Smart Home

LG is offering a free pair of its flagship TONE Free TWS earbuds with qualifying OLED TVs during its Black Friday event in the US for the second year running. However, the OEM has also come up with a new promotion by which some audio products, some 2021 wireless speakers included, come with a free XBOOM Go PL5.

Built using the 14 nm technology, Samsung's first 16 Gb LPDDR5X memory chips promise to drive further growth beyond the mobile sector, also targeting 5G and AI applications, as well as the metaverse. The new 16 Gb LPDDR5X comes three years after Samsung introduced the industry's first 8 Gb LPDDR5 modules.

Amazon has announced its Smart Air Quality Monitor that alerts people when it detects harmful particles, such as carbon monoxide and dust. The device is compatible with Alexa Routines, which allow the monitor to trigger other smart devices that can improve your air quality.

The latest LG CineBeam LED projector has debuted at under $900 in the US market. The OEM asserts that it can be set up anywhere thanks to its compact form-factor and "4-Corner" keystone technology. It is thus rated for clear, vivid and accurate images of up to 120 inches in diagonal length.

Google's parent company Alphabet has reported revenues of just over US$65 billion for the latest complete quarter of 2021 (3Q2021). This represented a 41% increase year-on-year (YoY); then again, only $18 billion remained as the search giant's profit - no less than 68% year-on-year.

The A9 integrates four filters in one drum with Wi-Fi controls and four adjustable speeds. It's quieter than expected in our testing particularly when set to lower fan settings.

Commodore has presented the CVR200, a model name that sounds like it should be a PC. Unfortunately, the reality is different and is just someone piggybacking on the Commodore brand name.

Xiaomi has now debuted the next generation of TVs in its Redmi Smart TV X series. The aptly named Redmi Smart TV X (2022) series launched in China yesterday with 4K 120 Hz displays and a compilation of solid hardware. Pricing, however, is a bit tough.

Nanoleaf has released Lines, light strips from which users can create unique designs for their living space. These lights have many features, including lighting synced with your music, movie or game.

Xiaomi has sent out the MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition update to a number of its more expensive phone. The company is now setting its sights towards the mid-range segment, starting with the Redmi 9T—with its Global version now getting a MIUI 12.5 Enhanced update that also delivers Android 11.

Thunderbird is an augmented reality (AR) -focused start-up supported by the display-centric OEM TCL. Now, the two brands have unveiled something apparently three years in the making: the new Smart Glasses Pioneer Version, with a groundbreaking color micro-LED display geared toward an optimal AR experience.

Acer's new L811 laser-powered device is directed at those wishing to project their own 4K HDR10-compatible movies at home. For those who would prefer a monitor that could also support some image-editing work, there is the 27-inch CB273U IPS monitor. For more "serious" display needs, however, the OEM has now also announced pricing and availability for the Nitro XV272U KF.

Hong Kong-based AIRROBO has released a new robot vacuum, the T10+. This mid-range vacuum cleaner is auto emptying, meaning it can clean your home for up to 45 days without intervention.

Verizon's Stream TV is your fairly standard streaming box with Android TV. However, leaks from some official bodies have reportedly revealed that its next generation will have a much more interesting form-factor. It will apparently combine the features of the current device with those of a speaker one might place under the TV in question.

LG has unveiled the Cinebeam PF610P, a portable projector that is available for under €850. The 1080p projector can create up to a 120-inch image at 1,000 ANSI Lumens and a 150,000:1 contrast ratio.

Sky has released a trio of QLED TVs, all Smart TVs. The Sky Glass series is available in three sizes from 43 to 65-inches. All models feature integrated soundbars and will eventually support Microsoft Kinect-style accessories.

Google Nest has revealed a new service for its thermostat range. The company hopes that Nest Renew will optimize thermostats for greener energy use through several smart features, including Energy Shift. Nest Renew will be available in the US only for the time being.

Ring has released several new Halloween settings allowing users to customize their doorbells to mark the holiday. These include new Halloween-themed Quick Replies, a feature released earlier this year.

