Articles tagged with "smart-home"
HomeBoost’s app will show you where to save on your utility bills
HomeBoost is a startup co-founded by Selina Tobaccowala that aims to help consumers reduce their utility bills and improve home energy efficiency through a user-friendly app and assessment kit. The process begins with customers receiving a BoostBox containing an infrared camera and a blacklight, which they use to scan their homes for energy inefficiencies such as air leaks and outdated lighting. The app then generates a personalized report with cost-effective upgrade recommendations and available rebates based on the homeowner’s location. This approach addresses a common consumer frustration: receiving utility bills that are higher than neighbors’ without clear guidance on how to reduce costs. HomeBoost offers a more affordable and accessible alternative to traditional home energy audits, charging $99—about a quarter of the cost of in-person assessments—and partners with utilities like Central Hudson and Omaha Public Power District to subsidize or cover these costs for customers. Unlike some conventional auditors, who may focus on upselling HVAC systems, HomeBoost’s app empowers users to take control of the assessment process
energyenergy-efficiencysmart-homeutility-savingsHomeBoostenergy-auditsustainabilityRing is adding a new content verification feature to videos
Ring, the Amazon-owned security camera maker, is introducing a new content verification feature for its video footage to make it harder to fake or manipulate recordings. Starting December 2025, every video recorded with a Ring device will automatically have a tamper-evident verification seal. This seal breaks if the video is altered in any way, such as trimming, brightness adjustments, cropping, or applying filters, including when videos are compressed after being uploaded to sharing platforms. While a broken seal signals that a video has been modified, it does not necessarily mean the footage is fake—it could reflect minor edits or videos recorded before the feature’s implementation. If a video fails verification, recipients can request the original unedited version, which Ring suggests could be useful for scenarios like insurance claims. The verification will apply to all videos shared or downloaded from Ring’s cloud, regardless of the device used to capture the footage. However, videos recorded with end-to-end encryption will not support this verification and will always show as “not
IoTsmart-homevideo-verificationRing-camerasecurity-technologyAmazon-devicestamper-detectionWhen the living room moved outside - and why screens had to evolve
The article discusses the evolving role of outdoor living spaces, which have shifted from occasional use areas to fully integrated extensions of the home, serving as lounges, dining rooms, and entertainment venues. This transformation has created a demand for outdoor screens that can perform reliably under varying environmental conditions while blending aesthetically with natural surroundings. Sylvox addresses this need with two distinct models of frameless outdoor TVs designed for different outdoor realities: the Sylvox Frameless Outdoor TV for shaded or partially covered areas, and the Sylvox Frameless Pro Outdoor TV for brighter, fully exposed environments. Both models emphasize a sleek, minimal design featuring a 1.5-millimeter ultra-narrow bezel and a 95% screen-to-body ratio, allowing the screens to harmonize with outdoor materials like wood and stone rather than dominate the space. Technically, these TVs overcome significant engineering challenges such as glare from sunlight, moisture from condensation, and temperature fluctuations. The standard Frameless model offers 1000 nits brightness and an IP56
IoToutdoor-technologydisplay-technologyweather-resistant-devicessmart-homeenergy-efficient-screensanti-glare-technologyRing founder details the camera company’s ‘intelligent assistant’ era
Jamie Siminoff, founder of Ring, envisions transforming the company from a video doorbell maker into an AI-powered “intelligent assistant” for the home and beyond. This shift is driven by advances in artificial intelligence and personal experiences, including the Palisades fires that destroyed his garage, where Ring was originally created. Ring has introduced new AI features like Search Party, which uses AI to match lost pets with Ring footage, successfully reuniting one family per day with their dogs—exceeding Siminoff’s expectations. Another initiative involves partnering with organizations to allow customers to opt in to share footage during large fire events, helping improve firefighting resource deployment through AI analysis of smoke and fire indicators. Despite these innovations, Ring’s collaborations with law enforcement have sparked privacy concerns. In 2024, Ring reintroduced tools enabling police to request images and videos from customers, but Siminoff emphasizes that sharing is voluntary and anonymous; law enforcement does not know who receives the requests. He def
IoTsmart-homeAIvideo-doorbellintelligent-assistantprivacyRingAmazon says 97% of its devices can support Alexa+
