Homey has introduced a new Device Updates feature that lets users install over-the-air firmware updates for smart home devices across Matter, Zigbee, and Z-Wave protocols directly within its app. Zigbee and Z-Wave updates come through their respective sub-apps, while Matter updates are pulled from the Connectivity Standards Alliance's Distributed Compliance Ledger. The feature is rolling out with Homey app version 9.10.0 and later across Homey Cloud, Homey Pro, Homey Pro mini, and Homey Self-Hosted Server.
Basement, a well-known New York City nightclub, announced on social media that anyone wearing or carrying smart glasses, such as Meta's, will be asked to leave and could face a lifetime ban. The club says the devices' ability to secretly record conflicts with its existing no-photo, no-video policy meant to protect patrons' privacy on the dance floor.
Meta has rolled out a software update that disables the camera on its AI smart glasses if the capture LED is covered while recording is already in progress, closing a gap some users exploited to record secretly. The company also launched a billboard and video campaign in markets where the glasses sell well, explaining that the blinking light indicates active recording.
Hoomanely, a Palo Alto startup, has developed a sensor-equipped feeding station called EverBowl that tracks a dog's eating speed, water intake, chewing sounds, facial thermals, and oral movements. An AI platform analyzes this data to build a personalized health baseline for each dog, flagging owners through an app when behavior deviates in ways that could signal illness. The company says the system was refined over an 18-month beta test that collected roughly 5 million data points.
Speedo has introduced SpeedoIQ, a removable sensor module that fits into its Vanquisher swim goggles to track pace, distance, breathing, head position and turns. Unlike rival Form's in-goggle display, SpeedoIQ stores data for review after a swim via a companion app, and World Aquatics has cleared it for competitive use. Speedo says it works across all stroke types without requiring a subscription, though pricing and release timing remain unannounced.
A class action lawsuit filed against Oura claims the company misled consumers about the accuracy of its smart ring's sleep-stage tracking. The suit argues Oura lacks sensors for brain waves, eye movement, and muscle activity needed to properly detect sleep stages, and instead relies on AI guesswork from heart rate, temperature, and breathing data. The named plaintiff, who paid $503 for the ring, says she was overcharged for a device that doesn't deliver the accuracy Oura advertises.
Amazon has discounted its 15.6-inch 2nd-generation Echo Show 15 smart display by $80, bringing the price down from $349.99 to $269.99, a 23% reduction. The deal matches the best pricing seen since Amazon's June Prime Day event.
Speedo has introduced a detachable sensor module called Speedo iQ that fits its Vanquisher goggles and tracks performance data across all four competitive swim strokes. The module measures head movement, breathing timing, and distance per stroke, then syncs that data to a companion app once the swimmer exits the pool. The goggles with the module cost $189, require no subscription, and are approved for use in World Aquatics competitions.
Politico reports the Trump administration is considering expanding semiconductor tariffs to cover finished consumer electronics like laptops and gaming consoles, and potentially smartphones and accessories, rather than just standalone chip imports. Companies investing in US-based chip manufacturing could be granted exemptions, but building such facilities typically takes years and billions of dollars, meaning near-term relief is unlikely.
Leaked images shared by Weibo user Peter show what appears to be an engineering prototype of the Xiaomi 18 Fold, a book-style folding phone with a camera island resembling the rumored iPhone Ultra design. The device reportedly comes in a dark cherry color, echoing speculation about one of the iPhone 18 Pro's colorways.
Some Samsung Galaxy Watch users, including owners of the Watch Ultra, Watch Ultra 2 and Watch 6 Classic, report their smartwatches fail to boot after a routine time zone update asks them to restart. Placing the watch on its charging puck has proven to revive it, according to reports from affected users and SamMobile's own testing.
IDC's August 2026 forecast predicts worldwide smartphone shipments will drop 16.7% this year, a steeper decline than the 13.9% estimate from May. The cause is a severe shortage of NAND and DRAM chips, with component costs up over 300% year-over-year as manufacturers redirect capacity to AI data centers. As a result, average smartphone selling prices have jumped 27.6% to $581, effectively pushing sub-$100 Android phones out of the market.
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