#affordable-smart-home

[ follow ]
#energy-efficiency
Everyday cooking
fromTasting Table
12 hours ago

Mike Holmes Named The Kitchen Appliances That You're Wasting Money On - Tasting Table

Investing in Energy Star Rated kitchen appliances ensures longevity, reduces energy consumption, and lowers utility bills over time.
Remodel
fromEarth911
1 month ago

Guest Idea: Map Appliance Power to Identify and Tame Your Home's Top Electricity Consumers

Appliance power mapping identifies individual device energy consumption, revealing phantom loads and inefficiencies that waste up to $183 annually per household through targeted, low-cost solutions.
Everyday cooking
fromTasting Table
12 hours ago

Mike Holmes Named The Kitchen Appliances That You're Wasting Money On - Tasting Table

Investing in Energy Star Rated kitchen appliances ensures longevity, reduces energy consumption, and lowers utility bills over time.
Remodel
fromEarth911
1 month ago

Guest Idea: Map Appliance Power to Identify and Tame Your Home's Top Electricity Consumers

Appliance power mapping identifies individual device energy consumption, revealing phantom loads and inefficiencies that waste up to $183 annually per household through targeted, low-cost solutions.
Gadgets
fromgizmodo.com
14 hours ago

Ecovacs Winbot W3 Omni Review: Window Cleaning Robots Have a Long Way to Go

The Ecovacs Winbot W3 Omni is effective for large, hard-to-reach windows but may not justify its cost for smaller homes.
Privacy technologies
fromFortune
13 hours ago

Your neighbor just got a home security system, but should you be worried? 'It's inherently a little creepy' says surveillance expert | Fortune

Consumers are increasingly concerned about privacy and data control regarding home surveillance technology.
Fundraising
fromwww.businessinsider.com
15 hours ago

I quit tech, bought 22 acres, and didn't look at my computer for years until AI brought me back

Ryan Courtnage transitioned from managing a donation platform to hands-on homesteading, finding fulfillment in physical work and a break from corporate life.
#amazon
fromZDNET
5 days ago
E-Commerce

We're tracking the best last-minute tech deals under $50 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Podcast
fromThe Verge
12 hours ago

How the Amazon Echo learned to talk - and listen

Jeff Bezos aimed to create a voice computer, leading to the development of the Echo speaker and Alexa voice assistant despite numerous challenges.
E-Commerce
fromZDNET
5 days ago

We're tracking the best last-minute tech deals under $50 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Amazon's Big Spring Sale offers significant discounts on tech products, including gadgets under $50, available to all shoppers.
E-Commerce
fromThe Verge
6 days ago

Here are our favorite spring cleaning deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Amazon's Big Spring Sale features deals on gadgets for spring cleaning, including robot vacuums and various cleaning tools.
Roam Research
fromWIRED
1 day ago

This Smart Sprinkler Thinks It Knows Your Lawn Better Than You Do

Area mode allows users to define watering boundaries and set water consumption limits for efficient irrigation.
Renovation
fromwww.businessinsider.com
1 day ago

We're raising toddlers in a tiny home. We work just 3 days a week, and save over half our income.

Living in a tiny home village allows for significant savings and financial freedom, with low housing costs and a unique lifestyle choice.
#ai
Artificial intelligence
fromEntrepreneur
4 days ago

Why Entrepreneurs Can't Ignore AI's Growing Energy Demands

AI's rapid growth is significantly increasing global electricity demand, reshaping energy as a strategic business asset for entrepreneurs.
Artificial intelligence
fromTechCrunch
2 months ago

Ring founder details the camera company's 'intelligent assistant' era | TechCrunch

Jamie Siminoff returned to Ring to turn it into an AI-powered intelligent home assistant after the Palisades fire and seeing AI's potential.
Digital life
fromFortune
1 day ago

