According to new code as spotted by pdfu, the Apple HomeView could be used as a HomeKit security camera. Strings found in HomeView Software 27.2 show support for HomeKit Secure Video, and once enabled, it could potentially allow the HomeView camera to monitor and record events in your home.

The HomeView was officially announced during Apple’s ‘Welcome Home’ event in October, after years of speculation about a new Apple smart home hub and display. It’s scheduled to be released on the 13th November, but if this code ‘leak’ is to be believed, it’s already getting software and feature updates.

While Apple hasn’t officially announced anything, pdfu on X has found localisation strings in HomeView Software 27.2 that could enable the HomeView to work as a security camera. As quoted from the post, “With HomeKit Security Camera enabled, HomeView’s camera can be used for activity detection, streaming and recording.”

If this software update is to be believed, there are four streaming / recording options available that allow users to manage how the HomeView works as a security camera. First is ‘Off’ which means the HomeView won’t detect any motion, or stream or record footage, and Home members won’t be able to stream in real time.

The other three options are Detect Activity, Stream and Stream & Allow Recording. Detect Activity does exactly what you’d expect – it detects motion but won’t stream or record anything. The Stream setting is for Home members to stream in real time without recording, and Stream & Allow Recording offers both, as well as viewing recordings.

Privacy is a top priority with this supposed feature. Users can customise when they want the camera to detect, stream or record, with the options being when you’re at home, away and asleep. Streaming, recording and detecting is also completely private to Home members, as only they can view them, and notifications will be sent if any camera settings are changed.

Other features include light and sound indicators so you can see when the HomeView is streaming or recording. A green light should appear on the display, and a sound should play when the camera starts to record, and when someone views the stream.

Your iPhone and other Apple devices with location enabled are expected to be used so the HomeView knows when you’re home and away, so it can trigger when the camera records or not. The pdfu post also states that face recognition, activity zones and other camera settings are available in the Home App, and location detection can be changed for specific devices in iCloud Settings.

Nanoleaf and Philips Hue might seem like a natural pairing, given their shared love of colourful and customisable lighting. However, despite their similarities, the two smart home ecosystems have largely operated separately until now. That's finally changing, opening up new possibilities for existing Hue users who want to bring Nanoleaf's distinctive wall lights into their homes.

We recently spoke to the brains behind the collaboration to get an insight into how it came about and what it means for the future of smart lighting. Now, I've been trying the new integration for myself with the Hue x Nanoleaf Hexagon Starter Set, which includes nine panels and the dedicated wall light module, to see how well it all comes together in practice.

Price and availability

The Philips Hue x Nanoleaf Hexagon Shapes bundles start at £214.98 for 9 hexagons or 9 triangles plus the Hue Wall light module. Starter sets with 12 panels will set you back £259.97, while the 15 pack of hexagons costs £304.95.

If you already happen to own any of the Nanoleaf Shapes panels mentioned above, you can also buy the Philips Hue wall light module separately for £34.99.

Unboxing and set up

If you already have the Hue ecosystem set up in your home, the starter bundle comes with everything you need. This includes the Hue module, 9 hexagon panel lights, 9 backing clips, 10 connectors and a multipack of backing stickers to attach them to your wall.

I found the setup really easy. You just stick and click the panels as you go, so you don’t need to build your entire setup before adding it to the wall. I also found the included plug cable to be a good size if you need a little extra stretch from your sockets to where you want the panels on your wall.

The one downside I did notice during setup is that there’s only ten connector clips included in the starter pack. This means the initial layouts you can create are limited, as some structures need multiple clips to hold them securely in place.

Once the panels are assembled and powered, getting them into the Hue app is just as simple. The small Hue wall light module connects to the panels via a Nanoleaf linker, and all you need to do is open the Hue app and scan the QR code on the module. The Shapes will then appear alongside your other connected Hue lights, without needing to set them up separately through the Nanoleaf app. A Hue Bridge isn't essential for the initial connection, but having one gives you access to additional Hue features.

Design and features

The appeal of the Nanoleaf Shapes has always been their customisable, interchangeable design – and the introduction of the Philips Hue functionality only adds to this. Each panel can be connected to another to create a layout of your choice, whether that's a simple geometric pattern or a much larger wall installation. The panels are designed to sit together seamlessly, with coloured lighting that can transform a wall into a decorative feature.

