More from All the smart home news, reviews, and gadgets you need to know about
After years of false starts, the promise of ambient intelligence has arrived, but will it be worth the price?
Amazon and Google just launched a bunch of new smart home hardware and software features this week, and I know you have questions. I haven’t tested any of them yet, but I got some hands-on time with the new gadgets and spoke with folks at both companies about the new features, so come ask me anything! I’ll go live at 1 PM ET.
I tried Amazon and Google’s new smart home gadgets this week, ask me anything!
First look at Google’s new $99 Home Speaker, launching in 2026 with a vastly improved Gemini assistant
These new Echo devices may have just won Alexa Plus a permanent place in my smart home.
As Amazon prepares to launch new hardware this week, it needs to push Alexa to the next level.
This summer, The Verge’s video team braved 90-degree temps to capture the smart home tech I test and use in my backyard.
From smart chicken coops to robot lawnmowers, smart sprinklers, AI-powered grills, and smart lighting, this tour shows how tech can help you manage, maintain, and get more out of your backyard.
An update to Google Home for web lets you control more devices from your browser, including Nest thermostats. A new Devices tab alongside Cameras and Automations tabs now lets you view the live status of and control connected gadgets such as lights, locks, blinds, robot vacuums, garage doors, plugs, and switches.
From circadian rhythm lamps to immersive TV backlighting and festive outdoor setups, smart lighting is easier and more versatile than ever. Here’s some ideas on how to make it work in your home.
With Nest stripped for parts, can Google’s new AI-powered Google Home win back users?
The speaker spotted at Google’s Pixel event could be called the Google Home Speaker -- reviving the original branding of Google’s smart speakers, which was dropped in 2019 in favor of Nest.
Code spotted by 9to5Google suggests the new name. The speaker is expected to arrive on October 1st.
Google says it has completed its transition of Nest products to the Google Home App, a process it started in 2023.
The company announced it has added hot water controls for UK/EU users of Nest thermostats, one of the last major features still available only in the Nest app. Hot water boost, scheduling, and temperature settings will roll out in the coming weeks, allowing Nest users to control all their Nest devices through the Google Home app.
In the first public demo of the new universal language for smart locks, I used a Samsung Galaxy S24 to tap-to-open a Nuki smart lock. No app necessary, and no need to unlock the phone first.
Aliro is based on Apple’s NFC Home Key technology and will support UWB unlocking, allowing any smartphone to securely unlock any door lock, regardless of ecosystem or brand. The Aliro standard is scheduled to launch later this year.
It’s officially Day 1 of the IFA 2025 tech show, and I made a beeline for the Smart Home hall, where I’ll be checking out new products from Govee (like these fetching new pendant lights — coming soon), Aqara, Reolink, Aeotec, Shelly, and more.
Stay tuned to our IFA story stream for all the news.