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Amazon revealed that 97% of the more than 600 million devices it has shipped are capable of supporting its upgraded AI assistant, Alexa+. This new generative AI platform enhances Alexa with more expressive voices, access to extensive world knowledge, and AI agents that can perform tasks like ordering food or calling an Uber. Amazon has begun rolling out Alexa+ to over one million users, with plans to expand availability primarily to Prime members, though no exact full release date has been announced. Amazon’s strategy leverages Alexa’s widespread presence in homes and strong brand familiarity to position it as a foundational AI assistant amid growing competition from other AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude. Alexa’s natural voice interface and continuous user engagement are seen as key advantages for growth. Additionally, Amazon highlighted its recent acquisition of Bee, an AI wearable that records conversations and provides insights via text or voice chat, which will eventually integrate more closely with Alexa while maintaining its own distinct identity
IoTAmazon-Alexasmart-homeAI-assistantvoice-technologyAlexa+AI-integration7 CES 2026 technologies that make dystopian sci-fi feel oddly practical
At CES 2026, several emerging technologies revealed a trend toward deeply personal and intimate AI devices that blur the line between science fiction and reality. These innovations focus on monitoring and interacting with users in private spaces—such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and even the mind—addressing needs like health tracking, cognitive performance, emotional connection, and memory preservation. While individually these products target familiar wellness or productivity goals, collectively they evoke dystopian sci-fi themes reminiscent of shows like Black Mirror, highlighting how close current technology is to concepts once considered speculative. Key standout technologies include NuraLogix’s Longevity Mirror, a $900 bathroom mirror that uses facial blood flow analysis and AI to predict long-term health risks and physiological aging, turning a daily routine into a constant biological assessment. Neurable and HyperX’s EEG headset tracks brain activity to measure cognitive processing speed and mental fatigue, offering real-time biofeedback to improve focus and reaction times, hinting at future cognitive optimization tools. Vinabot’s AI picture frame
IoTAIhealth-techwearable-devicesbrain-computer-interfacesmart-homebiometric-sensorsI watched LG’s new home robot CLOid do laundry but I have questions
At CES, LG unveiled CLOid, an AI-powered home robot designed to assist with a wide range of domestic tasks such as folding laundry, making breakfast, and home security patrols. CLOid features autonomous movement, multiple cameras and sensors, and integration with LG’s ThinQ smart home app to provide proactive assistance. It operates using a vision language model that interprets visual data and verbal commands, enabling it to perform actions similarly to digital assistants like Siri. Unlike smaller domestic robots like Amazon’s Astro, CLOid has a humanoid form with two arms, allowing it to physically interact with household objects. However, during a live demonstration, CLOid’s performance was notably slow and cautious, handling tasks like moving laundry and preparing breakfast with significant hesitation and limited fluidity. While LG promotes CLOid as part of its “Zero Labor Home” vision—aiming to automate mundane chores so users can focus on other activities—the robot’s current capabilities appear limited and its commercial availability remains uncertain. LG confirmed CLOid
robothome-robotAI-powered-robotLG-CLOidsmart-homedomestic-robotautonomous-robotThe most bizarre tech announced so far at CES 2026
At CES 2026, alongside major tech announcements, several unusual and quirky gadgets have captured attention for their novelty and unique applications. Razer unveiled Project AVA, a 5.5-inch holographic anime assistant designed to support gaming, productivity, and daily organization. Featuring lifelike avatars with eye-tracking and expressive faces, it continuously monitors users via a built-in camera, raising privacy questions. Meanwhile, Mind with Heart Robotics introduced An’An, an AI-powered baby panda robot aimed at elderly care. Equipped with sensors and emotional AI, An’An responds to touch, remembers user preferences, provides companionship to combat loneliness, and assists with memory and daily reminders, also keeping caregivers informed. Other standout innovations include GoveeLife’s $500 Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro, which uses AI NoiseGuard technology to reduce operational noise by detecting and defrosting before loud freezing sounds occur. Seattle Ultrasonics presented an ultrasonic chef’s knife vibrating at over 30,000 times per second,
robotAIelderly-caresmart-homeIoTAI-assistantroboticsWhy 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-SmartHow Quilt solved the heat pump’s biggest challenge
Quilt, a smart home startup, has launched a three-zone heat pump system that significantly improves efficiency under challenging conditions that typically hinder traditional heat pumps. This new system features one outdoor unit capable of driving three indoor heads, simplifying large installations, reducing costs, and minimizing the outdoor footprint. Central to Quilt’s innovation is its extensive use of data collected from over a thousand internet-connected units equipped with numerous sensors. By analyzing real-world operational data, Quilt engineers enhanced heat pump capacity by 20% through a software update and developed the three-zone unit that overcomes common multi-zone heat pump challenges, particularly maintaining compressor stability at low speeds. Unlike most systems that sacrifice efficiency and comfort by stopping the compressor at low speeds, Quilt’s data-driven approach and design improvements—including a larger copper coil paired with a smaller compressor—allow the unit to operate efficiently even at very low temperatures (down to -13˚F/-25˚C). This design delivers nearly 90% of its rated capacity without losing low-demand performance
