Internet of Things (IoT)

The Philips Hue app has been updated again. The version 5.61 release is now available for both iOS and Android users, arriving a couple of weeks after the last update. In the release notes, Philips Hue officially announces a new Automations function to improve the user experience.

A new Shelly Camera is set to be unveiled in Europe in the next few weeks. This will be the first smart security camera released by the brand in many years. While its design has yet to be revealed, its features are said to include local video storage, and it will not require users to have a subscription.

Dreame has released the Robotic Lawn Mower A2 1200 in Europe. This model is based on the original A2, though it is designed to cover a smaller area and has a lower RRP. Features include boundary-wire-free navigation thanks to onboard LiDAR and camera, and the ability to tackle up to 50% inclines. 

Anker has released its new eufy Smoke Alarm E10 in some European countries. Currently available via the brand’s Amazon storefront, the benefits of this smart home product are said to include a reduced number of false alarms and a tap to mute function. Plus, it is relatively compact, measuring 70 mm (~2.75 inches) in diameter.

Anker has unveiled the eufy Glass Break Sensor E10 in Europe. Also set for release in the US, this smart home security device can detect the sound of glass breaking. The sensor can then alert the homeowner to the possible break-in, and play a loud noise to deter a potential intruder.

After deciding against using the ISP router in part one, it’s time to focus on hardware: what actually works best for an OpenWRT router? A mini PC, Raspberry Pi, or a traditional router? And what about the switch and access point? In this part, I’ll walk through my hardware choices, including considerations around power consumption, architecture, and cost.

Eufy is now selling the E20 Motion Sensor in Europe, following its recent launch in the US. Designed to trigger linked smart home devices, this model is said to have a smart animal detection feature, which should reduce the number of false alarms caused by pets and wildlife.

Philips Hue’s new Essential Light Strip is now available at some retailers in Europe. Previously released in the US, this is the brand’s entry-level model with a lower price and a slightly reduced feature set. It offers both white and colored gradient lighting effects, with adjustable brightness and app-based controls.

Philips Hue is rolling out an update for a range of its smart home products. This release improvea the accuracy of battery status information and fixes a motion detection issue. According to the company, software version 67.116.1/2.85.1/2.85.5 has been pushed OTA to users of most of its battery-powered accessories.

The Cury by Shelly smart diffuser is now available in Europe. This smart home device is designed to fragrance your home, and can also help repel mosquitoes. Features include dual scent compartments, customized scheduling and scent intensity via the app, and support for voice commands.

Provider routers are convenient—but that’s exactly their biggest problem. Poor Wi-Fi coverage, limited control, questionable privacy, and technical limitations are everyday issues for many users. In this new series, I’ll gradually replace my provider’s all-in-one device (the Vodafone Station) with a modular setup using an OpenWRT router, access point, and switch. In part 1, I’ll explain why I’m taking this approach and how the project is structured.

TP-Link has released the Tapo C710 2K Pan/Tilt IP65 Floodlight Camera in the US. This model combines a pan/tilt security camera with a motion-activated floodlight offering up to 1,500 lumens brightness. Other features include a free AI human, vehicle and pet detection feature, and alarms to deter intruders.

The IKEA Dubbelkisel Driver has been spotted in a Thread database. This upcoming product is expected to replace the existing IKEA Trådfri Driver for wireless control. It would allow users to remotely control integrated lighting, such as under-cabinet LEDs, with support for the Matter standard.

The Husqvarna Automower Aspire R6V, Automower 308V, and Automower 312V have been unveiled in Europe. These robotic mowers use similar technology, but are designed for different lawn sizes. They offer wire-free installation, a range of app-based controls and a smart weather-related feature.

Xiaomi is now selling the Self-Install Smart Lock in Europe. Currently available at the brand’s online store in one EU country, this model was previously only available at a couple of third-party retailers. It is designed to turn a standard lock into a smart lock, with fingerprint unlocking and app-based controls.

Philips Hue has officially released an upgraded version of its Flourish Table lamp. The refreshed model is brighter than its predecessor, and offers white and colored lighting effects. Plus, the smart home product has a dome-shaped, handcrafted glass shade.

