News/Smart Home
Cartwheel’s Yogi robot targets home companionship as Tesla’s factory bots stall
Cartwheel Robotics has unveiled Yogi, a humanoid robot designed for home companionship and light household tasks, marking a shift from factory-focused robotics to personal home assistance. Unlike Tesla's industrial Optimus robot, Yogi emphasizes emotional connection and human-like interaction, potentially positioning home robotics as a more viable market than manufacturing automation. What you should know: Yogi represents a fundamentally different approach to humanoid robotics, prioritizing safety and emotional intelligence over industrial performance. The robot will be built using medical-grade silicone and protective soft materials, making it safe for close human interaction. Features include precision-engineered high-torque actuators with overload protection and a...
read Oct 9, 2025Stay-at-home bots: Figure 03 humanoid robot can fold laundry, wash dishes
Figure AI has unveiled its Figure 03 humanoid robot, a 5-foot-6-inch, 132-pound machine designed to perform household chores like folding clothes, washing dishes, and tidying rooms. The California startup positions this as a significant leap from factory automation to everyday home assistance, powered by its proprietary "Helix" AI system that enables real-time decision-making without predetermined scripts. What you should know: Figure 03 represents a major advancement in autonomous household robotics, operating independently without remote human control. The robot can perform complex sequences like picking up dishes from a living room, walking to the kitchen, rinsing them at the sink, and...
read Oct 7, 2025LG slashes premium OLED TV prices by 50% amid market competition
LG's aggressive pricing on its 2025 OLED TV lineup signals intensifying competition in the premium television market, with the company's flagship 65-inch C5 model now available for nearly half its original launch price. The dramatic markdown—from $2,700 to $1,373 on Amazon—represents more than just seasonal discounting; it reflects broader shifts in consumer electronics manufacturing and market dynamics. OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology represents the current pinnacle of television display quality, with each pixel generating its own light rather than relying on a backlight system like traditional LCD screens. This fundamental difference allows OLED displays to achieve perfect blacks by completely...
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Green thumbs push AI buttons with Gardyn’s $549 smart plant monitors
The indoor gardening market has exploded as urban dwellers seek fresh, pesticide-free produce without the hassle of traditional farming. Enter the Gardyn Studio 2.0, a compact smart garden that promises to transform how busy professionals grow food at home using artificial intelligence to monitor plant health. This isn't just another glorified planter with LED lights. The Studio 2.0 represents a significant leap forward in automated indoor agriculture, featuring an AI-powered camera system that can identify plants, track their growth, and provide personalized care recommendations. For professionals who want fresh herbs and vegetables but lack gardening expertise or outdoor space, this...
read Sep 30, 2025Amazon unveils AI-powered Kindle, Ring, and Echo devices starting at $99
Amazon unveiled a new generation of AI-powered devices including Kindle, Ring, and Echo products, all connected to its enhanced Alexa+ personal assistant that debuted in February. The announcement represents Amazon's response to investor pressure to modernize its device lineup with artificial intelligence capabilities, as analysts noted the company's offerings were starting to look "a bit dated" compared to competitors. Key product updates: Amazon introduced significant improvements across its major device categories with AI integration at the center. Ring cameras now feature "Familiar Faces" facial recognition that allows users to register friends and family, plus "AI Search" functionality for finding specific...
read Sep 30, 2025Amazon’s $100B AI bet stumbles as Alexa Plus disappoints users
Amazon's AI-powered Alexa Plus has launched with significant performance issues, including slow response times of up to 15 seconds and persistent hallucination problems that undermine its reliability for smart home control. The upgrade represents Amazon's attempt to compete with ChatGPT-like conversational AI, but early reviews reveal the technology isn't ready for the predictable, instant responses users expect from home automation systems. Key performance issues: The new Alexa Plus struggles with basic functionality that users have come to expect from smart assistants. Simple requests like checking the weather can take over 10 seconds, compared to instantly accessing smartphone apps. Complex smart...