The Watch Free is OPPO's latest fitness tracker, and is equipped with an AMOLED display at a decent price. It supports up-to-date features such as over 100 sports modes and tracking for various health metrics. The new tracker-style wearable also offers something new the OEM calls its "eSports Mode".

OPPO has debuted 3 new products today (September 26, 2021). The OEM has already spilled many details for the K9 Pro, as well as its new TV, already. However, some juicy tidbits remain to be unveiled, the smartphone's unexpected new co-branding promotions included.

TechLife is Realme's new brand that covers smart home lifestyle gadgets and appliances. It has announced a new product launch for its Indian audience, to be held in late September 2021. This event will bring TechLife's vacuum cleaners to the market, not to mention its Air Purifier.

Amazon has announced that it will hold an event that may unveil some new products. This launch, scheduled for later in September 2021, might see a debut for a new, wall-mounted variant of the OEM's Echo smart-speaker line. Amazon is now also rumored to unveil a Home Robot, which may or may not elaborate on the Echo Show 10's abilities with added independent movement.

OPPO is slated to debut the new K9 Pro smartphone later in September 2021. Now, it has emerged that the OEM will also premiere a new smart screen during the same event, not to mention a new wearable. They might emerge as mid-range examples of their respective categories.

Vaonis has announced the Hyperia, a telescope that it claims is one of the most powerful of its kind on the market. The Vaonis Hyperia is over two metres tall, weighs 75 kg and can shoot in up to 61 MP.

We’ve got our hands on the new iPhone 13 Max Pro and the iPad mini 6. Both feature Apple’s 15 Bionic with 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU configuration, but we have confirmed the performance of the chip in the iPad mini is indeed slower on the CPU side, but also on the GPU side too.

Motorola is touted to launch its first ever tablet in India soon. Now, it is also projected to unveil a new TV alongside it. It is likely to be a smart-home device much like its predecessors, and stands a good chance of a thin-bezel design and an LED display.

Reolink's latest home security camera has go-to specs such as spotlights, two-way audio, microSD card support and the option of truly-wireless battery power. However, it also has something new to this brand: dual lenses. They enable the device to guard a wide-angle field of view in up to 2K or color night vision.

Proscenic already sells several smart home appliances, of which the A9 air purifier is the latest. The Proscenic A9 packs plenty of functionality, including Amazon Alexa and Google Home integrations. Sadly, it suffers from some drawbacks, such as its US$219 retail price.

Hisense representatives have attended the 2021 Global Laser Display Industry Forum in Beijing, China to expound its success in making and selling laser TVs. The OEM now claims to have increased their shipping volumes even more in 2021 thus far. Therefore, it asserts that the display type is poised to take over the market.

As part of its live-streamed product launch of today, (September 15, 2021) Xiaomi has announced when its electric Scooter Pro 2 will hit the German market in Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1-themed special edition form. It has many specs in common with the normal version, although the new branded theme boosts its price by quite a bit.

Xiaomi's latest mesh networking system comes in a pack of just 2 tower-like "nodes"; nevertheless, the OEM asserts this is all that is needed to allow the AX3000 to emit fast Wi-Fi 6 signals over an area of just over 370 square meters. It is based on a Qualcomm processor and also offers Gigabit ports.

VAVA asserts that its latest high-end 4K UHD laser projector can support a home-theater experience without the need for heavy curtains at any time of day. This is due to its 2,500-lumen brightness, not to mention the latest generation of clarity-enhancing ALPD technology. The Chroma has just debuted on Indiegogo, yet has already gone beyond its funding goal.

Sony's new A5000 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, as do many premium soundbars these days. However, the OEM also seeks to set this product apart with its in-house Vertical Surround Engine, Sound Field Optimization and S-Force PRO Front Surround technology to help it create a convincing soundscape for any given space.

LG has introduced a new addition to the XBOOM Bluetooth speaker series to the US market. The new 360 variant's design might make it an ideal fit for the high-tech home. The resulting "conical-cylindrical" form factor is rated for up to 120W of audio power, generated by dedicated drivers rated for a multi-dimensional sound-stage.

