News
8 articlesHere’s what ads on your $2,000 Samsung smart fridge will look like
Samsung's Family Hub smart fridges will soon display ads via a new widget on their screens, starting November 3rd. While users can opt out, the ads will initially promote Samsung products, with potential for third-party ads in the future. The update also brings AI Vision enhancements, Bixby Voice ID, and new security features. Concerns arise over privacy and the post-purchase addition of ads to these high-cost appliances.
5 reasons I’m concerned about Qualcomm’s Arduino acquisition (and 1 reason I'm not)
Qualcomm's acquisition of Arduino raises concerns about potential shifts away from open-source principles and increased vendor lock-in. While Arduino promises to maintain its brand and open-source ethos, fears persist that Qualcomm's influence might prioritize its own hardware, affecting affordability and accessibility for hobbyists and educators. However, Qualcomm's history with open-source projects could offer a positive outcome if it supports Arduino's community-driven innovation and maintains openness.
Gemini is officially rolling out on Google Home right now – here's how to get early access
Google is rolling out Gemini, a new AI assistant, to replace Google Assistant on smart home devices in the US. The early access program offers a more conversational AI with features similar to those on web and mobile, while retaining standard voice commands. Users can sign up for early access in selected countries, but only US users are currently being admitted. A comprehensive list of 100 commands is available to explore Gemini's capabilities.
New Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2 coming to US
The Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2 is set to launch in the US, supporting Matter, Thread, and Zigbee 3.0, but lacking Z-Wave certification. It features a 900 MHz CPU, 512MB RAM, and is 70% faster than its predecessor, handling up to 1000+ Matter devices and 150 Zigbee devices. The hub offers voice control via Bixby, Alexa, and Google Home, and includes a built-in Home Monitor for alerts and automations. The absence of Z-Wave has sparked mixed reactions among SmartThings users.
The Last Day of Nest Thermostat 2nd Gen Support
Google ends support for the 2nd gen Nest thermostat, disabling remote control via Nest and Google Home apps. Users will no longer be able to adjust settings remotely, marking the device's transition to the 'Google Graveyard.' This highlights the challenges of maintaining functionality in older smart home devices.
Samsung launches ads on its smart fridges – and I can’t imagine wanting anything less
Samsung's Family Hub smart fridges now display ads in a new widget, sparking backlash among users. The ads, part of an update rolling out in the US, are non-personal and can be turned off in settings. Despite Samsung's claim of enhancing value, the introduction of ads on expensive appliances has been met with criticism, overshadowing other update features like improved AI food tracking.
Home Assistant 2025.11 delivers a simpler, smarter home with Matter
Home Assistant 2025.11b0 enhances Matter integration, offering detailed device control and smarter automations. Key updates include precise thermostat heating demand insights, simplified humidity sensor setups, and new security features for smart locks. Users can now easily manage device errors and create automations, improving system reliability and efficiency. The update also adds visual enhancements for IKEA DIRIGERA hubs, aiding quick identification of Thread border routers.
Eve Shutter Switch gets huge Matter update
Eve Systems' Shutter Switch now supports Matter 1.4.1, enabling seamless integration across Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and Home Assistant. This update allows for smoother automation and includes a free firmware upgrade for existing users. The switch uses Thread for connectivity, acting as a mesh node to enhance network stability, and supports features like sunrise/sunset automation and energy-saving routines via the Eve app.
Products
6 articlesI tested smart glasses that cost a fraction of Vision Pro and get way more work done
The Viture Luma Pro smart glasses offer a practical and affordable alternative to Apple's Vision Pro headset. Priced at $499, they provide a comfortable, plug-and-play experience with myopia adjustment and compatibility across multiple devices. Featuring a Sony micro OLED display, they support a 120Hz refresh rate and offer a 152-inch virtual screen for productivity. The glasses excel in versatility, handling both work and entertainment seamlessly.
Lifx launches budget-friendly Matter A19 bulb
Lifx introduces the budget-friendly "Every Day" A19 bulb, priced at $23.45 for a two-pack. This Matter-compatible bulb offers 800 lumens, full color spectrum, and tunable whites, making it ideal for general lighting. It connects via Wi-Fi without a hub, supports Wi-Fi 6, and integrates with major platforms like Apple Home and Google Home. Limited to 120V markets, it promises over 13 years of use at five hours per day.
The Echo Dot Max is Amazon’s biggest little speaker yet
The Echo Dot Max, Amazon's latest smart speaker, offers excellent sound quality, improved controls, and supports Thread, Matter, and Zigbee protocols. Priced at $99, it acts as a smart home hub and Wi-Fi extender. Despite its hardware advancements, Alexa Plus, the new AI assistant, is inconsistent and only available in the US. The Dot Max is a strong upgrade for fourth-gen Echo users but lacks a 3.5mm audio jack.
DJI Power 2000 Review: A Powerful, Smart, and Silent Portable Power Station for Any Situation
The DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station offers a massive 2048Wh capacity and ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% in just 55 minutes. Designed for adventurers and homeowners, it supports grid, solar, and car power with intelligent hybrid recharging. The unit is rugged, quiet, and integrates with the DJI Home app for remote management. Despite its weight, it's a top contender for reliable, smart energy solutions, priced at $939.