energyheat-pumpsmart-homeIoTHVACenergy-efficiencysensorsAmazon’s Ring doorbells get fire alerts, an app store and new sensors
Amazon has introduced several new features and devices to enhance its Ring smart doorbell ecosystem. The updates include new Ring Sensors capable of detecting motion, openings, glass breakage, smoke, carbon monoxide, leaks, temperature changes, and air quality, while also allowing control over connected lighting and appliances. Additionally, Amazon is launching an app store within the Ring app (initially in the U.S.) to enable integration with third-party apps focused on small business operations and everyday home needs. To address increasing fire risks, especially in drought-affected areas, Amazon has partnered with an unspecified entity to provide real-time fire updates and early warnings through the Ring app’s Neighbors section, where users can also share live camera feeds. The new devices support Amazon’s Sidewalk network, which creates a mesh network among Echo and Ring devices to maintain connectivity beyond Wi-Fi range. Furthermore, Ring cameras now feature an AI-based “AI Unusual Event Alerts” system that learns property activity patterns and notifies users of unusual events,
IoTsmart-homeRing-doorbellsensorsAI-alertsmesh-networkAmazon-SidewalkLG shows AI in action for homes, cars, data centers at CES 2026
At CES 2026, LG Electronics unveiled its “AI in Action” strategy, emphasizing practical AI applications that actively manage tasks across homes, vehicles, and commercial spaces. Central to this vision is the Zero Labor Home concept, featuring the LG CLOiD™ robot designed to reduce both physical and mental household burdens by performing chores like adjusting air conditioning, folding laundry, and organizing dishes. LG’s CEO Lyu Jae-cheol highlighted the company’s goal to extend AI beyond screens into real-life environments, leveraging three pillars: excellence in device technology, a connected ecosystem, and AI-driven solutions that integrate seamlessly into daily life. LG showcased several flagship products supporting this AI-driven future, including the ultra-thin LG OLED evo W6 Wallpaper TV with enhanced brightness and color accuracy, and updated LG SIGNATURE appliances such as a refrigerator that understands conversational language and an oven range using Gourmet AI to suggest recipes. The CLOiD robot, with its advanced dexterity and adaptive learning, exemplifies LG’s ambition
robotIoTAIsmart-homeLG-ElectronicsCES-2026home-automationAmazon’s AI assistant comes to the web with Alexa.com
Amazon has launched Alexa.com, a new website that brings its AI-powered digital assistant, Alexa+, to the web, allowing users to interact with Alexa much like other AI chatbots such as ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. This move aims to expand Alexa’s presence beyond its established footprint in smart home devices—over 600 million Echo devices sold worldwide—by making the assistant accessible on phones and the web. Alongside this, Amazon is updating the Alexa mobile app to feature a more chatbot-centric interface, prioritizing conversational interactions over other functionalities. Alexa.com enables users to perform common tasks such as exploring complex topics, creating content, and planning trips, but Amazon is emphasizing Alexa’s unique focus on family-oriented needs. These include managing smart home devices, updating family calendars and to-do lists, making dinner reservations, adding groceries to Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods carts, finding and saving recipes, and planning family activities with personalized recommendations. Amazon is also integrating third-party apps like Angi, Expedia, Square, and
IoTsmart-homeAlexaAI-assistantsmart-devicesvoice-controlAmazon-EchoLG’s humanoid robot debuts at CES 2026 with cooking and laundry demos
LG Electronics unveiled its humanoid robot, LG CLOiD™, at CES 2026, showcasing its AI-powered capabilities designed to realize the company’s “Zero Labor Home” vision. The robot integrates seamlessly with LG’s smart home ecosystem, including the ThinQ platform and ThinQ ON hub, enabling it to control and coordinate various home appliances. Demonstrations at the event highlighted CLOiD’s ability to perform household tasks such as retrieving milk and preparing breakfast, as well as managing laundry cycles, including folding and stacking clothes, illustrating its understanding of human lifestyles and precise appliance operation. Physically, LG CLOiD features a torso, head, and two articulated arms with seven degrees of freedom each, mounted on a wheeled base for autonomous navigation. Its design allows flexible, human-like movements and stable mobility, with a low center of gravity to prevent tipping. The robot’s head functions as an AI hub, equipped with cameras, sensors, a display, speaker, and voice-based generative AI to
