Ikea is making a significant entry into the smart home market in 2026 with affordable and stylish lighting, security sensors, and smart plugs, expanding beyond its traditional furniture offerings. The new products, including app-controlled lights and budget-friendly security sensors, could position Ikea as a major player in home automation, especially for first-time buyers seeking cost-effective solutions.
The article discusses the importance of physical buttons in smart home setups, highlighting the Flic Hub LR and Flic Duo as effective accessories for controlling Apple HomeKit devices, with the Hub LR supporting extensive range and legacy device control, and the Duo offering versatile gesture controls and a built-in speaker, though with some limitations within the Home app.
Ikea announced at CES 2026 that it is adding smart home capabilities to two designer lamps in its Varmblixt collection, including RGB and white temperature options, which are Matter-compatible and come with a remote. The new smart lamps will be available in April, with prices starting at $99.99 for the donut lamp and $149.99 for the pendant lamp.
IKEA showcased its new affordable smart home products at CES 2026, supporting Matter and working well in real-world tests, but currently face compatibility issues with Google Home, especially with generic devices like buttons. The lineup includes smart lights, plugs, sensors, and new Bluetooth speakers like the KALLSUP, which is budget-friendly and easy to connect, though sound quality is modest. These products are available in the US, with some launching in April, promising to enhance smart home integration despite current ecosystem limitations.
The article highlights the most exciting products showcased at CES 2026, including a BlackBerry successor with a physical keyboard, innovative robot vacuums with stair-climbing abilities, ultra-thin OLED TVs, smart home devices like a paper battery and a smart lock, and new gadgets such as modular headphones and a multi-resistance rowing machine, emphasizing advancements in design, functionality, and sustainability.
Roborock unveiled the Saros Rover at CES, a highly advanced robot vacuum with leg-like mechanisms that can climb stairs and navigate obstacles, representing a significant leap in robotic cleaning technology. The company also announced other models with powerful suction and adaptive features, along with a lineup of robot mowers, highlighting innovative developments in smart home cleaning devices.
Roborock announced the Qrevo Curv 2 Flow at CES, its first robot vacuum and mop with a motorized self-cleaning roller mop, featuring a wide mop, self-cleaning system, and smart home integration, set to launch on January 19th at a discounted price.
Aqara introduced the FP400 Spatial Multi-Sensor at CES 2026, a privacy-friendly device that uses mmWave radar and learning algorithms to detect room occupancy, movement, and habits without recording video, compatible with Matter and major smart home platforms. They also showcased the smaller P100 security sensor with motion and object detection capabilities, highlighting the future of integrated smart home sensors. Pricing and availability are not yet announced.
Aqara showcased a range of innovative smart home products at CES, including a Matter-enabled camera, thermostat with Apple integration, a UWB smart lock, and advanced sensors for occupant tracking and home security, all aimed at achieving ambient intelligence with AI support.
Pila Energy is launching stylish home batteries designed to be both functional and visually appealing, capable of powering critical devices during outages and reducing energy costs, with preorders starting and deliveries expected in February 2026.
TP-Link is launching Aireal, an AI assistant integrated into its Tapo and Deco apps, to enhance smart home control, troubleshooting, and security camera features, including facial recognition and AI-generated descriptions, with a wider rollout planned later this year.
Samsung's The First Look 2026 at CES showcased their vision of AI as everyday companions, featuring innovations in entertainment, home, and care, including new AI-powered appliances, interactive displays, and health-focused devices, emphasizing seamless integration and smarter living.
Anker announced a new lineup of compact chargers, fast MagSafe docks, and versatile docking stations at CES 2026, including the Prime Wireless Charging Station, nano charger with display, a 10-in-1 power strip, and a 13-in-1 docking station with removable hub, alongside new products from its sub-brands like Eufy and Soundcore.
The fourth-generation Google Nest Learning Thermostat is on sale for around $230, offering advanced features like Matter support, a radar sensor, and smart scheduling, making it a great deal for home automation enthusiasts. The article also highlights other tech deals, including gaming controllers, waterproof speakers, and noise-canceling headphones.
Anker's Eufy line introduces new smart home security devices with upgraded features and stylish designs, including a 3K video doorbell, a 2K smart lock, and a solar-powered wall camera, all integrating with major smart home systems and set to launch in early 2026.
