The Amazon Echo Show is a no-show in some stores. Is a new version coming?
Reports of the disappearance of the Amazon Echo Show from the U.K. suggest more than shipping delays. There's no word from Amazon, but a long-running deep discount on the device and competitive forces suggest a new Echo Show may be on the way.
Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo 930 review
We were skeptical about a robot that’s both a vacuum and a mop, but the Ecovac Deebot Ozmo 930 pleasantly surprised us. It’s a bit annoying that the app is practically required for it to function, but it does a decent job of both vacuuming and cleaning with minimal input from a human.
Amazon’s third checkout-free Amazon Go store is now open in Seattle
Amazon has opened its third checkout-less Amazon Go convenience store, which spares shoppers from having to wait in line to pay for items, in Seattle. The expansion shows Amazon is pleased with the operation of its technology, which includes numerous cameras and sensors to track shoppers' purchases.
Amazon Alexa is learning how to recognize silly questions and strange wording
Alexa has always been good at recognizing vocal input, but improvements to its natural language processing have yielded better accuracy and fewer misunderstandings. Alexa can now recognize when a question is asked in the wrong way or if someone poses a nonsense question.
Netgear’s Alexa-enabled Orbi Voice Mesh Wi-Fi speaker blankets your home in Wi-Fi and sound
Netgear announced the Orbi Voice Smart Speaker and Wi-Fi Mesh Satellite, a multifunction device for smart homes that extends Wi-Fi networks, adds an Alexa-enabled voice assistant speaker, and uses Harman Kardon audio for higher-quality music streaming. Netgear packaged the three functions based on consumer interest.
Samsung is beefing up Bixby by opening it up to third-party apps
Bixby is often forgotten amid the voice assistant field dominated by Alexa and Siri. Samsung is hoping to fix that by adding support for third-party developers to create apps for the A.I. assistant. Samsung will soon release developer kits that will allow Bixby to be integrated into other apps and services.
Tado’s new app provides advice, as well as energy-saving thermostat controls
Looking for help keeping your home comfortable? At IFA 2018 in Berlin, Tado introduced a revamped lineup featuring the V3 and a redesigned app that not only controls settings but offers advice on how best to use them or otherwise improve the comfort of your home climate.
Use your messaging app to control your smart home with Line Things
Controlling your smart home usually means a multitude of apps and different notifications. Messaging app Line wants to bring all this under its control, making life easier and more familiar, with Line Things, an Internet of Things control platform it plans to launch in 2019. We saw an early demonstration.
New TCL TVs can hear your every word — even in noisy rooms
Synaptics' Audiosmart far-field voice (FFV) tech takes voice control to new levels with TCL's new line of televisions, which have Alexa built-in and were introduced at IFA 2018 in Berlin. With the new FFV tech, TCL TVs will detect and respond to your natural-volume voice, even in a noisy room.
Amazon Echo Plus (1st gen) review
Amazon’s Echo Plus was announced in Sept 2017 and we quickly got our hands on one, eager to test the embedded smart home hub. A year later, we’re taking a fresh look at the device to see which new Alexa capabilities have been added and to revisit the speaker’s sound quality.
Inspired by Star Trek, Amazon wants us to talk to everything, everywhere
Amazon keynoter Daniel Rausch told IFA 2018 attendees how Alexa voice-control has grown an enthusiastic customer base while partnering with manufacturers and developers. Alexa-enabled associations have been massively profitable for device companies but conversion to voice control platforms has only begun.
Can this tabletop Krups keg really deliver a perfect pour? We asked beer snobs
Take the brew pub home with the Krups SUB Home Beer Dispenser. This system lets you tap and enjoy your favorite beer from the comfort of your kitchen. With a variety of beer choices and easy-to-follow directions, you’ll never need to go to the bar again.
It’s no joke: Alexa is now installed on more than 20,000 devices worldwide
Amazon's Alexa voice assistant is one of the most popular digital assistants on the market and IFA Berlin served as a prime opportunity for the company to showcase that growth. The software is now available on more than 20,000 devices, with more expected to hit the market soon.
Temi is your personal robot butler, like an Amazon Echo Show on wheels
If you’ve been dreaming of a domestic robot or a smart speaker that can follow you around the house, then Temi could be just what you’re looking for. We went hands-on with the personal robot at IFA 2018 in Berlin to find out exactly what it’s capable of doing and how well it can get it done.
Philips adds a six-pack of new partners to Friends of Hue smart lighting system
Philips Hue smart lighting and smart switches gained six new members of the Friends of Hue program. Signify, the new name for Philips Lighting, announced the six new global partners at IFA 2018 in Berlin. In addition to two new switch companies added to the gang, four of the companies will add new lighting designs.
Nest launches an investigation into its own smart doorbell glitches
Nest's new smart door bell the Nest Hello has gotten rave reviews and achieved wide popularity among users but now the company has launched an investigation into widespread reports of delayed and false notifications, random disconnects, and outages.
Figure out whose turn it is to do the dishes with new Alexa skills
Amazon Alexa has more than 40,000 skills, but more skills are added every day. Users can create custom skills through blueprints. Alexa recently added even more blueprints to bring the total number above 30. These new blueprints make it easy to track chores, choose activities, and much more.