AI's next frontier is the real world | Fortune

AI has transformed digital interactions, yet the physical world still relies on outdated identity verification methods.
Artificial intelligence
fromEntrepreneur
4 days ago

Why Entrepreneurs Can't Ignore AI's Growing Energy Demands

AI's rapid growth is significantly increasing global electricity demand, reshaping energy as a strategic business asset for entrepreneurs.
fromTechCrunch
2 months ago
Artificial intelligence

Ring founder details the camera company's 'intelligent assistant' era | TechCrunch

UX design
fromMedium
1 day ago

Do less with AI

Trying to do too much hinders productivity and leads to unfinished projects and feelings of inadequacy.
Alternative transportation
fromFast Company
1 day ago

3 surprising (but simple) ways to save gas as fuel costs skyrocket

Gas prices are rising due to disruptions in oil supply chains, particularly from the conflict in Iran, leading to increased costs at the pump.
Business intelligence
fromComputerWeekly.com
3 days ago

Wilson Connectivity, Autonomous Systems team for in-building wireless service | Computer Weekly

Wilson Connectivity and Autonomous Systems partner to automate in-building wireless infrastructure management, enhancing deployment and ongoing optimization.
Environment
from99% Invisible
2 days ago

Service Request #4: How Does the Grid in Phoenix Work? - 99% Invisible

Phoenix's extreme summer heat underscores the critical importance of a reliable electrical grid for survival.
Tech industry
fromAxios
2 days ago

AI boom drives clash between grid power vs. energy "islands"

On-site power for data centers is increasing, with projections suggesting it could reach 50% of planned capacity.
fromFuturism
3 days ago

Delivery Robot Companies in Trouble as Bot Become Targets for Vandalism

Out of the company's first 80,000 deliveries the bots finished on campus, about 1,600 involved incidents of vandalism. At a cost of $2,500 per Kiwibot, the damage adds up quick.
London startup
#google
Mobile UX
fromThe Verge
3 days ago

Google Home's latest update makes Gemini better at understanding your commands

Google's Home app update enhances Gemini AI for more natural smart home control and improved device identification.
Environment
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 days ago

Google teams up with gas plant for AI datacenter in sharp turn from climate goals

Google partners with Crusoe Energy for a natural gas power plant to supply energy for its Texas datacenter, marking a shift from its carbon-neutral goals.
Mobile UX
fromThe Verge
3 days ago

Google Home's latest update makes Gemini better at understanding your commands

Google's Home app update enhances Gemini AI for more natural smart home control and improved device identification.
Environment
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 days ago

Google teams up with gas plant for AI datacenter in sharp turn from climate goals

Google partners with Crusoe Energy for a natural gas power plant to supply energy for its Texas datacenter, marking a shift from its carbon-neutral goals.
Remodel
fromWIRED
3 days ago

15 Design-Forward DIY Tools Worth Upgrading to This Year

DIY has evolved into a significant cultural force, with the global market nearing a trillion dollars, driven primarily by cost-saving motivations.
#generative-ai
fromFast Company
3 days ago
Women in technology

AI isn't just reshaping productivity and threatening to kill jobs. It's changing how we lead, communicate, and treat each other. It's also creating a new gender gap

Generative AI is reshaping communication, trust, and cultural interactions beyond productivity and efficiency concerns.
Artificial intelligence
fromForbes
4 days ago

Small Businesses Are Drowning In AI Slop. One Document Stops It

Over half of small businesses use generative AI, but 94% struggle to see measurable benefits due to lack of brand foundation.
Women in technology
fromFast Company
3 days ago

AI isn't just reshaping productivity and threatening to kill jobs. It's changing how we lead, communicate, and treat each other. It's also creating a new gender gap

Generative AI is reshaping communication, trust, and cultural interactions beyond productivity and efficiency concerns.
Artificial intelligence
fromForbes
4 days ago

Small Businesses Are Drowning In AI Slop. One Document Stops It

Over half of small businesses use generative AI, but 94% struggle to see measurable benefits due to lack of brand foundation.
fromZDNET
5 days ago

