The Nest Secure included a microphone no one knew about — except Google
The Nest Secure home security system has always had a built-in microphone that no one knew about, except Google. Although Google claims the microphone was included to add more features in the future, people are wary of technology that may violate their privacy -- especially when they don't know about it.
Ready for his close-up: Another man was caught licking a Ring video doorbell
A man in Lake Worth, Florida was caught on film licking a family's video doorbell. This makes the second incident like this in just over a month after another doorbell licker was caught in California. No one is quite sure what drives these men to lick doorbells whenever the chance presents itself.
Consumer groups call out retailers in a bid for better IoT security
Consumer groups posted a "Dear retailer" letter on February 12 that called out Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, and Target, shaming the companies for selling insecure smart home devices. The letter demands manufacturers implement a minimum standard of security for all IoT devices.
Google Home and Amazon Alexa are asking smart home device makers for user info
Google and Amazon want to establish a "continuous flow" of information between their servers and your smart home devices, but hardware makers like Logitech have begun to speak out for user privacy. Though the tech giants claim the data is not used or sold, many people are skeptical.
Eight Sleep’s Pod bed keeps you cool (or warm) and tells you how you’re sleeping
Americans are chronically sleep deprived, and sleep fitness start-up Eight Sleep wants to change that. The company has announced The Pod, a biometric-tracking, temperature-regulating smart mattress. Reservations start today, with the mattress due to begin shipping in April.
Nebia partners with Moen to develop a warmer, better showerhead
Silicon Valley start-up Nebia has partnered with Moen to produce the Nebia Spa Shower 2.0, a showerhead that reduces water consumption while delivering higher temperature and water pressure. The Nebia Spa Shower retails for $499, but early adopter rates are available through Kickstarter.
LG patent suggests a new smart doorbell could be on the way
A patent filed by LG suggests the manufacturing giant might soon join the smart doorbell market. The patent was filed in 2016, which hints the announcement and release of the doorbell might come soon. The device would likely use SmartThinQ technology like the rest of the LG line.
Some Arlo Ultra customers are keeping the camera after updates address concerns
After a rocky launch and a large stock value drop, the tide seems to be turning for Arlo. Customers want to keep the Arlo Ultra security camera now that improvements have been made to the 4K security camera, and the forums are abuzz with praise from newly satisfied customers.
Is cool the new hot? ‘Refrigerdating’ is a fridge-based dating service
Samsung has launched Refrigerdating, a dating service that pairs potential partners based on photos of the interior of their refrigerators. Swipe left or right based on the condiments they choose. Unfortunately, the service is limited to single Samsung Family Hub fridge owners.
Arlo pulls its 4K security camera from shelves to fix glaring problems
In the wake of early user complaints, Arlo has pulled its 4K home security camera, the Arlo Ultra, from store shelves. Arlo plans to address battery life, connectivity, and streaming problems and re-release the camera when it can ensure reliability and customer satisfaction.
J.C. Penney will no longer sell appliances or furniture in its stores
J.C. Penney is removing appliances from its stores and switching furniture sales to online-only purchases in order to make better use of floor space and improve the customer experience. By utilizing the advantages department stores have over online shopping, J.C. Penney aims to increase profitability.
Amid security breaches, Nest urges customers to use stronger passwords
Hackers logged into Nest customers' accounts and spied on them in their own home, and the company's official response is for customers to use stronger passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Even if you haven't been affected by these incidents, it's a good idea to enable two-factor authentication.
The Echo Dot is sold out until early March at Amazon and Target
The Amazon Echo Dot is the most popular of the Alexa-enabled devices. It's so popular, in fact, that it's sold out until early March on both Amazon and Target, with only limited availability at Best Buy. Even higher-priced options might be hard to find until February 10.
Alexa grudgingly picks the Patriots to win the Super Bowl
Alexa studied up on sports last year to provide users with stats and trivia. Now she has her own favorite pick for the Super Bowl, but it's not her favorite team. Alexa thinks the Patriots will win, but prefers the Rams. Given her statistical knowledge, it's better not to bet against Alexa.
Project Alias is a ‘smart parasite’ that stops smart speakers from listening
Two designers chose to do something about nosy smart speakers. The result is Project Alias, a "smart parasite" that whispers nonsense to Google Home and Alexa until it hears a specific wake word. While not a perfect solution, Project Alias is the first step toward a more private future.
This just in: Alexa can now deliver the news like a professional newscaster
The Amazon team has given Alexa a newscaster voice that improves the way she delivers the news and reads Wikipedia articles, making the smart assistant easier to understand. The change has been rolled out to U.S .customers. Simply ask Alexa, What's the latest? to hear the new voice.
This Silicon Valley studio rents for $1,500 per month — to 2 cats
A man in San Jose, California, rents a studio apartment for $1,500 per month for a very important reason: So his daughter's two cats have a place to call their own. It may be the swankiest cat pad on the West Coast, but the two feline tenants just call it home.
