The Samsung Galaxy Home Mini is finally set to be released
The Samsung Galaxy Home Mini will be available in South Korea on February 12 for roughly $85 USD. Though no release date has been given for a western launch, the appearance of the Bixby-powered smart speaker is a fulfilled promise after multiple delays and missed launches.
The Ring Control Center makes it easy to manage privacy and security settings
The new Ring Control Center displays information related to privacy and security settings in a single dashboard and gives users more control over their devices.
Google Home devices in Preview Program are in danger of being bricked by update
A new update from the Google Preview Program is at risk of bricking some first-generation Google Home devices. Google has made no official statement yet, but many users have begun to disconnect their at-risk devices in an attempt to mitigate the threat to their smart assistants.
Snag two Google Nest Hubs from Best Buy today for just $100
The Google Nest Hub is one of the most popular smart displays on the market and normally retails for $130 for a single unit. For today only, you can nab two devices for just $100 total from Best Buy. If you're interested, both the charcoal and the chalk color options are available.
This bed for astronauts helps you sleep more deeply through the science of sound
The Sleep Genius Smart Base was created with NASA research originally intended for astronauts. The Sleep Genius Smart Base includes a Bluetooth speaker that stimulates the part of the brain responsible for sound to create a natural sense of calm for deeper, higher-quality levels of sleep.
Wayzn sliding glass door opener can let pets out when you’re not home
The Wayzn Sliding Glass Door Opener was a big hit at CES 2020 for its innovative design and function. It can open sliding glass doors from afar or be set up so your pet can open them to go outside. The Wayzn Sliding Glass Door Opener starts at $399 and is available for pre-order now.
The Amaryllo Athena security camera can spot fires, animals, cars, and people
The Amaryllo Athena is a smart camera with several interesting capabilities unlike anything on the market. It can distinguish between different types of animals, spot fires, cars, and people. It also uses strong encryption to keep your information safe. The Athena will be available in May of 2020.
The Wazo Home Security System can recognize knives and guns
At CES 2020, Wazo demonstrated a security camera supported by A.I. that can detect weapons in the hands of intruders. The system can differentiate between guns and knives, and can also detect when someone falls and alert you when a familiar (or unfamiliar) face shows up at the door.
Bisu Body Coach can tell if you’re at risk of a gout attack by analyzing urine
The Bisu Body Coach is a home test kit that analyzes your urine for nutrition, pH levels, uric acid, and many other relevant data points. It can warn you of an impending attack of gout and make suggestions for improving your diet. The Bisu Body Coach should be available in Q4 of 2020.
SimCam 1S is an indoor security camera with a ‘hacker-proof’ mode
The SimCam 1S is an indoor security camera that uses bank-grade encryption and onboard, local processing to make the footage more resistant to hacking attempts and security breaches. It has built-in A.I. that allows it to use features like object tracking and 360-degree room tracking.
The KamiBaby baby monitor magnifies your little one’s breathing
Yi Technologies introduced three new products at CES 2020 including the KamiBaby baby monitor, a smart baby monitor that analyzes your child's breathing and sleep patterns to give parents vital information. The company also announced a wireless outdoor security camera and a smart doorbell with facial recognition.
Harman Kardon Citation series speakers have every feature you can think of
Harmon Kardon has added several new entries to its lineup of powerful speakers, including the Harmon Kardon 200, the Oasis, the Citation Multibeam 700, and the Citation Sub S, all available in spring 2020. The Citation series has Google Assistant built-in for smart home control and music streaming.
Google Assistant is now used by half a billion people around the world
At CES 2020, Google Assistant celebrated a huge milestone: The smart assistant is used by more than 500 million people around the world. Google also announced several new features to make the system even better, including better security features and more natural speech patterns.
Sunflower Labs’ Bee is a fully autonomous home defense and observation drone
At CES 2020, Sunflower Labs announced the launch of The Bee, a fully autonomous home defense drone. The Bee responds to motion and vibrations in the yard and streams and records any activity. A suite of sensors called Sunflowers monitor the yard and deploy the Bee when anything suspicious is detected.
LIFX brightens up smart lights with a flurry of announcements at CES 2020
On Tuesday at CES, LIFX announced several new products including a smart switch that can control both smart and dumb lights, an Edison bulb, a TV strip, a warm white candle bulb, and a redesigned app with a new look and feel. More features are on the way later in the year.
Bic’s A.I.-enabled razor will become a smarter, better shaving device
Bic and Invoxia have partnered up to create a prototype wet razor that uses A.I. to track multiple data points about your shave, including the density of your hair, the water temperature, and your number of strokes. This is part of the Next Bic Thing initiative to create better, more innovative products.
Lenovo adds to its smart home lineup with the Smart Frame, Smart Tab, and more
At CES 2020, Lenovo announced three new devices: The Lenovo Smart Frame, a second generation of the Lenovo Smart Tablet, and Lenovo Connected Security, a service for monitoring network safety. The devices will be available later this year, but Lenovo Connected Security will be available in January.
