All articles tagged with #smart home
An Echo privacy guide warns that default settings enable extensive data collection, including Amazon Sidewalk, indefinite storage of voice recordings, and optional human review to improve Alexa. To protect privacy, opt out of Sidewalk, set voice recordings to auto-delete after three months, disable the "Help Improve Alexa" feature, restrict Drop In to your household or turn it off, and regularly delete your sound history to minimize data exposure.
An investigation shows a back-end permission flaw in DJI’s Romo system allowed a researcher to access roughly 7,000 robot vacuums (and up to 10,000 related devices) worldwide, remotely control them, view live video, and map rooms before DJI patched the flaw in early February. The episode raises questions about smart-home security and data practices, even though traffic was encrypted and DJI says the issue is resolved and that the vulnerability was rare beyond researchers testing their own devices.
Apple will drop support for the original HomeKit architecture on February 10, 2026, meaning many smart-home devices may stop working in the Home app unless users upgrade to the rebuilt Home architecture. In the new setup, iPads no longer serve as Home Hubs and a HomePod or Apple TV is required as the hub, with iPhones/iPads/Macs and connected devices needing iOS 16.2+ (or macOS 13.1/watchOS 9.2+). Update the Home app now to avoid losing control of smart-home devices.
A tech roundup of 14 practical gadgets designed to solve everyday annoyances—from glare-free night driving with polarized car visors and fruit-pantry helpers like Bluapple, to ongoing power with portable battery cases and wireless-transmitters, to language translation and reading aids, universal USB adapters, on-the-go Apple Watch charging, a multitool pen, electric hand warmers, a portable lunch warmer, an Ember smart mug, smart plugs for automating devices, and a secure delivery box for curbside packages—each item aimed at reducing stress caused by mislaid items, spoilage, dead batteries, or theft.
Costco’s five popular smart‑home gadgets—Ecobee Smart Thermostat with two sensors, Sonos Era 100, TP-Link Deco X60 mesh Wi‑Fi, SimpliSafe 13‑piece security kit, and Rachio 3 sprinkler controller—are highlighted for reliable performance, easy setup, and value across climate control, audio, networking, security, and outdoor watering.
Amazon has made Alexa+ free for all US Prime members as of February 4, 2026, upgrading Alexa to a generative AI-powered assistant with long-context conversations, proactive, multi-step task support, and deep smart-home integration. Prime members receive unlimited access across Echo devices, the mobile app, and browser use, while non-Prime users can access a limited free text-chat tier or pay $19.99/month for unlimited access.
Ikea’s Matter-over-Thread smart home devices—including lights, a smart button, and sensors—are facing onboarding and connectivity problems for some users, with multiple devices failing to pair or stay connected across major platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. Ikea says it’s aware of the issues and is investigating with ecosystem partners and the Connectivity Standards Alliance to fix the problems as Matter deployments continue.
Amazon says Alexa+ is now available in the U.S. as a free Prime member benefit, giving Prime households unlimited access to the full Alexa+ feature set across Alexa-enabled devices, Alexa.com, and the Alexa app; non-Prime users can try a free Alexa+ chat experience, and a separate unlimited plan costs $19.99 per month. Powered by a new AI architecture from Amazon Nova and Anthropic, Alexa+ can manage tasks, schedules, reservations, shopping, and home automation across devices, with memory of past interactions and deeper conversations across platforms.
Amazon’s Alexa Plus is now available to every US Prime member and non-Prime users across all Alexa-enabled devices, with three pricing options: Alexa Plus for Prime at $14.99/mo or $139/yr, Alexa Plus for non-Prime at $19.99/mo, and a free Alexa Plus Chat option via Alexa.com and the Alexa app. The upgrade is optional, can be reversed, and the service is expanding to Canada and Mexico, with a limited European beta planned.
Google Home’s February update adds support for programmable switches (buttons), enabling starter automations such as 'Switch or button pressed' with single/multi-press and long-press events, and aligning with Matter and Ikea’s affordable Bilresa buttons.
Google's Home app update (v4.8+) fixes 'Video not available' playback when opening from notifications and adds more automation options, including lighting with specific colors/temperatures and new starters/conditions such as humidity, robot vacuum docking, and battery status.
The article presents 16 practical uses for Alexa in the home, from lighting and multi-room routines to finding a lost phone, using Echo devices as a landline, prompting kids, tracking packages, and acting as an intercom or white-noise machine. It highlights how routines can streamline daily tasks, support busy families, and even assist with emergencies. While many features work without subscriptions, some enhancements (like Alexa Emergency Assist and certain Kids+ options) require paid plans.
Belkin will shut down cloud services for most Wemo devices this weekend, ending remote access and integrations with Google Home and Alexa; the Wemo app will stop receiving updates on Jan 31, and many devices will only work manually after the shutdown. A subset of Thread-based devices and those configured with HomeKit may continue to function, while warranty-covered units could qualify for partial refunds.
IKEA has quietly launched 21 new smart-home products, including temperature, humidity, air-quality sensors, motion lighting, and remotes, all designed to work with the Matter standard so they can interoperate with existing ecosystems. The range focuses on budget-friendly, stylish devices—such as the ALPSTUGA indoor air quality monitor (around $29.99) and KLIPPBOK water-leak sensors (about $7.99)—that pair with IKEA lighting and other brands. It emphasizes accessibility and interoperability, though some reviewers note variability in connectivity and readings. This marks a notable move by a mainstream retailer to make smart-home tech more affordable and interoperable.
Belkin will end support for most Wemo smart-home devices by Jan. 31, 2026, shutting down the Wemo app and cloud services; as a result, cloud-based features like remote access, schedules, and integrations with Alexa and Google Assistant will stop working, and devices will no longer function as smart devices even if the hardware powers on. A subset of Wemo devices compatible with Apple HomeKit can continue working if users migrate before the deadline, while older devices may not support HomeKit and should be reset and recycled. Refunds may be available for in-warranty devices after the end date, but eligibility varies. Users should migrate to Apple HomeKit or replace devices and remove the Wemo app after services shut down.