In the war against porch pirates, Arlo adds its own video doorbell
Arlo introduced its first video doorbell. It includes a vertical field of view with an optimized 1:1 aspect ratio and night vision, so users can even monitor their porch in the dark. It also has motion detectors that will send alerts to your phone and pre-recorded audio messages.
Smart speakers may soon be able to keep tabs on your infant’s breathing
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new smart speaker skill, called BreathJunior, with a focus on taking care of baby. The skill uses white noise to monitor your baby's movement and breathing. The white noise can also be used to soothe a fussy baby during nap time or bedtime.
Ember’s new smart mugs will keep your drinks warmer for longer this winter
Today Ember released its second generation of self-heating mugs, the Ember Travel Mug 2 and the Ember Mug 2. The second generation of the Ember Mugs has been redesigned to include 50% longer battery life and a touchscreen instead of a dial. They also have an app to control temperature.
Simplisafe claims a faster police response and releases a new Entryway Kit
Simplisafe announced the release of its latest product. The Entryway Kit features everything you need to create a smart home security system, including an interactive video doorbell, keypad, and entry sensor. It can also be used remotely with Alexa, Google Home, and App Control.
Level Lock Bolt Edition is a game-changing and disruptive smart lock
Level Home, a company that focuses on smart home innovations, has revealed its latest product. The Level Lock Bolt Edition an invisible device that can turn any standard deadbolt into a smart lock. The company says the transformation takes just less than 10 minutes using a screwdriver.
A European site may have leaked the new Google Nest Mini
We just posted about a Canadian company possibly leaking the code name and price for the new Google Mini that should be debuting tomorrow, October 15, at the Google hardware event, but it looks like a European site has leaked, the new device, reportedly called the Google Nest Mini.
Did a Canadian retailer leak Nest Mini’s pricing and code name?
A cached page from a Canadian retailer from back in September may offer some clues about the new Nest Mini that is expected to be revealed on October 15 at the Google hardware event. On September 7, online retailer PC-Canada listed several suspicious items that may be the new Nest Mini and Wi-Fi.
Habla Español? Yes! Amazon Alexa can now speak in Spanish
Those who speak Spanish can now talk to Alexa in their native language, or two languages at once through multilingual mode, on supported Alexa devices like the Echo. The assistant is getting a new voice and Amazon has also beefed up Alexa's knowledge base with hundreds of new skills for Spanish speakers.
‘Stream transfer’ feature moves your music around the house using Google Assistant
Google Assistant users can now easily move their music and podcasts from YouTube Music, Spotify, Pandora and more from one smart device to another using a new feature called stream transfer. Videos move, too, with Google video devices like the Nest Hub Max and Chromecast-enabled TVs.
The voice of Insecure’s Issa Rae is coming to Google Assistant
So far, you have only been able to make John Legend your own personal assistant. As of today, October 10, though, you can also make actress and director Issa Rae your new Google Assistant voice. Rae recently co-starred in the the movie comedy Little with Regina Hall and Marsai Martin.
Samsung’s Powerbot R7260 robot vacuum uses a rubber blade to clean corners
Samsung says that the new Powerbot R7260 has 40 times more cleaning ability than its competitors. If that doesn't get your attention, the odd body shape will. The new Powerbot features a roller brush like a regular upright vacuum and a rubber blade that can sweep dust and pet hair from corners and edges.
Customize the look of your Christmas tree with Twinkly smart lights
Recently, retailers like Home Depot unveiled a new take on pre-lit Christmas trees. While pre-lit trees aren't unusual, trees with Twinkly smart lights can be controlled using an app on your phone to change the lights' colors and flashing patterns to keep your holiday decor looking unique and fresh.
The new Coway Airmega air purifier uses coconuts to make your home safer
Coway, a Korean company that creates home health technologies, just announced the launch of the Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS air purifier, which uses coconut fibers to filter the air. It can filter 99.97 percent of particulates as small as 0.3 micron, including dust, allergens and cigarette smoke particles.
Get Alexa’s help with your next cocktail thanks to SideChef-Bacardi collaboration
SideChef, a cooking and meal planning app, announced that it is collaborating with Bacardi to create curated cocktails for the SideChef platform. Users of SideChef can now find easy, step-by-step drink recipes developed by Bacardi on the app with more mixology recipes and features coming soon.
The world’s first 360-degree video call device, Rimo, is launching on Indiegogo
Rimo, which claims to be the World's First 360° Video Call Device, is launching on Indiegogo. The phone base automatically connects with your phone and rotates it to keep you in the frame. Watchers can also use hand gestures to move the camera to look around your room or at others in the room during video chats.
See the bad guys much more clearly with Defender’s 4K security system
The North American company Defender announced the launch of their new 4K resolution security system called the Defender 4K. This system features night vision and 1TB of local storage. Defender hopes to set themselves apart from their competitors with ease of installation and lower price points.
With Anova’s new smart oven, the future of cooking may be steam-powered
Anova has announced a new countertop oven, called the Anova Precision Oven, that will be available for shipment in 2020. This oven will cook with steam and have smart features built-in. The company says the steam will cook more evenly, keeping foods moist, and will even sear meats without grease.