Once connected, you can control the Shapes just like other Hue lights, adjusting their brightness and colours, adding them to rooms and zones, and using them in the hundreds of pre-made static and dynamic Hue scenes. You can also include them in schedules and automations, control them using compatible voice assistants and group them with other Hue lighting to create a more cohesive atmosphere throughout your home.

That said, there are a few limitations worth keeping in mind. As this partnership is primarily designed to bring Nanoleaf lighting into the Hue ecosystem, not every feature from the Nanoleaf app carries across. Music visualisations, Nanoleaf-specific scenes, effects and touch gestures aren't available through the Hue app, and you'll also need to have compatible Nanoleaf Shapes panels, as older products such as the original Aurora and Canvas ranges aren't supported. The integration currently covers Hexagons, Triangles and Mini Triangles.

Performance

Thankfully, the Nanoleaf Shapes integrate seamlessly with the Hue app, so switching over doesn't mean having to compromise on responsiveness or compatibility. I found it really easy to move between different lighting scenes, and the panels worked particularly well alongside my main office light, which also uses a Philips Hue colour bulb. Everything felt nicely joined up, rather than like I was managing two separate lighting systems.

I'm a big fan of colour lighting and enjoy changing things up depending on my mood and the time of day. On darker days, I'll often opt for a brighter, more vibrant gradient to lift the room, before switching to softer pinks and oranges when I'm winding down in the evening. With so many colours and scenes to choose from, there's plenty of scope to experiment, and I found myself regularly changing the look of my office throughout the day.

That said, there is one limitation worth mentioning. At the moment, you can't have the Nanoleaf controller module and Philips Hue wall light module connected at the same time, meaning you can't control the panels through both apps simultaneously. Philips Hue has confirmed that combined control is planned for a future software update, but there's no confirmed release date just yet.

For existing Hue users looking to bring Nanoleaf lighting into their setup, this shouldn't be much of an issue. However, if you already own Nanoleaf Shapes and want to retain the ability to switch between both ecosystems, it may be worth holding off on buying the Hue controller until that update arrives.

Verdict

As an existing Philips Hue user who loves adding a bit of colour to my office, I think the Nanoleaf Shapes are a really lovely addition. While Nanoleaf products have traditionally been popular with streamers and gamers, I think these starter kits have much wider appeal and would be perfect for anyone who enjoys experimenting with smart lighting.

My main disappointment is that, at the time of writing, the Nanoleaf and Philips Hue apps and controllers can't be used simultaneously. This is a particular drawback for existing Nanoleaf users who want to enjoy the benefits of both ecosystems. As mentioned, Philips Hue has confirmed that combined control is planned for a future update, but it's a shame this functionality wasn't available from the outset.

Alternatives to consider

If hexagons aren't quite your thing, Nanoleaf also offers starter kits featuring triangles and mini triangles, available for the same price as the Hexagon Shapes range.

Alternatively, if you're not sold on the Nanoleaf Shapes but still want to expand your smart lighting setup, it's worth checking out some of Philips Hue's latest smart lighting launches, which were unveiled alongside the Nanoleaf collaboration. T3 is currently reviewing several of these products, so look out for those reviews coming soon.

The Xiaomi Mijia Smart Steam Air Fryer 7L has finally launched in the UK and Europe, following its initial announcement earlier this year. As its name suggests, it's more than a standard air fryer, offering 10 cooking functions, including steam and sous vide.

To accommodate these additional cooking modes, the appliance features an integrated 1.5-litre water tank positioned on top of the unit. This makes it easy to access and refill when using the steam function.

The air fryer is available now for £159.99/€179.99 through Xiaomi's online store.

It offers a temperature range of 30°C to 230°C, alongside 25 preset recipes to help users get started. Settings can be adjusted using the integrated LCD display and dial, whilst other cooking functions include frying, baking and defrosting.

There's also smart functionality built in, with the Mijia Smart Steam Air Fryer 7L connecting to the Xiaomi Home app. Through the app, users can browse more than 100 recipes and access additional controls. The appliance is also compatible with Google Home, allowing it to fit into an existing smart home setup.

Xiaomi’s new indoor security camera might be one of the most advanced models I’ve seen in a long time. The Xiaomi Smart Camera C701 Pro has dual lenses, impressive zoom and views, and clever AI detection features, including gesture recognition to start phone calls.

Dual lens cameras have become a popular security trend this year, offering double the views in one sleek model. The Xiaomi Smart Camera C701 Pro is a recent dual lens model to hit the market, and its two camera lenses offer 4K Ultra-HD resolution that captures images in crisp, clear detail.

