The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip can control 6 devices, charge 3 others
A smart power strip brings all of the convenience of connected devices to the same appliances you've had for years. The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip can control six different devices and charge three others. This device is now available on Amazon as of September 13.
Elon Musk hints at Tesla-connected smart air conditioning
A huge portion of your energy bill goes towards heating and cooling your home. Elon Musk suggests that a connected air conditioner may be the way to reduce utility costs and make smarter use of energy. In an interview with Joe Rogan, he hinted that Tesla may be developing a new air conditioning system.
Hampton’s new smart lock is functional for both techies and traditional users
Hampton Products International manufactures a host of home security devices but is just now entering the lucrative smart home market by launching a new line of interoperable home security hardware products, starting with its flagship product, the Array Connected Smart Lock.
A whole new world: New Google Home games let kids play as Disney characters
Even though school is back in session, it's important to get a little playtime in to break up the homework and stimulate the brain. Luckily, the Google Home smart speaker now is capable of playing a variety of kid-friendly games provided by Disney that will be sure to keep them entertained and engaged.
If Ikea can flat-pack its furniture, why not a tiny house?
Ikea's Copenhagen-based future living lab Space10 is a trip on a normal day but two Danish design students have just outdone themselves by designing a 500-square-foot tiny house that can be open-sourced around the globe and manufactured for less than $10,000.
Apple HomePod can now make calls, set timers, and more
Apple’s HomePod may have been lean on features at launch, but it continues to improve via software updates, and the upcoming HomePod OS 12 is bringing some interesting new features like support for multiple timers and the ability to make and answer phone calls. The update is available September 17.
Ex-Rolls-Royce engineer looks to conquer the tiny home market with the Conker
Resembling a soccer ball on stilts, The Conker is a new spherical mini home. Capable of being installed in a single day, this stunningly stylish glamping dwelling will convince nearly everyone who sees it that this is what the future of living looks like. Sign up right now!
Hanwha Techwin enters the smart security market with two new indoor cameras
Hanwha Techwin America is a well-established manufacturer of video surveillance equipment and cybersecurity solutions, and is now entering the smart home market with two new smart security cameras that feature HD monitoring, facial recognition, and two-way communication.
Couple finds hidden camera pointed at bed at a Toronto Airbnb
A couple visiting Toronto made an unpleasant and creepy discovery during their stay. They found a hidden camera in a clock that was pointed directly at the bed they were sleeping in, presumably placed there by the home's owner. Airbnb is aware of the incident and is investigating further.
Mezmoglobe spinning desk toy will keep you focused (or totally distracted)
Newly launched on Kickstarter, Mezmoglobe is an incredibly cool spinning desk toy, which is milled with a symmetrical helix pattern designed to produce a mind-bending "flowing" optical illusion as it rotates on its base. Check it out in all its attention-grabbing awesomeness.
Qaio smart mirrors give your bathroom a window on the world
A California-based manufacturer of consumer electronics is getting into the niche side of the smart home market with a new line of Qaio smart mirrors that come outfitted with Alexa, an HD camera and display, onboard speakers, and even a night light with a motion sensor.
Samsung DV8750 dryer review
Looking for a workhorse dryer than can handle heavy blankets with the same ease as a small load of delicates? The Samsung DV8750 could be the perfect fit, as long as you don’t expect your clothes to be completely wrinkle-free.
Samsung WF7500 front-loading washer review
We’ve all forgotten to add a piece of clothing to a wash already in progress. This Samsung washing machine solves that problem with an easy open hatch on the front door. But how well does it clean your laundry?
Tiny apartment has a kitchen in a bathroom. Or is the bathroom in the kitchen?
When square footage is limited, builders find creative ways to save space. An apartment in St. Louis combines the kitchen and the bathroom into a single, multifunctional space. The only thing smaller than the space is the rent, which is an astoundingly low $525 per month.
Amazon Alexa may bite your head off if asked to play that darn ‘Baby Shark’ song
Voice assistants are designed to respond to any request humans give them, but it doesn't mean they like it. When Amazon's Alexa is asked to play the irritatingly catchy kid's song Baby Shark, the artificial intelligence issues an epic rant about how it doesn't like playing the tune.
Samsung SmartThings Tracker locates people, pets, and things
Samsung's SmartThings Tracker uses the LTE-M network with low-cost nationwide coverage to locate wandering pets, let family members know where you are, or find your car keys. You can also configure the Tracker as a proximity sensor with Works with SmartThings connections to trigger connected home automation devices.