Survey names Amazon and Samsung as the most trusted smart technology brands
Fluent, a digital consumer engagement company, recently released the findings of a survey on smart technology that it conducted in April. One of the big surprises is that Amazon and Samsung came out as the most trusted of all of the smart technology brands. There were some other interesting finds, too.
Nest Wifi may be coming with Google Assistant speakers built-in
According to information obtained by 9to5Google, Google may be unveiling a new WiFi router at the October 15 annual Made by Google hardware showcase in New York City. The router is rumored to be called Nest Wifi and is believed to have beacons that double as Google Assistant speakers for voice control.
Yale kicks off line of products for professional installers with new smart lock
Yale, the security company, not the university, has just announced its first product line for professional installers, called the Pro Series. The first product that's been unveiled is the Yale Pro SL Smart Lock. This is a smart lock with a backlit touchscreen, keyless deadbolt, and Z-Wave Plus.
Amazon’s new smart oven can air-fry, bake, and microwave your meals
Today at the Amazon 2019 event the company unveiled its newest smart cooking appliance, the Amazon Smart Oven. It's described as a combination of a microwave, convection oven, air fryer, and food warmer. All of that cooking versatility can be controlled via Alexa-enabled devices and voice commands.
There may be a new Echo and other Amazon devices announced later this month
Amazon just announced that it will be having a product launch event on September 25. That's big news for Amazon product fans. What will be unveiled at this year's event? Amazon told Digital Trends that the event will span popular product lines including Alexa, Echo, Ring, and more.
The new Wyze Plug is a voice-activated smart plug, no hub required
Seattle-based Wyze Labs, creator of smart home products, launched a new voice-activated smart plug. The Wyze Smart Plugs work with both Alexa and Google Assistant and features a compact design that allows two smart plugs to fit into one wall outlet at the same time. It also doesn't need a hub.
Arlo’s new 2K HDR Pro 3 Security Camera System is coming this week
Today, Arlo Technologies, Inc. announced its latest security camera system, the Arlo Pro 3, that will be available later this week. The new system includes a 160-degree field of view, 2K HDR cameras, two-way audio, integrated spotlight with color night vision, an app and an advanced smart hub.
Chamberlain debuts smart, space-saving RJO70 wall-mounted garage door opener
Chamberlain, manufacturer of do-it-yourself products for the garage and home, has announced the release of its latest smart home item, the RJO70 wall-mount garage opener, which can make any garage door smart. It uses Wi-Fi to open and close a connected garage door from anywhere using the myQ App.
How to order pizza with your smart speaker
Any day you're craving some pizza pie, getting it fast is a must. If you have Alexa or Google Assistant, ordering from favorites like Pizza Hut, Domino's or Papa John's is just a few voice commands away. Here's how to order pizza using just your voice and a smart speaker like Google Home or Amazon Echo.
Alexa will start to crowdsource answers to fill in knowledge gaps
Amazon is now crowdsourcing answers for Alexa through the new Alexa Answers program. Average Joes and Janes can provide answers to Alexa questions that don't have answers. These questions cover a wide range of categories including History, Science, Literature and Music. Answers are vetted by other users.
A perfect match? Google Assistant comes to Control4’s Smart Home OS 3
If you use Control4 products, there's a new way to get control. At CEDIA 2019, Google and SnapAV, a producer of A/V, surveillance, networking, automation, and remote management products, announced their new collaboration. This collaboration adds Google Assistant to Control4's new Smart Home OS 3.
TCL washing machine is gentle enough to clean eyeglasses, jewelry, and more
TCL is known for televisions, but its newest creation is an appliance. The TCL Classified X10-110BDI washing machine has a stunningly large 12.3- inch TFT touchscreen and smart home technology, and uses ultrasound cleaning that is gentle enough to wash glasses, jewelry, and wearable devices.
Best Buy may owe you money if you have Insignia Connect appliances
Bad news for anyone who has Insignia Connect products. On November 6, 2019, Best Buy will be shutting down its Insignia Connect platform. This means if you have an Insignia Connect appliance or device it will become decidedly less useful, or, in some cases, useless. Here's what you need to know.
Smaller and better-looking, the new Lenovo smart display is coming soon
Chinese company Lenovo has announced a new smart display. The smaller and better-looking Lenovo Smart Display 7 is powered by Google Assistant and can make video calls, play music, display YouTube videos, browse Google Photos and automate smart devices throughout the home.
How to use TikTok
TikTok is the free entertainment app that focuses on short, musical videos created by users. You can scroll through millions of videos uploaded by other users, or you can get creative and make your own videos. Here's how to use TikTok to make awesome videos, or to just get some laughs.
DoorBird releases first indoor video and audio station for its security systems
Bird Home Automation, a company that focuses on IP video intercom technology, has officially announced the release of their first indoor station for its DoorBird door intercom product line. The A1101 indoor station is now available worldwide and provides 2-way audio and live video to its security system.
The Ezlo Atom is the smallest smart home hub you’ve ever seen
Ezlo Innovation, a developer of smart solutions for homes and businesses founded in 2014, just announced the Atom, "the smallest, most energy-efficient control hub available on the market." Available for pre-order starting Wednesday, September 4, this tiny smart home hub is an interesting choice.