Smart home devices and connected technology, from security systems and smart appliances to everyday gadgets that make homes more convenient and efficient.
While commonly used for contactless payments, Android’s near-field communication capability is increasingly transforming into a versatile tool for home automation, effortless Wi-Fi sharing, contact sharing, and faster Bluetooth pairing through simple tap actions. Android’s near-field communication reader is often treated…
Connected devices inside homes are increasingly being used by law enforcement as digital witnesses, revealing detailed activity patterns that can influence criminal cases, raising new privacy and legal questions about personal data. Smart-home devices are increasingly acting as witnesses to…
Sonos introduces Sonos 27, a rebranded software platform integrating AI assistants like ChatGPT and new features to enhance multi-room audio experience and streamline user control across devices. Sonos has rebranded its software platform as Sonos 27 and is using the…
With cloud-based smart bulbs vulnerable during internet disruptions, experts advocate for local control options like Zigbee, Matter, and smart switches to ensure lighting remains functional without reliance on cloud services. Smart bulbs are convenient until the connection they depend on…
Cybercriminals are deploying advanced techniques such as invisible Unicode characters in phishing campaigns, while critical WordPress plugin flaws and geopolitical tensions highlight escalating cyber threats across sectors. Microsoft has warned that phishing crews are adopting invisible Unicode characters to slip…
Sonos and Homey are leveraging the Model Context Protocol to embed ChatGPT into their platforms, creating a unified, natural language control layer for audio and home automation that reduces friction and enhances user experience. ChatGPT is moving closer to becoming…
Zendure has launched its innovative agentic home energy management system at IFA Berlin, leveraging AI to optimise household power use by coordinating solar, batteries, electric vehicles, and heat pumps in real time. The platform aims to reduce bills and simplify…
A vulnerability in DJI’s Romo robot vacuum’s cloud system has uncovered a broader weakness in the security of networked home devices, highlighting the dangers of broad access controls and persistent exposure in connected home tech. A security lapse in DJI’s…
Ugreens HomeAgent family of local-AI hubs combines NAS, security, and smart-home control with advanced on-device image recognition, offering a privacy-first alternative to cloud-based solutions , at a premium price. UGREEN has moved beyond storage hardware with HomeAgent, a new family…
IKEA is shifting towards a more open and accessible smart home ecosystem by launching over 20 Matter-over-Thread products in 2026, promising easier integration and cost-effective automation for households. IKEA is moving its smart home range towards a simpler, more open…
A proposed class action targeting Ring’s ‘Familiar Faces’ feature spotlights growing concerns over passive biometric data collection, regulatory gaps, and security risks in connected security systems. Connected cameras and access systems are increasingly marketed as straightforward security tools, yet their…
A new report alleges that LG’s smart TVs collect extensive data, including signals from nearby devices and home networks, raising privacy concerns despite company denials of unlawful tracking. LG Electronics is facing fresh scrutiny after a Gamers Nexus investigation alleged…