Google’s Digital Wellbeing initiative is coming to Assistant and Home
New data discovered inside the Google APK suggests the Digital Wellbeing initiative is coming to Google Assistant and Google Home. This will help users curb the amount of time spent in front of the screen and set parental controls in an effort to build healthy habits for the entire family.
Adobe survey finds digital assistants, smart speakers are popular with shoppers
A new survey of more than 1,000 American consumers about voice assistants and smart speakers offers dramatic new intelligence about shopping, adoption rates, types of usage, and a widening diversity of voice activities that reflect an expansion beyond music and weather.
Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat hands-on review
With an excellent whole-home sensor system, an easy-to-use interface, and a simple app, the Ecobee4 is a solid choice for a smart thermostat. The fact that it's an Amazon Alexa speaker just sweetens the deal.
I ran into LG’s Cloi robot at the airport in South Korea. Here’s what happened
After running into LG’s Cloi the airport robot in South Korea, the experience was entrancing, yet unfulfilling. Does a rolling, talking computer screen with blinking eyes have a purpose other than to entertain?
This tiny house produced in the Alps opens up to the skies
A small - make that tiny - house manufacturer high up in the Alps of Rhone, France, is manufacturing tiny homes that are transportable, can be operated completely off the grid, and have roofs that can open up to the skies.
Xbox-specific Alexa skills let you start console with your voice
Fans of the Xbox Kinect can potentially relive the benefits of the accessory. A set of new Alexa and Cortana skills allow players to control the Xbox One with their voice. Users can launch games, control the volume, and much more. These features are available now for Xbox Insiders in the United States.
Researchers warn smart home appliances could be used to attack power grids
The smart home appliances in your house might not just be convenient for you -- they could be tools for cyber-attackers as well. Researchers at Princeton warn that hackers could hijack unsecured connected devices and turn them into a botnet that could take down power grids.
Google Home partners with KB Homes to make houses smarter
KB Home has partnered with Google to provide a smart home system compatible with an ever-growing number of devices. The KB Smart Home System will debut in select communities throughout the country and include devices like the Google Home and Nest Hello video doorbell.
Set yourself ABB-free with merged smart home, security, and entertainment system
Switzerland-based ABB's integrated smart home control platform launched at the CEDIA Expo in San Diego and focuses on integrating all home systems with a unified interface. It is compatible with Alexa, Sonos, and Philips Hue. The product manages all home systems with a touch panel and in-wall controls.
The long-awaited Brilliant Control smart home panel is finally available
A startup called Brilliant is suggesting that the future of smart home control isn't rooted in any device but rather in tech users themselves. The company's long-anticipated smart home panel, which promises easy installation and offers voice control over all kinds of connected devices, is now available.
The Whizz Bang helps boys improve their marksmanship when nature calls
There are few things worse than discovering a mess on the toilet seat that you didn't make. Whether it's a reckless adult or a child learning how to use the toilet, Whizz Bang believes it can keep the seat clean by turning bathroom visits into a game by giving people something to aim at.
Mirror unveils a gym-in-a-mirror, so you can watch yourself sweat
Mirror is an on-demand, interactive home gym built into an ordinary full-length mirror. The device is essentially a giant LCD screen: Behind your reflection is a personal trainer who guides you through a variety of workouts. Hang it on a wall, clear a space on the floor, and your den becomes a gym.
ADT’s new cybersecurity suite adds four levels of digital protection
Augmenting its traditional home alarm system business, ADT introduced Digital Security by ADT. The new suite of cybersecurity services includes identity protection, dark web defense, secure connectivity via a virtual private network, and home network protection, including identify theft-related expense reimbursement.
How to make your Google Home bilingual
Want to make your Google Home speak two languages? More than half of the world's population can speak more than one language, and now your Google Home device, can, too. Whether you have a bilingual household or are learning a new language, here's how to make your Google Home bilingual.
Google confirms that its Assistant is acting strangely again
Google Assistant is getting off to a rocky start this month as a bunch of the digital assistant's users are reporting a new rash of glitches, including the loss of non-US accented English language speakers, some sex changes, and a refusal to respond to the "Hey, Google" wakeup command.
Chances of your Amazon Alexa being hacked are slim, says former hacker
Events surrounding the Amazon Alexa have raised security concerns, but according to a former NSA hacker, given its built-in security, the smart speaker is an unlikely target for most hackers. They are much more likely to target your bank data than your conversations at home.
Bonaverde’s all-in-one coffee maker can now roast, grind, and brew any bean
The unique, all-in-one coffee maker from Bonaverde handles every part of the coffee-making process. It roasts, grinds, and brews the beans in the same machine. Now, thanks to user feedback, the company has improved the machine to expand its offerings. It can be used with any type of coffee bean.