Smart Home

New Philips Hue products and features have been announced. The Lightguide bulbs have an unusual design, providing smart lighting with a wide range of color options. A Mimic presence automation tool has been added to the Philips Hue app to deter intruders when you are away. Plus, a Philips Hue + SmartThings feature enables you to sync your lighting and music.

TCL has demonstrated its 98-in C735 TV at IFA. The QLED 4K model has a 120 Hz refresh rate, MEMC technology and an average brightness of 450 nits. The gadget has built-in Google Assistant and Chromecast, as well as an integrated speaker system. Gaming features include a 15 ms input lag, VRR and ALLM.

The Bosch Smart Kitchen Dock has been shown at IFA. The device acts as a stand for a smartphone or tablet and can assist you in the kitchen. For example, built-in Amazon Alexa allows you to ask questions on the go. Plus, you can display recipes and swipe through the content with hand gestures to prevent your screen from getting dirty.

Epson has launched a new home cinema projector, the EH-LS800. The "super-ultra-short-throw” projector has a throw ratio of 0.16:1, allowing you to cast an image 150-in (~3.81 m) wide from a distance of 285 mm (~11.2-in). The LS800 has a built-in 2.1 channel Yamaha sound system, plus Google Chromecast and Google Assistant voice commands.

Xiaomi has launched the Mijia Cooking Robot for pre-order in China. The smart device has 35 different uses, with a maximum heating temperature of 180 °C (~356 °F). The pot can hold up to 2.2 L and intelligently cook as little as 1 g (~0.04 oz) of food. Plus, an integrated display can show one of over 200 recipes and tutorials.

As promised, Leica has unveiled the Cine 1 during IFA 2022. Built with a stylish design and Dolby Atmos speakers, the Leica Cine 1 can create up to 100-inch projections with three RGB lasers. Leica will release two editions, starting with an 80-inch model that will cost approximately €6,900.

Thanks to a generous Labor Day coupon code on eBay, prospective buyers of the gorgeous 65-inch A80K can now order one of the most affordable OLED TVs of Sony's 2022 Bravia lineup at a considerable discount of almost US$1,000 in relation to the official MSRP.

The Husqvarna Automower 415X robot lawn mower is currently on sale at Amazon in the US. At the moment, you can pick up the device for US$1,679.99. The robot uses GPS and boundary wires to navigate your lawn, and you can control the gadget with an accompanying app and Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands.

Philips has unveiled two new TV models for 2022, the OLED+937 and the OLED+907. The devices are available in sizes from 48-in to 65-in, with the larger models offering a peak brightness of 1,300 nits. All TVs have a built-in Bowers & Wilkins sound system and gaming-ready features such as a 4K 120 Hz variable refresh rate.

Xiaomi has revealed the Smart TV X Series, due to launch in India on September 14. The 4K TVs have a 60 Hz refresh rate and support technologies such as Dolby Vision, HLG and HDR10. Plus, the devices have a built-in 30 W sound system and Android 10, allowing you to use Google Assistant and Chromecast with the gadget.

Sony has finally confirmed European and UK pricing for the HT-A5000, a soundbar that the company released last year in North America. Billed as a 5.1.2 channel soundbar, the HT-A5000 has a built-in subwoofer and supports PlayStation 5 features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping, as well as numerous network functions. Sony has outlined availability for the HT-A5000 in the Eurozone and the UK too.

Sony has introduced the HT-A3000, a new soundbar and a cheaper alternative than the HT-5000 and HT-7000. Equipped with a 3.1-channel configuration, the Sony AT-A3000 supports virtual surround sound, along with Apple AirPlay 2, Dolby Atmos and Google Chromecast, among other things.

The ViewSonic X11-4K projector has been launched. The gadget has a 0.8:1 short throw ratio; for example, this translates to a 100-in (~254 cm) image cast from 5.8 ft (~1.8 m) away. The device uses an LED light source with a maximum brightness of 2,400 lms and has built-in Harman Kardon speakers.

