Key by Amazon adds keyless entry to garages, Ring devices, business properties
Amazon announced increased device compatibility for its Key by Amazon Prime delivery option at CES 2019. Newly supported Key by Amazon devices include a Wi-Fi deadbolt lock, garage door openers, Ring app compatibility, and a smart fob for commercial and multifamily residential delivery drivers.
Schlage’s new Wi-Fi lock works with Ring security and Amazon Key
Schlage introduced the Encode Wi-Fi Enabled Deadbolt at CES 2019. It's the first Wi-Fi connected lock that doesn't need a hub. You can store up to 100 temporary, recurring, and permanent codes, as well as use Amazon Alexa for voice control. It's scheduled to ship March 5.
SimCam security camera’s DIY A.I. recognizes faces, monitors pets and objects
SimCam introduced the SimCam home security and home automation camera with artificial intelligence at CES 2019. The SimCam can use A.I. for facial recognition and pet monitoring. The SimCam integrates with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice command control and to connect with other smart home ecosystem devices.
BlackBerry survey: Consumers don’t trust connected devices to keep data secure
BlackBerrry communication security specialists surveyed more than 4,000 adults in the U.S., U.K., and Canada about their opinions of connected device security and data privacy. Most consumers do not trust Internet-connected cars, smart speakers, or other devices, and more than half would pay extra for secure products.
Honeywell Home/Resideo smart thermostats now come with remote room sensors
Days after changing the company name to Resideo, the former Honeywell Home introduced two new T-Series smart thermostats at CES 2019. The greatest differentiating factor of the new T9 and T10 Pro Smart Thermostats is support for wireless Smart Room sensors to balance and prioritize temperature in the home.
Elecpro Group introduces US:E smart lock with 3D facial recognition at CES 2019
Elecpro Group's US:E smart lock uses multiple unlock modes. Introduced at CES 2019 following a Kickstarter launch in December, the US:E smart lock will be available in two versions, each with six ways to lock and unlock. One version features 3D face recognition, the other version recognizes fingerprints.
Kasa Smart debuts A.I.-based smart home platform with security and lighting
TP-Link's Kasa Smart takes a big step up in the smart home space with a new artificial intelligence-based smart home platform and a suite of security, lighting, and control devices at CES 2019. The Smart Actions platform uses A.I. to connect smart devices and adds unique features such as people and packages detection.
First down. Field goal. What? New Alexa skill decodes football jargon for newbies
Just in time for the playoffs, The Rookie's Guide to the NFL Alexa skill promises to translate television commentators. The NFL considers the Rookie's Guide a decoder for anyone who wants to learn more about the game. Supplemental videos for some topics in the Skill play on Echo Spot and Echo Show displays.
These are the best Amazon Echo and Google Home deals just in time for Christmas
Smart home and smart speaker inventories at major retailers are dwindling. If you're searching for smart home gifts for delivery before Christmas, don't delay or you may miss out. We found the best deals on Amazon and Walmart for Amazon Alexa and Google Home products still in stock for fast delivery.
Fake Alexa setup app for iOS taken down but could still be dangerous
A fake iOS setup app for Amazon Alexa was taken down from the iTunes store, but not until many users downloaded it. If you downloaded One World Software's "Setup for Amazon Alexa," the best course of action is to delete it. The app didn't work but it collected IP addresses and device IDs.
Pizza Hut tricks out a Toyota Tundra to whip up a pie in 7 minutes
Spotlighting the importance of future technology for both companies at the 2018 SEMA Show, Toyota and Pizza Hut built the Tundra Per Pro. Powered by a converted fuel-cell electric power plant that also drives the truck, the robotic kitchen in the truck bed cranks out freshly cooked pizzas in under seven minutes.
Kenmore explains why glass washing machines lids are spontaneously shattering
A consumer advocacy group claims the glass lids of Kenmore top-load washers shatter spontaneously and that Sears, the Kenmore brand owner, is slow to resolve the problems. According to Elliott Advocacy, the same complaint with other machines came to light earlier in 2018. The Kenmore brand belongs to Sears.
Amazon offers $10 or 20 percent off already slashed best-seller smart home deals
On the last day of Prime free 2-day shipping Amazon unleashed a new promotion for already-discounted best-selling smart home devices. Smart10 and Smart 20 check out codes on select products get an extra $10 or 20 percent off. This is a limited time offer that could disappear at any time, so act fast.
Home alone again, Macaulay Culkin gets some help from Google Assistant
Macaulay Culkin plays a grown-up Kevin McCallister in Home Alone-themed Google Home Hub commercial. Kevin recreates memorable bits from the movie but this time Google Home Hub helps him check his calendar, order pizza, add to his shopping list, and even scare off bandits casing the same house used in the original film.
Did that car just wink at you? Daimler previews car-to-pedestrian signals
Eager to show off their progress with autonomous cars and perhaps do some early consumer softening as well, Daimler and Bosch previewed car-to-pedestrian communications. A Mercedes Benz S Class with a full load of sensors seems to wink at a pedestrian by blinking one headlamp on a closed test course.
Which A.I assistant is smarter than the others? One company found the answer
This year's results are in for Loup Ventures' annual Smart Speaker IQ test. The test, which consists of 800 annually updated questions, measures how well the digital voice assistant employed by each device understands each question and answers each question correctly. Who won? Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, or Cortana?
Under-the-wire gifts for Christmas delivery from Instant Pot, Vizio, and Samsung
It's getting down to the wire for gift delivery before Christmas. We combed through Amazon and Walmart and found good deals on quality gifts sure to please from Instant Pot, Samsung, Lenovo, Vizio, and more. Time's running out for home delivery and soon the only choice will be going to crowded stores.
