Some Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses users reported their devices recorded and transcribed conversations even though they hadn't activated the AI assistant with the wake phrase, including users who had disabled the 'Respond without Hey Meta' setting. Meta told Android Authority the issue has been resolved and that users can review or delete voice logs through settings, but has not explained what caused the bug or how many devices were affected.
A HomeKit Weekly column advises smart home users to buy outdoor-rated smart plugs now for Halloween decorations, noting the same hardware and automations can be reused for Christmas lights in December. It recommends ensuring a home hub (Apple TV, HomePod, or HomePod mini) is set up first, and suggests dual-outlet outdoor plugs and devices like Eve Energy for indoor use such as Christmas trees or fog machines.
IEEE has broadened the offerings of its Smart Cities Technical Community, originally launched in 2013 as the IEEE Smart Cities Initiative, to give city officials, engineers and researchers access to unbiased guidance and educational resources on smart-city technology. The group aims to address recurring problems in smart city deployments, including inconsistent standards, privacy breaches and weak coordination among stakeholders.
Apple's latest iOS 27.2 beta introduces three changes: granular settings to enable or disable specific Messages 'Suggestions' like calendar and reminder prompts, two new Home app options for smart locks covering auto-lock timing and door-left-open alerts, and a visual overhaul of the Music app that replaces its red branding with black-and-white icons and blue tab accents.
Code found in the latest version of the Google Wallet app points to two upcoming features aimed at improving how users add passes and manage payments. The specific functionality has not been officially confirmed or launched by Google.
Microsoft says its October KB5127648 security update for Windows 11, version 24H2 and later, can leave the Smart App Control option grayed out so it can't be switched on if it was previously off. Devices that already had Smart App Control enabled are unaffected. No permanent fix exists yet, but Microsoft has published registry edits and Group Policy settings administrators can use to restore the toggle.
Apple's French regulatory website briefly listed a Smart Folio accessory with model number A3632, which doesn't match any current product. The filing, dated September 8, 2026, shows different recycled-material and rare-earth-element content compared to the existing iPad mini Smart Folio, according to MacRumors.
Ecobee is selling a refurbished version of its Essential smart thermostat (formerly the Lite) for $120 with free shipping, down from its $140 regular price, through its own refurbished store. The deal includes the same three-year warranty as a new unit and runs through Wednesday, October 21. Refurbished Enhanced ($170) and Premium ($220) models, bundles with security accessories, standalone sensors ($50), and a video doorbell ($130) are also on sale.
Amazon has discounted its Echo Dot Max smart speaker by 25%, bringing the price down to $89.99. The device is pitched as a compact Alexa speaker with stronger bass and fuller sound compared to earlier Dot models.
Apple unveiled HomeView, its first smart home display with Siri integration, on Tuesday, with availability starting Nov. 13. CNET's reviewer, who has tested Echo Show and Nest Hub devices for years, got hands-on time with HomeView and found its design similar to Amazon's Echo Show 11, but with a notably smaller 7-inch screen and a stationary base rather than a rotating one.
Shelly has released the Presence Gen4, a smart home sensor that uses mmWave radar instead of a camera to detect the location and movement of up to 10 people or pets in a space up to 650 square feet. Priced at $84.99, it's available now through Shelly's online store and works with Google Home, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, and Home Assistant via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Matter.
Ash Saulsbury, who previously worked on Meta's smart-glasses technology, is building Awear AI, a platform designed to let wearers carry their AI assistant's learned preferences and memories across different devices and brands. The effort targets a market where Meta and Google currently tie their AI assistants tightly to their own glasses hardware and services.
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