Best Cyber Monday smart speaker deals: Alexa, Google Home, Sonos, and more
Black Friday is over, but you can still save on the smart speaker you've been waiting for. More fantastic deals are on the way tomorrow with Cyber Monday. Digital Trends will keep this page updated with all of the best savings on Alexa, Google Home, Sonos, and more.
Say hello to the Nest Hello Video Doorbell for $150 at Target and Best Buy
A video doorbell can help prevent package theft and give you a glimpse of who exactly is at your door. Target and Best Buy have the powerful Nest Hello Video Doorbell for $150 today and tomorrow. It's a great deal for a doorbell that stands out from the competition.
Get a smart light starter kit with a Google Home Mini for $26 at Best Buy
The Google Smart Light Starter Kit comes with a Google Home Mini and a GE C-Life smart bulb for the low price of $26. It's the perfect way to break into smart home technology for the first-time user. Grab it now from Best Buy while supplies last.
Grab this $160 Shark ION RV700 robot vac from Walmart before sale goes away
A robot vacuum is one of those quality-of-life items that can save you more time than you've ever imagined. Pick up the Shark ION RV700 for just $160 at Walmart with this great Black Friday sale. A similarly-priced Roomba 670 is also available for just $197 from Walmart.
Roomba vs. Shark Ion robot vacuums: Which Black Friday deals are better?
Both Roomba and Shark Ion robot vacuums are powerful devices capable of cleaning your home, but both are hefty investments. Read on to find out which one gives more bang for your buck based on runtime, capacity, extra features, and more.
‘Ring’ in the holidays with new doorbell chimes from video doorbell maker
Make your home more festive with these 13 holiday-themed doorbell chimes from Ring. You can choose from Christmas-oriented tones to keep even your smart devices in the holiday spirit. The chimes are available for download and use for any Ring users.
The R2-D2 Instant Pot can help you make dinner at lightspeed
Instant Pot released a series of Star Wars-themed Instant Pots. Five models are available featuring R2-D2, BB-8, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and a Stormtrooper. There's no Baby Yoda yet, though. Let the Force guide your hand as you cook a delicious dinner with your favorite Star Wars character.
If you’re tired of pressing buttons, let the Fingerbot do it remotely
The Fingerbot is a small smart home device with an extendable arm that can toggle switches and press buttons on appliances. It connects remotely to your network and gives smart control of "dumb" appliances. The Fingerbot will be available for purchase soon and is offering early bird pricing.
The Adobe Iota all-in-one home security system gains Apple HomeKit support
The Adobe Iota, an all-in-one home security solution, released an update today that added HomeKit compatibility and support to the system. Users can arm and disarm, check a livestream, and more through the Home app. HomeKit support is slated for the Gen 1 and Gen 2 systems in the future.
Project Understood improves Google’s voice recognition for those with Down syndrome
Google Assistant does a good job of understanding most queries, but not from everyone. Project Understood helps improve Google's accuracy in understanding individuals with Down Syndrome. Voice technology offers a chance for patients to live more independent lives, but they must be understood.
Cortana breaks up with Android and iOS to go steady with Microsoft 365
Last week, Microsoft announced it would end Cortana support for Android and iOS devices on January 31 in a bid to integrate the smart assistant into Microsoft 365 productivity apps. The smart assistant never reached the same audience as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Metal-bodied Huawei Sound X Smart Speaker expected to launch soon
A spec sheet for a new Huawei smart speaker has leaked on Weibo and it shows the first images of the long-rumored Huawei Sound X. The speaker is expected to be announced in late November alongside the Huawei MatePad tablet, but specific details about the smart speaker are still scarce.
Google Assistant provides a smarter way to listen to the news you care about
The "Your News Update" feature from Google Assistant makes it easier than ever to listen to the news when you're on the go. Just ask to hear the news and receive a tailored series of stories based on your interests. The update is available now and can be selected within the Google Assistant app.
Sparkel shines with its at-home sparkling beverage system, now on sale
The Sparkel is an at-home sparkling beverage system about the size of a standard coffee maker that lets users infuse CO2 into drinks through natural processes to create sparkling water and other healthy libations. Users can create their own cocktails, soda, and much more.
Apple patent aims for more streamlined control of your home lighting
Apple filed a patent this month that indicates a new type of smart light sensor might be on the way that has the potential to implement a TrueTone-like system into smart home lighting. The patent describes two primary components: A light condition sensor and a light control device.
Ikea’s Tradfri smart light bulb launches with a price to die for
If you're a fan of exposed filaments and classic flair, the Edison-style bulb might appeal to you. These decorative bulbs have caught on recently, but Ikea just introduced one for cheap. At a fraction of the cost of comparable smart bulbs, Ikea stands poised to enter the decorative light market.
Smart home changes the life of Marine who lost leg during service
Marine Corporal Chad Watson lost his leg in an IED explosion in 2006. In recognition of his service, the Marine has been given a new smart home that makes life easier for the wounded warrior. The smart home was built by a partnership between the Gary Sinise Foundation and James Galla, a local electronic's store owner.
