including automatic detergent dispensing and a smart drying cycle. You can control the machine via a touchscreen or the Mijia app.

The large 65-inch variant of the Sony X90K is now on sale with an enticing US$301 discount at Amazon, which brings the 120Hz 4K HDR TV from the current 2022 Bravia lineup down to its lowest price yet.

The Xiaomi Mi Projector 2S was unveiled and will soon begin crowdfunding in China. The gadget can cast images up to 120-in across with a 1080P resolution. You can connect a games console to the projector via an HDMI 2.1 port, with a gaming mode providing 40 ms latency. The device has built-in speakers with support for Dolby Audio.

The WEJOY touchscreen projector is crowdfunding. The device has a touchscreen, allowing you to interact with the image with your hands or a stylus. The projector can cast images up to 300-in wide with a 1080P resolution. You can cast to the portable gadget via AirPlay and Bluetooth or connect via various ports.

The Wemo Smart Dimmer with Thread is now available in the US. The smart home gadget has been designed exclusively for Apple HomeKit, meaning you can control it with the Apple Home app or Siri voice commands. The device can work in any home, allowing you to install the switch with or without neutral wires.

Xiaomi has unveiled the MiGu Headband, a prototype for a device that you can use to control smart home devices with your mind. Xiaomi Group engineers developed the gadget during the company's third online hackathon. The wearable uses an electroencephalogram to determine your thoughts and detect fatigue.

The launch of the Philips Hue Go portable light has been delayed until 2023. Unveiled earlier this year, the product was due to be released in the region late this summer, but a lengthy European certification process has held up production. The table lamp will launch in North America as planned in the coming weeks.

Leica has confirmed plans to release its first Laser TV. Leica has teamed up with Hisense, which already offers numerous Laser TVs like the 120L9-Pro and PX1-Pro. Dubbed the Leica Cine 1, the Laser TV will debut next month at IFA 2022.

LG has finally announced US pricing and availability for its 2022 CineBeam projectors. The series consists of 2 ultra-short-throw DLP units rated to cast a 4K UHD window of 120 inches in size from less than 20 centimeters (cm) from a wall. They also feature up-to-3,700 lumen brightness, HDMI with eARC and integrated 40W speakers.

Samsung has launched its Bespoke AI Washer and Dryer. The laundry machines have various AI features, such as Ecobubble, Auto Dispense and AI Dry, to reduce energy and resource consumption and optimize cleaning. The devices are part of the SmartThings ecosystem, allowing you to control them via a smartphone app.

The HUTT W8 window cleaning robot is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter. The gadget has up to 3,800 Pa suction power and a range of cleaning modes. An 80 ml water tank allows the device to clean an area up to 35 m² (~377 ft²), with the water sprayed onto the surface via a “whale spout”.

The Lockly Vision Elite video smart lock has launched in the US for US$499.99. The gadget has a 1080p camera, night vision technology, and built-in motion sensors. You can answer the door remotely with two-way conversation and app unlock features. You can open the door with a fingerprint scanner or the PIN Genie touchscreen.

Market research firm Sensor Tower reports that Diablo Immortal has raked in over US$100 million in revenue just eight weeks after its launch. This figure accounts for both Android and iOS sales but leaves out third-party app repositories.

A Hackster project from Viktor Kurusa shows you how to build an Arduino-based autonomous lawn mower. The gadget uses UWB ranging rather than GPS RTK technology for accurate positioning. Ultrasonic and LiDAR sensors are used for obstacle avoidance, and you can record a map of the mowing perimeter with the device.

The Huawei Smart Screen S86 Pro TV is now available to pre-order in China. The 86-in device has a 4K screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate and AG anti-glare technology. The gadget has a magnetically detachable 12 MP camera for video calls and posture reminders. Plus, various ports, including HDMI ARC, and six speakers are built into the TV.

Yaber has announced that it will launch a crowdfunding campaign for the Pico T1, a portable projector, on August 10. The iPhone-sized device is 0.52-in thick and weighs 5.3 oz (~150 g). The gadget comes with a magnetic 360° tripod, built-in speakers and a range of ports. Plus, you can connect to the projector wirelessly and download various third-party apps.

The Huawei PixLab V1 Color Inkjet printer is now available to pre-order in China. The gadget runs on the new HarmonyOS 3, with the ability to remotely print from connected smartphones and laptops. Intelligent features of the device include a handwriting erase tool and automatic position correction when photocopying.

The Fjord is a premium air purifier with NanoGuard technology that is equivalent to a HEPA13-class filter. For over $300 USD, however, let's see what else the unit can provide over less expensive alternatives.

The Airversa Purelle Smart Air Purifier has been launched in the US, UK and Germany. The Thread-enabled gadget supports Apple HomeKit, allowing you to control the device with Siri voice commands when used alongside a compatible Apple product. The Purelle uses HEPA air filtration to purify up to 1,000 ft² (~92 m²) of air per hour.