read Sep 30, 2025Where’s Mittens? Ring launches 4K cameras with AI-powered lost pet tracking
Ring has unveiled its most advanced security camera lineup to date, featuring the company's first-ever 4K cameras alongside two 2K models, all powered by AI technology for enhanced home security. The seven new devices introduce features like AI-powered lost pet tracking and Alexa+ integration that can interact with visitors on behalf of homeowners, marking a significant leap in smart home security capabilities. What you should know: Ring's new cameras feature "Retinal Vision" technology that optimizes every step of the imaging process with AI tuning for more realistic video quality. The system delivers 10x zoom and improved low-light performance, capturing details...
read Sep 26, 2025LG’s TV for senior citizens costs $127 more but misses core usability issues
LG has launched the Easy TV in South Korea, targeting senior citizens with a $1,964 65-inch smart TV that includes a simplified remote and adjusted interface features. The device represents LG's attempt to create a dedicated "senior TV market," though it comes with a significant price premium over the standard model it's based on and includes questionable additions like an AI button. What you should know: The Easy TV is essentially LG's existing QNED85A model with senior-focused modifications and a $127 markup.• The 65-inch version costs 2,769,000 won (about $1,964) compared to 2,590,000 won ($1,837) for the standard model.• LG...
read Sep 26, 2025Samsung’s AI in One UI 8.5 fixes Android’s Wi-Fi switching problem
Samsung is developing AI-powered connectivity features for One UI 8.5 that will automatically switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data based on signal quality and user behavior patterns. The update represents Samsung's push to integrate machine learning into core smartphone functions, potentially solving common connectivity frustrations that plague Android users. What you should know: One UI 8.5 introduces two AI-driven connectivity features designed to optimize network switching without manual intervention. "Intelligent Link Assessment" learns from Wi-Fi link data to automatically disconnect from weak networks and switch to cellular data when needed. "Intelligent Network Switch" uses handover history along the user's movement...
read Sep 22, 2025AEG launches AI oven that learns cooking patterns and can clean up its own act
AEG, a German home appliance manufacturer, has introduced a new AI-powered oven that incorporates artificial intelligence, an internal thermometer, and pyrolytic self-cleaning technology. The appliance represents a significant departure from traditional oven design, attempting to modernize a kitchen category that has seen minimal innovation for years. What you should know: The oven features several advanced technologies designed to improve cooking precision and user experience. An artificial intelligence system helps optimize cooking processes and temperatures by learning from cooking patterns and adjusting settings automatically An integrated internal thermometer provides real-time temperature monitoring for more accurate cooking results Pyrolytic self-cleaning technology eliminates...
read Sep 19, 2025Meta’s AI demo failures blamed on self-inflicted DDoS wound
Meta faced multiple high-profile AI demo failures at its Connect conference, with the company's CTO later attributing the incidents to an accidental distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack and an obscure software bug. The failures highlighted the challenges facing live AI technology demonstrations and raised questions about the readiness of Meta's smart glasses technology for widespread deployment. What happened: Two major demos malfunctioned during Meta's showcase of its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses with Live AI capabilities. During the first demo, an Instagram influencer attempting to get cooking help from the AI assistant experienced multiple failures, with the AI incorrectly assessing his progress...
read Sep 19, 2025OpenAI poaches 24+ Apple engineers for consumer AI hardware launch
OpenAI and former Apple design chief Jony Ive have recruited over two dozen Apple employees for their hardware venture, io, and secured partnerships with key Apple suppliers including Luxshare and Goertek. The talent acquisition represents a significant brain drain from Apple's hardware teams, as OpenAI targets a late 2026 or early 2027 launch for its first consumer AI devices. What you should know: The io venture is developing multiple AI-powered consumer products with help from Apple's established supply chain.• Luxshare, which assembles iPhones and AirPods, has already secured a contract to manufacture at least one OpenAI device.• OpenAI has approached...