The dual lens cameras on the Xiaomi Smart Camera C701 Pro include a 8MP ultra-wide angle lens and a 5MP long-range telephoto lens. They work together to monitor every area of your home, and offer 360° horizontal and 180° vertical views so you won’t miss a thing.

The camera lenses also support 9x hybrid zoom which automatically zooms and tracks objects. Unlike other camera’s zoom which often goes out of focus during extreme close-ups, the Xiaomi Smart Camera C701 Pro scales images to retain details and clarity.

As an indoor camera, the Xiaomi Smart Camera C701 Pro is petite and takes up minimal space, so you’ll hardly notice it in your home. It reminds me of Eve from Wall.E with its two lenses (or eyes), and while it’s wired, its cables can tuck away neatly.

The Xiaomi Smart Camera C701 Pro really comes into its own with its tracking and detection. Like most cameras with AI detection, the Xiaomi Smart Camera C701 Pro can differentiate between humans and pets, and can detect unusual noises, like babies crying or vases breaking.

When the Xiaomi Smart Camera C701 Pro hears these noises, it’ll alert you via notifications on the Xiaomi Home app. It also has a proactive alerts feature which allows it to recognise key areas, and its entrances and exits. If the camera detects your child has left a specific room, it’ll notify you immediately on your phone.

Speaking of phones, the Xiaomi Smart Camera C701 Pro comes with gesture recognition. If you make an ‘OK’ gesture at the camera, it will start a call for you, using its box speaker and noise-cancelling microphone.

I’m not sure why you’d want a gesture-based call feature, but it’s a fun thing to have, I guess. Personally, I’d worry about making accidental calls, but for enhanced privacy, the Xiaomi Smart Camera C701 Pro supports physical lens shielding, so you can turn the lenses off if you don’t want it to see or record anything.

The Xiaomi Smart Camera C701 Pro is available to buy for £109.99 / $129 at Xiaomi.

I’ve always been a big fan of IKEA when it comes to smart home tech. It's one of the brands I recommend most often, particularly if you're looking to build a smart home without spending a fortune.

I last covered IKEA's smart home lineup last in September, but there's been plenty of change since then. The retailer has continued to expand its offering, whilst also discontinuing a number of older products, meaning the range looks quite different now.

So, I thought it was time to take another look at what's available and put together an updated guide, and you'll find each suggestion below.

Octopus Energy has partnered with battery manufacturer Ampace to explore new ways of improving home energy storage, with the aim of making home batteries smarter, more affordable and more accessible to households.

The collaboration will explore new battery technologies, including sodium-ion chemistry, high-density cells and longer-lasting battery systems. Combined with Octopus Energy's software, these could automatically charge when electricity is cheapest or when more renewable energy is available. They could also send stored electricity back to the grid during periods of high demand.

The initial focus will be on European markets where Octopus Energy operates, but we'll keep you updated as the partnership develops and more details emerge.

The agreement builds on the existing relationship between CATL and Octopus Energy, which previously worked together to roll out Swaptopus battery-swapping stations across Europe.

It also adds to Octopus Energy's growing range of low-carbon home technology, which already includes its Octopus Charge EV chargers, Octopus Nook home batteries and Octopus Cosy heat pumps. The latter was recently back in the news following the announcement of the Cosy Cooler, a new accessory designed to turn the Cosy heat pump into a home cooling system.

Greg Jackson, Founder and CEO of Octopus Energy Group, said: "Combining CATL and Ampace's world-leading battery chemistry with Octopus's smart tech and customer platform will transform home energy storage. Together, we're building next-generation batteries where hardware and software work in complete harmony to slash energy bills and speed up the green energy transition."

Anker Solix has announced a major software update for its PowerOS energy management system, introducing a number of new features designed to make managing home energy more automated. PowerOS originally launched earlier in 2026 alongside the Anker Solix Solarbank 4 Pro.

Available through the Anker Power App, the system works across compatible Anker Solix energy storage products, helping households monitor and manage how they generate, store and use electricity.

The first features began rolling out in October 2026 to compatible devices, including the Solarbank 4 Pro and Solix XE, with further updates expected in December. Feature availability will vary depending on product compatibility and market.

The update introduces a new Self-Learning Engine, which analyses weather forecasts, energy consumption and electricity prices to optimise when batteries charge and discharge. According to Anker's internal simulations, this could help households on dynamic electricity tariffs save up to 30% more compared with its existing Self-Consumption Mode.

