Chinese search engine Baidu surpasses Google as 2nd-largest smart speaker vendor
Chinese company Baidu has jumped ahead of Google in terms of the number of smart speakers sold, according to a recent report from the research firm Canalys. Baidu has seen a year-on-year growth of 3,700% and continues to dominate the domestic smart speaker market in China.
Your Nest products will still work with Wink, but at the cost of new features
In previous months, Google had said Nest and Wink integrations would no longer work beyond August 31. They've since amended this declaration and will allow integrations to remain, but customers can't access new features like single-account control. Users will receive security updates, however.
The iDevices Instinct is a smart switch with built-in Alexa functionality
The iDevices Instinct is a smart light switch that combines the functionality you'd expect with Amazon Alexa, packing all the power and utility of an Echo into a small space. Targeted toward people who want to save space without sacrificing utility, the Instinct is available for purchase now.
The Phyn Smart Water Assistant monitors your water usage and warns of problems
Everyone wants to be a little more green, and the Phyn Smart Water Assistant can help. This device requires little more than a DIY installation before it begins monitoring water usage and helping prevent waste. The Phyn can even warn homeowners of leaks and potential burst pipes before they happen.
Fridge Eye camera adds smart features to your fridge or cabinets at a low price
If you've ever wanted to see the inside of your refrigerator while at the grocery store, the Fridge Eye gives that functionality without the hefty price tag of actual smart refrigerators. The fish-eye lens snaps a photo each time the door is closed that you can access from your phone at any time.
Your smart oven might be more ready for breakfast than you realize
Several owners of the June Smart Oven have reported the device turning on and preheating in the middle of the night without any input. June says this is due to user error, but customers are concerned. The company plans to issue an update to address and prevent the issue.
Foxconn interns reportedly work long hours to produce Amazon Alexa products
A recent report from the Chinese Labor Watch said that student interns are forced to work long hours without rest in order to meet Amazon Echo production goals at the Foxconn factory in China. These students are told they cannot graduate without meeting these targets.
The Biotica800 air purifier uses probiotics to clean the air in your home
The BetterAir Biotica800 air purifier disperses probiotics through the air to neutralize harmful bacteria and trap allergens. It aims to be a completely natural solution to home and office air purification. The unique approach of the Biotica800 targets the causes of indoor air pollution at the source.
The PicoBrew MultiBrew makes beer, coffee, tea, kombucha, and much more
The Picobrew MultiBrew combines the ability to make coffee with the yearning for a great craft beer. This machine is capable of brewing multiple beverages in one place and will be available for pre-order in fall. Users can make anything from kombucha to horchata in addition to a great cup of coffee.
Leviton and Alarm.com partner to release new Z-wave lighting controls
Leviton and Alarm.com have joined forces to create new Leviton smart lighting controls that allow you to control your smart lights directly from compatible Alarm.com security panels. Four new dimmers, switches, and outlets make it possible to integrate your smart lights into existing Alarm.com security systems.
The Wave Mini makes sure the air you’re breathing inside your home is safe
Poor air quality can affect your health in subtle but profound ways. Airthings hopes to improve the air quality in your home with the Wave Mini, a smart air quality monitor. The Wave Mini alerts you to changing air quality and connects seamlessly to Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT.
The Lifx Z TV strip can help light up your next movie-watching binge
Lifx is the second-largest manufacturer of smart lights in the world. The company is bringing two new lights to the market in October of this year that will further enhance its lineup. The Color Candle bulb and the Lifx Z TV strip use Polychrome Technology to create unique, interesting lighting effects.
The Nanoleaf Canvas can now control your smart home through touch
The Nanoleaf Canvas improves its functionality thanks to HomeKit-based "Touch Actions" that let users turn any Canvas Square into a smart button. These buttons can be set to control devices throughout the home with a single press. This improved functionality is available starting today.
The Smart Remote X delivers one-touch control of your smart home
The new Smart Remote X and Smart Remote U mean the days of using a half-dozen apps to control your smart home are over. You can now control your smart home devices with a single remote. The contextual interface knows what you're pointing at and automatically displays the relevant controls.
The LIZ Smart bottle reminds you when to drink water and cleans itself
The LIZ Smart Bottle is designed to help people drink more water -- and to keep that water clean. This smart bottle features long battery life, built-in cleaning features, and more. The Indiegogo campaign is live, with the bottle slated to ship as early as September if its funding goals are met.
Huawei planned a Google-powered smart speaker for IFA. Then U.S. trade sanctions hit
According to a report from The Information, the Chinese tech giant Huawei worked with Google to create a smart assistant. The plans were scrapped after the United States imposed cybersecurity-based trade sanctions against Huawei, which prevented the company from purchasing from tech suppliers.