robothumanoid-robotAI-powered-robotsmart-homeLG-CLOiDhome-automationCES-2026SwitchBot unveils humanoid robot Onero H1 to handle household chores
SwitchBot has introduced its first humanoid robot, the Onero H1, at CES 2026, targeting challenging household chores through integration within its Smart Home 2.0 AI-powered ecosystem. Designed to sense, understand, and act in various home scenarios, the Onero H1 can perform tasks such as grasping, pushing, opening, organizing, serving coffee, washing dishes, doing laundry, and folding clothes. It features 22 degrees of freedom in its arms for flexible movement and uses multiple Intel RealSense cameras to gather real-time data for precise control. Unlike traditional humanoids with legs, the Onero H1 has a smooth, oblong body mounted on a cylindrical wheel base optimized for flat home surfaces. Central to the robot’s capabilities is SwitchBot’s OmniSense VLA model, which enables adaptive learning by recognizing object shapes, positions, and interaction states dynamically. Rather than replacing specialized devices, the Onero H1 acts as an orchestrator within a unified smart home ecosystem,
robothumanoid-robotsmart-homeAI-powered-robotSwitchBothousehold-automationrobotics-technology10 useful gadgets for your first apartment
The article “10 useful gadgets for your first apartment” highlights essential tech products that can enhance comfort, safety, and convenience when moving into a new studio or small apartment. Key recommendations include the SimpliSafe Home Security System, which offers customizable sensors and professional monitoring options for peace of mind. Safety is further emphasized with the Kidde Smart Smoke Detector, notable for its smartphone alerts and false alarm reduction features. For cleaning, the Eufy Robot Vacuum is suggested, with models ranging from budget-friendly to premium options featuring advanced floor washing and self-emptying capabilities. Additional gadgets focus on improving living quality and daily routines. The Dyson HushJet Purifier addresses indoor air quality concerns common in urban settings, while the Hatch Sunrise Alarm helps with gentle wake-ups using gradual light increases and soothing sounds. For noise management, the Yogasleep Sound Machine offers relief from disturbances. Smart lighting solutions like Philips Hue bulbs provide customizable ambiance controlled via apps or voice assistants, enhancing the apartment’s atmosphere. Lastly, the Le
IoTsmart-homerobot-vacuumhome-securitysmart-smoke-detectorair-purifiersmart-gadgetsAmazon’s AI assistant Alexa+ now works with Angi, Expedia, Square, and Yelp
Amazon is enhancing its AI assistant, Alexa+, by integrating four new services—Angi, Expedia, Square, and Yelp—starting in 2026. These additions will enable users to perform tasks such as booking hotels, obtaining home service quotes, and scheduling salon appointments through natural language interactions. For example, with Expedia integration, customers can ask Alexa to find personalized hotel options, like pet-friendly stays, and manage reservations. These new partnerships expand Alexa+’s existing ecosystem, which already includes services like Fodor, OpenTable, Ticketmaster, Thumbtack, and Uber. Amazon aims to simplify consumer access to various online services by allowing conversational, back-and-forth interactions with Alexa+, similar to how ChatGPT operates. Early data suggests strong engagement with home and personal service providers like Thumbtack and Vagaro. However, widespread adoption depends on users being willing to shift from traditional web or app-based interactions to AI-driven platforms. For this transition to succeed, AI assistants must offer a user experience
IoTAI-assistantAlexasmart-homedigital-assistantvoice-controlAmazon-AlexaAmazon’s new Alexa+ feature adds conversational AI to Ring doorbells
Amazon has introduced a new feature called Greetings to its Alexa+ service, integrating conversational AI with Ring doorbells. This feature allows users to manage interactions at their door more dynamically, such as directing delivery personnel on where to leave packages, politely declining salespeople, or letting friends and family leave messages when the homeowner is unavailable. Greetings uses Ring’s video descriptions to analyze visitors’ apparel, actions, and items they carry to tailor responses accordingly, without identifying individuals by name. The feature supports specific instructions, like guiding delivery workers to water or snacks or asking them about return times if a signature is required. It also handles interactions with sales representatives and service vendors based on user-set preferences. However, there are potential risks of misidentification—for example, if a friend arrives wearing a delivery uniform, the system might mistakenly treat them as a delivery person. Greetings is compatible with certain Ring Wired Doorbell models, requires the Ring Premium Plan with video descriptions enabled, and is currently rolling out to Alexa+ Early Access users
IoTsmart-homeAlexaRing-doorbellconversational-AIhome-automationfacial-recognitionAmazon’s Ring rolls out controversial, AI-powered facial recognition feature to video doorbells
