More from All the smart home news, reviews, and gadgets you need to know about
9
Verge Score
This WALL-E-like bot fixes the stuff every other robot vacuum gets wrong.
The new Matter-over-Thread lineup delivers affordable, platform-agnostic lighting, sensors, and remotes for every smart home.
Google’s Nest cams now use AI to tell you what they see, not just show you. Only sometimes it tells me about things that aren’t there.
Ars Technica reports that Google’s new Gemini capabilities on Nest Cam are causing confusion, such as mistaking a dog for a deer, while others have reported fake people in notifications.
The AI-powered text descriptions and daily summaries arrived with the new cameras this month. I’m currently testing Gemini for Home, and so far, no deer in the house. I’ll have a full review next week.
8
Verge Score
The hardware finally feels ready, but Alexa Plus is still a work in progress.
The Roomba robot vacuum maker reported in a regulatory filing that its last potential buyer has withdrawn. The company, which has been seeking a sale since its deal with Amazon was scuppered by EU regulatory scrutiny, warned it could be forced to seek bankruptcy.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy called it “a sad story” and an example of regulation gone wrong in an interview with CNBC today.
And here’s how to opt out.
6
Verge Score
Smart security, no hands required.
Jamie Siminoff’s new book, Ding Dong, charts how his video doorbell startup turned into a home security behemoth.
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.