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The Apple HomePod won't support regular streaming via Bluetooth.

Apple's HomePod speaker only supports music streaming via AirPlay

In contrast to many other smart speakers, Apple's HomePod will not support streaming over regular Bluetooth. You'll need an iOS device to stream music as the speaker only supports Apple's proprietary AirPlay protocol.

Jonathan Maes, 03 Feb 2018 09:00

Samsung Hwaseong manufacturing plant, Samsung shutting down one of two plants in Slovakia

Samsung shutting down a manufacturing plant in Slovakia

Due to the lack of workers, Samsung decided to shut down one of its two manufacturing plants they have in Slovakia. However, this is pretty good news, since earlier reports claimed that the company was considering the possibility ...

Codrut Nistor, 29 Jan 2018 18:43

PowerVR Series8XT GT8540 GPU layout (Source: Imagination Technologies)

Need to drive six 4K monitors at 60 Hz on the go? Imagination has a solution for that

The new PowerVR Series8XT GT8540 GPU uses Imagination Technologies' Furian architecture and provides an 80 percent fill rate gain over its predecessor. Even more, it can feed up to six 4K displays at 60 fps simultaneously.

Codrut Nistor, 27 Jan 2018 10:37

The Apple HomePod packs a powerful CPU, directional speakers, and a 6-microphone array. (Source: Apple)

Apple HomePod up for pre-order on Jan 26, arriving Feb 9

Apple's wireless HomePod speaker is finally launching on February 9 for US$349 with pre-orders starting tomorrow in the US, UK, and Australia. The HomePod features an enhanced Siri experience, spatial awareness, and a wide soundst...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 25 Jan 2018 09:49

Samsung Newberry County manufacturing plant opening ceremony (Source: Samsung Newsroom US)

Samsung's first US home appliance plant begins production

Samsung plans to make one million washing machines in the recently opened Newberry, South Carolina factory. This new manufacturing plant should also create more than 1,000 jobs by 2020.

Codrut Nistor, 15 Jan 2018 23:15

The Alexa-powered Echo from Amazon is the top selling smart speaker. (Source: Amazon)

Smart speaker penetration in US households strong says study

A new study shows that there is strong consumer interest in smart speakers. As many as one in six households in the US have purchased a smart speaker with sales peaking during the recent holiday period.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 15 Jan 2018 11:05

Whirlpool smart appliance close up (Source: Whirlpool Corp)

CES 2018 | Whirlpool smart appliances now feature Google Assistant and Alexa support

Next to the voice commands available via both Google Assistant and Alexa on multiple Whirlpool smart appliances, Amazon Prime subscribers also get to use the Amazon Virtual Dash Buttons feature with some of them.

Codrut Nistor, 09 Jan 2018 17:30

The Anker PowerHouse 200 is suited to glamping. (Source: Anker Innovations)

CES 2018 | From Anker Innovations: A 200 Wh battery bank, portable projector with speaker, and an Alexa car kit

Anker Innovations, who is perhaps best known for their line of portable power banks, has announced a mammoth power bank, an Alexa powered car kit, and the expected availability of the Nebula Capsule

Craig Ward, 09 Jan 2018 04:00

The ZOLO Model Zero suits a modern minimalist design asthetic. (Source: Anker)

CES 2018 | From Anker Innovations: A funky home speaker with Google Assistant, and truly wireless Bluetooth earbuds

Anker Innovations has announced the ZOLO Model Zero, a new home speaker with a unique design, and a release date for the upcoming ZOLO Liberty+ Earbuds.

Craig Ward, 09 Jan 2018 04:00

The Lenovo Smart Display combines a smart speaker and a tablet. (Source: Lenovo)

CES 2018 | The Lenovo Smart Display is a tabletop tablet and Google Home rolled into one

If the idea of a smart speaker interested you, but the idea of not having a screen was of concern, then the Lenovo Smart Display is worth a look. It comes in 8-inch and 10-inch versions and allows both verbal and visual communicat...