Amazon has introduced a new AI-powered facial recognition feature called “Familiar Faces” for its Ring video doorbells in the United States. This feature allows users to create a catalog of up to 50 faces—such as family, friends, neighbors, and delivery personnel—and receive personalized notifications when these individuals approach their door. Users must opt in to enable the feature and can manage face labels, edit or delete them, and control alerts on a per-face basis. Amazon asserts that face data is encrypted, unnamed faces are deleted after 30 days, and biometric data is processed in the cloud without being used to train AI models. Despite these privacy assurances, the rollout has sparked significant concerns from consumer protection groups and privacy advocates. Amazon’s history of sharing Ring footage with law enforcement, past security lapses exposing user data, and partnerships with surveillance technology firms have fueled skepticism about the safety and ethical implications of the feature. Critics warn that the system’s potential for misuse and data exposure warrants caution, recommending users avoid
IoTsmart-homefacial-recognitionAI-securityAmazon-Ringprivacy-concernshome-automationAmazon adds delivery tracking, last-minute adds, gift ideas to Alexa+
Amazon is enhancing its voice assistant Alexa+ with new shopping-focused features available in the U.S. and Canada. These updates include a dedicated shopping hub called “Shopping Essentials” on Echo devices with screens (Echo Show 15 and 21), where users can track deliveries in real time, view recent orders, get reminders for household essentials, and manage shopping lists and saved items. Users can access this hub by voice commands like “Alexa, where’s my stuff?” or “Open Shopping Essentials,” with a shopping widget coming soon to the Echo home screen. Additionally, Alexa+ now allows users to add items to upcoming deliveries up until the package leaves the warehouse, extending a feature previously available only on Amazon’s website and app. The assistant can also provide personalized gift recommendations based on the recipient or occasion, displaying categorized product suggestions on screen. These enhancements build on Alexa+’s existing shopping capabilities, such as automated deal tracking and automatic purchases, aiming to make Alexa a more effective shopping assistant for tens of millions
IoTsmart-homeAlexavoice-assistantdelivery-trackingshopping-assistantAmazon-Echo‘End-to-end encrypted’ smart toilet camera is not actually end-to-end encrypted
Kohler’s smart toilet camera, Dekoda, which captures images of users’ toilet bowls to analyze gut health, has been marketed as using “end-to-end encryption” to secure user data. However, security researcher Simon Fondrie-Teitler revealed that Kohler’s claim is misleading. The company actually employs TLS encryption, which protects data during transmission over the internet but does not provide true end-to-end encryption where only the communicating users can access the data. This distinction is critical because users might mistakenly believe Kohler cannot access their images, when in fact the company can decrypt and process the data on its servers. Kohler’s privacy contact confirmed that user data is encrypted at rest on devices and servers, and encrypted in transit, but is decrypted on Kohler’s systems for analysis. This means Kohler has access to the images, raising concerns about potential use of this data, such as training AI algorithms. The company stated that their algorithms are trained only on de-identified data,
IoTsmart-homeprivacyencryptionsmart-toiletdata-securitysensorsWatch: NEO humanoid robot does your chores and learns new skills
The article introduces NEO, a humanoid robot developed by robotics firm 1X, designed to automate household chores and provide personal assistance. Weighing 66 pounds and operating quietly at 22 decibels, NEO can fold laundry, tidy rooms, open doors, fetch items, and switch off lights. It features a patented Tendon Drive system with high-torque density motors, enabling natural and gentle movements safe for home environments. NEO is equipped with advanced AI, including a built-in large language model (LLM) for conversational interaction, Audio and Visual Intelligence for contextual awareness, and Memory to retain information across interactions, making it a learning companion that adapts over time. NEO’s core functionality centers on its Chores feature, allowing users to assign and schedule tasks via voice or app commands. For unfamiliar tasks, users can connect with 1X Experts to train the robot, enhancing its capabilities. The robot supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G connectivity and includes
robothumanoid-robotAI-assistanthome-automationroboticssmart-homemachine-learningKohler 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-sensorsChinese AI textile enables voice-controlled smart home functionality
Researchers at Soochow University in China have developed A-Textile, an innovative smart fabric that transforms everyday clothing into voice-controlled AI assistants. Utilizing the triboelectric effect, the fabric generates tiny electrostatic charges from slight movements caused by speech, which are then converted into electrical signals for voice recognition. The fabric is composed of a silicone rubber layer embedded with SnS₂ nanoflowers to enhance charge capture, combined with a carbonized cotton layer for charge storage. This design enables the fabric to detect subtle vibrations, such as whispers, producing up to 21 volts with high sensitivity. A-Textile is flexible, washable, and can be integrated into various garments, enabling hands-free interaction with AI systems. The researchers paired the fabric with a deep learning model that interprets voice commands with 97.5% accuracy, even in noisy environments. The system demonstrated practical applications by controlling smart home appliances like air conditioners and lamps, interacting with ChatGPT for complex queries, and integrating with services