Other additions include Surplus Alert, which notifies users when excess solar energy is expected. Meanwhile, Tariff Auto-Match automatically adapts energy management to suit fixed-rate, time-of-use and dynamic electricity tariffs.

Anker is also introducing alerts for potential severe weather and grid disruptions so compatible systems can prepare battery reserves ahead of possible power cuts. Smart home integration is expanding too, with Homey support joining existing Home Assistant compatibility.

More features are planned for December, including Intent-Aware, which lets users describe changes to their routines so the system can suggest suitable energy adjustments. A Proactive Daily Energy Report will also provide automatic summaries of solar generation, household consumption and savings.

We'll update when these further features arrive.

Google Home just got a whole host of new updates, including better support for Matter devices, software updates for Nest security cameras, and request and voice assistant improvements to Gemini. The updates are rolling out now for iOS and Android devices, so here’s what changes you can expect to see soon.

As detailed in Google’s Home and Nest Help forum, Google Home has received many updates which can be accessed via the Google Home app, Gemini for Home (Early Access) and on specific devices. Starting with Gemini for Home updates, these include fixes for timers, alarms, responses and more.

Despite Gemini for Home being Google’s newest voice assistant, it still needs some improvements here and there. The biggest update is Gemini on smart speakers and displays should respond with less ‘Sorry, I didn’t understand’. This response was reported to happen when no one was speaking to the device or assistant, so this should happen less now.

Timers and alarms have also had some significant updates. Firstly, alarm and timer volumes were previously being set to zero, but this has now been fixed so the volume will be adjusted to match your device’s volume. Gemini also had a strange bug where it couldn’t differentiate between sleep and normal timers and alarms, but this has since been fixed.

Other Gemini improvements include understanding requests for moving music between rooms, and changing volume on speakers or displays in rooms rather than the device you’re speaking to.

If you’re a Nest Cam user, there are also some great updates heading your way. First generation versions of the Nest Cam Indoor, Outdoor and Doorbell, and the Nest Cam IQ Indoor and Outdoor have had software upgrades, and have been migrated to the Google Home app.

This has fixed issues with these devices, like faster night vision, improved Wi-Fi stability, synchronised audio and video, and accurate status lights.

Other Nest Cam features that have been upgraded are live view and event timelines. For iOS users, you can now scroll to the end of your camera’s event timeline without any gaps or ‘Video Not Available’ errors. Live view is also smoother when using foldable phones, and the Nest Doorbell now has got better face and person detection.

For supported Matter devices, the Google Home app will now show energy data from smart plugs and energy monitors. Available on Android, you can now see real-time power and total energy consumption on device tiles and controller screens.

These Google Home and Gemini updates are rolling out to users now on both iOS and Android devices.

Birdfy has announced that automatic bird identification is now free for life across its range of smart birdwatching devices, including the new Birdfy Feeder Vista.

The update covers more than 6,000 bird species and is available to both new and existing customers. You just register your device and link it to the Birdfy app to get unlimited automatic identification, with no daily limits or trial periods to worry about.

The feature is included across all membership tiers, so everyone gets access to the same bird identification model. Plus and Pro subscriptions are still available for those wanting more, including features that identify a bird’s sex, estimate its age category and provide potential health indicators. Anyone who already has access to these enhanced features will keep their existing benefits.

According to Allen Chen, founder and CEO of Birdfy, the aim is to make identifying garden visitors a natural part of the birdwatching experience. He also highlighted that the lifetime benefit applies to existing owners as well as those buying a device for the first time.

I want one. The Voxel Series-1 from Tuesday Labs looks like something straight out of an anime vision of the future, with its boxy body, colourful plastic panels, little pixelated eyes and backward-bending legs.

But this isn't just a cute robot designed to look good in a futuristic living room. It's intended to become a useful household assistant, taking care of some of the everyday jobs we'd rather avoid.

The New York-based robotics company calls it a "droid butler". Voxel has been designed to have its own character, drawing inspiration from everything from household furniture to Pixar animation.

Meet your new household helper

Voxel is built around a pair of articulated arms, each with seven degrees of freedom, ending in simple grippers for picking up and moving objects. Its unusual Z-shaped legs allow it to bend and adjust its height when reaching towards cupboards, tables and shelves, while cameras help it recognise and navigate its surroundings.

The idea is that it can take care of four main jobs: tidying rooms, finding misplaced belongings, fetching objects and tending to plants. That could mean putting things back where they belong, bringing you a book or watering the houseplants. Tuesday Labs also hopes to eventually expand its capabilities to include things like laundry and washing dishes, although these aren't launch features.

