Ikea expands its Tradfri line with new smart bulbs and starter kits
Ikea has long been the go-to option for people that want high-quality, low-cost furnishings and lighting. The Swedish company has embraced that reputation with new additions to their Tradfri line of Home Smart products, including new bulbs and updated starter kits for first-time users.
The Meri is a $99 smart thermostat for a smart home on a budget
This week Momentum introduced the Meri Smart Thermostat, a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive options like Nest or the Ecobee. This new thermostat is available for purchase from your local Walmart, which gives you a chance to check it out in person before you decide to buy.
Random people might have listened to your Google Assistant commands
The Belgian public broadcasting network VRT NWS issued a report that confirms Google uses professional contractors to transcribe commands given to their smart assistants. The problem is that not all of these commands were intentional and Google Assistant overheard private conversations.
Are people losing interest in smart home technology?
Recent analysis of sales trends suggest that the smart home boom may be over and that consumers are beginning to lose interest in the market, but more factors are at play than just simple sales rank. The reasons people buy, and the number of products available to them, have a huge impact on the market.
Cities across America are switching to smart tech to improve residents’ lives
Syracuse and dozens of other cities plan to make traditional street lighting a thing of the past. Initiatives have begun to install "smart" streetlights throughout cities to improve the lives of residents. These "smart nodes" can collect data on weather, temperature, and even traffic conditions.
A Delaware senator stepped into the ring with Amazon over information privacy
If you don't trust Amazon with your data, you aren't alone. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Delaware) demanded answers from Amazon over exactly how long user voice recordings and transcripts were kept, and what the information was used for. The company's answers did not inspire confidence in the senator.
Researchers discover a worrying security flaw in Zipato smart home hubs
Recent concerns about smart home security aren't misplaced: A pair of security researchers have discovered a vulnerability in a popular smart home hub that allowed them to unlock connected smart locks with just a single line of code.
iRealm’s Smart Plug 2.0 with built-in touchpad makes its Kickstarter debut
The iRealm Smart Plug 2.0 debuted on Kickstarter this week. The device aims to solve the problem of smartphone-only control in connected devices by including a touchpad for local control. This touchpad is said to work without Wi-Fi or batteries thanks to a low-voltage connection.
Having a chat with Alexa will soon feel a lot more natural
The Echo is already a part of the household, but a series of new improvements will soon make conversations with the smart assistant more natural and fluid than ever before. Amazon announced a new algorithm that allows Alexa to guess what users might say.
The iKuddle is a smart litter box that scoops the poop for you
If you own a cat, you know just how unpleasant it is to clean the litter box. The iKuddle is a Wi-Fi connected smart litter box that handles almost every step of the process for you. All you have to do is swap out the bag. The device is currently on Kickstarter for interested pet owners.
Amazon retains text data on users even when audio recordings are deleted
Although you can delete your Amazon Echo audio history, Amazon still has text recordings of your conversations with the device — a fact that has raised concerns with many privacy advocates. Amazon claims the data is used to improve language recognition and processing.
In a hurry? Dry your clothes in just 15 minutes with this countertop dryer
The Morus Zero is a countertop-sized dryer that uses less than half the energy of traditional units. Lower temperatures mean less heat waste, less wrinkles, and less chance of heat damage to your clothes. The Morus Zero countertop dryer is slated to begin production in November.
A video doorbell catches a man being attacked by a snake in cold blood
The last thing Jerel Haywood expected when he opened his friend Rodney Copeland's door was a surprise attack by a snake, but Copeland's doorbell camera captured the entire event on video. They have since uploaded the video for the world to see as a warning against the invasion of porch snakes.
Amazon partners with Blink on the Alexa-compatible Blink XT2 security camera
Amazon and Blink have partnered to launch the Blink XT2, an indoor/outdoor wireless security camera with built-in Alexa compatibility, 1080p streaming, and two-way audio. The camera has a two-year battery life using just two AA batteries, making it perfect for those out-of-the-way places.
Sparkel infuses bubbles and ingredients into sparkling water without cartridges
The Sparkel beverage system infuses water with flavor and carbonation without the use of CO2 canisters through a natural, patented process. You can make everything from carbonated water to your own mimosas at home. The units are now available for pre-order through Indiegogo.
August pauses shipments of its smart doorbell to correct video problems
The new August View is one of the highest-resolution smart doorbells on the market, but August has paused shipments of the device and offered full refunds following customer complaints about poor video quality, connectivity, and more. The View will resume shipping once the problems have been corrected.
Power on and off: Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug by TP-Link brings weatherproof smarts
The Kasa Outdoor Wi-Fi Smart Plug grants remote control of two outlets in an IP-64 weather resistant housing. Controlled remotely via app, Alexa, or Google Home, the Kasa smart plug is a great fit for controlling holiday lights or keeping your back patio illuminated during the summer.
