Google Assistant now lets you set custom Routines to help optimize your life
Google Assistant is getting better at assisting you with each passing week. The latest feature to be added to its arsenal is Custom Routines, which allow users to trigger several actions at once at a predetermined time. Routines help users string together a number of actions with just one command.
Is a new Amazon Echo Dot resembling the Google Home Mini on its way?
We could be looking at a new Echo Dot. According to reports from French publications Numerama and FrAndroid, Amazon is planning to release a third-generation Amazon Echo Dot, the most diminutive (and popular) of its Alexa-enabled devices. It's been two years since we've seen any variation in that design.
Get rid of smart security camera blind spots with the Snap Pro from Zmodo
Your smart home security system doesn't have to look intimidating -- it just needs to look at everything going on at home. Here to save us from conspicuous smart cameras and bulky security systems is Zmodo, which has just launched the Snap Pro, a modular and wireless camera that promises to address blind spots
Alexa takes a cue from Google with its new Alexa Cast streaming feature
As Google and Amazon continue to compete for smart home dominance, their products and features are beginning to look ... well, the same. Amazon debuted a new feature called Alexa Cast, which allows users to decide what's playing on their Alexa-enabled speakers from their phones. It sounds a lot like Google Cast.
Google’s Nest is looking to target seniors with smart homes
Google is reportedly considering a marketing push for Nest smart home products and services positioned to support senior citizens. Seniors adamant about maintaining their independence and others who prefer "aging in place" to living in assisted living facilities present a fast-growing opportunity.
Google Assistant-enabled smart displays to start shipping this week
Google has partnered with Lenovo, JBL, and LG to bring Google Assistant technology to smart displays. The speakers will compete against Amazon's Echo devices with a screen -- the Show and the Spot. The first of those devices - the Lenovo Smart Display - is available this week.
Lenovo’s Google Assistant-equipped Smart Display hits stores this weekend
Google Assistant has found a new home in the Lenovo Smart Display. This full HD touchscreen display could be an Echo Show competitor. Google announced that its new Lenovo Smart Displays will be made available in stores in two sizes -- the 8-inch HD costs $200 while the 10-inch Full-HD version costs $250.
Alexa-enabled devices will play better together thanks to ‘ESP’
Your Amazon Alexa-enabled devices are about to become better friends. A couple years ago, Amazon rolled out a feature called ESP -- that's Echo Spatial Perception, not extrasensory perception. The tech version of ESP ensures that only the Alexa device closest to you responds to your commands.
iLife A7 Robot Vacuum review
iLife recently released the A7 robot vacuum. The A7 has a variety of cool features you want to see in a robot vac like multiple cleaning modes, different cleaning brushes, and WiFi connectivity. We decided to test out the iLife A7 and see how it compares to other robot vacuums.
For $2,500, you can have a hydroponic weed garden in your living room
You can't grow money on trees (or so they keep telling us), but if you could, it would probably be with the help of something like the Cloudponics GroBox, a $2,500 fully contained grow system that allows its users to control a variety of growing conditions for the perfect plant yield.
The BrewCube aims to make cold brewing at home easier than ever
The future of at-home cold brewing has arrived -- or at least, that's what the makers behind the BrewCube would have us believe. Meet the Cold Brew Automation Company, a startup looking to perfect at-home cold brew coffee technology, and the folks behind the BrewCube. It's currently seeking funding on Kickstarter.
Not at Hogwarts? You can still build and use a wand thanks to Kano
You may not be able to get into Hogwarts (muggles that we all are), but you can still build your own wand. After all, who needs Ollivander and his wands when you have the new Harry Potter Kano Coding Kit? The first-ever Harry Potter STEM project, this coding kit is the latest offering from Kano.
Soliom’s solar-powered smart doorbell is a breeze to install
Turning your home into a smart home shouldn't make you feel dumb. At least, that's what the team behind Soliom believes. The wireless doorbell maker hopes to differentiate itself from the oodles of other connected devices on the market by being particularly user-friendly, with a one-step installation process.
How clean is your favorite restaurant? Yelp’s hygiene scores will dish the dirt
Sure, the ambiance, the food, and the service can all make or break the quality of a restaurant, but does any of that mean anything if it's unclean? Sanitation experts certainly don't think so, and now, Yelp is providing hygiene scores to help you ensure that your delicious dinner stays in your stomach.
These tiny pieces of ‘fruit’ from Chipolo keep tabs on your belongings
Chipolo has introduced a new accessory for the summer, and it's not a handbag or a bathing suit -- it's a Bluetooth tracker. And while these little devices are aesthetically pleasing, they're more than just something to look at. Rather, they're here to help prevent you from looking for your lost property.
Best home security cameras under $100
In a market crowded with smart home security cameras, how does one choose? And how much do you need to spend? Turns out you don't need to spend more than $100 to beef up security around your home. These models will cost you $100 or less.
‘Alexa, turn up the bass’ is now a real command thanks to a new EQ feature
You're getting a bit more control over Alexa thanks to iYou're getting more control over Alexa thanks to its newest feature, which introduces the ability to adjust EQ settings with naught but your voice. The feature lets you say, "Alexa, increase the treble," and soon, "Alexa, pump up the bass."
