Articles tagged with "connected-devices"
Why smart homes need to think in spaces, not gadgets
The article discusses the evolution and challenges of smart home technology, emphasizing that the initial promise of effortless automation has been undermined by complexity and fragmentation. Early smart homes focused on making individual devices intelligent—such as voice-controlled lights or learning thermostats—but as more gadgets were added, the experience became disjointed, with multiple apps and unreliable automations. The core issue identified is the lack of system-level intelligence that understands the home as a dynamic living environment, where context, routines, and spatial relationships matter more than isolated device commands. To address this, the article highlights Tuya Smart’s approach, which shifts the focus from individual devices to creating intelligence embedded in physical spaces. Tuya Smart offers a cloud platform that integrates AI with a broad ecosystem of devices, overcoming fragmentation by enabling coordinated behavior across rooms and scenarios. Central to this system is Hey Tuya, an AI life assistant designed not just for command-based interaction but to sense environments, learn user habits, and proactively manage devices in a contextual, space
IoTsmart-homeartificial-intelligencehome-automationconnected-devicesAI-assistantTuya-SmartPet-saving smoke detector with strobe light debuts at CES 2026
Rescue Retriever, a startup founded by firefighter Rusty Tussing, has introduced a paw-shaped smoke detector at CES 2026 designed specifically to help firefighters locate pets during house fires. Unlike traditional smoke alarms that emit sound and are ceiling-mounted, Rescue Retriever is placed where pets typically stay—such as dog crates or hiding spots for cats—and activates a silent, bright strobe light when smoke is detected. This visual signal guides firefighters directly to pets in smoky conditions. Additionally, the product includes an exterior sticker indicating the number of pets inside and the presence of the device, alerting first responders before they enter the home. Tussing emphasizes that Rescue Retriever is not a replacement for standard smoke detectors but a complementary tool focused on pet search and rescue. Looking ahead, Rescue Retriever plans to enhance its technology with connected features, including a collar tag equipped with GPS or Apple AirTag functionality and a companion app. The app aims to alert owners during fires, show pet locations, and potentially monitor pet health data.
IoTsmart-smoke-detectorpet-safetyrescue-technologyfire-safetyconnected-devicesemergency-alert-systemAI baby monitors are rising but experts warn about overreliance
The article discusses the increasing use of AI-powered baby monitors and related smart devices among new parents, highlighting both their potential benefits and limitations. With around 250 babies born every minute globally, many first-time parents turn to technology to manage challenges like sleep schedules and safety. However, parents often face frustrations with these products, including poor video quality, limited language options, short warranty periods, inconvenient battery replacements, hidden subscription fees, and design flaws. Experts advise parents to carefully evaluate customer support, safety certifications, power sources, ease of cleaning, and whether devices require additional apps or subscriptions before purchasing. Importantly, what works for one baby may not suit another, emphasizing the need for personalized choices. Scientific research on baby tech remains limited but promising. Studies have shown that devices like the Owlet Smart Sock Monitor can improve parental sleep quality, and AI-assisted tools may reduce parenting anxiety and increase engagement. Nonetheless, many products enter the market without thorough scientific validation, making pediatrician consultation crucial. Dr. Helen Ball
IoTsmart-baby-monitorsAI-assisted-parentingwearable-health-devicessmart-home-technologyinfant-monitoringconnected-devicesMirror’s founder is back with a new ‘connected screen’ startup: a gaming device called ‘Board’
Brynn Putnam, founder of Mirror, has launched a new startup featuring a tech-powered gaming console called Board. This device blends elements of traditional board games with digital interactivity, offering a 24-inch touch-sensitive screen housed in a wood-finished frame designed for group play among four to six people. Priced at $500, Board comes with 12 launch games and 50 physical game pieces. The console recognizes touches, gestures, and physical objects, creating an interactive gaming experience that encourages social gathering. Putnam envisions integrating AI to personalize gameplay, enabling features like adaptive storylines, voice and vision inputs, accessibility tools, and creative self-expression. The startup’s internal game studio has collaborated with external developers to create initial games, with plans to expand the platform through an app store where third-party developers can contribute. Board has raised $15 million in funding from investors including Lerer Hippeau, First Round, and Box Group, and is currently raising a Series A round. Putnam
IoTconnected-devicesgaming-consoleAI-integrationtouch-screen-technologysmart-gaminginteractive-displayKohler unveils a camera for your toilet
Kohler has introduced the Dekoda, a $599 camera designed to attach to your toilet bowl and capture images of its contents. The device analyzes these images to provide insights into gut health, hydration levels, and potentially detect the presence of blood. Equipped with a rechargeable battery, USB connection, and a fingerprint sensor for user identification, the Dekoda aims to offer personalized health monitoring. Shipments are set to begin on October 21, 2025, with an additional subscription fee ranging from $70 to $156 required for ongoing service. Addressing privacy concerns, Kohler assures users that the Dekoda’s sensors only view inside the toilet bowl and nowhere else, and that all collected data is protected with end-to-end encryption. This product reflects a growing trend in health technology that leverages imaging and data analysis for personal wellness, joining other companies exploring similar approaches to monitoring digestive health through stool analysis.