Philips Hue users can activate their favorite routines through Google Home
Philips Hue expanded its Google Home integration through the Gentle Sleep and Wake routine. Say, "Hey Google, sleep my lights" and your Philips Hue bulbs will dim over half an hour. Say "wake my lights" and they will brighten instead. This simulates a natural sunrise for a more natural wake-up.
Alexa, Google, Siri put their bilingual skills to the test in translation battle
One Hour Translation, an online translation company, compared how Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Siri stack up against one another in regard to translation capabilities. Google Home performed the best in three out of four languages, but none of the devices managed to perfectly translate the quotes.
Shop while you wash: Kenmore adds Dash Replenishment to smart washers
Kenmore has added Amazon Dash Replenishment services to its upcoming smart washers and dryers. With the service, you never again have to worry being surprised by having no detergent. Just link the Kenmore Smart App to your Amazon account and order a refill when you get low.
A Legend of Zelda fan programmed his home to respond to an ocarina
Allen Pan, a freelance engineer and Legend of Zelda fan, programmed his smart home to respond to ocarina music. He uses different songs from Ocarina of Time to control different aspects of his home. Sun's Song for lights, Bolero of Fire for the thermostat, and more.
Wake up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with the A.I.-powered Bryte Bed
The Bryte Bed is an A.I.-powered smart bed that learns its users' habits and makes adjustments to provide the optimal sleep experience and maintain the deepest sleep cycles for longer periods of time. The Bryte Bed is now available starting at $5,950 with a 365-day trial period.
Walmart Voice Order lets you shop straight from your Google Assistant
Walmart Voice Order is a service launched for Google Assistant that lets users order groceries with just their voice. The service will work with all Google Assistant-enabled devices later this month, but the company has plans to bring Walmart Voice Order to other platforms in the future.
Fibaro smart devices are now compatible with the Samsung SmartThings hub
Samsung SmartThings now supports even more devices with the recent integration of Fibaro, a company known for its smart home sensors. Several devices are already compatible, with more on the way. In time, Fibaro hopes to make its entire line compatible with SmartThings.
Ikea isn’t throwing shade with the delayed release of its smart blinds
Ikea planned to release is Tradfri-compatible smart blinds in the U.S. in April 2019, but the products have been delayed until later in the year for a firmware update that promises better functionality. Rumors put the new release date of the Kadrilj blinds sometime in August or later.
Alexa may be everywhere, but it’s Google’s Assistant I want in my home. Here’s why
The Amazon Alexa may have the Google Home beat in numbers of skills and compatibility with other products, but does that really matter when her voice falls flat for day-to-day conversation? Google Home sounds more natural, is easy to speak to, and its responses don't quite hint at a hostile robot uprising.
The best Google Home Mini accessories
The Google Home Mini is small, functional, and powerful, but these accessories can further improve the look and sound of the smart assistant. Wall mounts, pedestals, battery packs, and even Mickey Mouse ears expand the Mini's function beyond what it can do just out of the box.
The LifeStraw Home is a water filter on bacteria-busting steroids
The LifeStraw Home is a Kickstarter product that hopes to create one of the most powerful home water filters on the market and claims to filter nearly 100 percent of bacteria from your drinking water using a membrane microfilter and activated charcoal with an ion exchange filter.
It sucks to sweep: The VaBroom is both a broom and vacuum
Chasing dust bunnies is a thing of the past with the VaBroom, a new project on Kickstarter. The VaBroom aims to make dustpans redundant with a built-in, 14,000 RPM vacuum motor in the head of the broom. Best of all, it's lightweight enough to be used nearly anywhere.
Apple’s latest purchase suggests it’s making moves in the home security sector
Apple purchased the patent portfolio of the now-defunct startup Lighthouse in late 2018. The patents include 3D-sensing technology that suggests Apple may have its eye on the home security market, an arena where its competitors Google and Amazon already have a strong foothold.
How cold should your fridge be? Searching for that magic number
It can be tricky to nail down the perfect temperature for a refrigerator, but tests suggest 37 degrees might be the magic number for the best quality food and longest storage life. Use a refrigerator thermometer to make sure you hit the right temperature for your fridge.
Alexa literally on fire as Amazon Echo Dot reportedly bursts into flames
In Sandusky, Ohio, a family came home to discover their kitchen filled with smoke and their Echo Dot in flames. They extinguished the fire, but no word has emerged on why the device suddenly ignited. Amazon assures people that customer safety is taken seriously and that the Echo Dot will be examined.
The Sensor Mirror Hi-Fi Assist is a smart mirror with Google Home built in
The Sensor Mirror Hi-Fi Assist has multiple lighting options, great audio, and built-in Google Assistant. It's the perfect way to spice up your morning routine with your favorite tunes, audiobooks, and much more. This smart mirror is part of the continued expansion of the simplehuman brand.