You can now ask Alexa for your bank balance, and she just might tell you
The Amazon Echo can now check your balance, make payments, and provide information on recent transactions thanks to compatible Alexa Skills. However, the number of banks with compatible skills is still limited. Only the most popular banks and services, like PayPal, are compatible at the moment.
The Lumi is a smart diaper and baby monitoring system rolled into one
If you can't stand the idea of one more wet diaper surprise, check out the Lumi. This smart diaper by Pampers includes a moisture strip and activity monitor that alerts parents via its app when the diaper is wet. It comes with a camera to help keep an eye on the baby at night and monitor temperature, too.
The LaMetric Sky gives artistic meaning to smart lighting
The LaMetric Sky is based on ancient Chinese tangram puzzles and designed to fit together in a variety of ways with more than 16 million color combinations. The Sky takes the best parts of the LaMetric Time and improves on it. The lights are now available for pre-order.
2 years after its Kickstarter debut, the Orii Smart Ring finally goes on sale
The long-awaited Orii Smart Ring is now available for purchase for $199, with a new version on the way in the next few months that will implement gesture control for smart lights. The current version has a built-in microphone for voice control and for sending messages without pulling out your phone.
The Satechi Dual Smart Outlet is a HomeKit-compatible smart plug
The Satechi Dual Smart Outlet is a HomeKit-compatible smart plug with real-time energy monitoring. Set up routines, keep an eye on your utility costs, and bring automation to your old appliances. The Dual Smart Outlet doubles the capacity of the outlet its plugged into, too.
Google Home and Nest Hub will now answer certain commands with a chime
Google Home and Nest Hub devices will now answer smart light controls with a chime instead of a long verbal response as long as the lights are in the same room as the device. This update is still rolling out nationwide but hopes to curb unexpected loud responses.
The LumiGrow BarLight is a smart grow light for pot cultivation
Intense lights have long been used to promote plant growth, but LumiGrow designed the BarLight to provide horticulturalists with more precise growth control for high yields of cannabis. The BarLight is designed for use in commercial environments, with two different light spectrums on a vertical mount.
HomeStay Intelligent Home platform gives aging loved ones independence, security
The Australian company HomeStay's Intelligent Home smart home platform provides remote monitoring for senior citizens and allows them to continue living on their own. Motion sensors, door sensors, and an emergency pendant let loved ones keep an eye on seniors from a distance.
Barsys 2.0 robotic bartender uses A.I. to consistently mix the perfect cocktail
The Barsys 2.0 is the new-and-improved version of the robotic bartender that released last year. It uses artificial intelligence. to make perfect drinks. and Bluetooth to give users access to a library of thousands of drink recipes. The device is available now for $1,500.
Vintage and modern spin together in new streaming turntable from Como
Como Audio plans to release a smart speaker with Google Assistant built-in. The company is also releasing a streaming turntable that allows you to play your favorite vinyl over Bluetooth speakers. The system retails from $399 and up and should be available for purchase this fall.
Kenzie wants to hide smart assistants inside its cute, crocheted animals
Kenzie is a company that just launched on Kickstarter with the intention of hiding smart speakers beneath adorable, crocheted stuffed animals. Their intention is to disrupt the tech industry with cuteness. Buyers can pick from six different hand-crafted designs, but more are on the way.
Canadian medical project demonstrates the health care potential of smart homes
A medical project involving smart homes demonstrates the technology's potential in treating mental illness and providing patients with a level of independence previously thought impossible. Devices such as automated pill dispensers, blood pressure meters, and more allow doctors to monitor patients from afar.
The Sutro smart pool monitor is reportedly six weeks away from shipping
The Sutro Smart Pool Monitor first appeared in 2015 as part of TechCrunch's Hardware Battle and has been in development since then. According to a recent news report, the company plans to ship backer models within six weeks. The connected monitor keeps an eye on chlorine, pH, and other levels in the pool.
Lua uses animated emotions to help you keep your plants happy and healthy
The Lua Smart Planter is currently seeking funding on Indiegogo to make this smiling plant pot a reality. The device helps you take care of your plants by showing the plant's needs through a series of animated faces. Who doesn't want a plant that uses a vampire face to show a lack of sunlight?
Amazon has plans for an Echo for music lovers — and a voice-controlled robot?
A Bloomberg report suggests that Amazon may have plans to release a new Amazon Echo unit with improved audio quality, perhaps as a tie-in with a new and improved Amazon Music service. In addition, rumors hint that the retail giant has increased the number of people working on a "home robot" called Vesta.
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.
