Multiple Wear OS users across Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch, and OnePlus Watch devices say Gemini claims to complete smart home commands—like adjusting lights, AC, or vacuums—without actually executing them. The issue surfaced around the same time Google expanded Gemini for Home's voice command capabilities on phones and speakers, where the assistant continues to work normally. Google has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded publicly.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-04
The Verge's editorial team, including news editor Dom Preston and smart home reviewer Jen Tuohy, spent the week at IFA in Berlin testing new products firsthand. They opened a subscriber-only Q&A session to field reader questions about the devices they tried, with answers rolling out live starting at 12PM ET.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-04
UGREEN has launched a set of new smart home devices including three cameras (one indoor, two outdoor), a smart speaker, and a digital photo frame. The cameras—Indoor Cam ID500 Pro, PoE Cam OD600 Pro, and Battery Cam OD800 Pro—all feature 8MP 4K main sensors and are built to integrate with UGREEN's local-AI smart home hubs for video processing and storage. The new SynCare Smart Speaker connects users to UGREEN's own AI assistant, called Uliya.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-03
Philips Hue is expanding its smart lighting range with unconventional designs, including a flexible, colorful light that can be bent into shapes and a tall pole light meant to be propped against a wall rather than mounted. The additions signal a shift toward more sculptural, decor-focused lighting rather than purely functional fixtures.
gizmodo.com
· 2026-09-03
Xiaomi officially unveiled the Xiaomi 18 Fold at IFA 2026, giving the public its first real look at the wide-screen foldable in a cherry red finish after weeks of leaked images. The device features a triple-camera setup with a focal range suggesting roughly 3.3x telephoto zoom, and it debuts alongside more than 380 other products at Xiaomi's booth, including its smart home and connected ecosystem lineup.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-03
Anker plans to phase out its Soundcore, Eufy, and other sub-brand names worldwide, consolidating everything under the unified Anker identity. The rollout will vary by country—Japan, for instance, is set to complete the switch by the end of 2026 under a 'One Anker' initiative—meaning products currently sold as Soundcore earbuds or Eufy cameras will eventually be rebranded as Anker devices.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-03
Philips Hue is partnering with rival Nanoleaf to bring Hexagon, Triangle, and Mini Triangle wall panels into its smart lighting system via a new $39.99 Wall Light Module, available starting September 3rd. The module contains Hue's full connectivity stack—Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Thread—letting users control the panels through the Hue app or Matter-compatible apps like Apple Home, while also unlocking Hue scenes, automations, and entertainment features.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-03
Anker introduced the Eufy MindBase at IFA Berlin, a local AI hub that runs an on-device LLM to process camera footage without sending it to the cloud. The device acts as a Matter controller supporting over 40 device categories, works with Apple HomeKit Secure Video, Alexa, Google Home, and Home Assistant, and can handle up to 16 wireless cameras, four wired cameras, and 34 sensors. Anker also announced companion products including the TrackLight Cam S1, S4 video doorbell, and a window camera, though pricing and release dates remain unannounced.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-03
Google has rolled out a Google Home app update that lets Gemini for Home handle voice requests that mix media playback and smart device controls in a single command, such as turning off lights while stopping music. The update also fixes previously reported bugs with setting alarms and adding items to Google Keep, and it now alphabetizes automation options while enforcing privacy settings on third-party routines.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-02
Tado has unveiled its Smart Thermostat X, a 17.8mm-thick device priced at £159.99-£199.99 depending on wired or battery-powered versions. The company says Google's decision to shut down servers for older Nest thermostats has already driven a surge in sales, and it's betting more Nest owners will switch as support for older generations lapses.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-02
Anthom, maker of the Homey smart home platform, has unveiled the Homey Portal, a €249 wall- or desk-mounted controller featuring a 2.8-inch round touchscreen and a stainless-steel rotary dial. Each unit is tied to a specific room and lets anyone present adjust lights, music, temperature and existing Homey Flows without opening an app. Pre-orders are open now, with shipping expected before year-end.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-01
Athom-owned Homey has unveiled the Homey Portal, a 2.8-inch round touchscreen device with a stainless steel dial that lets users tap and twist to control lights, speakers, thermostats, and shades. Preorders start today at $249/€249, with shipping planned for December, and the device supports over 70,000 products from 2,000+ brands via Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Thread.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-01
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