smart-fabricAI-textilevoice-recognitionIoTsmart-hometriboelectric-effectwearable-technologyGoogle’s Home app, a command center for the smart home, gets a Gemini upgrade
Google has announced a major redesign of its Google Home app, aiming to improve the overall user experience for managing smart home devices. Acknowledging past shortcomings, Google focused first on enhancing the app’s performance, reliability, and design before integrating new AI features. The updated app now launches 70% faster, experiences 80% fewer crashes, and includes numerous battery and memory optimizations. Over the past year, Google has delivered more than 100 updates, and the app currently supports over 800 million devices from more than 50,000 manufacturers, reflecting its broad compatibility. A significant part of the update is the integration of Nest device management into the Google Home app, consolidating what was previously split between two apps. The app now supports Nest thermostats (from 2015 onward), cameras, doorbells, smoke and CO detectors, and smart locks, including migration of device history and features like emergency notifications. Camera functionality has been notably improved, with 30% faster live views, 40
IoTsmart-homeGoogle-HomeNest-devicesAI-assistantdevice-managementsmart-thermostatGoogle teases its new Gemini-powered Google Home speaker, coming in spring 2026
Google has announced its upcoming flagship smart speaker, powered by its new Gemini AI assistant, set to launch in spring 2026 at a price of $99. The device will be available in four colors—Porcelain, Hazel, Berry, and Jade—and is designed with a processor capable of handling advanced AI functions such as background noise suppression, reverb, and echo cancellation. This ensures clearer interaction even in noisy environments. A new light ring will provide visual feedback on the assistant’s status during interactions, particularly in the Gemini Live mode, which requires a Google Home Premium subscription. The launch timing is deliberate, as Google aims first to roll out Gemini AI functionality to existing Google Home devices through an Early Access program, allowing current users to test and provide feedback before the new speaker becomes available. The speaker supports 360-degree audio and can be grouped with other Google Home devices for synchronized playback. Additionally, users will be able to pair two Google Home speakers with a Google TV Streamer to create a surround-s
IoTsmart-homeGoogle-HomeAI-assistantGemini-AIsmart-speakereco-friendly-materialsGoogle unveils AI-powered Nest indoor and outdoor cameras, and a new doorbell
At its recent Google Home event, Google introduced a new lineup of Nest smart home security devices featuring AI enhancements powered by its Gemini AI assistant. The updated products include a $149.99 Nest Cam Outdoor, a $99.99 Nest Cam Indoor, and a $179.99 Nest Doorbell, all equipped with 2K HDR video—the highest resolution Google has offered to date. These devices provide a wider field of view (152 degrees for cameras and 166 degrees for the doorbell) and improved low-light performance, with 120% greater light sensitivity and extended full-color mode during dawn and dusk. The doorbell’s aspect ratio was also changed to 1:1 to capture more detailed images of visitors and packages. The key differentiator is the integration of Gemini AI, which enhances the intelligence of notifications by providing more context rather than generic alerts. Instead of simple motion detection notices, users might receive descriptive alerts such as “dog jumps out of playpen,” accompanied by zoomed-in video
IoTsmart-homeAIsecurity-camerasNest-devicesGemini-AIvideo-surveillanceGoogle 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-automationAmazon unveils new Echo devices, powered by its Al, Alexa+
At its annual hardware event, Amazon unveiled a new lineup of Echo devices powered by its advanced AI assistant, Alexa+. The four new models—the Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11—feature enhanced processing power and memory, enabled by Amazon’s custom-designed AZ3 and AZ3 Pro silicon chips. These chips improve wake word detection, conversation recognition, and support advanced AI models and vision transformers. Notably, the AZ3 Pro devices incorporate Omnisense, a sensor platform that uses cameras, audio, ultrasound, Wi-Fi radar, and other inputs to enable Alexa to respond contextually to events in the home, such as recognizing when a person enters a room or alerting users to an open garage door. The Echo Dot Max ($99.99) offers significantly improved sound with nearly three times the bass, while the Echo Studio ($219.99) boasts a smaller spherical design, spatial audio, Dolby Atmos support, and an upgraded light ring. Both can
IoTsmart-homeAlexaAI-assistantAmazon-Echoedge-computingsmart-devicesRing cameras can now recognize faces and help to find lost pets