Baseus’ Security X1 Pro Outdoor Dual Camera has been officially released in North America and Europe. This security camera was initially crowdfunded and was briefly available at a US retailer at the end of 2025. Its features include a 3K resolution, two cameras which can operate independently, and AI motion tracking.

The Home Assistant app for iOS has been updated to version 2026.2. The change log for this release lists 14 new features, improvements and bug fixes. These are linked to entities and the entity picker, the quick search functionality and Assist, the brand’s voice assistant technology.

LightSolutions’ Hilux DS8 Tilt 360 ShellyX LED downlight, a Powered by Shelly product, is now available at the Shelly online store in various European countries. The smart ceiling light does not require a hub, with two connectivity options. Users can adjust the angle of the LED light source, as well as its brightness and color temperature.

The Philips Hue app has gained a new automations-related feature. While this tool was announced in previous updates for the Hue Bridge and Hue Bridge Pro, it was rolled out in a recent app update without being noted in the change log. The functionality should make it even easier to control the automations linked to a particular room or zone.

The Xiaomi Self-Install Smart Lock is now available at some retailers in Europe. Designed to work with a standard key or knob lock, this product can enable you to open your door with a fingerprint or voice commands. Plus, it can be remotely controlled via an app and supports the Matter smart home protocol.

The Home Assistant 2026.2 release is now available. It comes with a new default Home Dashboard, a power distribution card and a Quick search function. Plus, there are a series of new integrations, including Cloudflare R2, and a tweak to make the separation between add-ons and integrations clearer.

Philips Hue app version 5.60.1 is now available for iOS and Android. This latest release makes the brand’s AI assistant available to more users thanks to support for three additional languages. Plus, there are new features for owners of the Philips Hue Secure cameras and video doorbells.

The Philips Hue Bridge v2 and the Philips Hue Bridge Pro are about to receive software versions 1975134020 and 2071209010, respectively. These updates arrive a couple of weeks after the last releases for the smart hubs. The release notes indicate that they bring small improvements to both devices.

Dreame’s upcoming Navo Smart Lock A10 has received Matter certification from the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). This is one of the first smart locks from the brand, offering both fingerprint and passcode unlocking. Plus, users will be able to receive alerts in real time via one of Dreame’s apps.

A range of accessories for the Philips Hue Flux strip light and Flux ultra bright strip light are now available at some European retailers. Yet to be officially released in this market, these products were on show at IFA 2025. The line-up includes three connectors, an extension cable and mounting brackets.

A new version of the Philips Hue Turaco Outdoor Wall Light has arrived. Currently available in Europe, this new version of the smart light has a couple of upgrades compared to the original model. These include a higher maximum brightness level, white and colored lighting, and Matter compatibility.

The Xiaomi Smart Outdoor Camera 4 4G Dual-Camera Edition is about to launch in China. This is the first security camera from the brand to offer 4G, allowing it to operate independently of Wi-Fi. Other features include fixed and PTZ cameras, AI human detection and intruder alarms. 

The Shelly Dimmer Gen4 is now available in the US. The smart home product is designed to allow the user to turn a regular light into a smart light, which can be controlled via an app or with voice commands. Already available in Europe, this is a compact gadget with support for the Matter smart home protocol.

The Shelly BLU H&T ZB sensor can now be purchased at the brand’s online store in the US. Already available in Europe, this smart temperature and humidity sensor could be used in your home or in a greenhouse. Features of this battery-powered product include two connectivity options and remote controls via the company’s smartphone app.

Shelly is now selling the BLU H&T Display ZB at its online store in the US. This smart home product can show information like the temperature and humidity level on the integrated e-paper display. Other features include a digital clock, dual connectivity and support for voice commands.

Philips Hue is about to release a new version of the Flourish table light. This upgraded smart lamp appears to come with a new light source, offering a higher maximum brightness level. Plus, it is Matter compatible, and users will be able to use MotionAware technology when connected to a certain accessory.

Shelly has added a limited stock of a new device, named The Pill, to its online store in the US. Launching in Europe in late 2025, this compact device is designed to make regular sensors smart. It offers dual connectivity and supports various input and output types, with applications including voltage and temperature monitoring.

