Smart Home

IKEA has launched the SYMFONISK Floor lamp with Wi-Fi speaker in the US. The gadget combines a floor lamp with a smart speaker, designed in partnership with Sonos. The speaker produces 180-degree audio and can be paired for a stereo experience. Plus, the gadget supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect.

The Optoma L1+ 4K ultra short throw projector has been announced and will be demonstrated at the Taipei International Audio Show. So far, the company has confirmed that the device will come with built-in streaming services and gaming features like VRR. The new product is due to launch in Q1 2023.

ViewSonic has revealed the LS610WH and LS610HDH LED projectors. Each device can produce up to 4,000 lumens brightness and throw images up to 300-in (~762 cm) wide. The LS610WH has a WXGA resolution, and the LS610HDH has a 1080p resolution with support for HDR and HLG.

Now that Wi-Fi 7 is all but here, Qualcomm has anticipated demand for new total-home or home mesh systems compatible with this new standard. The OEM's latest Immersive Home Platforms are touted as small yet powerful enough to deliver 20 gigabit per second (Gb/s) worth of broadband capacity in unobtrusive form-factors.

Xiaomi has unveiled the Mijia Smart Kitchen 7L S1 water heater, which is now on sale in China. The gadget has 2,000 W heating power and can produce up to 42 L of hot water continuously. You can control the device with Xiao AI voice commands or the Mijia app and connect the water heater to other smart home gadgets.

The Brewconcepts ChaiBot Tea Machine has begun crowdfunding on Indiegogo. You can use the device to make up to six cups of tea simultaneously, using loose leaves, tea bags, matcha or chai. You can save your favourite settings to automate brewing using a smartphone app. Plus, the gadget has a self-cleaning mode.

It seems that Samsung is preparing to release a new SmartThings Hub but with a twist. Lacking Matter integration, the SmartThings Station will offer Qi wireless charging, among other features.

Xiaomi has made a new Pro version of its Sound smart speaker official . It has upgraded to a new adjustable ambient lighting effect as well as a new "7-part" speaker system. The Sound Pro also supports NFC and the latest ecosystem support baked into MIUI 14 for easy pairing and control using a new 13-series flagship smartphone.

Xiaomi has unveiled its latest router official alongside its new flagship Android smartphones. The first-gen device can support up to four 2.5 gigabit (Gb) wired connections, and also purports to support "10Gb wireless" thanks to its tri-band support. The OEM also asserts that it is fast and powerful enough to even support "light NAS" work if necessary.

The quite affordable Hisense U6H, whose 65-inch variant usually carries a US$799 price tag, has returned to one of its lowest prices to date as multiple US retailers currently sell the large 4K HDR TV for under US$500.

With a list price of US$49.99, the latest model of Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K is now discounted by 46%, so those interested can get it for just US$26.99. In addition to 4K Ultra HD support for Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+, this product also comes with Dolby Atmos audio and Alexa Voice remote.

The IKEA SYMFONISK / FREKVENS has been launched in the US. The two new products, designed in collaboration with Sonos, combine the existing SYMFONISK Wi-Fi smart speaker with two FREKVENS lights, available as a spot or LED matrix. You can set the light to pulse in time with the music with various patterns on offer.

ViewSonic has unveiled the M2W portable projector. The device has up to 1,700 lumens brightness from an LED light source and can throw images up to 120-in (~305 cm) wide. Plus, the device has built-in Harman Kardon speakers and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity.

The large 65-inch variant of the popular LG C2 with 120Hz and Dolby Vision support originally carried a lofty price tag of US$2,499 upon its release earlier this year, but the latest OLED TV deal offers an enormous discount of more than US$1,000 on this beautiful 2022 television set.

The Apple HomePod mini will be available in Sweden, Norway and Finland from December 13. The gadget delivers a 360° audio experience, and multiple units can be linked to create a stereo system. Plus, you can use the device as a smart home hub with Siri voice commands to control linked products such as lights or an Apple TV.

PLX Devices Inc. is currently crowdfunding for the Legion Solar 7 Home Power System via Indiegogo. The DIY kits include solar panels and a Solar Regulator with an AI computer, with various bundles on offer. You can control the system and view power consumption information in an accompanying smartphone app.

