Denny Arar

More than a third of broadband-equipped households now own at least one remotely monitored internet-connected device, with smart speakers in the lead, followed by thermostats and networked cameras, analysts at Parks Associates reported at the Connections connected-home conference.

Think that robots bussing tables, tossing salads and baking bread is a futuristic concept? It's actually not as far away as you might think. Robots took center stage at a food robotics summit in San Francisco this week, where they showed they could handle all kinds of tasks in the food business.

Locks from Yale, a major traditional lock vendor, and smart lock pioneer August made their debut at CES 2019 in Las Vegas. These new products range from single-hole keyed models with keypads to web-connected deadbolts, and expand the portfolio of Assa Abloy, which owns Yale, August, and other door lock companies.

Daikin, one of the largest HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) vendors in the world, recently introduced the first full-featured smart thermostat to offer two-way communications with its popular climate control systems. This means it can respond to feedback and make adjustments accordingly.

Starting today and continuing through Christmas Eve, Google is putting a slew of stuff in its online emporium on sale, including new Pixel phones and Google Home products. And customers sending gifts from the U.S. Google store can add custom gift messages printed on Google-branded greeting cards.

How much would you pay for a robot that cleans toilets? The $500 Giddel Toilet Cleaning Robot goes on sale today. Billed by its creator, Altan Robotech, as the world's first portable toilet cleaning robot, the Giddel sports a brush on a telescopic arm and software that directs it to all areas that need cleaning.

We can't say it will make your pot roast tastier, but Uncanny Brands' $50 Star Wars Slow Cooker, decorated with cartoon figures of Luke, Leia, Darth Vader, and other Star Wars characters, just might make cooking it more fun. The company holds an official Disney license for use of the characters

So you're throwing a holiday party and need help, but can't afford the human variety? Stella Artois is offering an inexpensive robotic alternative--but only for people who have a robot vacuum cleaner. Called Stella Artois B.A.R.T. (for Bartending Automated Robotic Technology), it's an add-on stand that attaches to the robovac, topped by a tray with four beverage holders and room for a snack bowl. The idea is that your guests can grab a brewski and some nuts while the robot vacuum makes its usual floor-cleaning rounds.

Thermador, veteran purveyor of high-end home kitchen appliances, is reaching out to tech-savvy chefs with a bevy of new cooktops and ovens outfitted with its signature Thermador Connected Experience by Home Connect technology. All are available for purchase now.

Just in time for the holidays, Google Assistant is introducing a bunch of new smart home features, including the ability to reply to broadcast messages, create and use cookbooks, and access enhanced storybook content for kids. Google showed them off in a chic San Francisco home outfitted with several Google devices.

Midterms are coming, and Alexa is ready. She can tell you where to vote, who's running, and -- on election night -- who's winning. She can even help explain ballot measures, provide post-election analysis, and -- on Echo Show -- visual aids. But don't worry, she won't try to tell you how to vote.

Ring security systems are getting a slew of improvements, many via updates to the app that helps customers monitor activity around doorsteps, porches and other locations equipped with Ring doorbells and cameras. Some of the innovations will apply only to customers who subscribe to a Ring Protect Plan.

Got $2,400 for a dishwasher designed specifically for lots of glasses? Both the $2,399 Glass Care Center and the $2,799 Star Sapphire dishwashers are part of Thermador’s new Radiance Collection of luxury kitchen appliances. Both support the Thermador Connected Experience by Home Connect smart kitchen app.

Mui is a stylish wood panel that is also an Internet-connected smart display. Available in sycamore or cherry, it glows when touched to display data and messages, and can be used to control lights and thermostats. It will be offered first to Kickstarter supporters for $499, with an eventual price of $999.

The August Smart Lock--one of our favorite smart locks--is now available in satin nickel, the finish used in about half the door hardware sold in recent years, August says. August is introducing the new model in a $220 bundle with the Wi-Fi bridge needed to activate remote access and voice command features.

Smart home vendor Ecobee is up and running after experiencing a major server and web site outage Thursday, disrupting services across the country to its mobile apps and products with Alexa and SmartThings integration. The outage lasted over two and a half hours, prompting hundreds of complaints online.

Even prefab homes are getting smarter: Clayton, one of the nation’s largest prefabricated home builders, is putting Ecobee3 Lite smart thermostats in all its new units. Under a partnership announced this week, Clayton will offer the Alexa voice-enabled Ecobee4 as an upgrade option for some homes.

Volkswagen and Microsoft announced a partnership agreement to develop VW's Automotive Cloud. Based on Microsoft's Azure cloud and IoT technologies, the VW Automotive Cloud will power consumer and secure data services as well as telematics for all VW brands, including Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini.

A Study.com survey on people's comfort with artificial intelligence in everyday life found that fully half of us would be okay with robot chefs and journalists, while less than a third would want a robot at the wheel of their car. Even fewer would want a robot to drive their kid to school or defend them in court.

A fridge with a locking drawer to keep kids away from meds, liquor, and food they shouldn’t eat; a washing machine sensor that triggers alerts for overloads; and a dishwasher handle that recirculates hot air to dry wet dish towels won top prizes at the FirstBuild Hack the Home competition.

From the creators of the popular Instant Pot multi-purpose electronic pressure cooker comes the Instant Pot Ace Blender, which lets you cook and blend soups, purees, and the like in one pitcher. This $99 multitasker should save counter space and dishwashing time for recipes involving cooking and blending.

Smart lock alternative Locky uses Bluetooth-equipped cases and smartphone apps to turn conventional keys into home security assistants that track key use, alert you to unlocked doors, and help you find misplaced keys.

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.

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.

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.