I like the attention given to its personality. The company has worked with former Pixar animators and character designers to develop the way Voxel moves, rather than simply making it walk as efficiently as possible. It has a slightly awkward, animated gait, complete with little movements intended to make it feel more like a character than a piece of machinery.

How much does the Voxel robot cost?

Here's the less appealing bit. Tuesday Labs estimates the Voxel Series-1 will cost around $20,000, with deliveries expected to begin in 2028. You can currently reserve one for $200, although reservations are limited to US delivery addresses and the payment is fully refundable.

It's also worth remembering that what we're seeing today is still a development prototype. The company expects to substantially redesign the hardware before production, and the final appearance, specifications and capabilities could change. Some of its current demonstrations also use teleoperation, meaning a human operator is involved in controlling the robot rather than it completing everything autonomously.

There's no confirmed UK launch date yet, although the company has expressed an interest in bringing Voxel to Britain and Europe.

I love the idea of having a little droid wandering around the house, putting things away and fetching stuff when needed. At $20,000, though, I'd expect it to do considerably more than water my plants. Still, if Tuesday Labs can deliver on the vision, this could be a fascinating glimpse of what domestic robots might look like in a few years.

DJI has introduced a new Local Data Mode setting designed to give its robot vacuum users greater privacy. It disconnects the DJI Home app from the internet, ensuring user data is stored and processed locally on the device rather than in the cloud.

The feature was first introduced on DJI's best drones in 2017 and is now being brought to the brand's other product category. For now, it's exclusive to the new Romo 2, although DJI says it'll also feature on future Romo models as well.

To enable Local Data Mode, users simply need to update their Romo 2 to the latest firmware and switch on the setting under Security Settings in the Device Settings menu of the DJI Home app.

When first switched on, the Romo connects to the internet to map its surroundings. However, once Local Data Mode is activated, mapping data, images and other information used for navigation and obstacle avoidance are stored and processed directly on the robot. This gives users greater control over their data whilst reducing the risk of external exposure or unauthorised third-party access.

Importantly, the Romo's core functions, including navigation and obstacle avoidance, continue to work without an internet connection, even during network outages. Users can still start and customise cleaning cycles or send the robot back to its dock to recharge, all whilst remaining offline.

Following September’s heavy month of smart home launches, I didn’t expect October to be able to keep up. But if anything, October might have beaten the previous month – here’s what you might have missed.

The biggest thing to come from October was the Apple ‘Welcome Home’ event which finally announced new smart products from the brand, including a new version of its HomePod mini, Apple 4K TV and the long-awaited HomeView.

Not one to be outdone, Amazon also announced a new Echo smart speaker line-up, and its Ring and Blink companies also debuted new security camera collections. It’s been a whirlwind of a month, so here are 10 of the best smart home launches from October 2026.

Apple HomeView

As mentioned, Apple announced a fleet of new smart devices, including the Apple HomeView, its new smart home hub with a 7-inch touchscreen, built-in speaker and Siri AI. It comes in two versions – a tabletop with a speaker base, and a wall-mounted option.

The Apple HomeView is powered by the Apple A18 chip, and can be paired with compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled devices. It can recognise up to six people, and has access to lots of smart home controls and apps, including Apple Music, FaceTime, Podcast and more. It’s available to pre-order at £299 / $299 with shipping expected in November.

Amazon’s new Echo speaker line-up

Towards the end of October, Amazon announced a new Echo speaker line-up, featuring a new version of the Echo Dot, as well as a Kids edition. The newer products include the Echo Time and the Echo Studio with Home Camera.

The Echo Studio with Home Camera is an upgraded version of the Echo Studio, and features a 13-megapixel camera. It has Alexa+ and Live View so you can check in on your home while you’re away, and it has powerful 3D sound. The Echo Time is a camera-free Echo – similar to the Echo Spot – that acts as a smart alarm clock.

Ring 4K & 2K cameras

As an Amazon-owned company, Ring has also had a big product launch in October by introducing five new security cameras. The models include indoor and outdoor models, and use 4K or 2K video resolution to clearly capture images around your home.

Installation is the biggest upgrade with the new Ring cameras. Its Ring Outdoor Camera 4K Plus has been described as its most flexible option yet, as it can be set-up via battery, wired, solar, plug-in or Power-over-Ethernet. The cameras are available to pre-order with shipping expected in November.