The Wasserstein Doorbell Chime and Wall Plate for the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, gen 2) have been revealed. The chime comes with five sounds and a silent mode, which alerts you to someone at your door with lights rather than a melody. You can use the wall plate to cover any marks left on the wall by previous doorbells.

Yunmi has launched the Viomi AI Smart Door Lock Super 2E in China. There are several ways to unlock the gadget, including a password, NFC card or an integrated fingerprint scanner. The device can last up to four months on a single charge, and you can view the lock's status in real time via the app.

Crate and Barrel now exclusively stocks the new GE Profile Smart Mixer with Auto Sense. This smart feature enables the gadget to detect changes in the viscosity of the bowl's contents and adjust its settings accordingly. You can view guided recipes in an accompanying app and control the gadget with Google or Alexa voice commands.

The AUN PH30S, a 720p projector, is now available globally via AliExpress. The cheaper projector currently retails for US$88.90. The device runs on Android 9.0, allowing you to download popular apps like Netflix. Plus, you can cast to the gadget via Apple AirPlay and Miracast.

The LG C1 Series 4K TV is now discounted in the US, where customers can save US$800 on the 65-in model at Best Buy. The OLED device supports Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos, and has AI 4K Upscaling technology. Gaming features include a 120 Hz refresh rate, 1 ms response time and HDMI eARC port.

The rather compact 42-inch Sony Bravia A90K OLED television, which can also be used as a large gaming monitor, has once again received a decent discount at multiple US retailers and thereby dropped back to its most compelling sale price to date.

Google has released its latest software specifically for TVs, which is in turn based on the latest version of Android for mobile devices. Most of its new updates could be described as developer-facing in nature; then again, some users may welcome the expanded physical keyboard layout customizations and updated privacy controls when it eventually hits their own sets.

Anker's home security brand eufy has built its name on assertions that footage recorded using its cameras is stored securely and only arrives on a user's device via “end-to-end military-grade encryption". However, The Verge now claims to be able to prove that some of these claims are technically false, citing some findings posted to Twitter by researchers.

Xiaomi has opened a pre-sale event for its new Mijia Desktop Drinking Machine Smart Edition in China. You can use the gadget to filter or create hot drinks at temperatures up to 95 °C (~104 °F). NFC technology lets the device recognize your cup and select your favourite temperature and volume settings.

Xiaomi has launched its Mijia Cooking Robot in Germany. The gadget shares many similarities with a Thermomix, heating foods at temperatures up to 180 °C (~356 °F). You can also use the device to chop, wash and steam food, with various attachments allowing you to cook up to four dishes simultaneously.

Xiaomi has revealed the Smart Door Lock E10, which you can now pre-order in China. The gadget has a fingerprint scanner, NFC and keypad, providing multiple ways to unlock your door. You can remotely control or check the lock's status via the Mijia app and link the device to other smart home products.

Samsung and Zigbang have unveiled a smart door lock with a UWB chip, allowing you to unlock your front door without touching your smartphone. The gadget senses a digital home key in your Samsung Wallet on your phone, removing the need to tap your device against the lock or open an app.

Xiaomi has released the Xiaomi Mijia Pure Smart Humidifier Pro Plus Edition in China. The gadget has a humidification rate of 900 ml (~30.4 fl. oz) of water per hour, with a 5 L (~1.1 gallons) water tank. Other features of the gadget include humidification sensors for auto adjustments and a quiet sleeping mode.

REVOXEN is currently crowdfunding via Kickstarter for its 17-in-1 Standing Desk. As well as being able to vary the height of the desk, it also has a built-in docking station with outputs such as 100 W USB-C. Plus, a wireless charging pad and NVMe SSD enclosure are integrated into the product.

Xiaomi has released the Mijia Sweeping Robot 2S for pre-sale in China. The gadget has high-speed mopping and up to 4,000 Pa suction power. The device uses 3D obstacle avoidance and LDS navigation technologies to plan its route. Plus, you can remotely control the device via a smartphone app or voice commands.

Xiaomi has already announced plans to debut new Android flagship smartphones, as well as new possibly matching peripherals, in early December 2022. Now, the OEM has indicated that the event is even bigger than that, as it will also introduce its latest "ecosystem" products. They include a new and potentially more powerful router as well as a new flagship for the Sound smart speaker range.