Best Amazon Spring Sale robot vacuum deals 2026 - last call for savings

The sale officially ends tonight, but there are still several robot vacuums on sale, including top-end models from brands like Ecovacs, Dreame, Roborock, and more.
E-Commerce
Wearables
fromTechCrunch
5 days ago

With its new app store, Ring bets on AI to go beyond home security | TechCrunch

Amazon-owned Ring launches an app store to enhance camera capabilities, focusing on elder care, workforce analytics, and rental management.
Apple
fromThe Verge
6 days ago

The first Apple Home Key-ready smart lock with UWB is cheaper during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Aqara's U400 smart lock offers hands-free unlocking for iPhone users and is currently discounted to $229.49 during the Big Spring Sale.
Pets
fromEngadget
5 days ago

The Shark BlastBoss is a leaf blower that can be used indoors

Shark's new BlastBoss is a versatile leaf blower for indoor and outdoor use, featuring adjustable airflow and a broom attachment for debris cleanup.
Careers
fromZDNET
6 days ago

I've been WFH for 7 years. These are the home office gadgets I want right now

Upgrading home office gadgets enhances productivity and comfort for remote work.
#smart-home
Gadgets
fromZDNET
23 hours ago

I let a smart planter maintain itself while I was away for 2 months - here's the result

The LeafyPod is a smart planter that simplifies plant care with app support and a rechargeable water reservoir.
fromZDNET
2 months ago
Gadgets

A network-free smart home? The Emerson brand is doing just that (without a hub!)

Gadgets
fromZDNET
23 hours ago

I let a smart planter maintain itself while I was away for 2 months - here's the result

The LeafyPod is a smart planter that simplifies plant care with app support and a rechargeable water reservoir.
fromZDNET
2 months ago
Gadgets

A network-free smart home? The Emerson brand is doing just that (without a hub!)

fromTasting Table
1 day ago

Never Plug These Kitchen Appliances Into Power Strips - Tasting Table

Most power strips are designed to handle a low load from small appliances like cell phone chargers, computers, and televisions. Plugging in a high-wattage appliance - or multiple - may cause the power strip to overheat, leading to a major fire hazard.
Everyday cooking
fromWIRED
1 day ago

Boost Your Backyard Wi-Fi With These Expert Tips

To improve outdoor Wi-Fi coverage, position the router centrally in the home and adjust its antennas. For mesh systems, relocate nodes closer to outdoor areas.
Roam Research
Business intelligence
fromComputerWeekly.com
3 days ago

Wireless AI paradox emerges as Wi-Fi evolves into strategic growth engine | Computer Weekly

Strategic investments in wireless and AI are crucial for businesses to achieve operational efficiency and productivity gains.
Renovation
fromArchDaily
3 days ago

Designed Comfort, Purchased Comfort: Passive Design and Air Conditioning in Hong Kong

Widespread reliance on air conditioning has significantly altered architectural design incentives, particularly in Hong Kong.
fromwww.theguardian.com
5 days ago

Silicon Valley city to give residents doorbells equipped with cameras

Public safety is my top priority, and this door camera initiative is about strengthening crime prevention right where it matters most at home. By equipping residents with tools and partnering closely with our Milpitas police department, we're building a stronger connection between our community and law enforcement to help deter crime and protect our neighborhoods.
Privacy technologies
fromZDNET
5 days ago

5 gadgets I'm buying this spring to grow my green thumb (and they're still discounted)

Gardening takes patience, but gadgets can make the process easier for those who struggle with plant care. Utilizing technology can lead to better outcomes.
Agriculture
fromApartment Therapy
6 days ago

26 Brilliant Cleaning Products to Buy This Week

The results? They picked out 26 cleaning solutions, calling them their favorites. From tried-and-true staples to brand-new discoveries, see below for our top picks.
Remodel
Gadgets
fromZDNET
1 day ago

