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A consumer tech guide argues that shoppers don't need top-tier routers with long spec sheets, and instead should prioritize four features: gigabit Ethernet ports, parental controls, Wi-Fi 6 or newer, and adequate whole-home coverage. It notes that budget routers often include most of these already, and that placement or mesh systems can matter more than raw speed.
A troubleshooting guide explains why smart home devices frequently drop off Wi-Fi networks, pointing to router connection limits, band compatibility issues, and signal range as common culprits. It recommends upgrading from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 6 or 7 routers, separating 2.4GHz and 5GHz SSIDs for older accessories, and using multiple Apple home hubs to reduce HomeKit's 'No Response' errors.
Roku's current lineup includes the Streaming Stick Plus and 4K, plus two $150 models, the Roku Ultra and Streambar SE. The 4K stick adds Dolby Vision support and longer Wi-Fi range over the Plus, while the Ultra set-top box adds Wi-Fi 6, an Ethernet port and Dolby Atmos support, and the Streambar SE combines a soundbar with streaming but lacks Atmos.
The ONOAYO ONO5 Pro 2.0 Movie Projector is now listed at $296.94 on Amazon, a 40% cut from its $493.99 list price. The native 1080p projector supports 4K input, runs Smart OS 2.0 with built-in Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and live TV apps, and includes AI autofocus and auto keystone correction.
Many smart TVs and streaming devices include Ethernet jacks limited to 100Mbps even though gigabit Ethernet has existed for decades, while the same TVs often support Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6, which can exceed gigabit speeds under good conditions. Despite the raw speed gap, Ethernet still offers more stable, interference-free connections over distances up to 100 meters using Cat 6 cable.
Wi-Fi 7, the new 802.11be standard, adds 320 MHz-wide channels, Multi-Link Operation across bands, 4096-QAM modulation and better beamforming, pushing theoretical speeds to about 46 Gbps versus Wi-Fi 6's 9.6 Gbps. Despite expanded use of the 6 GHz spectrum, it still operates across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands rather than relying solely on 6 GHz.
An analysis of anonymised data from millions of home network client connections across Europe found that 72.9% still use Wi-Fi 5 or earlier standards, with Wi-Fi 4 alone making up a quarter of connections. Only 27.1% of connections use Wi-Fi 6 or newer, and even on the most capable gateways, clients hit 1 Gbps or more just 5.5% of the time.
JBL has introduced the PartyBox Ultimate 2, its most powerful portable speaker to date, featuring 1,500 watts of output and a large, 41.4-inch design. The speaker includes a built-in light show with ripple-wave effects, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.0, and multiple audio inputs, along with a touch control panel. It is available for pre-order at $1,800, with shipping scheduled for late October 2026.
Amazon has launched a new Fire TV Stick 4K priced at $60, replacing both the previous 4K Select and 4K Plus models. It supports HDR10 and HDR10 Plus, includes 8GB storage, a quad-core 1.7GHz processor, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, and ships with a redesigned remote that drops the dedicated Alexa button in favor of a home button. Amazon also said a premium remote with backlighting and a find-my-remote feature is coming in 2027.
Amazon has released an updated Fire TV Stick 4K with a slimmer design, a quad-core 1.7GHz processor, 8GB storage, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 support. It runs Amazon's Vega operating system with Alexa+ built in, uses Direct Power to draw power from a TV's USB port, and ships with a redesigned remote featuring an asymmetric shape and a customizable button. The device is priced at $59.99, available now in the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia and the UK, with a $29.99 Prime promotional price in the US and further market rollout expected by end of October.
Amazon's new $59.99 Fire TV Stick 4K, available now, can be powered directly from a television's USB port instead of requiring a separate adapter. It runs Amazon's refreshed TV OS with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, and replaces the previous 4K 'Select' and 'Plus' sticks, trimming the streaming lineup to four devices. Amazon also unveiled a redesigned Fire TV Remote for $14.99, shipping late October, plus Alexa Plus integrations across the Fire TV app and a new Amazon Music app.
Android Authority highlighted two standout gadgets from IFA 2026 in Berlin: Blurams' F20C HelioCam Pro, a solar-powered 4K outdoor security camera with no wiring and a free lifetime cloud plan, and Mammotion's LUBA 4 AWD, a robot lawn mower designed to better handle lawn edges. The Blurams camera uses a 12,000mAh battery paired with a detachable solar panel, is IP66-rated for weather resistance, and runs on-device AI detection for people, vehicles, and pets, with footage stored locally or via free cloud playback.