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Roku security camera alerts are coming to TVs, at last
You'll soon be able to get real-time alerts from your Roku streaming player or TV when your Roku smart camera detects activity. A carousal of live camera feeds is also on tap.
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SimpliSafe to use AI to ID prowlers, call police before a break-in
The security service is now using AI to spot prowlers outside subscribers' homes. Using 2-way audio, human agents will warn suspects, dispatch police if needed.
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Now there’s a new way to stream Apple TV+ shows
Apple TV+ will soon be available through Amazon Prime Video for $9.99 a month.
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Threshold Care's non-invasive means of elder care uses Wi-Fi
Motion Wi-Fi Sensing Plugs monitor the disruptions in a home Wi-Fi network that indicate someone is active, and send alerts in the absence of such activity.
Cord-Cutter Confidential
Cable TV hits a fork in the road
Spectrum and DirecTV have entirely different responses to cord-cutting.
Updated
Aqara Smart Lock U300 lever lock boasts Matter over Thread
This looks like an easy way to add a smart means of entry to any single-bore door.
Cord-Cutter Confidential
Don't buy an Apple TV from Amazon today
The Apple TV 4K costs more on Amazon than it does at other stores.
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HomePod with a display plus Apple AI? 6 things to know
Word has it that Apple is prepping a new HomePod with not only a screen, but also built-in Apple Intelligence. Here's the latest buzz.
News
The EufyCam S3 Pro ups the color night-vision ante
Even in near-total darkness, the EufyCam S3 Pro promises to tease out razor-sharp color images. The solar panel is new and improved, too.
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Even LG’s premium TVs are showing screensaver ads now
It’s not just budget-priced TVs that are pushing ads on their owners.
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Home Depot's Hubspace ecosystem gets a semi-smart front door
The home-improvement retailer also debuted permanent holiday lights, a home security system, and a network-connected chest freezer.
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Max teams up with Google for 'caption AI' technology
With help from Google Cloud's Vertex AI platform, Max's new AI-powered "captioning solution" will come first to unscripted shows.
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Roku’s refreshed Ultra streamer gets a welcome speed boost
The latest generation of Roku’s flagship streaming player lands with a souped-up CPU, faster Wi-Fi, and a snazzy new remote.
Cord-Cutter Confidential
Cable’s Broadcast TV fee is finally dying
Spectrum now includes Broadcast TV and regional sports fees in its advertised prices. Other cable and satellite providers will have to follow.
News
A Matter version of the Eve Light Switch is now available
The new smart switch with a Thread radio is part of Eve’s continued expansion beyond building smart home products designed only for the Apple Home ecosystem.
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Shark’s new PowerDetect robot vacuum has a monster feature
The first of Shark's new PowerDetect line of robot vacuums is available to buy. And it has some top-of-the-line features for a mid-range price.
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Level Lock hardware business acquired by Assa Abloy
Assa Abloy will now manufacture what we consider to be the world’s best smart locks.
Updated
Apple hasn’t fixed the AirPods Max’s most annoying design flaw
If you were hoping Apple would swap out the delicate mesh in the AirPods Max’s headband with a more durable material, bad news.
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Reolink’s new video doorbell shows visitors head-to-toe in 2K res
The Reolink Doorbell Battery also offers person, package, and vehicle detection; local storage; and dual-band Wi-Fi.
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Max’s live sports tier might not be free much longer
Nearly a year after giving subscribers access to the Bleacher Report Sports Add-On for free, Max may be poised to finally start charging for it.
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Reolink's new pan/tilt security cam can record continuously for up to 8 days
The Altas PT Ultra outdoor pan/tilt home security camera boasts 4K resolution, color night vision, person-detection, and a massive 20,000mAh battery.
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Lockly's latest smart lock opens with just a glance
Lockly’s Visage lock has binocular facial recognition. The company debuted 3 other new locks, too, all of which support Alexa, Apple Home, and Google Home.
Updated
Nanoleaf unveils delayed Sense+ light switch
Nanoleaf is finally debuting its first Sense+ product, the “Anywhere” Switch, while promising that the Nala "learning assistant" is "still in development."
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SwitchBot at IFA 2024: Vacuums, air purifiers, and smart shades
Among the interesting products at IFA, SwitchBot has a robot vac/stick vac combo, an air purifier that doubles as a side table, and resizable smart shades.
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Roborock’s latest robot vacuum rises to the challenge, literally
With its unique three-wheel lift system, the Qrevo Curv can hoist itself over door thresholds and high-pile carpets.