Don't plug these 7 common household gadgets into an extension cord - according to an electrician

Heavy-duty appliances should not be connected to extension cords due to fire risks and overheating hazards.
Environment
fromFortune
4 days ago

Data centers are so hot, their 'heat island' effect is raising temperatures up to 6 miles away and impacting 343 million people worldwide, study finds | Fortune

AI infrastructure is creating a 'data heat island effect' that raises local temperatures and impacts millions of people.
Renovation
fromwww.architectsjournal.co.uk
4 days ago

Practices launch architects on your doorstep' mobile AI advertising drive

The Architects on your Doorstep project uses AI to generate home makeover ideas, helping architects engage with the public and drum up business.
fromAol
6 days ago
Digital life

9 High-Tech Items Digital Nomads Should Never Leave Behind When Traveling For Remote Work

Digital nomadism is mainstream, with increasing options for remote work and new gadgets enhancing the experience.
Remodel
fromZDNET
1 week ago

I didn't have to drill these renter-friendly smart lights into my wall - and I love them for it

Poplight wall lights offer stylish, renter-friendly lighting solutions without damaging walls, featuring a variety of colors and easy assembly.
Gadgets
fromZDNET
3 days ago

Oneisall Ease S1 review: Finally, a smart litter box that doesn't cost an arm and a paw

The Oneisall Ease S1 offers a functional, affordable alternative to high-priced robot litter boxes, focusing on basic scooping and sifting features.
Roam Research
fromWIRED
1 week ago

Affordability Doesn't Suck With Eufy's Newest Robot Vac

The Omni C28 features a self-cleaning roller mop and can learn multiple maps, making it effective for various floor types.
Apple
fromThe Verge
2 weeks ago

Ikea tried to build a smart home for everyone - here's why it's not working yet

Ikea's affordable Matter-over-Thread smart home products face significant connectivity and onboarding issues across multiple platforms despite promising accessibility and reliability.
Gadgets
fromgizmodo.com
5 days ago

The Best Gadgets of March 2026

Apple launched the $600 MacBook Neo, which received positive reviews despite some tradeoffs in features and specifications.
Gadgets
fromWIRED
5 days ago

Our Favorite Affordable Air Purifier Is Temporarily Even Cheaper

Coway Airmega Mighty air purifier is discounted to $154 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, offering effective air cleaning for various room sizes.
E-Commerce
fromZDNET
2 weeks ago

6 useful Bluetooth gadgets that feel like life hacks (and won't break the bank)

Spring savings events offer opportunities to purchase Bluetooth gadgets that enhance daily routines at affordable prices.
fromReadWrite
2 weeks ago

From Reactive Repairs to Smarter Home Protection: How Technology Is Changing Roof Care

In the past, roof inspections mostly focused on what could be seen from the outside. Contractors looked for broken shingles, worn flashing, or areas where water might enter the roof. The problem is that roof damage does not always show clear signs right away. Water can move through roofing layers before it becomes visible inside the home.
Renovation
Roam Research
fromTheregister
2 weeks ago

Water company spins out homegrown AI after LLMs failed it

Large language models provided confidently incorrect information about materials science, causing a water desalination startup to waste four months and $200,000 validating a material choice that ultimately proved inferior.
Gadgets
fromThe Verge
5 days ago

You can grab a four-pack of Govee's color-changing smart bulbs for just $27

Govee's Smart A19 LED Light Bulbs enhance home ambiance with color-changing features and smart connectivity, currently available at a discounted price.
Gadgets
fromSlashGear
1 week ago

10 Smart Gadgets To Help Upgrade Your Home Office - SlashGear

Investing in smart gadgets for a home office can enhance productivity and organization for remote workers.
Artificial intelligence
fromMedium
2 weeks ago

From Dumb Devices to Digital Teammates: How Agentic AI is Revolutionizing the Internet of Things

