Smart Home

With a native 120 Hz refresh rate, a decent HDR peak brightness of almost 600 nits and HDMI 2.1 features like VRR, the affordable and now even further discounted 75-inch Sony Bravia X85J is a great choice for TV buyers and PS5 owners who are simply looking for the best bang for their buck.

Xiaomi’s massive new smart TV from its Redmi brand, the Redmi MAX 100”, has now gone on pre-sale in China. For just 1,000-yuan (US$158) deposit, fans can secure one of the 100-inch sets for their living space. The Redmi MAX 100” is a 4K (3840x2160) smart TV that measures 2,235 mm (88 inches) in overall length and weighs 64.6 kg (142 lbs.).

Xiaomi’s L05G smart speaker is now purchasable globally for an affordable price. Not only does the smart speaker support IR remote controls, it also has Google Chromecast built-in for Google Assistant functionality.

You can now set Alexa to alert you when eligible products on your Amazon wish list or in your basket are about to be on offer. The tool, which is currently only available to customers in the US, can trigger pop-up or ring light notifications up to 24 hours in advance of the deal going live.

A listing on the Bluetooth SIG certification database suggests that Xiaomi could be working on a new 10-in smart display. The listing, found by MySmartPrice, states that the device will have Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, but Xiaomi did not give away many other details.

Xiaomi has announced the Xiaoji mini smart washing machine, which can clean up to 2.5 kg of clothes. The device is optimized for delicate washing while ensuring a 99.99% sterilization rate. You can control the washing machine via the Xiaoji app, letting you remotely start the device or view the progress of a wash.

Govee has launched the Glide Hexa Light Panels. The smart lights have RGBIC technology, meaning that each panel can display multiple colors at once. You can design your lighting scene by connecting the panels in various ways and choosing from multiple colors and effects.

Xiaomi has launched the Smart Cat Eye 1S, a dual functionality gadget acting as a video doorbell and door viewing device. The gadget has several intelligent features, including AI human detection and facial recognition, plus a voice changing tool when you answer the intercom.

The Xiaomi Mijia fresh air air conditioner vertical 3 hp is now available to pre-order in China. The gadget can displace air at up to 215 m³/h (~7,600 ft³/h) and has a 94.22% CO2 removal rate. You can control this smart home device through the Mijia app or Xiao AI voice commands.

Users of Google Nest Hub devices have spotted a new update bringing a refreshed UI to the device. Improvements to the interface include a full-screen app launcher when you swipe up. The update has caused some customers’ devices to bootloop, though it appears this is easy to fix.

Ikea may soon release a new TRADFRI smart home gateway. The rumor began after SmartApfel.de noticed that the device had been listed on Ikea.de as “Last chance! Only available for a short time.” If you use Ikea smart home products, you must also buy the TRADFRI to integrate your gadgets, so a replacement smart hub is likely in the works.

Xiaomi has released the G10S series of robot vacuums for pre-order in China. The cleaning gadgets have been designed by Pininfarina and have 5100 Pa suction. Also included are many intelligent features such as self-cleaning and a live video call tool.

The Devialet Dione soundbar is now available to pre-order for US$2,400. The speaker system has 17 drivers, including eight subwoofers. The device creates an immersive 3D sound experience thanks to Dolby Atmos 5.1.2, and it can upscale mono or stereo sound to mimic this quality.

The Full Color Laser Cinema is a new short-throw projector from Xiaomi. Currently only available in China, the device has RGB LED and liquid crystal-on-silicon technology. The projected image from the device can measure from 60 to 150-in.

Xiaomi has launched the Mijia Desktop Drinking Machine Hot and Cold Version, a three-in-one device that can filter, chill and warm water. The gadget has many modes and settings which you can control via the Mijia app.

Enabot has released the EBO Air, an intelligent companion for your household. You can use the robot to communicate with family members and pets when you're away from the house. Also, the device has surveillance features, alerting you of any suspicious activity it detects.

Xiaomi has added a new smart home product to its Mijia line-up, a 22 L dehumidifier. The device comes with a 4.5 L water tank or can be connected to an external drain for longer-term use. Xiaomi suggests using the gadget for various tasks, including drying clothes and improving sleep quality.

Two new mesh Wi-Fi routers are now available from Amazon's eero. The eero Pro 6E is billed as the company's fastest router yet, with speeds up to 2.3 Gbps. The 6+ is the cheaper option and has two 1.0 Gb Ethernet ports.

As reported by 9to5Google, Google could be working on a new Nest Hub device with a removable display. The company suggests that its source is "proven familiar with Google's plan" and that the gadget could launch as early as this year.

First seen at CES earlier this year, the 2022 Samsung Frame TV is now available to pre-order. The device is available in multiple sizes, starting at 43-in (~109 cm) for US$999.99. The TV has 4k HDR panels and a Matte Display to reduce glare caused by indoor lighting or sunshine.

Xiaomi has now released its financial performance report for 2021, a year in which the OEM now claims to have shipped a "record high" 190.3 million units. These sales netted the major smart-device company a net profit of nearly 70% more than that in 2020, derived from revenue that increased nearly 34% year-on-year (YoY). Xiaomi also shipped more premium phones worldwide compared to 2020.

Xiaomi has unveiled the Mijia Refrigerator 630L. The smart gadget can be controlled using the Mijia app or Xiao AI voice commands. There are many settings on the device, including multiple modes and humidity controls for the storage drawers, so you can personalize the gadget based on what food you are storing.

Ikea has unveiled VAPPEBY, a Bluetooth speaker lamp designed for outdoor use. The company claims that this is the first device on the market with Spotify Tap, a feature that enables you to resume Spotify streaming at the click of a button. This is the first collaboration between the two Swedish brands.