See visitors and open your front gate with the Ring Access Controller Pro
Ring brought several surprises to CES 2020, including a line of smart lights and a remote access controller for gated entryways called the Ring Access Controller Pro. Ring also threw three smart solar lights into the mix. The Access Controller Pro is available now, and the smart lights will be available in April.
Blue by ADT’s revamped home security lineup features Alexa-enabled cameras
Blue by ADT is the security company's new home security lineup featuring new, more powerful devices. The current lineup features an indoor camera, an outdoor camera, and a video doorbell that all have Alexa functionality built-in. All three are available for preorder today for $199 each.
Charmin’s new toilet paper robot is just as odd as those bears
Charmin has brought three new devices to CES to demonstrate the future of the bathroom experience: a toilet paper-retrieving robot, a scent sensor, and a premium portapotty experience with virtual reality. All three devices will be on display at their booth at CES, but not available for retail sale.
Microsoft’s latest patent reveals a Skype-enabled smart speaker
A new Microsoft patent suggests the company might be preparing to release a new Skype-focused smart speaker. Last month Microsoft filed a patent for an iPhone-focused "Skype dock." The new device would have a built-in projector that allows for 3D reconstructions during Skype calls.
Ring and Amazon slammed with a federal lawsuit over failed camera security
Ring and Amazon have come under federal scrutiny after an Alabama resident accused the companies of negligent security practices. Ring and Amazon face a class-action lawsuit after hackers took control of devices. The plaintiff claims damages are owed after an "implied breach of contract" and an "invasion of privacy."
Google’s collaboration with Amazon, Apple is what the smart home needs right now
Apple, Amazon, and Google have partnered to create a new smart home protocol called the Connected Home Over IP. This protocol will be open source and benefit from the best parts of each company. The aim of the collective is to create a better smart home in which all devices have interoperability.
5 smart toys you shouldn’t buy for your kids
In 2015, VTech experienced a security breach that revealed the personal information of 6.4 million kids. Make sure you know what to look for when purchasing "smart" toys for your kids. Only purchase from trusted retailers and make sure any toys you buy comply with safety standards.
WiCharge’s PowerPuck can power your smart home devices through the air
The Wi-Charge PowerPuck provides energy over the air through infrared waves, giving you the ability to power your smart home devices without cables or cords. The PowerPuck fits into a wall outlet or can be screwed into a light socket. It's slated to begin shipping in 2020.
LG adds air fryers and clear oven doors to its ThinQ range of smart ovens
The LG InstaView ThinQ Range of smart ovens now has an air fryer built right in, which doesn't require preheating to operate, so you can get dinner on the table faster. You can also knock twice on the door to light up the oven and check on what you're cooking, saving energy and reducing the overall cook time of a dish.
Honeywell’s vision of the ‘smart office’ focuses on efficiency and savings
Honeywell has moved away from smart home technology. Now, the company has a bigger focus: Connected buildings. I toured Honeywell's headquarters in Atlanta to see how the company is improving the office through its Vector app, which brings the conveniences of the smart home to the workplace.
Want to control everything in your house via voice? Install these power outlets
The ConnectSense In-Wall Smart Outlet is a smart plug that takes the place of an existing outlet in your home. A bit of simple wiring work is all it takes to make an essential part of your home truly "smart." The device is available for purchase from Amazon now in both a 15-amp and 20-amp version.
The best cappuccino makers: Ninja, Breville, DeLonghi, and more
Cappuccino makers are more complex than coffeemakers, which can make it hard to narrow down which options are the best for you. Here, we've collected the best cappuccino makers on the market in one place so you can save yourself from another expensive trip to Starbucks.
Qualifying Google Fi customers can receive a Google Nest Mini for free
If you were a Google Fi customer as of December 9 of this year, you qualify to receive a Nest Home Mini for free. The smart speaker is one of the easiest ways to experience the benefits of a smart assistant and all the control it brings to a smart home.
First smart TVs, now your smart home can be compromised, FBI warns
Following recent warnings about Smart TV security, a new statement released by the FBI warns owners of smart home systems that their connected devices might be leaving them vulnerable to hackers. They offer a list of steps to help beef up your cybersecurity practices.
Exercise while working at your desk with the foldable WalkingPad R1 treadmill
The WalkingPad R1 Pro is an improved version of the original WalkingPad with a balancing handle, better impact cushioning, and a quieter motor. The device can be folded up and stored out of the way. It is available for early-bird prices right now through Indiegogo.
Google Nest Hub vs. Amazon Echo Show: Which Cyber Monday deal is better?
Both the Amazon Echo Show and the Google Nest Hub are still on sale for Cyber Week. This is the perfect time to pick which one you prefer and beef up your smart home with a bright new display, but choosing between the two can be difficult. We're here to help you decide.
This self-emptying Roomba robot vacuum is still $400 off for Cyber Monday
The iRobot Roomba i7+ is the Maserati of robot vacuums. With smart navigation, self-emptying capabilities, and the ability to sync with the Braava jet m6 to vacuum and mop your floor at the same time, $700 is a steal. You can find it now at Walmart and other retailers for a limited time.