Amazon partners with Blink on the Alexa-compatible Blink XT2 security camera
Amazon and Blink have partnered to launch the Blink XT2, an indoor/outdoor wireless security camera with built-in Alexa compatibility, 1080p streaming, and two-way audio. The camera has a two-year battery life using just two AA batteries, making it perfect for those out-of-the-way places.
Sparkel infuses bubbles and ingredients into sparkling water without cartridges
The Sparkel beverage system infuses water with flavor and carbonation without the use of CO2 canisters through a natural, patented process. You can make everything from carbonated water to your own mimosas at home. The units are now available for pre-order through Indiegogo.
August pauses shipments of its smart doorbell to correct video problems
The new August View is one of the highest-resolution smart doorbells on the market, but August has paused shipments of the device and offered full refunds following customer complaints about poor video quality, connectivity, and more. The View will resume shipping once the problems have been corrected.
Power on and off: Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug by TP-Link brings weatherproof smarts
The Kasa Outdoor Wi-Fi Smart Plug grants remote control of two outlets in an IP-64 weather resistant housing. Controlled remotely via app, Alexa, or Google Home, the Kasa smart plug is a great fit for controlling holiday lights or keeping your back patio illuminated during the summer.
Philips Hue users can activate their favorite routines through Google Home
Philips Hue expanded its Google Home integration through the Gentle Sleep and Wake routine. Say, "Hey Google, sleep my lights" and your Philips Hue bulbs will dim over half an hour. Say "wake my lights" and they will brighten instead. This simulates a natural sunrise for a more natural wake-up.
Alexa, Google, Siri put their bilingual skills to the test in translation battle
One Hour Translation, an online translation company, compared how Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Siri stack up against one another in regard to translation capabilities. Google Home performed the best in three out of four languages, but none of the devices managed to perfectly translate the quotes.
Shop while you wash: Kenmore adds Dash Replenishment to smart washers
Kenmore has added Amazon Dash Replenishment services to its upcoming smart washers and dryers. With the service, you never again have to worry being surprised by having no detergent. Just link the Kenmore Smart App to your Amazon account and order a refill when you get low.
A Legend of Zelda fan programmed his home to respond to an ocarina
Allen Pan, a freelance engineer and Legend of Zelda fan, programmed his smart home to respond to ocarina music. He uses different songs from Ocarina of Time to control different aspects of his home. Sun's Song for lights, Bolero of Fire for the thermostat, and more.
Wake up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with the A.I.-powered Bryte Bed
The Bryte Bed is an A.I.-powered smart bed that learns its users' habits and makes adjustments to provide the optimal sleep experience and maintain the deepest sleep cycles for longer periods of time. The Bryte Bed is now available starting at $5,950 with a 365-day trial period.
Walmart Voice Order lets you shop straight from your Google Assistant
Walmart Voice Order is a service launched for Google Assistant that lets users order groceries with just their voice. The service will work with all Google Assistant-enabled devices later this month, but the company has plans to bring Walmart Voice Order to other platforms in the future.
Fibaro smart devices are now compatible with the Samsung SmartThings hub
Samsung SmartThings now supports even more devices with the recent integration of Fibaro, a company known for its smart home sensors. Several devices are already compatible, with more on the way. In time, Fibaro hopes to make its entire line compatible with SmartThings.
Ikea isn’t throwing shade with the delayed release of its smart blinds
Ikea planned to release is Tradfri-compatible smart blinds in the U.S. in April 2019, but the products have been delayed until later in the year for a firmware update that promises better functionality. Rumors put the new release date of the Kadrilj blinds sometime in August or later.
Alexa may be everywhere, but it’s Google’s Assistant I want in my home. Here’s why
The Amazon Alexa may have the Google Home beat in numbers of skills and compatibility with other products, but does that really matter when her voice falls flat for day-to-day conversation? Google Home sounds more natural, is easy to speak to, and its responses don't quite hint at a hostile robot uprising.
The best Google Home Mini accessories
The Google Home Mini is small, functional, and powerful, but these accessories can further improve the look and sound of the smart assistant. Wall mounts, pedestals, battery packs, and even Mickey Mouse ears expand the Mini's function beyond what it can do just out of the box.
The LifeStraw Home is a water filter on bacteria-busting steroids
The LifeStraw Home is a Kickstarter product that hopes to create one of the most powerful home water filters on the market and claims to filter nearly 100 percent of bacteria from your drinking water using a membrane microfilter and activated charcoal with an ion exchange filter.
It sucks to sweep: The VaBroom is both a broom and vacuum
Chasing dust bunnies is a thing of the past with the VaBroom, a new project on Kickstarter. The VaBroom aims to make dustpans redundant with a built-in, 14,000 RPM vacuum motor in the head of the broom. Best of all, it's lightweight enough to be used nearly anywhere.
Apple’s latest purchase suggests it’s making moves in the home security sector
Apple purchased the patent portfolio of the now-defunct startup Lighthouse in late 2018. The patents include 3D-sensing technology that suggests Apple may have its eye on the home security market, an arena where its competitors Google and Amazon already have a strong foothold.