IoTsmart-homehealth-monitoringprivacywearable-technologyconnected-devicesbiometric-sensorsGoogle reveals its Gemini-powered smart home lineup and AI strategy
Google has unveiled a refreshed lineup of smart home devices powered by its new AI assistant, Gemini AI, including updated Nest Cam Outdoor, Nest Cam Indoor, and Nest Doorbell models. The company also previewed an upgraded Google Home smart speaker expected in spring 2026 and announced a partnership with Walmart to offer affordable AI-enabled cameras and doorbells under the onn brand. Google’s strategy emphasizes making Gemini accessible not only through its own flagship hardware but also by enabling other manufacturers to integrate Gemini into their devices, similar to how Android operates across various smartphone brands and price points. To maximize reach, Google plans to first roll out Gemini features to existing devices with sufficient processing power, leveraging its ecosystem of over 800 million devices connected via Google Home Cloud-to-Cloud Plus. This phased approach allows Google to test and refine Gemini’s capabilities before launching on new flagship products. Additionally, Google is providing partners with a comprehensive toolkit—including reference hardware designs, SoC recommendations, and an embedded camera SDK—to facilitate the development of
IoTsmart-homeAI-assistantGoogle-Geminiconnected-devicessmart-camerashome-automationMirror founder Brynn Putnam to unveil her gaming hardware startup at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Brynn Putnam, founder of the fitness hardware company Mirror, is set to unveil her new gaming hardware startup at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco. Seven years after Mirror’s debut at the same event—which led to a $500 million acquisition by Lululemon—Putnam is shifting focus from individual fitness to fostering in-person social connections through technology. Her new venture, still in stealth mode, aims to create consumer gaming hardware that encourages face-to-face interaction, countering the trend of screen isolation. She emphasizes using mature, affordable components combined with innovative user experiences, inspired by Nintendo’s approach of “withered technology with lateral thinking.” Putnam’s new project reflects a broader cultural shift toward valuing shared experiences and human connection, leveraging advances in display technology, AI, and hardware affordability. The gaming space is a natural extension of her expertise in motivating behavior change and creating engaging group experiences, as demonstrated by her work with boutique fitness and Mirror’s virtual classes. Investor confidence
gaming-hardwareconsumer-electronicsinteractive-devicesAI-technologyhardware-startupconnected-devicesuser-experienceSex toy maker Lovense threatens legal action after fixing security flaws that exposed users’ data
Lovense, a manufacturer of internet-connected sex toys, recently addressed security vulnerabilities that exposed users’ private email addresses and allowed remote account takeovers. The company confirmed that these bugs have been fully resolved and now requires users to update their apps to regain full functionality. However, Lovense CEO Dan Liu is reportedly considering legal action in response to what he described as erroneous reports about the security flaws, though it remains unclear whether this refers to media coverage or the security researcher’s disclosure. The security issues were initially revealed by a researcher known as BobDaHacker, who disclosed the vulnerabilities after Lovense indicated it would take 14 months to fully fix them instead of implementing a quicker, one-month fix that would have required notifying users. Despite Lovense’s claim that there is no evidence of data compromise or misuse, TechCrunch independently verified the email exposure bug, raising questions about the company’s assessment. Lovense has not clarified what technical evidence it has to support its claim of no data compromise. The situation highlights
IoTcybersecurityconnected-devicesdata-privacysoftware-vulnerabilitiesuser-securitylegal-issues