Eufy's new AI-powered security camera has no monthly fees, and there's a £40 early bird discount if you grab one now
Eufy's new AI-powered security camera, the EufyCam CS5, offers local storage on an SD card, eliminating monthly fees. It features AI-enhanced detection for people, vehicles, and pets, and supports up to 256GB per camera and 1TB in the HomeBase Mini hub. Available for £129.99 with a £40 discount, the system includes color night vision, time-lapse recording, and IP67 weatherproofing, making it suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
This Roborock Robot Vacuum Cleans Itself and It’s 45% Off
The Roborock Q10 S5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop is now available for $299.99, a 45% discount from its original price of $549.99. It offers 10,000Pa suction, a 70-day self-emptying dock, and advanced navigation for efficient cleaning. Ideal for pet owners and busy households, it combines vacuuming and sonic mopping, ensuring thorough cleaning of carpets and hard floors. Control it via the Roborock app, Alexa, or Google Assistant for a hands-free experience.
Projects
5 articlesThis Home Assistant blueprint makes automating your home with Google Calendar easy
Home Assistant blueprints simplify automation by transforming complex setups into easy-to-use templates. The 'Calendar Notifications & Actions' blueprint by Blacky allows users to trigger smart home actions based on Google Calendar events, enhancing routines like reminders for video calls. This blueprint supports keyword triggers, customizable notifications, and action buttons, making it versatile for various automation needs.
This self-hosted app writes your Home Assistant automations for you
HASSL simplifies Home Assistant automation by allowing users to write rules in plain English instead of complex YAML. This self-hosted tool translates natural language into structured logic, generating complete YAML packages with scripts and schedules. Ideal for beginners, it reduces the complexity of managing large configurations by organizing automations into modular, easy-to-manage files.
Building a (useful) voice assistant I can call from my watch
A developer created a voice assistant for the Apple Watch Ultra that integrates with GPT-5 Realtime, Todoist, Gmail, and GitHub, allowing real-time task management and email checks via voice. Built in a day using Twilio and Zapier MCP, the assistant updates tasks on the watch face and handles voice commands. The project is open-source, offering a practical solution for hands-free productivity directly from the wrist.
This gorgeous e-paper Raspberry Pi project is the perfect companion for the productivity-minded
The InkyPi project transforms a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W into a productivity-focused e-paper display with 20 plugins, including a calendar, to-do list, and GitHub graph. It supports Waveshare and Pimoroni's Spectra 6 Inky Impression displays. Users can manage updates and schedule refreshes via a local web UI, making it an ideal low-power solution for displaying information without high refresh rates.
5 Raspberry Pi tools that turn any NAS into a smart media powerhouse
Transform your NAS into a smart media hub using a Raspberry Pi with tools like Jellyfin, OpenMediaVault, Pi-hole, WireGuard, and Sonarr. Jellyfin offers open-source streaming without cloud dependencies, while OpenMediaVault provides a robust NAS operating system. Pi-hole improves network efficiency by blocking ads, WireGuard secures remote access, and Sonarr automates TV show management. Together, these tools create a powerful, flexible, and private media system.
Perspectives
5 articlesYour TV's HDMI Port Is Spying on You (Automatic Content Recognition)
Smart TVs, including LG, Samsung, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Google TV models, use Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) to track everything viewed via HDMI ports. This data, including images and audio, is sent to data brokers or used for targeted ads. Opting out often disables smart features. To protect privacy, consider using a separate streaming device like Apple TV and disconnecting the TV from the internet. Consumer Reports offers guidance on disabling tracking features.
The best "smart home" devices aren’t smart at all
The article argues that simpler, "dumb" smart home devices often offer better value and convenience than complex alternatives. Devices like the Switchmate and Fingerbot provide smart functionality without the need for extensive installation, making them ideal for renters. They are cost-effective, easy to use, and compatible with existing infrastructure, offering a practical solution without unnecessary features.
Apple's Family Sharing Helps Keep Children Safe. Until It Doesn't
Apple's Family Sharing can inadvertently trap children in coercive situations during family breakdowns. The system's single-organizer model allows one parent to control digital access, potentially leading to misuse, as seen in cases like Kate's, where her ex-husband used it to exert control. Despite its intent for convenience, Family Sharing lacks safeguards for non-traditional families, highlighting a need for policy changes to protect children in such scenarios.
6 ways to start your renter-friendly smart home
Renters can create a smart home without permanent changes using smart plugs, bulbs, and Home Assistant. Start by setting up a separate network for security and consider offline control using Home Assistant. Smart plugs offer remote control and energy monitoring, while smart bulbs enhance lighting flexibility. Opt for renter-friendly security options like smart locks and cameras that don't require drilling.
In Conversation with Haresh P. Lakhani, Founder, HP Lakhani Associates.
Haresh P. Lakhani, founder of HP Lakhani Associates, integrates smart technology into architectural design, emphasizing sustainability and user-centric spaces. His projects, like Temple Tree Villa 54, use KNX-based systems for seamless automation of lighting, climate, and security. Lakhani favors open protocols like KNX for flexibility and prefers brands like Philips Hue for smart lighting, ensuring future-ready, intuitive environments.