Blink 4K & 2K cameras

Yet another Amazon company with new product launches, Blink also dropped five new security cameras to the UK and US. The UK launches include Blink’s first 4K wired security camera and a pan-tilt zoom camera, while the US launches include spotlight, outdoor and frontier models.

The standout for the UK launches is the Blink Mini 4K+ which has Blink’s highest resolution yet. It can be used both indoors and outdoors – although it is a plug-in model – and has 115-degree horizontal views and 10x enhanced zoom. For the US, the Blink Frontier XR+ is the brand’s farthest-reaching camera to date and is designed for use as a trail camera for remote locations.

Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera

It’s all about security cameras this month – as you’ll see with the rest of this list! – and Arlo dropped its new Essential Solar Security Camera in early October – but only in the US. With an ultra-slim design, the camera takes up minimal space and blends seamlessly into the background.

The main standout of the Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera is its integrated 1.2W solar panel and high-powered battery that can keep the camera charged for up to six months without any sun. At $99.99, it’s not too expensive, either.

EZVIZ CB30 Dual Kit

EZVIZ’s new CB30 Dual Kit is a solar-powered outdoor security camera with a strange, robot-like design. It looks like E.T. and connects to an oversized solar panel to ensure constant charging via solar energy.

The EZVIZ CB30 Dual Kit features dual lenses for enhanced coverage, and 3K 5MP resolution for crystal clear images. It also has three built-in spotlights to illuminate your home, and to scare off potential intruders. Similar to Arlo, it’s only £99.99, and at launch, it was discounted so it’s a great budget-friendly option.

Reolink OMVI 2i Ultra

The Reolink OMVI 2i Ultra was announced at IFA 2026, and finally became available to buy this month. Another solar-powered camera, the Reolink OMVI 2i Ultra is wire-free and has two camera lenses to cover your entire home, without missing any action or blind spots.

The Reolink OMVI 2i Ultra combines an 8MP wide-angle camera with a 5MP pan-and-tilt camera, and uses Reolink's SyncTrack technology to lower camera to continue following a detected person or object after they move out of the wide-angle camera's view.

Tapo C550WS

The last security camera launch worth knowing about from October, the Tapo C550WS is the brand’s latest outdoor security camera with 4K resolution. Alongside 4K recording, the camera has 360° coverage, colour night vision and AI detection to keep your home safe, and you in the know.

The most impressive part of the Tapo C550WS is its red-blue light and sound alarm. It’s equipped with a 110dB siren that, when triggered, sounds off loudly and flashes with red and blue lights to scare off unwanted visitors.

Govee Outdoor Deck Lights 2

Moving into smart lighting, Govee announced the second generation of its Outdoor Deck Lights. Currently available in the US for $119.99, the Govee Outdoor Deck Lights 2 are brighter than before, and more water-resistant with an IP67 rating.

The Govee Outdoor Deck Lights 2 include individual smart lights designed to be mounted on walls or fences. Alongside practical lighting, you can change the brightness, and choose from 16 million colours, music-sync effects and over 100 lighting scenes.

SwitchBot Permanent Outdoor Lights

Another outdoor lighting set, the SwitchBot Permanent Outdoor Lights are designed for year round use, and offer native Matter over Wi-Fi support. Measuring 30 metres, the light strip features 72 evenly-spaced LEDs, and can be installed in your home’s eaves, balconies, garages, patios and walkways.

Like Govee, the SwitchBot Permanent Outdoor Lights come with 16 million colour options, and use an RGBIC+WW design which combines RGB colours, warm-white and cool-white lights.

It's been a busy week for Amazon, with a whole new range of Echo speakers launching alongside devices such as the Alexa Photo Frame and the Echo Show 16. Whilst some launches are limited to certain markets, there's one upcoming feature that smart home fans everywhere will want to know about, particularly if you've already built your setup around Alexa.

Alexa Home Map is a new way to visualise and manage your entire smart home in one place. It creates an interactive 3D map of your property, showing exactly where your connected devices are located. Rather than jumping between menus or apps, you can simply tap a device on the map to access its main controls.

Alexa Home Map is expected to begin rolling out in preview later this year through the Alexa Home Map app on iOS, the Alexa and Ring apps, larger Echo Show devices, the Amazon Ember Artline with Fire TV and the new Alexa Tablets. Amazon hasn't confirmed that Alexa Home Map will be limited to a single market, so we're hopeful that users in both the US and UK will get access.

I think this could be particularly useful if, like me, you've accumulated smart home devices from different brands and are tired of switching between apps to control them. It's also ideal if you don't like using voice commands, as you won't need to remember device names or worry about Alexa misinterpreting what you're asking for.