Craig Ward, 09 Jan 2018 02:00

Torrenting can affect your coziness at home. (Source: The WireCutter)

Torrenting can cost you the ability to remotely control your smart thermostat

Armstrong Zoom Internet has sent notices to its users that copyright infringement can lead to speed throttling that not only affects file transfer but also the ability to remotely control connected devices such as smart thermostat...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 02 Jan 2018 10:36

Samsung patent for AiO modular system (Source: Patently Apple)

Samsung patents modular TV that turns into an AiO PC

A fresh patent by Samsung describes a modular TV that features a curved display and a modular base that can be configured as needed, from a speaker and wireless charger all the way to an AiO PC.

Codrut Nistor, 31 Dec 2017 15:10

LG ThinQ Smart Speaker powered by Google Assistant. (Source: LG)

CES 2018 | LG previews their premium Google Assistant ThinQ smart speaker ahead of CES

We can expect three new audio products from LG at CES in the form of a 5.1.2 channel soundbar, an 1800-Watt party speaker, and a premium smart speaker powered by Google Assistant that likely sits between the Google Home and Google...

Craig Ward, 31 Dec 2017 01:42

Xiaomi Yeelight Smart Assistant Speaker. (Source: Xiaomi)

The Xiaomi Yeelight Smart Assistant Speaker is a US$30 Alexa Dot

Xiaomi has announced a new smart speaker produced via their Yeelight subsidiary which will start shipping in early 2018. A dual AI system uses Xiaomi's AI technology inside China and Amazon Alexa worldwide.

Craig Ward, 30 Dec 2017 23:58

LG intros ThinQ brand for AI-driven devices

Although the ThinQ name has been used by LG for a few products already, all devices and services of the South Korean-based multinational giant that feature artificial intelligence will be placed under this banner starting in 2018.

Codrut Nistor, 20 Dec 2017 21:15

Android Oreo (Go edition) now official (Source: The Keyword)

Android Oreo Go now official, targets low-end devices

Next to Android 8.1 Oreo, Google intros the Go edition, which is a variant of its mobile operating system that comes with a lighter set of Google apps and has been optimized to work on devices with 512 MB to 1 GB of memory.

Codrut Nistor, 05 Dec 2017 23:25

Apple HomePod smart speaker delayed until early 2018

Apple's HomePod smart speaker delayed until 2018

Unveiled back in June, the Apple HomePod smart speaker was expected to hit the market in December. Unfortunately, Apple has confirmed that this Siri-powered accessory will start shipping in early 2018.

Codrut Nistor, 18 Nov 2017 14:45

Xiaomi announces their their full scale entrance into the Spanish market. (Source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi launches into Western Europe with a new base of operations in Spain

Xiaomi has chosen Spain as the first country outside of China where they have a full business presence, due to the large and active fan-base there. Answers given during the Q&A session suggested that this new presence within Europ...

Craig Ward, 07 Nov 2017 23:59

Smart Speaker with Amazon Alexa Moto Mod. (Source: Motorola)

The Amazon Alexa Moto Mod attaches Alexa to the back of your phone so she is always with you

Motorola and Lenovo have announced the new 'Smart Speaker with Amazon Alexa' Moto Mod, which adds additional microphones, speakers, and a battery in addition to having Alexa always listening.

Craig Ward, 06 Nov 2017 23:59

Amazon Key relies on a compatible smart lock, smart camera, and Amazon Cloud. (Source: Amazon)

Amazon Key lets couriers unlock your door when you're not home

Amazon has released their Amazon Key service which uses an Amazon produced smart camera, a smart lock from Yale or Kwikset, and the Amazon Cloud to allow delivery drivers to unlock your front door and leave your parcel inside.

Craig Ward, 26 Oct 2017 01:10

Sony Xperia Hello! (G1209) dancing digital assistant (Source: Sony)

Sony Xperia Hello! dancing digital assistant now live

Advertised as a communication robot, the new Sony Xperia Hello! is more than just another Amazon Echo wannabe. It can be used to make Skype or Line video calls, runs Android Nougat, and features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 processor...

