Smart home devices and connected technology, from security systems and smart appliances to everyday gadgets that make homes more convenient and efficient.
As households embrace a multitude of connected devices, internet providers are reimagining ‘Instant On’ services from simple access solutions to sophisticated, household-focused infrastructure using the latest Wi-Fi technology. Instant On began as a practical answer to a narrow problem: giving…
While designed to respond only to wake words, Amazon’s Alexa continues to face criticism over voice recordings, third-party data collection, and regulatory investigations, prompting calls for greater user control. Amazon Alexa is designed to react to a wake word, not…
Law enforcement and tech firms have taken down a sprawling network hijacking over 2 million devices, exposing widespread risks in consumer electronics and home internet security. In early July 2026, the FBI and Google moved against a sprawling residential proxy…
OpenAI is developing a screenless, portable speaker designed for direct voice interaction with ChatGPT, led by ex-Apple designers, in a bid to carve out a new space in the competitive smart home market amidst legal disputes and pricing challenges. OpenAI’s…
Apple is set to launch its most ambitious autumn product line yet, including a foldable iPhone, updated Apple TV and HomePod mini, and an early glimpse at a new home hub, signalling a significant reshuffle in its hardware strategy. Apple’s…
OpenAI is developing a screen-free, portable AI speaker with a distinctive design and facial recognition capabilities, set to challenge traditional smart speakers by 2027. OpenAI is preparing to move beyond software and into dedicated consumer hardware with a screen-free AI…
Google unveils its latest Home Speaker with a focus on eco-friendly materials, reduced packaging, and lower carbon footprint, highlighting a shift towards more sustainable smart device manufacturing in 2026. Google’s latest Home Speaker is built to look almost invisible in…
Expected at the September 9 keynote, Apple may showcase its first foldable iPhone, alongside updates to iPhones, Apple Watch, and smart home products amid supply chain challenges. Apple is expected to use its September launch window to showcase one of…
As voice assistants struggle to keep up with more conversational AI like ChatGPT, Amazon’s Alexa faces declining popularity and a market shift towards smarter, more visual-enabled systems. Amazon’s Alexa was once a novelty, but the case for keeping it in…
A modest upgrade using inexpensive contact sensors can redefine the daily routine of checking the mailbox, offering practical benefits such as parcel alerts and increased convenience, especially for older users. A smart mailbox may sound unnecessary until it removes a…
As Google TV gains a competitive edge through its Gemini AI integration and improved usability, it’s becoming more than just a streaming interface, it’s transforming into a central smart home control point, though hardware quality remains critical for buyers. Google…
A shift from live editing to pre-planned mock-ups using Figma enhances dashboard clarity, organisation, and user focus in Home Assistant, especially for complex setups in 2024. Home Assistant can be remarkably flexible, but that flexibility often creates a familiar problem:…