Always be a video call away from your pets with the PetChatz HDX
Nothing feels like your pet rushing to meet you after a long day of work. Their furry faces can soothe even the most stressful day. With PetChatz HDX, you can see your pet's face at any time. The streaming video camera lets you talk, give treats, and even play games with your pet from afar.
At home or away, the modular Hexcal Monolith ‘e-Butler’ charges all your devices
The Hexcal Monolith is a modular power-management device that offers fast charging of more than 300 different devices. The modular design makes it easy to take with you when you're on the go. Integrated voice control provides real-time updates of your devices' charge status.
Best Buy will shut down its Insignia smart home products, making them dumb again
Best Buy is shutting down its Insignia line of smart home devices tomorrow. Any devices will lose their "smart" functionality, but most will still act as a "dumb" version except for the smart camera. Customers can receive a partial refund for their products by going online.
Would you really spend $220 on Oral-B’s new A.I.-powered smart toothbrush?
Your dental hygiene is important, but is it worth it to drop $200 on an electric toothbrush when there are multiple lower-cost options available? The Oral-B Genius X sets the bar high, but it's price point makes it cost-prohibitive to many people that could get by with a more affordable option.
Create more healthy meals with the 11-in-1 Instant Pot Duo Crisp and Air Fryer
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer doubles as both an Instant Pot and an air fryer, allowing you to create healthy, delicious meals in a fraction of the time. Say goodbye to TV dinners for weeknight meals and say hello to delicious home cooking with none of the usual effort.
Eufy Security Smart Lock offers bank-grade security for the home
Anker subsidiary Eufy has announced the Eufy Security Smart Keypad and the Eufy Security Smart Lock. The Eufy Security Smart Keypad will be available in December 2019, while the Eufy Security Smart Lock will make its debut in the first quarter of 2020. they will retail for $40 and $169, respectively.
Swann beefs up its home security offerings with 4K recording and DVR/NVR
Swann announced a number of new smart security cameras with powerful features and high-resolution recording capabilities, as well as a digital ecosystem to manage it all. The Swann Security app provides users with analytics, facial recognition, smart alerts, and much more.
Google VP says guests should be informed if you have smart devices in the home
In an interview with the BBC, Google VP Rick Osterloh said that homeowners should inform guests if they have smart devices that might film or record their conversations, a statement that has raised concerns over privacy. The statement follows several incidents in the previous months surrounding smart devices.
Nanoleaf’s Screen Mirror creates 4D sensory experiences for all your media
Nanoleaf's Screen Mirror feature reflects what you see on your television or computer monitor on the light panels around you. This feature, along with a new desktop app, takes Netflix and chill to the next level. Screen Mirror is available now for any Nanoleaf customers.
Avoid the Krack attack that could break your Amazon Echo and Kindle’s back
A smart home research team discovered that the first-generation Amazon Echo and the eight-generation Amazon Kindle were vulnerable to Krack attacks, a type of cyberattack that would allow hackers access over Wi-Fi. Amazon says the vulnerabilities have since been patched.
Google Nest Mini vs. Google Home Mini: Smart speaker showdown
Google has revealed its new smart speaker, the Nest Mini. The $49 device is an update of the original Google Home Mini that was released in 2017, packing smarter features, more colors, a new design, and of course, a new name. So which one is right for you? We look at their specs and features to help you decide.
Google’s changes to its Nest Aware subscription aim to enhance simplicity, value
Nest Aware has gone through a revamp and now has more features, and a simplified pricing plan with two different pricing tiers. The new version of the service will start early next year in all 19 countries Nest Aware is now available, but some of the new features will initially only be available in the U.S.
Google brings out the new Nest Mini, an upgrade of the Google Home Mini, for $49
Google unveiled its newest smart speaker, the Nest Mini, at its Made by Google 2019 event. The new version of the Google Home Mini looks very similar to its predecessor, but it's got some impressive new features to go along with its new name, as well as an attractive price.
Google is smart for skipping yearly smart speaker updates. Here’s why
Amazon drops new smart speakers like they're going out of style, but Google takes a slower approach. Google's release schedule is slower, with a heavier focus on back-end improvements. There are several reasons why Google is smart to minimize refreshes for its line of smart speakers.
Brandless claims its new Pro Blender is just as powerful as a Vitamix
A blender is an essential household tool in this age of kale smoothies, but it can be hard to find a reliable one on a budget. Brandless claims its new Pro Blender can compete with the more-expensive Vitamix. Look at the specs of both devices and decide for yourself which is the better purchase.
Don’t be surprised that Amazon workers are watching footage from the Cloud Cam
After the public outcry against the practice of using human reviewers on voice and video recordings, Amazon gave users the ability to opt out of human review, but it's important to understand what the review is for. Human reviewers improve an A.I.'s ability to understand and respond to users.
Survey: Many people want to use their smart TVs for more than just watching shows
A survey and infographic produced by YouGov shows that people aren't satisfied with the current integration of smart TVs into the home, and quite a few want their TVs to give them more control over smart devices. The survey reveals that content consumption is only one of many ways people use their TV.