Neato adds extra smarts to new and older Botvac robot vacuum cleaners
At IFA 2018, Neato announced two new Connected robot vacuum cleaners: The entry-level Botvac D4 and midrange Botvac D6. The D4 has improved mapping and charging capabilities, while the D6 offers features designed for pet owners. Neato also announced enhancements to its flagship D7 Botvac.
Keurig’s new coffee makers expand their repertoires to lattes and cappuccinos
Keurig now has an answer for when you crave more than just a normal cup of coffee in the morning. Their new machines can make cappuccinos and lattes, and even froth the milk to mix with the drink. Both retail for less than $200 and are available now from select retailers.
Nest X Yale Lock review
Three years in the making, the Nest X Yale lock is stylish and beautiful, but offers surprisingly little substance. We were surprised by how difficult it was to install due to faulty parts. But newly-announced Google Assistant integration offers some promise.
There is nothing even slightly cube-like about the Huawei AI Cube smart speaker
Huawei has announced a smart speaker. It's called the AI Cube, but confusingly, it isn't shaped like a cube at all. It doesn't use Google Assistant either, and instead has Amazon Alexa inside, along with space for a 4G LTE SIM card. It's not the first time Huawei has used Alexa in a smart device.
GE and Electrolux kitchen appliances get helpful with Google Assistant support
If you've ever caught yourself talking to inanimate objects, you're in luck. Now they'll respond -- assuming they're made by GE or Electrolux. Smart appliances from the companies are getting new functionality that will make them respond to voice commands through Google Assistant.
Anker debuts robot vacuum and Alexa-friendly smart speaker at IFA 2018
Building on the success of its sub-brand products, Anker introduced the Soundcore Flare S+ smart speaker and Eufy Robovac 30C at IFA 2018 in Berlin this week. The Flare S+ speaker adds battery power and Alexa compatibility. The Robovac 30C, now Alexa and Google Assistant compatible, also gains suction power.
Eve’s latest products aren’t sexy, but they’ll make your house smarter
Smart home company Eve introduced three new products at IFA 2018 that aren't all that sexy but are designed to make your home smarter. The company announced an internet-connected light switch, light strip, and power strip — all of which feature Apple HomeKit compatibility.
Yale’s refreshed Sync security system set to launch in Europe
A refreshed security system from Yale is making its way to Europe, the company announced at IFA 2018 this week. The security systems and lock manufacturer is bringing the new Yale Sync Alarm, its next-generation home security system, to European customers starting October 1.
Lenovo augments its smart home line with new camera, plug, and bulb
Lenovo is debuting a wide range of low-cost to high-end laptops at IFA 2018 but the biggest news for smart home users is the launch of a new "Smart Home Essentials" line of products that will initially include a smart bulb, plug, and a surveillance camera with remote access.
Google Assistant goes bilingual, lets you speak two languages interchangeably
Google has always had the lead on language support in the war between it and Amazon for digital assistants and smart speakers, but Google just widened its market considerably by announcing that Google Assistant now supports two languages interchangeably, making it fully bilingual.
Tempow’s new Bluetooth software ties your smart home together
The latest Bluetooth protocol from French startup, Tempow, allows you to sync your smart TV, smart speakers, and Bluetooth speakers. TAP Smart is a clever piece of software with countless applications and we checked it out at IFA in Berlin.
Sharp’s smart home lineup at IFA covers all major appliance needs
Sharp"s IFA 2018 announcements include a half-dozen major smart home appliances, including washing machines that can automatically dispense and order detergent, energy-efficient dryers, a refrigerator with a built-in vacuum sealer, and a five-shelf oven with sophisticated air-circulation technology.
The modular Nanoleaf Canvas will light up your entire wall
You don't need hanging light fixtures and lamps to light up your room. The Nanoleaf Canvas modular lights can be layered on your wall in any pattern to create a unique lighting experience that places you in total control of your lighting environment. The product made its debut at IFA 2018.
Kangaroo’s security system offers home protection at an affordable price
Setting up a smart home security is typically expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Kangaroo, a New York startup, is setting out to bring down the cost of keeping your home safe by introducing a new line of internet-connected motion sensors that start at $30 per sensor.
Give your home an upgrade with the Wayfair Labor Day sale
Labor Day isn't just about taking a break from your labors, it's about enjoying the fruits of those labors. If you're looking to save big on mattresses, kitchenware, home appliances, and more, the Wayfair Labor Day sale has got you covered. With free shipping on orders over $49, you'll find some really great deals.
Best Buy is bundling the new Lenovo Smart Display with the Google Home Mini
Best Buy is the latest enthusiast to help Google win the smart speaker war as it's now being reported that the retailer is giving away a free $49 Google Home Mini with every purchase of the $199 8-inch Lenovo Smart Display, striking yet another blow in Google's mortal combat with Amazon.
Amazon’s Prime Book Box is now available to all Prime members in the U.S.
Getting your Amazon Prime subscription could also mean getting your kids to develop good reading habits from a young age. Amazon's Prime Book Box is a subscription service that delivers curated books specifically for kids. It's now available to all Amazon Prime subscribers.