Lifx lighting products get touch controls and other new features at CES 2019
Lifx has been around since 2012, but the company hasn't slowed when it comes to improving functionality At CES 2019, Lifx announced two brand-new features: Touch controls and a fire mode that simulates the soothing light of a log fire. Both features will be rolled out in upcoming firmware updates.
Check your hair — and your email — with Capstone Connected Home’s smart mirror
At CES 2019 in Las Vegas, Capstone announced a Google-enabled smart mirror. The device differentiates between up to six users and provides information on weather, traffic, and much more, including email access. Get ready. The way you get ready for work will never be the same.
Ring answers the call with new video doorbell/peephole, sensors, and lights
At CES 2019, Ring has announced a door view camera that fits in the peephole of most doors, as well as a line of brand-new smart lighting products to further expand its smart home security offerings. All of these new products are now available for purchase or pre-order.
KitchenAid’s Smart Oven+ debuts at CES 2019, makes cooking easier
At CES 2019, a collaboration between Whirlpool, Hamilton Beach, and KitchenAid has resulted in the KitchenAid Smart Oven+, a new smart oven with a series of different attachments that expand your culinary options. Combined with smart cooking apps, this smart oven makes cooking easier than ever.
Sengled brings even more lights to Vegas with a new batch of bulbs at CES 2019
Sengled has announced three new light bulbs, a multicolor light strip with more than 16 million color options, a smart sensor, and a smart switch at CES 2019. More options, more lights, and flexible integration options make Sengled a strong competitor in the lighting arena.
The Flo by Moen can detect leaks as slow as one drop per minute
Moen, a leading faucet brand, has teamed up with Flo Technologies to create the Flo by Moen, a Wi-Fi connected smart water leak sensor capable of detecting leaks as slow as one drop per minute. Smartphone alerts tell you when a leak is detected, and the sensor can also automatically shut off the water supply.
Woman finds wedding ring in new Instant Pot, tracks down owner on social media
One woman in Port Orchard, Washington opened a brand-new Instant Pot to discover someone else's wedding ring inside. Through the power of social media, she was able to return to the ring to its proper owner, resulting in a story that fits the definition of a Christmas miracle.
Rocco wants to rock out. Parrot learns to use owner’s Amazon Alexa
Rocco the African Grey fell in love with his owner's Alexa unit and has ordered himself treats and other goodies, but mostly uses the smart assistant to rock out to his favorite music. Imagine if your pets could order their own treats and snacks. Pet ownership would become much more expensive.
The C By GE Smart LED Bulbs Work Seamlessly With Google Home
The Smart Light Starter Kit contains one GE C-Life smart bulb and a Google Home Mini. For those seeking to try out smart lights in their home, it's a great option and is available for $55 from Google. You can have smart lights up and running in no time at all with this combo pack.
One crafty ‘Fortnite’ player figured how to make Alexa his in-game guide
How far would you go to create a more immersive gaming experience? Reddit user u/jamielliottg answers that question by combining Fortnite with smart home technology to create better gaming session with a fan, smart light, and a bit of encouragement from Alexa.
The Dyson Pure Hot + Cool cools, warms, and purifies the air in your home
The Dyson Pure Hot + Cold is an all-in-one temperature control system and air purifier designed to capture up to 99.97 percent of all harmful airborne particles that threaten the air quality of our homes every day. It is available today from Dyson for $650.
You can soon have Alexa tell your Big Mouth Billy Bass to start singing
The Big Mouth Billy Bass was an odd, cultural phenomenon from 1999 to the early 2000s. Now, an Alexa-enabled version is up for preorder from Amazon for just $40. It will make the perfect Christmas gift for the kitsch lover in your life, and might be just the key to converting older parents to smart homes.
Google Home Hub, Lenovo Smart Displays get better alarm functionality
You can now set alarm clocks on the Google Home Hub and Lenovo Smart Displays through touch instead of voice. This change is part of a recent update, available to users in the Preview Program. If you aren't enrolled in this program, it may be a few weeks before the update rolls out to all users.
Save Smart: The Best Black Friday Smart Home Deals
The number of Black Friday sales can be overwhelming. Here are some of the best bang-for-your-buck deals you'll find this year on the most popular smart home products on the market. Find the best savings on the Amazon Echo, Google Home, Nest Cam Indoor, and many more products.
New Hampshire judge tells Amazon to turn over Echo recordings in murder case
A New Hampshire judge has requested Amazon turn over Echo recordings to help solve a double homicide. The prosecution believes the device may have recorded conversations, or even the crime itself. The case raises privacy concerns over how much the Echo actually hears and remembers.
This subreddit can figure out everything about you by looking in your fridge
The food you eat (and how you store it) says a lot about you. A new subreddit called Fridge Detectives guesses who you are, what you do, and even where you live based on the contents of your refrigerator, often with a surprising amount of accuracy. All it takes is a quick photo of the interior.
Google Assistant displays will soon get multiroom audio, Home View, and more
Much-wanted features are coming to Google Assistant smart displays, including multi-room audio, Home View, and more. The most recent update expands supported smart display functionality and will roll out over the next few weeks. However, Google Home Hub should have these features at launch.