To get started, you add your home address, which automatically brings up the exterior of your property, before walking around and scanning each room using a compatible iPhone. You can then place your connected devices in their corresponding locations on the map.

Once set up, you'll be able to explore your home virtually, zoom into individual rooms, switch between floors and filter devices by category.

Another particularly interesting feature is its integration with Ring cameras. The map can display live animations of people and vehicles moving around your property, so you'll be able to see when a delivery driver approaches your front door or a car pulls into the driveway. It also works with Ring's Familiar Faces feature, helping you recognise who's arriving home.

Amazon has launched its new Echo Show 16, featuring a huge 16-inch display with 10% more viewing area than the Echo Show 15, housed in a sleek anodised aluminium frame that’s nearly 40% thinner.

It joins several other launches announced on the same day, including five new Echo devices in the UK. These include the upgraded Echo Dot and Echo Studio with Home Camera, as well as the Echo Time, which is new to the lineup.

However, if you're wondering why the Echo Show 16 was notably absent from the UK launch, it's because the new model is currently exclusive to the US. It’s available to pre-order for $499.99 ($569.99 for the Nano Matte anti-glare display) with early buyers able to save $100 through a pre-order offer.

Powered by the new Alexa+, the Echo Show 16 features an upgraded sound system with eight custom micro woofers and two tweeters. Advanced Room Adaptation also adjusts audio playback to suit its surroundings.

The camera has received an upgrade too, featuring a wide-angle 13-megapixel camera that offers the widest field of view in the range. Visual ID recognition has also been extended from eight to up to 17 feet, allowing Alexa to recognise you from further away.

The Echo Show 16 also includes the full Fire TV experience, bringing streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Prime Video, HBO Max, Peacock, Tubi and Pluto together in one place.

There's no confirmed UK release date yet, but we'll update you if Amazon announces plans to bring the new Echo Show 16 to the UK – fingers crossed!

Following the announcement of its new Echo smart speaker line-up, Amazon has announced yet another Alexa-enabled device – the Alexa Photo Frame. While Amazon has released digital photo frames before, the Alexa Photo Frame is the first-of-its-kind to have Alexa built-in to display and organise your photos more creatively and seamlessly.

Measuring 10 inches, the Alexa Photo Frame looks like a traditional photo frame, but it enhances the look of your photos with its light sensing technology. It automatically changes the frame’s brightness from day to night, and has a semi-matte anti-glare finish so it looks less like a screen and blends nicely into your home.

As an Amazon product, the Alexa Photo Frame comes with built-in Alexa controls, and it works with Amazon Photos. Once you upload your photos – which is free and unlimited if you have a Prime subscription – you can pick photos and albums to display.

Now, you might be wondering why you’d need Alexa voice controls in a photo frame – I most certainly was. But the Alexa Photo Frame cleverly uses Alexa+ to pick photos based on time, feeling and faces. Not only will it pick the best quality photos, but it’ll also skip things like receipts and screenshots.

Other digital photo frames require you to use an app to change your photos, but with Alexa voice commands, you can ask Alexa to find pictures for you. For example, you can say “Alexa, show me pictures from my last holiday”, and it will use your description to select your photos.

Alexa+ also makes your entire photo library much more organised. For example, Alexa can find connections between your photos, like places and people, and will compile them into a slideshow for you. Speaking of slideshows, the HD screen of the Alexa Photo Frame is a touch display, so you can flip through your photos like you would on your phone.

Another clever feature of the Alexa Photo Frame is you can add voice notes to your photos. This could be you explaining what is happening in the frame, or if you’re gifting the Alexa Photo Frame to someone, you could leave them a fun message.

But on to the ‘catch’ of the new Alexa Photo Frame launch – and that’s the price and availability. Prices on the Alexa Photo Frame start at $199.99 in black, or $229.99 in walnut, and both are available to buy now at Amazon. Most digital photo frames have similar pricing, so this is nothing out of the ordinary.

However, as of writing, the Alexa Photo Frame is not yet available in the UK or Europe. Whether it will arrive outside of the US hasn’t been announced or confirmed, so if you’re in the UK and you like the look of it, you’ll have to wait for a while before you can buy it.

Tapo has launched a new outdoor security camera on its website, offering 4K resolution, 360° all-round protection and 18x digital zoom.

The Tapo C550WS also stands out with its red-blue light and sound alarm, which goes beyond the usual best security camera alerts. When triggered, its piercing 110dB siren and flashing red and blue lights are designed to help deter unwanted visitors.

