34 – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Jennifer Pattison Tuohy

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy

Senior Reviewer, Smart Home

Senior Reviewer, Smart Home

    More From Jennifer Pattison Tuohy

    Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
    Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
    Level’s latest lock supports Matter over Thread.

    As promised, the smart lock that doesn’t look like a smart lock now supports the new smart home standard, bringing better connectivity options without needing Level’s bridge.

    The new Level Lock Plus (Matter) costs $329, and existing Level Plus owners can upgrade to Matter for free through January 14, 2025. But while they could support Thread, the Level Bolt, Lock, and Lock Touch aren’t eligible for this upgrade.

    If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission.

    The new Level Lock Plus (Matter) supports Matter over Thread so can work with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings.
    The new Level Lock Plus (Matter) supports Matter over Thread so can work with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings.
    Image: Level Home, Inc.
    Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
    Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
    Some of Google Home’s Gemini-powered features are arriving this week.

    The Google Home extension for Gemini is now available on Android, and the AI-powered features for Google Nest cameras are rolling out to select Nest Aware Plus users in Public Preview today and will come to more users in the next few weeks.

    Google also announced a new customizable Member access feature for sharing select devices with friends and family.

    Gemini intelligence is coming to Google Home

    Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
    Apple could launch a smart security camera in 2026Apple could launch a smart security camera in 2026
    Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
    This tiny smart lock promises to unlock your door in under two secondsThis tiny smart lock promises to unlock your door in under two seconds
    Blink’s newest hub takes its security cameras beyond Wi-FiBlink’s newest hub takes its security cameras beyond Wi-Fi
    Matter 1.4 tries to set the smart home standard back on trackMatter 1.4 tries to set the smart home standard back on track
    Amazon’s new Alexa has reportedly slipped to 2025Amazon’s new Alexa has reportedly slipped to 2025
    Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
    Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
    Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
    Home energy harmony.

    EcoFlow’s whole-home energy backup solution, PowerOcean, now works with LG’s Homey smart home platform to help manage your home’s energy use. According to a press release:

    Users can automatically change their lights to green when the EcoFlow EV charger completes charging their vehicle. They can also start their washing machine when their EcoFlow solar panels generate excess energy or receive notifications when energy prices drop, making it cost-effective to charge their EcoFlow home battery.

    PowerOcean is currently only available in Europe, but EcoFlow says it’s coming to the US next year.

    EcoFlow joins the Talks with Homey program

    [homey.app]

    Alexa, where’s my Star Trek Computer?

    When Amazon launched its Alexa voice assistant, it envisioned a computer platform that could do anything for you. A decade later, the company is still trying to build it.

    Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
    Eero’s new product takes Wi-Fi beyond your wallsEero’s new product takes Wi-Fi beyond your walls
    Jennifer Pattison Tuohy

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