read Sep 11, 2025Google Home app gets major automation upgrade with smart triggers
Google has rolled out a substantial upgrade to its Home app's automation system, giving users significantly more control over how their smart home devices respond to daily routines and environmental changes. This enhancement, now available for both Android and iOS users, represents the company's most comprehensive update to household automation tools in recent years. The upgrade addresses a common frustration among smart home users: the inability to create nuanced, context-aware automations that adapt to real-world scenarios. Previously, users were limited to basic if-then commands, but the new system allows for multiple conditions and more sophisticated triggers that can account for...
read Sep 11, 2025Anker’s eufy E30 4K security camera now $20 off at $49.98
Anker's eufy E30 Indoor Cam is now available for $49.98 through Amazon, down from its usual $70 price tag. The budget-friendly security camera offers 4K resolution, 360-degree panoramic views, and AI-powered tracking capabilities, making it an attractive option for households monitoring children, pets, or general home security without ongoing subscription fees. Key features: The E30 delivers comprehensive home monitoring with advanced capabilities typically found in higher-end models. 4K Ultra-Clear recording: Provides crystal-clear 24/7 recording with built-in two-way audio for real-time communication with family members or pets. 360-degree panoramic view: Users can navigate their home's view through new app features like...
read Sep 8, 2025Dyson’s new robot vacuum abandons signature design for generic look
Dyson unveiled its second robot vacuum, the Spot+Scrub Ai, at IFA 2025, promising advanced AI-powered stain detection and cleaning capabilities. However, the device's generic appearance and features closely mirror existing competitors like iRobot's Roomba models, raising questions about whether the company known for innovative design has abandoned its originality in favor of market conformity. Key features: The Spot+Scrub Ai represents a significant departure from Dyson's first robot vacuum, the 360 Vis Nav, incorporating several industry-standard elements. The robot includes LiDAR navigation (a laser-based mapping system), vacuum and mopping functions, and a self-emptying base station with three separate bins for clean...
read Sep 5, 2025Running up that hill: Roborock’s new robot mowers tackle 80% slopes and 1.2-acre yards
Roborock has unveiled three new robot lawn mowers at IFA 2025, expanding beyond its popular vacuum cleaners into outdoor maintenance with AI-powered mowing technology. The RockMow Z1, S1, and RockNeo Q1 models feature all-wheel drive systems and can handle steep terrain up to 80% inclines, positioning the company to compete in the growing robotic lawn care market. What you should know: The flagship RockMow Z1 demonstrates impressive technical capabilities designed for various yard sizes and challenging terrain. The Z1 features four independently controlled wheels for all-wheel drive performance and can handle yards up to 5,000 square meters (roughly 1.2 acres)....
read Sep 4, 2025TCL’s QM9K TVs first to feature built-in Google Gemini AI
TCL has announced the QM9K, its new flagship QD mini LED television series that will be the first TVs to feature Gemini built into Google TV. The integration represents a significant step forward in smart TV technology, combining advanced AI capabilities with hands-free operation and premium display features. What you should know: The QM9K series introduces several industry-first features that could reshape how users interact with their televisions. Users can engage with Gemini using the standard "Hey Google" voice prompt to find movies, ask questions about any topic, and control smart home devices synced through Google Home. An mmWave sensor...
read Sep 3, 2025Google Gemini replaces Assistant on Home devices starting in October
Google has announced that Gemini will replace Google Assistant on Google Home devices starting October 1, 2025, marking the end of an era for the company's original voice assistant. The integration promises more natural conversations through Gemini Live and enhanced automation capabilities, though questions remain about which features will require paid subscriptions. What you should know: Google first announced Gemini integration for smart home devices at its I/O event in May, but has now set a firm launch date. Users can sign up for updates through a link Google posted on X to know when Gemini becomes available on their...
