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10 Smart Gadgets That Could Instantly Upgrade Your Backyard
This article highlights ten smart gadgets designed to enhance backyard usability and enjoyment. These technological upgrades are transforming how people interact with their outdoor spaces.
Ugreen's new smart home ecosystem is built around local AI hubs
Ugreen has launched a new smart home ecosystem featuring three hubs that utilize local AI processing instead of relying on the cloud. The most advanced model is built on Nvidia's Jetson Thor platform and is priced at $20,000.
Anker's MindBase is a smart home hub, NAS and security guard
Anker has introduced the MindBase, a new device that functions as a smart home hub, a Network Attached Storage (NAS) unit, and a security system. The device utilizes artificial intelligence to manage smart home functions and enhance security.
The Sonos Ace Ultra headphones and Beam Ultra soundbar are smarter than I expected
Sonos has unveiled its new Ace Ultra headphones and Beam Ultra soundbar, highlighting their advanced smart home integration capabilities. The company emphasizes that its latest hardware is designed to seamlessly fit into users' existing home ecosystems.
IFA 2026 Preview: Berlin’s Tech Showcase Puts AI at the Center of Everything
IFA 2026 in Berlin will heavily feature Artificial Intelligence, integrating it across smart home, digital health, and consumer electronics. The event aims to showcase AI as the connective tissue for personalized and healthier daily routines, moving beyond its status as a standalone category. Gaming hardware will also be present alongside other consumer tech.
How to connect your Ring doorbell camera to your smart TV
This guide explains how to connect a Ring doorbell camera to a smart TV, allowing users to see who is at their door directly on their television screen without needing to use a smartphone.
Midday Mobilization
Old Android devices can be repurposed as Home Assistant hubs, turning potential e-waste into smart home tools. Separately, Verizon leads in 5G speeds according to a recent carrier test, though this metric may not significantly impact most users.
Here's why you shouldn't plug a power strip into a smart plug
This article advises against plugging a power strip into a smart plug due to potential electrical safety concerns. While convenient, this setup can lead to overloading and other hazards that users should be aware of.
The Philips Skylight lets you recreate natural daylight anywhere in your home
Philips has introduced the Skylight, a device designed to replicate natural daylight indoors. However, availability in the US market remains uncertain.
A new Apple TV and HomePod mini could arrive in the fall
Apple is reportedly planning to release refreshed versions of the Apple TV and HomePod mini this fall. The updates are contingent on the debut of an improved Siri virtual assistant. These devices are key components of Apple's smart home ecosystem.
Google updates Gemini for Home with AI-powered camera automations
Google has updated its Gemini AI for Home, enabling AI-powered camera automations. Gemini can now trigger smart home routines based on visual information captured by cameras.
The Nest app is down for many users
Many users are reporting that the Nest app is currently down. Google's official status page, however, indicates that all services are operating normally.
OpenADR and Matter are collaborating to let your smart home talk to the grid
OpenADR and Matter are collaborating to improve the connection between smart home appliances and grid demand response programs. This partnership aims to simplify the integration process for consumers and energy providers.
Samsung's Bespoke update is big step towards a useful AI for your fridge
Samsung is rolling out a significant software update for its Bespoke refrigerators, integrating artificial intelligence features. This update aims to make the smart home appliance more useful by enhancing its AI capabilities.
Google Home gains more Gemini-powered camera features
Google has updated Gemini for Home, introducing new AI-powered camera features for users in its early access program. This update enhances the smart home experience by integrating advanced artificial intelligence capabilities.
Saturday Metaverse
Google Home automation changes will exclusively affect phones, according to Android Authority. The update focuses on modifications to the smart home platform's functionality on mobile devices.
Google now lets you have full conversations with Gemini for Home
Google is upgrading its Gemini for Home service with a "continued conversations" feature, allowing users to speak naturally with the AI assistant without repeatedly using the wake word. This update, rolling out globally, enables the device to retain context for a few seconds after a response, facilitating smoother interactions. The feature was previously available in a more limited capacity under the Google Assistant platform, which Gemini is set to replace.
Samsung brings SmartThings integration to IKEA's Matter devices
Samsung is enhancing its SmartThings platform to integrate with IKEA's Matter-over-Thread devices, including smart lights and sensors. This collaboration aims to provide a more seamless smart home experience, allowing users to incorporate IKEA gadgets into advanced automation routines within the SmartThings app. Despite Matter's goal of plug-and-play compatibility, IKEA has faced connectivity issues, making Samsung's dedicated integration efforts significant.
Traeger debuts Westwood smart pellet grills that start at $700
Traeger has launched its new Westwood series of smart pellet grills, starting at $700, offering a more budget-friendly option with Wi-Fi connectivity and app control. These grills feature a simplified controller, an 18-pound pellet hopper, and two-tier cooking grates with up to 823 square inches of space. While lacking some premium features like Super Smoke mode, they provide essential smart functionality for low-and-slow smoking, roasting, and grilling.
Amazon's new Fire TV Stick HD is slimmer than ever and has no power adapter
Amazon has launched a new, slimmer Fire TV Stick HD priced at $35, featuring a redesigned interface and improved performance. The device is optimized for direct power via a TV's USB port, eliminating the need for a separate power adapter, and supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. Future updates will include an Adaptive Display setting for enhanced accessibility.