Codrut Nistor, 21 Oct 2017 23:55

Samsung Connect Tag smart tracker with Tizen (Source: Samsung)

Samsung intros the Connect Tag smart IoT tracker

The Samsung Connect Tag is a 0.06-pound IoT accessory with GPS, Bluetooth, and WiFi connectivity, as well as eSIM support. It runs Tizen IoT and will be on display at the Samsung Developer Conference that takes place in San Franci...

Codrut Nistor, 16 Oct 2017 18:30

Google Clips is Watching You: Google's new action camera automatically snaps shots, records video

Google Clips is a small wearable action camera that automatically takes pictures of what it judges to be special moments. It learns who the important people in your life are via machine learning, and it may pose a serious privacy ...

Sam Medley, 04 Oct 2017 21:51

Google introduces Home Mini and Max smart home managers

Google is spicing up their Home line of smart home management devices with Home Mini and Home Max. Mini is a smaller version of home, while Max is a massive smart speaker with dual subwoofers.

Sam Medley, 04 Oct 2017 19:05

The Google Pixelbook looks set to take on the 12-inch MacBook. (Source: Droid-Life)

Google Pixelbook turns up on reseller site, new mystery 'Google Clips' product as well

It doesn't look like Google will have much left to unveil at its October 4 launch event. In addition to all the Pixel 2 leaks, more details have spilled out about the new Pixelbook and the Google Home Mini intelligent speaker.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 03 Oct 2017 22:28

The neuromorphic processor integrates 130,000 artificial neurons that can develop 130 million synapses. (source: Intel)

Intel presents its first self-learning neuromorphic processor codenamed Loihi

Intel's self-learning Loihi processor is built using the 14 nm manufacturing process and integrates 130,000 artificial neurons that can develop up to 130 million synapses. The chip can perform training and inference tasks, so it a...

Bogdan Solca, 26 Sep 2017 15:04

The 2NX NNA has the advantage of ultra-low energy consumption over Apple's and Huawei's SoCs. (Source: Imagination)

Imagination releases new PowerVR mobile GPUs and its first Neural Network Accelerator

The PowerVR Series9XE GPUs are designed for entry-level mobile devices and cost-effective products, while the more advance Series9XM chips are aimed at mid-range smartphones/tablets, premium gaming set-top boxes and infotainment s...

Bogdan Solca, 22 Sep 2017 14:43

Smart Home

Apple's HomePod speaker only supports music streaming via AirPlay

Samsung shutting down a manufacturing plant in Slovakia

Need to drive six 4K monitors at 60 Hz on the go? Imagination has a solution for that

Google Home Mini Review

Apple HomePod up for pre-order on Jan 26, arriving Feb 9

Samsung's first US home appliance plant begins production

Smart speaker penetration in US households strong says study

CES 2018 | Whirlpool smart appliances now feature Google Assistant and Alexa support

CES 2018 | From Anker Innovations: A 200 Wh battery bank, portable projector with speaker, and an Alexa car kit

CES 2018 | From Anker Innovations: A funky home speaker with Google Assistant, and truly wireless Bluetooth earbuds

CES 2018 | The Lenovo Smart Display is a tabletop tablet and Google Home rolled into one

Torrenting can cost you the ability to remotely control your smart thermostat

Samsung patents modular TV that turns into an AiO PC

CES 2018 | LG previews their premium Google Assistant ThinQ smart speaker ahead of CES

The Xiaomi Yeelight Smart Assistant Speaker is a US$30 Alexa Dot

LG intros ThinQ brand for AI-driven devices

Android Oreo Go now official, targets low-end devices

Apple's HomePod smart speaker delayed until 2018

Xiaomi launches into Western Europe with a new base of operations in Spain

The Amazon Alexa Moto Mod attaches Alexa to the back of your phone so she is always with you

Amazon Key lets couriers unlock your door when you're not home

Sony Xperia Hello! dancing digital assistant now live

Samsung intros the Connect Tag smart IoT tracker

Google Clips is Watching You: Google's new action camera automatically snaps shots, records video

Google introduces Home Mini and Max smart home managers

Google Pixelbook turns up on reseller site, new mystery 'Google Clips' product as well

Intel presents its first self-learning neuromorphic processor codenamed Loihi

Imagination releases new PowerVR mobile GPUs and its first Neural Network Accelerator

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