Smart home devices and connected technology, from security systems and smart appliances to everyday gadgets that make homes more convenient and efficient.
At IFA 2026, manufacturers unveiled advanced AI-driven smart-home systems emphasising local storage, interoperability, and ease of use, though challenges remain in delivering truly user-friendly and integrated solutions amidst consumer concerns about privacy and complexity. Berlin’s smart-home launches this week pointed…
The ESPHome Starter Kit, developed by Apollo Automation, marks a significant step in bridging DIY home automation with professional, reusable hardware, supporting open-source initiatives while offering easier assembly and versatile networking capabilities. After a preview at State of the Open…
Sonoff has unveiled a range of new products at IFA Berlin, including radiator valves, hydronic underfloor controllers, and cameras, aiming to boost local control and ecosystem integration in smart homes beyond traditional cloud-dependent devices. SONOFF used IFA Berlin to do…
Anker used IFA 2026 to rebrand and introduce MindBase, a local AI-driven smart home hub designed to unify its extensive hardware portfolio and push the future of decentralised smart home technology. Anker used IFA 2026 to do two things at…
Recent guides reveal how modest ESP32 devices are transforming smart home systems by solving coverage, privacy, and protocol challenges, from Bluetooth bridging to room-level presence detection, challenging traditional pricey solutions. The most convincing ESP32 projects are not miniature computers so…
Ugreen announces its first smart-home platform, HomeAgent, alongside a new range of liquid-cooled MagFlow chargers, signalling a move into premium integrated automation and innovative charging solutions, with a US-focused marketing push including NFL partnership. UGREEN has begun taking reservations for…
UGREEN announces HomeAgent, a comprehensive local AI platform at IFA that unites home security, storage, and smart-home control, promising enhanced privacy and device integration without heavy cloud reliance. UGREEN has pushed beyond chargers and storage with HomeAgent, a new platform…
Many smart doorbells now offer options to avoid monthly fees through local storage or privacy-focused systems, but understanding the trade-offs can help buyers select the best solution for their needs. Avoiding a smart doorbell subscription is often less about finding…
Research into a consumer IP camera built on Fullhan’s FH8626V100 system-on-chip uncovers a series of flaws that could allow attackers to fully compromise devices and access sensitive home network data, highlighting the risks of widely used embedded Linux platforms. Security…
Havells has launched a new conversational voice control feature in its Havells One app, enabling users to manage connected devices in English and seven Indian languages with natural speech, signalling a shift towards more intuitive smart home interfaces in India.…
As home networks become more complex, recognising legitimate devices from potential intruders requires understanding privacy features, timely updates, and strategic security practices, rather than alarmist assumptions about unexplained device names or slow connections. Checking who is on your Wi-Fi is…
A new campaign dubbed CameraSwarm has compromised over 14,500 Dahua surveillance devices using brute-force, known vulnerabilities, and peer-to-peer relay abuse, highlighting emerging risks in remote device management. Hunt.io has detailed a large-scale intrusion campaign against Dahua surveillance equipment that, over…