Agentic AI transforms IoT from obedient automation into intelligent systems that anticipate needs, reason through problems, and take initiative rather than simply following programmed commands.
fromThe Verge
2 weeks ago

Kasa's Matter-compatible smart plugs are on sale for $11 a pop

The plugs let you add smart controls to devices like lamps, fans, chargers, coffee makers, and heaters. All you need is plug one into an outlet and connect it to your Wi-Fi network, and you can automate whatever's attached using the Kasa app on your phone.
Gadgets
fromZDNET
1 month ago

Your smart home may be at risk - 6 ways experts protect your devices from attacks

All smart homes are at risk of being hacked, but it's not a likely event. The type of bad actors that target smart homes and devices, such as security cameras, are opportunistic. They search randomly for easy targets -- they don't tend to choose a particular home to attack and then try to circumvent that specific system.
Privacy technologies
Gadgets
fromElite Traveler
2 weeks ago

Meet the $20,000 Robot Housekeeper Set to Transform How You Live

Humanoid domestic robots like NEO are entering homes to perform household tasks, requiring owners to participate in ongoing training processes that refine AI behavior in real-world environments.
Privacy technologies
fromMedium
1 month ago

The design failures of consumer IoT

Essential anti-theft features in IoT devices are increasingly locked behind paywalls, leaving users vulnerable when subscriptions expire and data collection stops.
Gadgets
fromZDNET
3 weeks ago

How to set up a smart switch to power your home (and what to avoid when you do)

SwitchBot is a battery-operated robotic finger that automates switch pressing, eliminating the need to manually flip switches through smartphone app control via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Information security
fromZDNET
2 months ago

3 security gadgets I never leave home without (and don't break the bank)

Carry an inexpensive kit of physical security tools, like a USB data blocker, to protect devices from malicious chargers, cables, and data theft while traveling.
fromZDNET
2 months ago

Unplugging these 7 common household devices helped reduce my electricity bills

With costs climbing across the US, energy prices stand out, made worse by record-breaking summer heat and recent waves of scorching temperatures that have affected multiple states. Having endured several of them this season, I'm always looking for ways to reduce energy use. There are many small things you can do to shave dollars off your monthly energy bill, and they go beyond simply switching off the lights when you leave the room.
Environment
#home-improvement
fromInverse
2 months ago

60 Cheap but Life-Changing Things You'll Wish You Knew About Sooner

Whether you're whipping up a labor-intensive meal or are working from home at a stand-up desk, these cushioned floor mats are about to make your legs and back so much happier. They're made with memory foam and supportive padding to help ease pressure on your joints as you stand. They're also waterproof to stand up to spills and splashes, and come in a variety of colors and sizes to suit your space.
E-Commerce
Gadgets
fromInverse
1 month ago

50 Weird but Genius Home Upgrades That Make Your Home Way Safer

Small, unexpected, and affordable home gadgets can prevent hazards, stop break‑ins, reduce slips, and fix problems early, delivering significant peace of mind.
fromThe Atlantic
1 month ago

Smart Homes Are Terrible

All of the appliances and systems are brand-new: the HVAC, the lighting, the entertainment. Touch screens of various shapes and sizes control this, that, and the other. Rows of programmable buttons sit where traditional light switches would normally be. The kitchen even has outlets designed to rise up from the countertop when you need them, and slide away when you don't.
Gadgets
#smart-plugs
fromWIRED
2 months ago
Gadgets

Smart Plugs Don't Always Make Sense. Here's When You Should Actually Use Them

fromZDNET
2 months ago
Gadgets

Your smart plug is seriously underutilized: 7 ways I've programmed mine to automate my home

fromWIRED
2 months ago
Gadgets

Smart Plugs Don't Always Make Sense. Here's When You Should Actually Use Them

fromZDNET
2 months ago
Gadgets

Your smart plug is seriously underutilized: 7 ways I've programmed mine to automate my home

