Smart Home
The latest smart home news and reviews.
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Google adds first-gen indoor Nest cameras to its Home app
Google ha started rolling out the ability to manage the first-generation Nest Cam Indoor device through the public preview version of its Home app.
Mariella Moon08.25.2023
Amazon hardware VP Dave Limp set to retire after almost 14 years
Dave Limp, Amazon’s Senior Vice President of Hardware and Services, has announced his pending retirement from the company. Limp has been with the company for nearly 14 years and, as his title suggests, has oversaw Amazon’s transition into dedicated hardware devices like newer Kindle e-readers, Alexa-enabled Echo speakers and the various Fire-branded products, among many others.
Lawrence Bonk08.16.2023
Every Amazon division is working on generative AI projects
Just like pretty much every other major tech company, Amazon is placing a heavy focus on generative artificial intelligence. CEO Andy Jassy noted on Amazon's latest earnings call that every division has multiple generative AI projects in the works.
Kris Holt08.04.2023
Amazon's iRobot purchase is under investigation by European authorities
Amazon's $1.7 billion acquisition of Roomba manufacturer iRobot is under scrutiny not only in the US, but also in Europe.
Mariella Moon07.07.2023
8710087100TP-Link Deco XE75 review: a solid WiFi 6E router system that delivers more for less
It's not the most polished, or best-looking, but it's the right mix of affordable and powerful for folks who feel confident to manage their own mesh.
Daniel Cooper06.22.2023
8710087100Nest WiFi Pro review: Google’s WiFi 6E mesh is more approachable than the rest
Google's blend of performance and price remains unbeatable in the mesh WiFi space.
Daniel Cooper06.21.2023
Philips Hue lights are getting brightness balancing and better motion sensor automations
Philips Hue is introducing some new features that make it easier to match brightness levels on different lights and fine-tune motion sensor automation.
Steve Dent06.20.2023
8510085100Google Pixel Tablet review: Clever accessories transform an unexciting tablet
The Pixel Tablet is a competent smart display that is also a tablet that's always charged and ready when you need it. Some quirks aside, it's a versatile product that deserves a spot in your home.
Cherlynn Low06.20.2023
Amazon’s ‘Hey Disney!’ experience comes to most Echo devices
Amazon and Disney have partnered to create a new interactive experience that combines Alexa’s voice assistant features with Disney’s robust stable of characters. The appropriately-named “Hey Disney!” is available on any Echo device and represents the very first time Amazon has allowed an assistant other than Alexa on its various speakers and tablets.
Lawrence Bonk06.15.2023
Google Home's new script editor can make smart device automations even more powerful
After releasing its redesigned Home app last month, Google is giving users far more control over their smart homes via new script editor.
Steve Dent06.14.2023
Amazon will pay $25 million to settle FTC lawsuit over Alexa privacy for kids
Amazon has agreed to pay $25 million to settle FTC claims it violated kids' privacy rights with Alexa.
Jon Fingas06.01.2023
Abode's entry-level Smart Home Security Kit only costs $160 but drops HomeKit support
Abode's new Smart Home Security Kit comes in at a lower $160, but drops support for Apple's HomeKit technology.
Peter Cao05.25.2023
Amazon's 2023 Echo Show is faster and offers improved audio
Amazon updated the standard and Kids variants of the Echo Show 5 in its string of Alexa hardware announcements today. The new model is faster and sounds better, but it otherwise could be mistaken for the previous version.
Will Shanklin05.17.2023
Amazon unveils the $40 Echo Pop, a semi-spherical smart speaker
Amazon updated its Echo speaker lineup today, including a new $40 model with a semi-spherical design, the Echo Pop. Additionally, Echo Auto is coming to more countries.
Will Shanklin05.17.2023
After two years of updates, the HomePod mini is actually pretty good
Apple's HomePod mini has improved significantly in two-plus years, and that makes it a better deal.
Jon Fingas05.16.2023
WiZ's motion-sensing smart lights can now monitor your home
WiZ has unveiled a new home monitoring system that uses its existing motion-sensing WiFi smart bulbs in combination with Wiz's new $70 (€90) Indoor Camera.
Steve Dent05.12.2023
Roku unveils a $99 smart home monitoring system
Roku now has a smart home monitoring system, and the entire kit costs $99.
Jon Fingas05.10.2023
Amazon expands Matter smart home support to older Echo speakers
Amazon has extended Matter support to older Echo speakers, and you can now set up those smart home devices on your iPhone.
Jon Fingas05.03.2023
Withings' latest entry-level scale is the $100 Body Smart
Withings' Body Smart offers the option to track your weight in an app without it appearing on the scale's screen.
Kris Holt04.17.2023
Nest Secure and Dropcam products will stop working in April 2024
Google announced end-of-life dates today for products relying on the Nest app that won’t carry over to the new Google Home. If you own any Nest Secure or Dropcam home-security products, you have a year to use them before they become paperweights.
Will Shanklin04.08.2023