Amazon’s Ring announced several new AI-powered features and products aimed at enhancing home security and convenience. The headline feature, “Familiar Faces,” uses artificial intelligence to recognize friends and family members, allowing users to receive alerts only for unfamiliar visitors and reduce unnecessary notifications. This feature integrates with the new Alexa+ Greetings system, which acts as a smart doorbell assistant by providing personalized greetings and managing visitor interactions. Additionally, Ring introduced “Search Party,” an AI-driven tool to help find lost pets by connecting Ring users in the same neighborhood to report sightings voluntarily. Search Party will initially support dogs starting in November, with plans to expand to cats and other pets. These new capabilities will be available on Ring’s upcoming Retinal 2K and Retinal 4K product lines, which feature “Retinal Vision” technology designed to optimize video quality continuously using AI. The Retinal 2K devices include the Indoor Cam Plus ($59.99) and Wired Doorbell Plus ($179.99), while the
IoTsmart-homeAIfacial-recognitionsmart-securitypet-trackingAmazon-RingAlexa+ comes to new Fire TV devices with AI-powered conversations
At Amazon’s fall hardware event, the company unveiled the integration of its upgraded AI assistant, Alexa+, into new Fire TV devices. Alexa+ enhances user interaction by enabling more complex and natural language queries, such as personalized movie or show recommendations based on previous viewing habits or favorite actors. It also provides real-time information during live sports events, including scores, player stats, and highlights, and allows users to find specific scenes in movies or shows through voice commands. Initially, this scene-finding feature supports thousands of Prime Video titles, with plans to expand to other platforms. Alongside the Alexa+ upgrade, Amazon introduced a new lineup of Fire TV hardware, including the Fire TV 2-Series, 4-Series, Omni QLED TVs, and the Fire TV Stick 4K Select. These devices feature improvements such as the Omnisense auto-adjusting brightness technology, Dialogue Boost for clearer audio, and faster performance with new quad-core processors. The flagship Fire TV Omni QLED Series boasts 60%
IoTsmart-homeAlexaAI-assistantFire-TVvoice-controlsmart-devicesCity Ventures Announces Final Sales Release at Grove Village in Santa Rosa - CleanTechnica
City Ventures, a leading California homebuilder specializing in solar-powered and ecologically responsible homes, has announced the final sales release of its Grove Village community in Santa Rosa. The development features traditional, sophisticated homes ranging from approximately 1,806 to 2,473 square feet, with three to five bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and two-car garages. Homes come equipped with City Ventures’ signature energy-efficient features, including all-electric construction, owned solar panels, smart thermostats, Ring doorbells, keyless entry, and induction cooktops. Select floorplans offer additional spaces such as accessory dwelling units, home offices, dens, lofts, and the optional “Santa Rosa Room.” With nearly 90% of homes sold, Grove Village is positioned as a desirable new construction option in a prime location close to downtown Santa Rosa, the Russian River Valley, and local amenities. City Ventures has a strong presence in Santa Rosa, with several other successful communities either sold out or currently selling, including Round Barn and Fox
energysolar-powersmart-homeenergy-efficient-appliancesIoT-devicessustainable-housingelectric-constructionPixar Lamp-style robot, lifelike Siri in Apple’s reported AI plans
Apple is preparing a significant expansion into artificial intelligence with a range of new devices and software enhancements aimed at revitalizing its innovation image and competing with rivals like Samsung, Meta, and Google. Central to this effort is a tabletop robot, targeted for release in 2027, designed as a virtual companion that resembles an iPad on a movable arm. This robot will feature a lifelike version of Siri capable of natural, ongoing conversations and contextual memory, allowing it to interact more like a person in the room by suggesting activities or assisting with planning. Internally nicknamed the “Pixar Lamp,” the device includes a 7-inch horizontal display on a motorized arm and can be controlled remotely via iPhone during video calls. Alongside this, Apple plans to launch a non-robotic smart display next year, running a new multiuser operating system called Charismatic that integrates face recognition and enhanced Siri voice control through a feature called App Intents. In addition to these devices, Apple is advancing its home
robotAIsmart-homeSirihome-securitysmart-displayApple-innovationPhotos: DJI unveils first robot vacuum cleaner with drone-like power
DJI, renowned for its drones, has entered the home cleaning market with the launch of Romo, its first robot vacuum cleaner, unveiled on August 6, 2025, in China. The Romo series includes three models—S, A, and P—priced between $650 and $950, aiming to redefine smart home cleaning by leveraging DJI’s advanced vision and navigation technologies. Unlike typical robot vacuums that use a top-mounted LiDAR, Romo employs two front-facing fisheye cameras and three wide-angle laser modules to detect obstacles as small as 2 millimeters, enabling precise navigation around cables, pet toys, and other small objects. Its AI-driven mapping system stores detailed floor plans locally for privacy and adapts in real-time to obstacles like furniture or pet messes, ensuring efficient cleaning without collisions. The Romo boasts powerful 25,000Pa suction, dual roller brushes to prevent hair tangling, and extendable side arms for edge cleaning. It intelligently adjusts