Kasa smart home brand hits the great outdoors with a new weatherproof cam
One of the world's biggest smart home brands is finally getting out into the great outdoors as TP-Link expands its Kasa smart home ecosystem with a brand-new, high-definition outdoor security cameram as well as an expanded Wi-Fi plug that offers dual use from a single outlet.
Tap to Alexa makes it easier for deaf community to interact with Amazon assistant
Amazon Echo Show users will now find a new Tap to Alexa option, and as its name suggests, it'll allow users to touch the Show's screen and add customized shortcuts to some of the most useful information Alexa provides, including the weather forecast, news headlines, timers, and more.
Miss Prime Day? This Instant Pot is still on sale for super cheap
Amazon Prime Day 2018 may be over, but the deals certainly are not. If you thought Prime Day was your one and only chance to grab some seriously discounted smart home accessories, think again. Walmart and Amazon have now discounted the Instant Pot LUX60 V3 6 Qt 6-in-1 pressure cooker to just $49.
Miele’s meal kit shows you how to microwave dinner in the 21st century
Last year, we introduced you to Miele's Dialog Oven, a unique appliance that relies upon electromagnetic waves in order to cook food more precisely than a conventional oven or a microwave. And now, 12 months later, Miele is back with its latest offering -- meals that are meant to be made in the Dialog.
More than just fried chicken, Chick-fil-A launches a meal kit service
Has hell frozen over, or is this actually heaven? In a move that shows exactly how far the meal kit revolution has really gone, Chick-fil-A has now launched its very own answer to Blue Apron, Plated, and the like. That's right, friends -- your favorite chicken sandwich purveyor isn't just serving you fast food.
Meet your new best friend: Barsys, the robotic bartender
The hottest cocktail bar in your neighborhood may just be sitting on your countertop. Meet Barsys, otherwise known as your new best friend. The robot bartender promises to pour perfectly crafted drinks, dictated by the user-friendly companion mobile app (available on both Android and iOS).
Don’t know what size screw you’re looking at? Amazon’s Part Finder can help
Your days of going to Lowe's or Home Depot with a random screw in your hand and a look of desperation on your face will soon be behind you, and it's all thanks to Amazon. The online retail giant has launched Part Finder, a new mobile app feature that helps you identify screws, nuts, bolts, and the like.
Sun Basket meal kits make sophisticated food simple
In our quest to find the perfect meal kit, we tested out Sun Basket, which boasts interesting flavor profiles and simple-to-follow instructions. SoCal Fish Tacos with Avocado, Cabbage Slaw, and Lime Yogurt anyone? Here’s how it stacked up against other Meal Kits we’ve tried. Get cooking!
Silverware handles up or down? Dishwasher experts settle it once and for all
Everyone has their own way of loading a dishwasher. But who’s doing it correctly, those on #TeamHandlesUp or #TeamHandlesDown? We asked some experts to get the question answered once and for all. Now you can stop passively-aggressively re-arranging the forks your partner wrongly put in the dishwasher.
Smart doorbells and Apple HomeKit are not compatible, at least for now
Doorbells are not coming to Apple HomeKit anytime soon. At least, that seems to be what its Home Accessories listing suggests, now that Apple purged all mentions of HomeKit-enabled doorbells. The page once listed the August Doorbell Cam as "coming soon." Now, it seems that they're not coming at all.
Alexa can now have a conversation with members of the deaf community
Abhishek Singh, who first rose to prominence when he built Super Mario Bros in augmented reality, has created a web application that uses a camera to read sign language, and then translates those words into spoken language for an Amazon Echo. When the Echo speaks its response, the whole process is triggered in reverse.
Ring launches the Neighbors app to keep your community safer
Your home is only as safe as your neighborhood, and no one understands this better than Ring, the smart home company dedicated to reducing crime in communities. To continue its mission of enhancing safety, the company launched the Neighbors app. National Night Out is now involved in the endeavor, too.
The Brava Oven uses light – and seemingly magic – to cook. It changes everything.
Have you ever been knee-deep in holiday cooking and thought to yourself, ‘there’s got to be a better way?’ So did the creators of the Brava Oven, who wanted to find a better, more efficient tool for baking. Their invention, which cooks with light, will change everything we do in the kitchen from this point forward.
Every parent’s nightmare: A 3-year-old gets trapped in a washing machine
When kids begin expressing interest in helping around the house -- poking around the dishwasher or learning about the laundry machine -- parents normally rejoice. But in the case of two curious kids and a new washing machine, the exact opposite result ensued. A 3-year-old got trapped in a washing machine.
Nest will merge into Google’s home and living room team as CEO steps down
Nests' CEO is the CEO no more. Marwan Fawaz is no longer at the helm of the Google-owned smart appliance maker. Nest will join Google's home and living room products team, which Google says will streamline the integration of its machine learning technology and A.I. capabilities.
Win the new Square Off Kingdom Set automated smart chess board
The all-new Square Off Kingdom Set "smart" chess board takes this centuries-old game into the 21st century, letting you play against AI or compete with millions of players from all around the world -- and it even moves the pieces for you. Enter now for your chance to win.
Clean your home for cheap with these awesome Prime Day vacuum deals
Modern technology has made keeping a clean home a little bit easier, and now that tech is getting cheaper too. For Prime Day 2018, Amazon is slashing the prices of many of our favorite vacuums, some of which are of the robot variety, so you could avoid lifting a finger and avoid spending a fortune.