Smart home devices and connected technology, from security systems and smart appliances to everyday gadgets that make homes more convenient and efficient.
Community projects demonstrate that unrooted Android devices can now reliably run Zigbee2MQTT through Termux, transforming old phones into mobile, offline-compatible Zigbee nodes for smart-home testing and commissioning. An old Android phone is increasingly being treated as a portable Zigbee bench…
Recent investigations reveal that LG’s webOS televisions and monitors may be secretly logging audio and discovering nearby devices, sparking user outrage and questions over privacy practices amid company denials and suggested user mitigations. The immediate trigger for LG’s latest privacy…
The September 2026 update to Home Assistant introduces a unified Matter network map into the main application, offering users detailed topology information to improve device management and diagnostics. Home Assistant’s September 2026 release has moved Matter network visibility into the…
Ugreen launches a privacy-focused smart home platform featuring local AI processing and multi-purpose hubs, aiming to reshape connected home control away from cloud dependency and subscription fees. Ugreen has used IFA in Berlin to make its clearest move yet beyond…
Signify unveils major updates to Philips Hue at IFA 2026, including a camera-based TV sync system, AI-driven automation, and expanded ecosystem collaborations that aim to reduce costs and enhance user experience across the smart home landscape. Signify’s most consequential Philips…
A recent project to retrofit a flat’s electrical design reveals a strategic shift towards flexible, scalable smart home solutions integrating Matter controllers, advanced sensors, and reliable power infrastructure for enhanced household automation. Writing on Habr as his new flat reaches…
Shelly unveils a €39.90 indoor security camera at IFA 2026, emphasising local storage, privacy controls, and interoperability to disrupt traditional subscription-based home surveillance models. Shelly has used IFA Berlin to enter smart video monitoring with a compact indoor camera priced…
Attackers are actively exploiting critical vulnerabilities in MikroTik RouterOS devices globally, with new features supporting simultaneous attack detection and response now recommended for network administrators. Administrators of internet-facing MikroTik routers are being urged to handle this as a live security…
Guidance from the ICO and government emphasises necessity and proportionality when installing smart doorbells, highlighting legal considerations and privacy rights in neighbour disputes such as the notable Fairhurst v Woodard case. Smart doorbells are not automatically unlawful in the UK,…
Scottish authorities report a surge in digital stalking, with abusers exploiting apps, connected devices, and online platforms to monitor and control victims, redefining safety measures and legal challenges. Scotland’s stalking problem is now as much about passwords, apps and connected…
The water-leak detection market has expanded to include diverse devices, from simple puck sensors to comprehensive shut-off systems, reflecting the real risks of water damage and shifting consumer needs. The latest buying guides for water-leak detectors point to a market…
At IFA 2026 in Berlin, Tuya unveils Doova, an AI-powered home companion robot designed to support independent living for the elderly, highlighting a shift towards integrated AI systems for household management and safety. Tuya has used IFA 2026 in Berlin…