ECOVACS has released the Deebot X1 Plus, Deebot X1 Pro and the Deebot X1 Pro, all robot vacuums that deliver up to 5,000 Pa of suction power. The trio are orderable now and come with numerous features, including auto-emptying docks.

Two new smart roller shades are now available from SelectBlinds.com. The blinds feature an Eve MotionBlinds motor and are compatible with Apple HomeKit, enabling you to control the blinds with your iOS device or Siri voice commands. The smart home integration will also allow you to sync the shades with other smart devices such as light bulbs.

Xiaomi has released a new smart home device, the Mijia Robot Vacuum Cleaner 3C. The device has four suction speed settings up to 4,000 Pa. The smart vacuum can be controlled using the Mijia app or Xiao AI voice commands. The gadget also has intelligent mopping capabilities.

LG has announced the ProBeam DBF510P, a laser projector that runs webOS 4.5. The ProBeam DBF510P will be available in the Eurozone later this month for €2,799 as a cheaper option than the DBU510P.

LG has announced pricing and availability for the ProBeam DBU510P, which the company will release later this month. The ProBeam DBU510P relies on a laser light source that should last up to 20,000 hours and runs webOS 4.5, among other features.

Xiaomi has launched a new smart home device, the Mijia Drum Washing Machine 10kg. The gadget has 23 settings and can be controlled via the Mijia app. The washing machine can even be connected to a XiaoAI speaker that will inform the user when the laundry is done.

The CSA has announced that the Matter smart home interoperability standard has been delayed until Fall 2022. The setback is due to further development work needed on the SDK before release.

LG has revealed the prices and release dates for its 2022 range of OLED TVs. This is the most comprehensive line-up LG has offered yet, including a 97-inch OLED TV. The devices have new features, including HDMI 2.1 support.

Xiaomi has launched a new printer, the Mijia Inkjet All-In-One. The multi-functional device is capable of high precision photo printing, and a self-cleaning feature helps reduce the chance of the inkjets clogging.

Huawei has started selling the Vision S in Europe, a TV series available in 55-inch and 65-inch screen sizes. While well-equipped, the Vision S 55" and Vision S 65" are also relatively cheap. Both TVs have 4K and 120 Hz panels that offer 5,000:1 contrast ratios and high colour space coverages.

Withings has brought a new Sleep Diary feature to its Sleep Tracking Mat. The tool will help users understand their sleep in more detail by asking them a series of questions then collating this information with the biometric data that the mat collects.

Roborock is already selling the S7 MaxV series, at least a month ahead of schedule. Still unavailable in the US, the S7 MaxV series has launched in Europe, starting at €799 for the standard model.

Aqara has listed the Smart Thermostat S3 on its website. The device supports Apple HomeKit, which means you can control the gadget with Siri voice commands. You can use the thermostat to control heating, air conditioning, and water heating.

A Genius 4.0 Home Intelligence software update is available to Wi-Fi connected Roomba and Braava devices. The update includes several new features, such as a do not disturb mode and room-specific cleaning settings.

The Roborock T8 is a new robot vacuum and mop with 4,200 Pa suction. The device can empty itself into the accompanying 16 fl oz (470 ml) bin, and you can schedule the gadget to clean the rooms of your choice at a given time.

The Samsung Ultra Slim Soundbar is now available to purchase in Australia and will launch in Germany later this month. The speaker has Wireless True Dolby Atmos and improvements to Samsung's Q-Symphony technology.

Huawei has unveiled the Smart Door Lock Pro with 3D facial recognition. The device is powered by HarmonyOS for additional security and integration with your other smart home gadgets.

IKEA has launched two new smart blinds, PRAKTLYSING and TREDANSEN. The company has updated its Home Smart app alongside the launch to integrate the devices with its wider smart home system.

Xiaomi has unveiled a new giant TV today, eclipsing the 98-inch model that it already sells. The Redmi MAX 100" is more than a large screen novelty though; it also has HDMI 2.1 support, a 120 Hz refresh rate and 700 nits of peak brightness, among other features.

Light Solutions has released a new smart light switch. The Lightbee Zigbee Switch is compatible with Philips Hue products and other smart devices through the Zigbee standard. You can customize the buttons on the compact gadget to suit your needs.

Polk has launched a new sound bar, the MagniFi Mini AX. The system has 5-speakers and a subwoofer to create a 3D soundstage for a rich audio experience. The device has a wide range of technologies for enhanced sound placement accuracy and greater clarity.

Thanks to perfect black levels and a near-infinite contrast ratio, the 65-inch Sony Bravia A80J belongs to the best 4K HDR TVs that are currently on the market. Fortunately, this gorgeous OLED TV has now also returned to its lowest price ever on Amazon.

According to reports, TP-Link devices are sending data about browser behaviour to third-party providers regardless of whether people consent for them to do so. Affected devices include TP-Link routers and Deco Wi-Fi mesh systems.

The Xiaomi Laser Cinema 2 is orderable outside China, having launched in Xiaomi's home market last year. The 4K laser projector can create up to 150-inch images while supporting Dolby Vision and MEMC, among other features.

A US retailer has leaked some Samsung QS95B QD OLED TV specifications by publishing an early listing for the device. Samsung has released little information about the device so far, and a release date is still to be confirmed.

Xiaomi has started selling the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 series in Europe, which includes the Mop 2S, Mop 2 Pro and the Mop 2 Ultra. All robot vacuums feature LDS laser navigation systems but offer different levels of suction power and battery capacities. The Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 series starts at €299 for Mop 2S and rises to €799 for the most expensive model.

Xiaomi has announced the TV P1E 65", a 65-inch smart TV running Android TV 10. The TV P1E 65" has a 4K and 60 Hz panel, MEMC, multiple video inputs and dual 10 W speakers, among other features.