COI will shortly begin to crowdfund for its Uno5 Projector via an Indiegogo campaign. The gadget has up to 800 ANSI lumens brightness, and the company claims it is the first device of its kind to come with Netflix pre-installed. Plus, the Linux-based projector supports HDR10 and Dolby Atmos technologies.

Medion has launched the S40 robot vacuum cleaner in European countries such as the Netherlands and France. The gadget has up to 2,000 Pa suction power, 2.5 hours of runtime and a 14-stage HEPA filter. An accompanying self-emptying docking station provides up to 30 days of hands-free cleaning.

WEWATCH has announced the V51P projector, a device with a native 1080p resolution and an image size up to 350-in (~889 cm). The device supports 4K UHD and has up to 300 ANSI lumens brightness. The gadget also has a timed white noise feature, which the company suggests you could use when meditating or sleeping.

Released less than a year ago, the Yeedi Mop Station Pro is a 3-in-1 robot vacuum and mop cleaner with dual-power spin mopping and 3000 Pa suction. The package also includes a self-cleaning station. The ongoing promotion pushes the US$799.99 price down by 30%, so those interested can grab this autonomous house cleaner for US$559.99.

Xiaomi has launched the Wireless Switch Bluetooth Version in China. The device has three programmable controls, which you can use to control single or groups of smart home gadgets. The small white button must be connected to a Bluetooth mesh gateway and can also be used as a doorbell.

An Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for the AirTulip Sleep smart headboard has begun. The gadget has an integrated air purifier and can push warm or cool air over your bed as you sleep. The company suggests the benefits of the smart headboard include reduced snoring and night sweats for higher quality sleep.

Considering its budget-friendly sale price of just US$599 at Best Buy, this large 65-inch Mini-LED TV can get extremely bright and deliver an impactful HDR experience that is often only found in television sets in the four-digit price range.

Casiris has discounted its A6 Ultra Short Throw Projector by up to US$900 for Black Friday. Various offers are running at its online store and Amazon in countries including the US, Australia, the UK and France. The gadget can throw images up to 150-in (~381 cm) wide with up to 2,200 ANSI lumens brightness.

Garmin has revealed the Tacx NEO Bike Plus, a smart exercise bike. The device can create a natural feeling ride, with dynamic inertia and vibrations to simulate various road surfaces. You can track your workout in an accompanying app and choose from multiple preset routes. Plus, you can customize the bike to suit your needs.

VAVA's flagship Chroma laser projector had a substantial discount during its "Sneaky Black Friday" event earlier in November 2022. Now, however, this deal may seem less sweet in light of the brand's freshly-unveiled main event for the holiday sales season. It includes further reductions for the Chroma as well as its newer 4K sibling the Luma.

Two popular sizes of the most affordable television with a native 120Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 ports in Sony's 2022 lineup have now received their largest discount to date, which brings the price of the budget-friendly 65-inch Bravia X85K down to just US$798.

Mobvoi's latest smart treadmill is its first with an incline function. It is rated to reproduce a gradual slope for "more challenging" walking- or running-based work-outs at home. The new piece of gym tech also has a full-color screen that can sync with a user's smartwatch to show metrics such as heart rate. The Home Treadmill incline has a fold-away design and is available to order from now.

Roborock has announced a range of discounts for its Black Friday sale in the US. Included is the S7 MaxV Ultra, which has 5,100 Pa suction power and comes with a self-cleaning docking station. The gadget will be reduced by US$340 at Amazon from November 24.

The 42-inch version of the popular LG C2 may be one of the smallest OLED TVs on the market, but thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 support, it is a popular choice among gamers who are looking for a beautiful OLED gaming monitor that is compact enough to fit on most desks.

The Pixel 7 Pro has been temporarily reduced in price from US$899 to US$749 as part of Google’s grand Black Friday sale. US$150 has also been lopped off the price of the Pixel 6a, while there are discounts for the Pixel 7 smartphone, a whole host of Nest devices, and even the Pixel Watch and Fitbit Sense 2.

Apple finally brought 128 GB of storage to the Apple TV 4K with the 2022 model. While the most expensive Apple TV 4K also supports Ethernet and Thread networking, tvOS 16 currently prevents it from accessing more than 64 GB of storage. The current tvOS 16.2 beta does not address this bug, either.