The MarbleGate BreezeNova portable air conditioner is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter. The gadget has a cooling area of up to 60 ft²/h (~6 m²/h) and cooling power of 1,100 BTU/h (105 W). The 8-in-1 device features a mosquito repeller, Bluetooth speaker and flashlight. Plus, the BreezeNova doubles as a power bank with USB-A and USB-C charging ports.

The C SEED N1 4K TV series has been revealed. The display folds so that the TV can resemble a sculpture when not in use. Large screens, from 103-in to 165-in, are available with a 3,840 Hz refresh rate. The device has a built-in 100 W sound system and supports HDR10+.

The Smartmi Jya Fjord Air Purifier is now available in the US, with a three-stage purification system. The device can clean rooms up to 518 ft² (~54 m²) in size, with a clean air delivery rate (CADR) of 450 m³/h (255 cfm). The gadget is compatible with many smart home systems, including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

The Xiaomi Smart Home Screen 6 is now available to pre-order in China for 349 yuan (~US$52). The hub has a 5.45-in touchscreen with a 960 x 480 px resolution. You can control the gadget and linked smart home devices via an app or Xiao AI voice commands. Plus, the product has a built-in 2 MP HD camera for video calls and facial recognition.

The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Mop 2 Pro has been launched in India. The robot has 3,000 Pa suction power and can clean an area up to 2,000 ft² (186 m²) on a single charge. Professional Mopping Mode 2.0 technology allows the gadget to mop at 10,000 vibrations per minute. Plus, the device is equipped with many sensors to help it avoid obstacles.

Honor has launched the Smart Screen X3 and X3i TV lineups in China. The gadgets are available in various sizes, with a 4K display and 60 Hz refresh rate. An ultra-thin bezel gives the device a 98% screen-to-body ratio. A range of technologies is used in the TVs, which support HDR 10 and voice commands.

The speaker skimps on arguably unnecessary extras like LEDs for a more standard design that focuses on maximizing the core audio experience.

Hisense has introduced the PX1-Pro, a 4K DLP laser projector that relies on Android TV 10. Equipped with Hisense's TriChroma light engine, the PX1-Pro also has two HDMI 2.1 and USB Type-A ports. The Hisense PX1-Pro is orderable now in multiple markets and can create between 90-inch and 130-inch projections.

The Bosch Light/shutter control II is now available in Europe. The device can turn regular electric blinds into smart blinds and act as a smart light controller. With the gadget, you can control your lighting and blinds with voice commands or via the Bosch app, with tools such as a timer and scheduler.

Vizio has unveiled the Quantum X TV series with 4K UHD displays. The gadgets support a 240 Hz refresh rate at 1080p, or a 120 Hz refresh rate at 4K, making them suitable for gaming. The devices are compatible with various technologies, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+. 50-in, 65-in and 75-in models will shortly be available in the US.

Xiaomi has started selling the Smart Speaker IR Control in India, where it costs INR 4,999 (~US$63). Featuring a 1.5-inch driver, the Smart Speaker IR Control also offers Google Assistant and Google Chromecast support, among other features.

The Paris Rhône Laser Projector is crowdfunding on Indiegogo; you can currently secure the device for US$1,799. The 4K ultra short throw projector can produce images up to 120-in wide with a 0.233:1 throw ratio. The gadget supports many technologies, including HDR10, Dolby Audio and DTS decoding.

The Transpeed P10 projector is available via AliExpress for under US$120. The gadget is powered by Android 10 and an Allwinner H700 chip. You can wirelessly connect to the portable device via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or the range of built-in ports. The device can cast images up to 200-in wide with a 1080p resolution.

The Xiaomi S10T robot vacuum cleaner has been revealed. The gadget has multiple cleaning modes with up to 8000 Pa suction power and mopping abilities. The company has added patented anti-tangle technology, so you don’t need to unclog trapped hairs manually. The device can clean an area up to 180 m² (~1,938 ft²) and uses LDS laser navigation.

Samsung has proudly announced that its SmartThings Find network is now made up of at least 200 million devices (counted as individual "find nodes") worldwide. The OEM's Apple Find My rival has taken less than two years to grow to this extent. Its success is attributed to the release of the first-gen Galaxy SmartTags, which allow users to find things besides Samsung hardware through the service.

Xiaomi has launched three new sizes of its TV ES Pro device in China. The TV has a 4K display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, plus support for VRR and HDR technology. The new models are similar to the 86-in variant released earlier this year. However, the latest devices have a smaller sound system with built-in 12.5 W speakers.

After some of the Japanese manufacturer's more expensive television sets of 2022 have already remained stagnant, the budget-friendly 120Hz TV Sony Bravia X85K has unfortunately followed this disappointing trend and did not receive any particular improvements compared to its immediate predecessor.

A product listing for the LG 4K OLED evo ART90 TV has appeared in Germany. The TV, announced late last year, has a 4K screen with up to 120 Hz refresh rate. Part of LG’s Objet Collection, the TV has an unusual design with a sliding fabric screen cover and a lean-to stand. The gadget supports technologies such as Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Atmos and HDR10 Pro.