Google has released its third Google Home app update this September, focused on making Gemini for Home better at filtering background noise to register voice commands and respond faster. The update also improves multilingual recognition, Find My Phone reliability, smart light controls, camera tiles, and device setup, alongside fixes for Matter switches, Favorites tiles, camera playback, Onn camera history, and Automations.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-30
Apple is said to be preparing to release its long-rumored smart home hub device around mid-October, alongside a refreshed HomePod Mini. The report suggests both products could debut close together in the same timeframe.
gizmodo.com
· 2026-09-30
Fast Company introduced a new recognition initiative called Pacesetters, highlighting executives who are integrating AI and technology into customer experience design. A panel discussion moderated by Mansueto Ventures' Stephanie Mehta featured Amit Bajaj of Tata Consultancy Services, Fran Bell of The Home Depot, and Eugene Nikolavsky of Stellantis. The session, sponsored by TCS, addressed how companies can deploy AI to reduce friction while maintaining customer trust.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-09-30
Amazon is selling the Ugreen 10-port gigabit PoE+ switch for $37.79, its lowest price yet. The unmanaged switch supports the IEEE 802.3at standard, delivering up to 30W per port and 60W total across its eight PoE+ ports, with automatic shutdown of lower-priority ports if power draw exceeds that limit.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-09-30
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple will release its rumored Home Hub on October 13th, a 6-inch square display device available in countertop and wall-mounted versions. The device uses face and voice recognition to personalize its interface for different household members and will control smart home devices like thermostats and door locks while showcasing Apple's new Siri assistant.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-30
Green Mountain Power (GMP) is using networked home batteries and software as a 'virtual power plant' to manage electricity demand instead of relying on traditional power plants. GMP says about half of the households enrolled in its battery programme also have solar panels installed.
bbc.com
· 2026-09-29
The film will be available for digital download starting October 6, according to the report. A physical release, presumably on Blu-ray and DVD, follows on December 15.
gizmodo.com
· 2026-09-29
Google's new Home speaker acts as a Gemini-powered voice assistant that also handles multi-room music playback without requiring any subscription beyond a music streaming service. It works with Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and Amazon Music, and is set up and controlled through the redesigned Google Home app, which also supports speaker groups and moving audio between rooms. The speaker uses a single 58mm driver, making it noticeably quieter and less clear than pricier alternatives like Sonos' Era 100, though two units can be paired for stereo sound.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-29
Cat7 cable raises the frequency rating to 600 MHz versus Cat6's 250 MHz, adding foil shielding around each twisted pair plus an outer shield to reduce crosstalk and interference, and was designed to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet over 100 meters. However, a true Cat7 installation requires compatible GG45 or TERA connectors and a cabling channel that meets the full specification, not just a cable labeled Cat7 plugged into standard RJ45 ports. Meanwhile, TIA guidance indicates Cat6 can support 10GBASE-T reliably up to about 37 meters, and potentially up to 55 meters depending on interference conditions.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-29
CNET tested Chamberlain's Premier Smart Garage Door Opener with MyQ technology, priced at $379, which combines a garage door motor with an integrated security camera featuring AI detection and motion zone controls. The device also includes a 2,000-lumen LED light, keypad, wall controller and remotes, and offers app-based scheduling and automatic closing rules, though advanced features require a subscription and professional installation.
cnet.com
· 2026-09-29
According to the LendingOne-ResiClub SFR Investor Survey for Q3 2026, 84% of surveyed single-family rental investors said rising home insurance premiums affected their cash flow in 2026. The survey, published by ResiClub, compiles responses from investors in the single-family rental market.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-09-28
ResiClub reports that home prices are moving in different directions across the nation's 50 largest metropolitan housing markets, with notable variation at the regional and local level. The report does not present a uniform national trend, instead highlighting divergence from market to market.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-09-28
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