robotrobot-vacuumsmart-homeAI-navigationDJIcleaning-technologyhome-automationFirst impressions of Alexa+, Amazon’s upgraded, AI-powered digital assistant
The article provides a first-person account of testing Amazon’s upgraded digital assistant, Alexa+, which integrates generative AI to enhance its capabilities beyond traditional smart home controls. The author, a former heavy user of Alexa devices, explores whether Alexa+ can maintain its relevance in an era dominated by advanced AI chatbots like ChatGPT. Alexa+ launched in early 2025 and uses multiple AI models, including those from Anthropic, to deliver more intelligent, context-aware responses. It can access and process personal information such as schedules, preferences, and files, and even summarize video footage from Ring cameras. Amazon aims for Alexa+ to perform agentic tasks like booking reservations, ordering rides, and managing shopping lists with delivery, moving toward a more autonomous AI assistant in the home. In the initial phase of testing, the author set up Alexa+ on a new Echo Spot device, noting improvements in the setup process, such as QR code scanning and automatic Wi-Fi connection. The upgrade to Alexa+ was free and reversible
IoTsmart-homeAlexaAI-assistantAmazon-Echogenerative-AIvoice-controlBelkin ends support for most Wemo devices and its Wemo app
Belkin announced it will end technical support for most of its Wemo smart home devices and discontinue the Wemo app as of January 31, 2026. This decision affects a broad range of products, including smart plugs, light switches, bulbs, baby monitors, kitchen appliances, heaters, air purifiers, and motion sensors. After this date, features relying on cloud connectivity—such as remote access and voice integrations—will cease to function, and Belkin will no longer provide technical support, firmware updates, or troubleshooting. However, devices still under warranty at the end-of-life date and those configured for Apple’s HomeKit will continue to operate without Wemo’s cloud services. Belkin explained the move as a strategic shift to focus resources on other parts of its business amid evolving technology, acknowledging the inconvenience this will cause customers. This trend of discontinuing support for older smart home products is becoming common in the industry, with companies like Google similarly phasing out older Nest devices to encourage upgrades.
IoTsmart-homeBelkinWemodevice-supportcloud-connectivitysmart-devicesRing cameras and doorbells now use AI to provide specific descriptions of motion activity
Amazon-owned Ring has introduced a new AI-powered feature for its doorbells and cameras that provides users with specific, text-based descriptions of motion activity detected on their property. Instead of vague alerts, users will receive detailed notifications such as “A person is walking up the steps with a black dog” or “Two individuals are looking into a white car parked in the driveway,” allowing for quicker and more informed responses. This feature currently describes only the first few seconds of motion-activated video clips and is being rolled out as an English-only beta for Ring Home Premium subscribers in the U.S. and Canada, with an option to disable it via the Ring app settings. Ring’s founder and Amazon VP of home security, Jamie Siminoff, revealed plans for further AI enhancements, including combining multiple motion events into a single alert and introducing customizable anomaly alerts that notify users based on personalized definitions of unusual activity. The system will also learn users’ routines to better detect and report irregular events. While these advancements offer promising new
IoTsmart-homeAIsecurity-camerasmotion-detectionhome-automationRing-devicesOver a million people now have access to the gen-AI powered Alexa+
Amazon has expanded access to its upgraded digital assistant, Alexa+, which is powered by generative AI, reaching over one million users through a phased invite-only rollout. The service is currently in Early Access and not publicly available, with invitations sent to customers who signed up to test it initially. Alexa+ offers more natural, conversational interactions, enhanced smart home integration, and personalized experiences by remembering user preferences. During Early Access, the service is free, and it will remain free for Prime members after launch, while non-Prime users will pay $19.99 per month. Alexa+ aims to revitalize Amazon’s voice assistant by incorporating generative AI capabilities that allow users to interact more flexibly and intuitively. Users can issue natural language commands, create routines, search Ring camera footage, and receive AI-generated content such as email summaries, bedtime stories, quizzes, travel itineraries, and smart home activity summaries. The assistant also supports transactional actions like booking reservations or buying tickets, with initial partnerships including OpenTable
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IoTsmart-homevoice-controlenergy-efficiencyair-conditioningAI-technologyuser-experienceSmart Electrical Panel Startup SPANs NREL’s Accelerator Programs
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