Smart Home
Ongoing coverage on Smart Home.
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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.
Ring adds 4K to its battery-powered video doorbells
Ring has announced upgrades to its battery-powered video doorbells, including 4K video for the Battery Doorbell Pro (2nd gen) and 2K video for the Battery Doorbell Plus and Battery Doorbell (2nd gen). New solar charging accessories are also available to extend battery life. The new products are available for pre-order starting today.
Aqara's Matter-compatible camera promises easier smart home integration
Smart home company Aqara has launched the G350, its first camera certified for the Matter standard, which aims to improve interoperability between smart home devices. The G350 features 4K and 2.5K lenses, 360-degree coverage, and AI-powered tracking. Aqara also introduced the G400 wired doorbell camera with 2K resolution and compatibility with major smart home platforms like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home.
Apple reportedly delays its planned smart display launch to fall
Apple is reportedly delaying the launch of its smart home display until fall 2026 due to ongoing AI development for Siri. While the hardware is finished, the company is prioritizing the integration of its Apple Intelligence package into Siri, which is also expected to debut with the iPhone 18 Pro in September. The smart display, internally codenamed J490, has been rumored since 2022.