Like a proud parent, Amazon recounts everything Alexa achieved in 2018
Four years after its initial launch, Amazon Echo's Alexa voice assistant continues to gain capabilities, add skills by the tens of thousands, and work with additional devices. The Alexa team highlighted 2018's developments including more languages, new partnerships, and the growing emphasis on visual features.
Xfinity indoor/outdoor camera zooms in on Grinch’s faces and license plates
Comcast's Xfinity Home security cameras can help the police catch Grinches who steal delivery packages from your home. The cameras use artificial intelligence to analyze moving objects and zoom in on faces of people at your front door and license plates of any vehicles in view. Footage is stored in the cloud.
Alexa’s top skills of 2018 are here to assist you in any way you can imagine
Amazon announced the Alexa Skills of the Year 2018, a collection of 24 skills Amazon's Alexa team considers the top skills for games, family fun, wellness, and daily habits. Amazon encourages customers to create their own skills. The Custom Q&A Skill Blueprint lets anyone create new Alexa skills by answering questions.
Amazon Fire Deals: Tablets, TVs, and TV controllers in stock and ready to ship
Last-minute shoppers, and anyone looking for good deals on Amazon Fire products, are in luck. There's still time to order Fire Tablets including Kids Editions, Fire TVs, and Fire streaming media players, Fire digital video recorders, and Alexa-voice-compatible Fire remote controls for Christmas delivery.
Find good gift ideas with these small kitchen appliance deals on Amazon
Small kitchen appliances are favorite holiday gifts to give and to receive and that doesn't only mean an Instant Pot. There are always new kitchen tools, gadgets, and appliances that avid cooks would like to try. We found excellent deals on Amazon for blenders and espresso makers plus a highly-rated sous vide machine.
Get electronics gifts for high-tech homes for under $100 with these deals
The holiday season is in full swing with Christmas just around the corner. New deals on interesting, fun, and practical electronic gifts under $100 from major online retailers can convert last-minute shoppers to savvy bargain hunters. There's still time to order gifts with free two or three-day shipping.
Best deals for smart home plugs that control your lights and appliances
Smart hubs and speakers play central communication and management roles in your home, but smart plugs let you add lights and appliances to your system. Any smart plug must support one feature or anything you plug in stays dumb. Other convenient smart plug features are nice, but system support is crucial.
People are stealing Ring doorbells (and it’s no knock-knock joke)
Ring Video Doorbell thefts in one neighborhood raise questions about how much security the smart home devices actually provide. One homeowner and the police have a video of the theft in progress. Ring has a replacement policy for stolen devices, but homeowners need to know one camera isn't enough.
Brew, drip, or press a fresh cup of joe with today’s best deals on coffee makers
If you want to kick off every day with a fresh cup of your fave hot brew or need to upgrade your coffee machine to accommodate the preferences of guests, check these hot deals for drip coffee makers, espresso machines, and single-serving devices at Walmart and Amazon.
NYC mandates minimum wage for Uber, Lyft, other app-based rideshare drivers
According to new rules voted by New York City's Taxi and Limousine Commission, drivers for companies such as Uber and Lyft must be paid at least minimum wage, even though they are independent contractors. The effective $17.22 hourly rate includes operating costs. Uber says the law will mean higher passenger fares.
Best deals on smart locks so you’ll never have to worry about unlocked doors
Is your front door locked? We found the best deals on smart home door locks that take the worry out of wondering if your home is secure. You can lock or unlock your doors remotely via smartphone or the Internet and some models let you control your locks with voice commands. Get an alert when someone enters your home.
Clean up with robot vac, upright vacuum, and spot and stain remover deals
Whether you're gift-shopping or need to get your house ready for the holidays, deals on household cleaning appliances are always welcome. Robot vacs are popular, upright vacuum cleaners are versatile, and spot and stain cleaners can save the day (and your carpet). We found Walmart's best deals on cleaning appliances.
Simplify your life with one of these wireless smartphone charger deals
Banish nightly cable fumbling with a wireless smartphone charger. If your smartphone is wireless charging compatible, the simplicity of placing it on a pad when you sleep, while you're at your office, or when watching TV is a beautiful thing. Wireless chargers are also excellent gifts for coworkers.
Best deals on home security cameras to save you from package thieves
Indoor and outdoor home security camera systems can help keep your home and your family safe. Amazon's new deals on indoor and outdoor Blink security cameras and Ring Video Doorbells also help you save money on devices that show you what's happening in and around your home at all times, regardless of your location.
Amazon scouted airport locations for its cashier-free Amazon Go stores
Representatives of Amazon Go checkout-free retail stores connected with officials at Los Angeles and San Jose airports in June to discuss the possibility of cashier-free grab-and-go locations in busy terminals. Since the initial meetings, Amazon has not continued discussions, but that doesn't mean the project is DOA.
Amazon starts crowdsourcing Alexa’s answers. What could go wrong?
Amazon announced a new resource for its Alexa voice assistant. Alexa Answers is an invitation-only program to which select Amazon customers will be invited to supply brief answers to questions that Alexa was asked but couldn't answer. Answers will be screened before use and answers that are used will be customer-rated.
Get the Braun Series 7 Cordless shaver at a 59-percent discount
Braun's Series 7 7790cc cordless smart shaver has 4 shaving elements, an 8-direction flexible head, and 5 power modes selectable with the push of a button. Amazon and Braun just added a special coupon for the Series 7 that discounts the shaver by 59 percent. This is a great chance to save on an impressive gift.