The Shelly Ecowitt WS90 7-in-1 weather station is now available in the US, following its recent launch in Europe. The device can be used to track various weather related metrics, with insights available in the brand’s smartphone app. However, it appears that the stock of this product is currently limited.

Tapo is releasing its new C615F Kit Solar-Powered Floodlight Security Camera with Pan-Tilt-Zoom in the EU. Recently arriving in the UK following its US launch, this new smart home product comes with an 800 lumen floodlight and a solar panel for wire-free installation.

The Xiaomi Mijia Refrigerator Cross Door 502L has arrived in Europe. The appliance’s larger capacity is spread across three areas, including an independently temperature controllable fridge drawer. Plus, it can be remotely controlled through the brand’s app or with voice commands. 

The Tapo C630 Solar-Powered Pan/Tilt Security Camera Kit from TP-Link is rolling out across Europe. This new model is designed for outdoor use, with a 3K 5MP camera and smart motion tracking functionality. It can also use AI to detect humans, pets and vehicles, a subscription-free feature.

The TP-Link Tapo C545D Outdoor Dual Lens Pan/Tilt Security Camera is now available in various European countries. The smart outdoor security camera has an upper wide-angle camera fixed in position, and a lower pan/tilt camera to track moving objects. Other features include smart notifications, two-way talk and various connection options.

The Xiaomi Self-Install Smart Lock has started to roll out globally. So far, the smart home product has reached countries in the Middle East and Asia, and is expected to be released in Europe in the near future. The device is designed to work with a standard lock and comes with a keypad with a fingerprint scanner.

The Xiaomi Mijia Front Load Washer Dryer Pro 9kg has been released in more European countries. This smart appliance has a range of typical features like a quick wash cycle and low-temperature drying. However, it also offers remote controls via the app or a voice assistant, as well as intelligent detergent dispensing.

The Xiaomi Mijia Washing Machine Pro Super Electrolysis Smart Wash and Dry 10kg has been launched in China. It arrives as a smaller version of a recently released machine, with similar features like super electrolysis technology, intelligent detergent dispensing and HyperOS Connect.

Two new updates are on the way to users of the Philips Hue Bridge Pro and the Hue Bridge v2. Software versions 2071193000 and 1975104000 bring minor improvements to the smart hubs. Plus, the release notes indicate that they make these devices compatible with a new feature which will soon be added to the brand’s app.

The new smart IKEA Varmblixt LED table/wall lamp may be released earlier than expected. Announced in January 2026, this smart light was originally scheduled for an April 2026 launch. However, a new listing on one of the brand’s websites suggests that it could be released in the near future, and also confirms the pricing for Sweden.

The Govee Outdoor Filament String Lights are on the way to markets like the US and the EU. This new smart lighting product features transparent, globe-shaped bulbs, each with a four-color filament. Plus, the company has confirmed specifications like the brightness and weatherproof ratings.

TP-Link has finally released the Tapo H110, a universal IR remote control and smart hub, in the US. This Matter compatible device can be used to control various household appliances, such as AC, as well as smart home products. Using the hub, you can remotely control connected devices via the brand’s app or with voice commands.

The HaLowLink 2 is a new Wi-Fi HaLow router with up to 1 km (0.6 miles) of range. It works with HaLow devices out of the box but can also link standard Wi-Fi devices using a second unit as an extender.

The Xiaomi Mijia Washing Machine Pro Super Electrolytic Smart Wash and Dry 12kg has been launched in China. The brand claims that its latest model offers stain removal, whitening and color bleed prevention without the need for additional washing products. Plus, the washer dryer offers smart detergent dispensing and can be remotely controlled via the brand’s app.

IKEA has finally released the Klippbok Water leakage sensor in the UK. Already available in the US and the EU, this is one of the brand’s new Matter compatible smart home devices. It features a relatively compact body and has an integrated alarm to alert you to leaks when detected.

The Govee Outdoor Solar String Lights, a first for the brand, have appeared on its official website. Listed as coming soon, these new smart lights will deliver white and colored lighting effects. They are powered by a solar panel accessory, and an integrated battery can extend their runtime.

IKEA has released its new Kajplats range of smart bulbs in the UK. There are many options to choose from, including white and clear glass bulbs, with white and colored lighting effects. Plus, these products are Matter compatible for a broad range of smart home integrations.