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Philips Hue revamps its Hue Play HDMI Sync Box for 8K
The next generation of Philips Hue’s TV-syncing device can handle 8K video and faster refresh rates. Also: Hue Secure cameras play nice with Alexa and Google Home, plus better support for multiple Hue Bridges.
News
Eufy debuts a smart lighting lineup bolstered by a touch of AI
Unveiled at IFA 2024, the company’s outdoor and indoor lights can pair with its security cams to create custom lighting scenes to greet guests, deter prowlers.
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Aqara’s AI-enabled microphone only listens when you pick it up
Rather than always listening for a wake word, the Voice Mate H1 stays asleep until it’s in your hands.
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SwitchBot unveils two smart indoor air quality monitors at IFA
The smart home accessories track local temps, relative humidity, weather forecasts, and more, connected to a SwitchBot Hub 2 or Matter-enabled Hub Mini.
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Apple’s MLS Season Pass just got its price slashed
Snap up the final matches of the 2024 MLS season for a fraction of the regular price—or even for free, if you’re eligible.
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Q Acoustics debuts a clutter-killing, ceiling-mounted amplifier
Ceiling speakers are nothing new, but the innovative Q Acoustics E300A is an Alexa-powered home audio amplifier that can be mounted overhead along with them.
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Hunter Douglas intros solar charger for PowerView smart shades
Solar panel kits eliminate the need to remove battery wands for charging, or to plug in cables to recharge internal batteries for the company’s motorized shades.
Updated
Amazon's new Alexa might have Claude AI under the hood
With the "remarkable" Alexa said to be sputtering, Amazon will reportedly outsource at least some of the voice assistant's AI smarts, according to a recent report.
Cord-Cutter Confidential
All your multiview options on streaming services & devices
Which streaming services and devices support multiview? Here's a breakdown.
Cord-Cutter Confidential
Venu Sports on hold: What it means for TV bundling
The Venu Sports injunction brings short-term pain, but long-term gain.
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Amazon's photo-centric Echo Show will lose its signature feature
For a $10 premium, the Echo Show 8 Photos Edition could act as a true photo frame, but Amazon is nixing the PhotosPlus service that powers the feature.
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Ring's cheapest battery-powered video doorbell gains features
The all-new $100 Ring Battery Doorbell now boasts color night vision and easier charging, but there's another new feature that's even more exciting.
Feature
Done waiting for Spotify HiFi? These 5 apps will help you switch
Whether you're tired of waiting for lossless tracks or just want a change of pace, these apps will let you ditch Spotify without losing your precious playlists.
Cord-Cutter Confidential
Is Chromecast dead? Not so fast
Chromecast discontinued: What it means for existing devices and Google Cast support.
News
Samsung SmartThings Family Care aims to help with elder care
Launched as a smart home platform, SmartThings is now expanding to help families care for parents and grandparents aging in place.
Cord-Cutter Confidential
Is Venu Sports worth it?
Venu Sports: What's included, who it's for, and whether its existence makes sense.
Updated
5 ways you can dodge the Disney+, Hulu price hikes
Another year, another price hike, but there are ways around the coming price increases for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.
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Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen): Can it take back the crown?
It’s taken 9 years for Google to ship a new flagship smart thermostat. Here's the new Matter-certified device it hopes will beat market-leader Ecobee's best.
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5 things to know about Google Home’s Gemini AI baby steps
Google Gemini-powered AI is coming for Google’s Home and Nest products, but the changes won’t be dramatic—for now, at least.
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Google TV Streamer: 1-part entertainer, 1-part Matter smart home hub
Google's new $100 set-top box is also a Matter smart home hub and a Thread border router. It replaces the Chromecast with Google TV.
Updated
Venu sports streamer: Pricey? Yes. But it might be worth it
The new, sports-focused Venu streaming bundle from three of the largest entertainment titans won't be cheap, but it could wind up being a killer deal for sports fans.
Cord-Cutter Confidential
Peacock's Paris Olympics coverage is more fun to watch than cable
Peacock 2024 Olympics streaming: How it compares to NBC's cable coverage
Updated
Spotify free users get real-time song lyrics back, for now
After putting song lyrics behind a paywall, Spotify says it’s “expanding” lyrics availability for free users.
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Our favorite way to thwart porch pirates just got even better
Loxx Boxx, our pick for the best secure delivery box, now makes it way easier to track and protect incoming packages.
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