Amazon has announced that the latest version of its Fire TV Stick is called the Max variant. The accessory still streams in 4K; however, its new MediaTek processor supports Wi-Fi 6 and is paired to more RAM in this generation. It is shipped with an updated remote that has the OEM's smart assistant built in.

ViewSonic has introduced its first ultra-short throw beamer, the X1000-4K. The LED projector offers a 4K resolution, among other things, and can output at 100-inches when just 38 cm away from a wall. A maximum projection of up to 150 inches is possible, too.

TCL has announced that it will debut its "Premium 2021 X Series Mini LED 8K TVs" in September 2021. This event will also see the launch of the OEM's latest projectors and products. TCL asserts that the new devices will revolutionize the smart home and home-theater experience.

The massive Redmi Max 98 smart TV is back on sale in Xiaomi’s homeland of China with an even cheaper price tag. In addition, the 86-inch model has also been reduced and is now back to its launch price. The 98-inch Redmi Max supports a 60 Hz refresh rate on its 4K display while the smaller Redmi Max 86 can offer a 120 Hz refresh rate on its 4K screen.

Xiaomi's smart-tech event of today (August 26, 2021) was perhaps dominated by the launch of 2 new Mi Notebooks and the Mi TV 5X in India. However, there were one or two other appearances at this show, such as the new Mi Router 4A (Gigabit Edition) - not to mention the new Xiaomi Running Shoes.

Tronsmart has announced the Studio 30W SoundPulse as its latest wireless speaker. It is rated to cover an open space of up to 10 meters in size with 2.1 channel sound for up to 15 hours per charge. Unlike most portable accessories of this type, it has a housing made of aluminum, yet is still IPX4-rated. It goes for ~US$70, or less with a coupon active at the time of writing.

TCL has announced updates to its 2020 5- and 6-series big screens. They, like their predecessors, remain QLED and mini-LED respectively; however, they drop the Roku OS of yesteryear for the new Google TV software. It confers an up-to-date UI on the new devices, as well as the option of voice control for the first time.

The new Mi Mix 4 dominated its product launch today (August 10, 2021); however, this did not stop its maker introducing new ecosystem products to go along with it. The new Xiaomi Sound is a speaker that shares an audio partnership and new wireless technology with its potential phablet companion.

Xiaomi has updated its line of smart TVs today (August 10, 2021) with new OLED-enabled models. This comes with an ultra-high contrast ratio, HDR10+ and "True 10-bit" color on the new 6-series. For those in need of even more premium specs, the new Mi TV OLED 77 model has Harman Kardon-tuned speakers, high-wattage speakers and a new spec in common with the Mi Mix 4.

Google might have something to debut alongside its new Pixel 6 series in October 2021: a new Chromecast. The Mountain View giant has had a new device certified by the FCC, in a leak that reveals specs most likely associated with a streaming stick of some description. Then again, it makes upgrades over the current Ultra device, if any, hard to pick out.

The TONE FREE DFP8Ws (or FP8s) are the latest generation of LG TWS earbuds that come with their own UV-emitting charging case for an "auto-cleaning" feature. The OEM has announced pricing and availability for these allegedly bacteria-repelling accessories in the US. They will also soon be joined there by new FP9 and FP5 variants.

Although it does not take big steps forward in terms of design, the Oppo Watch 2 comes with solid improvements over its predecessor on the inside. With 1 GB of memory and 8 GB of internal storage, the new smartwatch sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4100 processor and is the first product to ship loaded with ColorOS Watch 2.0.

Huawei has now unveiled its newest flagship phones, the Huawei P50 and Huawei P50 Pro. The two phones offer something rather interesting in the form of a 4G-only Snapdragon 888 SoC, but that should be offset by some impressive camera hardware, with the Huawei P50 Pro marking a return to Huawei monochrome shooters of old with a 40 MP B/W camera.

Xiaomi has globally launched five AIoT products as part of its Smart Living for Everyone event. The announced items were the Mi Router AX9000, Mi 2K Gaming Monitor 27, Mi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L, Redmi Buds 3 Pro, and the Mi Electric Scooter 3. The new Xiaomi smart products will be made available to buy from country-specific Mi.com pages.