read Sep 3, 2025AI even comes for pizza as Ooni’s new Volt 2 oven perfects indoor cooking
Ooni, a UK-based pizza oven manufacturer, has unveiled the Volt 2, an indoor pizza oven featuring "Pizza Intelligence," an AI-powered adaptive heating system that uses sensors to automatically adjust temperature and minimize cooking inconsistencies. The countertop appliance represents the company's push to bring smart automation to home pizza making, targeting enthusiasts seeking restaurant-quality results without the guesswork. What you should know: The Volt 2 combines traditional pizza oven capabilities with automated temperature control for more consistent cooking results. The oven accommodates pizzas up to 13 inches in diameter while remaining compact enough for countertop use. Pizza Intelligence uses sensor data...
read Sep 1, 2025OpenMind’s $20M robotic dogs head to homes for AI testing next month
San Francisco AI startup OpenMind is preparing to deploy robotic quadruped dogs into homes next month for real-world testing, marking a significant step toward bringing autonomous household robots to market. The company recently raised $20 million in funding and will roll out 10 "thinking dogs" to collect data and refine the technology for applications ranging from home security to eldercare assistance. What you should know: OpenMind's robotic dogs are designed to autonomously navigate homes and interact meaningfully with residents. The quadrupeds can explore houses independently, locate their owners after extended absences, and perform wellness checks to ensure residents are safe....
read Aug 27, 2025Microsoft Copilot AI comes to Samsung’s 2025 smart TVs
Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant is now available on Samsung's 2025 lineup of TVs and smart monitors, featuring an animated interface that can provide movie recommendations and spoiler-free episode summaries. The integration marks Microsoft's expansion of Copilot beyond computers and mobile devices into the living room entertainment space, with plans to extend to LG TVs as well. What you should know: Copilot appears as a friendly, animated presence that resembles Microsoft's opalescent Copilot design, though rendered in a beige color that the company describes as looking like a "personified chickpea."• The AI assistant floats and bounces around the screen with a...
read Aug 25, 2025Holiday Sale: Samsung’s OLED M9 smart monitor drops to $1,299 for Labor Day
Samsung has returned its 2025 Smart Monitor lineup to all-time low pricing for Labor Day, with the flagship 32-inch OLED M9 model now available for $1,299.99—$300 off its $1,600 list price. The sale includes the company's first OLED smart monitor featuring Samsung Vision AI, alongside significant discounts on the M8 and M5 models, making premium display technology more accessible to consumers seeking workstation upgrades. What you should know: Samsung's 2025 Smart Monitor collection features three models at heavily discounted prices through Labor Day sales. The 32-inch OLED M9 (M90SF) Smart Monitor is down to $1,299.99, matching its lowest price since...
read Aug 22, 2025Arrive AI sensors help delivery drivers skip empty mailbox stops, achieve truck space efficiency
Arrive AI has integrated time-of-flight (TOF) sensors into its patented Arrive Points™ smart mailboxes to optimize package delivery efficiency through real-time data collection. The technology addresses a major industry bottleneck by allowing couriers to know in advance which mailboxes contain packages and how much truck space is needed, eliminating wasted stops and reducing operational costs. How it works: The TOF sensors capture low-resolution data that edge AI analyzes to detect patterns in package delivery and retrieval. Couriers will receive advance information about which Arrive Points contain outgoing packages, eliminating the need to physically check empty mailboxes at strip malls and...
read Aug 20, 2025Insta360’s $150 AI webcam uses gimbal tech to fix video calls
The remote work revolution has fundamentally changed how professionals present themselves on camera, making webcam quality a crucial factor in career success and business productivity. While most built-in laptop cameras deliver grainy, poorly lit video that can undermine professional credibility, a new generation of AI-powered webcams is changing the game entirely. Insta360, a company known for innovative camera technology, has developed the Link 2 4K webcam that addresses the core limitations of traditional webcams through hardware innovation rather than software workarounds. Currently available for $150 (down from its usual $200 price), this device represents a significant leap forward in how...
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