The DreameBot L10s Ultra robot vacuum and mop has been launched in Southeast Asia. The gadget comes with an auto-emptying and self-cleaning docking station. Plus, the robot has 24 sensors, up to 5,300 Pa suction power and can clean an area up to 200 m² (~2,153 ft²) between charges.

LG has announced that its OLED evo Gallery Edition TV 97-in model will shortly arrive in markets globally. The ultra-large TV, first unveiled at CES, uses LG’s OLED evo technology and α (Alpha) 9 Gen5 AI Processor for a cinematic experience. Plus, the device has a 7.1.2 channel speaker system and support for Dolby Atmos.

The Xiaomi Mijia Air Conditioner Natural Wind 1.5 hp has launched in China at the discounted price of 2,799 yuan (~US$408). The device offers a wide angle airflow, with the ability to adjust the wind deflector up to 180°. The smart home gadget can run quietly at 18 dBA and begin to cool a room in as little as 30 seconds.

The XGIMI Magic Lamp is now available to pre-order in China. The multi-use gadget combines a ceiling-mounted light with a projector which can cast 1080p images with a 0.7:1 throw ratio. You can control the device, including the brightness and color temperature of the lamp, via a smartphone app. Plus, the device has an integrated 2.1 channel Harman Kardon sound system.

OEPLAY is currently crowdfunding for its MusicStar5 Hi-Fi speaker on Indiegogo. Thanks to custom-designed AMT tweeters, the sound system has a wide frequency range from 33 Hz to 55 kHz. You can pair two of the gadgets for a stereo sound experience and connect your smartphone via Bluetooth 5.0.

The Yamaha SR-C30A Compact Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer has been revealed. The device will launch this October for US$279.95. The gadget comes with a range of sound-enhancing technologies, such as 3D Surround Sound, with support for Dolby Digital. You can connect to the sound system via Bluetooth and control the device with your smartphone.

LG has previewed its PuriCare Objet Collection Aero Furniture series, three tables with built-in air purifiers. Compatible with the LG ThinQ ecosystem, the three devices mirror the IKEA Starkvind, which is already orderable. LG will exhibit the PuriCare Objet Collection Aero Furniture series at next month's IFA 2022 conference.

Asus has already unleashed routers with heavy ROG branding and the gaming-friendly features one might expect as a result; now, the OEM has gone one further with a new mesh system. The GT6's modules packs a new antenna array, tri-band Wi-Fi 6 support and the potential for blazing-fast speeds into a distinctly Rapture-series design.

The Xiaomi Mijia Smart Socket 3 has been released in China for 59 yuan (~US$8.61). You can use the products to turn your regular household devices, such as lamps and kettles, into smart gadgets. This allows you to control them via an app or voice commands and link them with other items in your smart home network.

The Xiaomi Mijia Smart Curtain Motor 1S is now available to pre-order in China. The device lets you remotely control your drapes in various ways, such as with voice commands or an app. Plus, you can use the smart curtains to wake you, with the setting slowly opening the drapes over 35 minutes before your desired rising time.

The 2022 Samsung NEO QLED 98-in TV has launched in South Korea for 4.5 million won (~US$3,372). The 4K device has up to 5,000 nits brightness, and the display can be split into four 4K screens simultaneously showing the content of your choice. The QNB100 has an integrated 6.4.4 speaker system and support for Dolby Atmos.

The Portronics BEEM 300 projector is now available in India for ₹19,999 (~US$251). The gadget can throw images from 50-in to 200-in (~127 to 508 cm) wide in multiple aspect ratios with up to 250 ANSI lumens brightness. You can use the built-in 10 W speakers or connect your own via various ports.

The TCL T7G TV has been launched for pre-order in China. The 4K TV, which runs on Android, has a 3840 x 2160 px resolution and up to 1,000 nits of brightness. The device supports various technologies, including Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos. Plus, you can cast from a smartphone to the TV by tapping the gadget on an accompanying NFC card.

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.