How cold should your fridge be? Searching for that magic number
It can be tricky to nail down the perfect temperature for a refrigerator, but tests suggest 37 degrees might be the magic number for the best quality food and longest storage life. Use a refrigerator thermometer to make sure you hit the right temperature for your fridge.
Alexa literally on fire as Amazon Echo Dot reportedly bursts into flames
In Sandusky, Ohio, a family came home to discover their kitchen filled with smoke and their Echo Dot in flames. They extinguished the fire, but no word has emerged on why the device suddenly ignited. Amazon assures people that customer safety is taken seriously and that the Echo Dot will be examined.
The Sensor Mirror Hi-Fi Assist is a smart mirror with Google Home built in
The Sensor Mirror Hi-Fi Assist has multiple lighting options, great audio, and built-in Google Assistant. It's the perfect way to spice up your morning routine with your favorite tunes, audiobooks, and much more. This smart mirror is part of the continued expansion of the simplehuman brand.
The Nest Secure included a microphone no one knew about — except Google
The Nest Secure home security system has always had a built-in microphone that no one knew about, except Google. Although Google claims the microphone was included to add more features in the future, people are wary of technology that may violate their privacy -- especially when they don't know about it.
Ready for his close-up: Another man was caught licking a Ring video doorbell
A man in Lake Worth, Florida was caught on film licking a family's video doorbell. This makes the second incident like this in just over a month after another doorbell licker was caught in California. No one is quite sure what drives these men to lick doorbells whenever the chance presents itself.
Consumer groups call out retailers in a bid for better IoT security
Consumer groups posted a "Dear retailer" letter on February 12 that called out Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, and Target, shaming the companies for selling insecure smart home devices. The letter demands manufacturers implement a minimum standard of security for all IoT devices.
Google Home and Amazon Alexa are asking smart home device makers for user info
Google and Amazon want to establish a "continuous flow" of information between their servers and your smart home devices, but hardware makers like Logitech have begun to speak out for user privacy. Though the tech giants claim the data is not used or sold, many people are skeptical.
Eight Sleep’s Pod bed keeps you cool (or warm) and tells you how you’re sleeping
Americans are chronically sleep deprived, and sleep fitness start-up Eight Sleep wants to change that. The company has announced The Pod, a biometric-tracking, temperature-regulating smart mattress. Reservations start today, with the mattress due to begin shipping in April.
Nebia partners with Moen to develop a warmer, better showerhead
Silicon Valley start-up Nebia has partnered with Moen to produce the Nebia Spa Shower 2.0, a showerhead that reduces water consumption while delivering higher temperature and water pressure. The Nebia Spa Shower retails for $499, but early adopter rates are available through Kickstarter.
LG patent suggests a new smart doorbell could be on the way
A patent filed by LG suggests the manufacturing giant might soon join the smart doorbell market. The patent was filed in 2016, which hints the announcement and release of the doorbell might come soon. The device would likely use SmartThinQ technology like the rest of the LG line.
Some Arlo Ultra customers are keeping the camera after updates address concerns
After a rocky launch and a large stock value drop, the tide seems to be turning for Arlo. Customers want to keep the Arlo Ultra security camera now that improvements have been made to the 4K security camera, and the forums are abuzz with praise from newly satisfied customers.
Is cool the new hot? ‘Refrigerdating’ is a fridge-based dating service
Samsung has launched Refrigerdating, a dating service that pairs potential partners based on photos of the interior of their refrigerators. Swipe left or right based on the condiments they choose. Unfortunately, the service is limited to single Samsung Family Hub fridge owners.
Arlo pulls its 4K security camera from shelves to fix glaring problems
In the wake of early user complaints, Arlo has pulled its 4K home security camera, the Arlo Ultra, from store shelves. Arlo plans to address battery life, connectivity, and streaming problems and re-release the camera when it can ensure reliability and customer satisfaction.
J.C. Penney will no longer sell appliances or furniture in its stores
J.C. Penney is removing appliances from its stores and switching furniture sales to online-only purchases in order to make better use of floor space and improve the customer experience. By utilizing the advantages department stores have over online shopping, J.C. Penney aims to increase profitability.
Amid security breaches, Nest urges customers to use stronger passwords
Hackers logged into Nest customers' accounts and spied on them in their own home, and the company's official response is for customers to use stronger passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Even if you haven't been affected by these incidents, it's a good idea to enable two-factor authentication.
The Echo Dot is sold out until early March at Amazon and Target
The Amazon Echo Dot is the most popular of the Alexa-enabled devices. It's so popular, in fact, that it's sold out until early March on both Amazon and Target, with only limited availability at Best Buy. Even higher-priced options might be hard to find until February 10.
Alexa grudgingly picks the Patriots to win the Super Bowl
Alexa studied up on sports last year to provide users with stats and trivia. Now she has her own favorite pick for the Super Bowl, but it's not her favorite team. Alexa thinks the Patriots will win, but prefers the Rams. Given her statistical knowledge, it's better not to bet against Alexa.