Gadgets
fromThe Verge
1 month ago

Ikea's cheap new smart home gear is struggling to get connected

Ikea's new Matter-over-Thread smart-home devices are experiencing widespread onboarding and connectivity failures across platforms, leaving many devices unpairable or unreliable.
fromZDNET
2 months ago

These unassuming devices promised to lower my electricity bills - only this one was legit

They do nothing to save you power Scam "power saving" devices are rampant online. These devices plug into an outlet and promise to "improve the use of energy," "extend the life of electrical equipment," and even "avoid illegal electrical waste." Sounds great, right? Also: This USB power meter I tested is shockingly accurate - especially for how cheap it is Well, despite the bold claims and the sticker on the front of the unit, they are too good to be true.
Gadgets
Gadgets
fromEngadget
1 year ago

The best winter tech for 2026 to help get you through the coldest months

Nekteck Shiatsu heated foot massager warms feet and boosts circulation with strong air-and-roller kneading, relieving fatigue but possibly too intense for larger or sensitive feet.
Gadgets
fromApartment Therapy
2 months ago

10 New Home Gadgets That Made Me Say, "Wait, That's Actually Genius"

CES showcased smart home and appliance innovations blending AI, design, and space-saving concepts, including AI bird feeders, smart lighting, and advanced kitchen and laundry appliances.
Gadgets
fromSocial Media Explorer
1 month ago

Voice Control Basics: Making Your Smart Home Work With A Single Command - Social Media Explorer

Intent-based voice control uses LLMs and contextual signals to understand natural language and trigger smart-home and small-business actions seamlessly.
Gadgets
fromZDNET
2 months ago

I tested power-saving devices that promise lower electricity bills - only one was legit

Scam power‑saving devices do not reduce electricity use, can increase bills or cause fires; use smart plugs, power strips, and monitoring to cut energy costs.
fromWIRED
2 months ago

One of Our Favorite Smart Plugs for Apple Users Is $15 Off

On the hunt for new smart plugs to upgrade your home automation? One of our favorite picks, the Meross MSS110 Smart Plug Mini, is currently marked down on Amazon. The two pack is discounted from $34 to $27, and the four pack is down to $34 from its usual price of $52. These plugs help add smart functionality to otherwise dumb devices around your home, like lamps or fans, so they can be included in your routines.
Gadgets
Gadgets
fromEngadget
2 months ago

Emerson Smart brings offline voice control to lamps and fans

Emerson Smart appliances process voice commands locally on-device, enabling voice control of plugs, fans, heaters, and air fryers without Wi‑Fi or cloud processing.
Gadgets
fromZDNET
2 months ago

12+ powerful Alexa commands you should start using at home (no subscriptions required)

Amazon Alexa transforms home automation by managing lighting and routines through Echo devices, occupancy sensors, smart switches, and customizable voice-triggered actions.
Gadgets
fromScary Mommy
2 months ago

65 Genius Things That Have Super High Reviews & Are Incredibly Cheap

Highly rated, budget-friendly household gadgets provide clever, practical solutions for safety, convenience, and everyday tasks, with many starting around $7.
fromWIRED
1 month ago

What Is Thread? We Explain the Smart Home Network Protocol

Originally developed by Nest (before the Google acquisition), Thread has existed since 2011. Devised as a power-efficient mesh networking technology for internet-of-things (IoT) products, Thread gathered pace after the 2014 formation of the Thread Group, which develops the technology and drives its adoption as an industry standard. Founding members like ARM, Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm have been joined by Apple, Amazon, and many other big companies over the years.
Gadgets
Gadgets
fromBustle
1 month ago

The 60 Most Life-Changing Things You Can Get For Your Home Under $25

Affordable household products under $25 that simplify routines and improve home comfort, including grocery bag holders, rug grippers, and motion-sensing keyhole lights.
[ Load more ]