Priced at £84.99 through Tapo’s online store, the camera is expected to begin shipping in mid-November.

For night monitoring, Starlight Colour Night Vision helps capture colour footage in low-light conditions. AI detection can identify people, pets and vehicles, as well as detect motion, line-crossing events and camera tampering, helping make alerts more relevant. Two-way audio also lets you speak to visitors remotely through the camera.

The C550WS has an IP66 weather-resistance rating and supports both Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet connections. Footage can be stored locally on a microSD card of up to 512GB (sold separately) or through Tapo Care cloud storage, which requires a subscription. It also works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Samsung SmartThings.

Amazon has unveiled five new Echo speakers at once, marking its biggest hardware refresh in over a year. With Alexa+ arriving in the UK back in March, this is the first major wave of new Echo devices to follow, bringing updated designs and some new features to the lineup.

The new lineup includes a revamped Echo Dot, the Echo Time, a camera-free smart speaker designed specifically for the bedside, and the Echo Studio with Home Camera. Amazon has also introduced Kids editions of its Echo Dot and Echo Time, giving younger users their own versions.

All five devices are launching in the UK today, with prices starting at £94.99 for the new Echo Dot and rising to £239.99 for the Echo Studio with Home Camera. They're available to buy through Amazon, with other retailers yet to be announced.

The new Echo Dot (£94.99) now comes with support for Zigbee, Matter and Thread, allowing it to connect to hundreds of compatible devices without needing an extra hub. It's powered by Amazon's new AZ3 custom silicon, which is designed to make conversations with Alexa+ faster and more natural. There's also a fourth microphone to help Alexa hear you around the room, alongside a redesigned driver that delivers 50% more bass than the previous generation.

Amazon has also upgraded its Echo Studio, adding a 13-megapixel camera and renaming it the Echo Studio with Home Camera (£239.99). The camera lets Alexa+ see and understand what's in front of it, whilst Live View allows you to check in on your room when you're away. It also includes three custom drivers, a high-excursion woofer and Dolby Atmos deliver immersive 3D sound, with Advanced Room Adaptation and Adaptive Volume adjusting playback to suit your space.

The model I'm most interested in is the Echo Time (£184.99), a new camera-free Echo designed for the bedside. Whilst it’s not Amazon’s first screen-equipped speaker without a camera – the new Echo Spot launched in 2024 – the Time looks like a more advanced take on the idea, thanks to Omnisense technology that enables optional sleep-aware alarms. These aim to wake you during lighter sleep, within 10-60 minutes of your set alarm time, without the need for a wearable.

As bedtime approaches, the display reduces blue light and dims to show just the time. In the morning, a sunrise-inspired display gradually brightens, whilst the alarm builds in intensity with each snooze.

Finally, Amazon has launched Kids editions of the Echo Dot (£104.99) and Echo Time (£194.99). Both include a year of Kids+, with child-friendly features ranging from Stories with Alexa to Sleep Studio wind-down content from Calm and Moshi, all managed through the Parent Dashboard.

SwitchBot has launched the AI Art Frame 2, the second generation of its original AI photo frame. The upgraded version of the SwitchBot AI Art Frame 2 has a new paper-like display, a wood-grain frame, and more artwork options than before – and it might have won me over from its last iteration.

SwitchBot announced its first AI photo frame at IFA 2025, and it officially launched in early 2026. It was dubbed the ‘world’s first’ AI-powered Color E-Ink Art Frame, and it displayed historical works of art, and gave you the chance to make your own artworks.

I got to see it at IFA 2025, and while I thought it was impressive, I thought the resolution could be better, and the brightness of the frame made it look a bit too harsh. But SwitchBot has now upgraded the AI Art Frame 2 with a much more natural display and finish.

The SwitchBot AI Art Frame 2 now has a full-colour, paper-like display that isn’t too bright or glowy like it was before. Now, its E Ink Spectra 6 technology uses an ambient light to illuminate the artwork instead of a constant backlight, so it blends more naturally in your home.

The frame of the SwitchBot AI Art Frame 2 is also more natural with a wood-grain, walnut finish, and the art extends to the edge rather than having a harsh white border. Like the original, it’s available in three sizes – 7.1-inch, 13.3-inch and 31.5-inch.

For display artwork, the SwitchBot AI Art Frame 2 has 500 curated pieces for you to choose from. The art or photos can be changed through the SwitchBot app, or on-device controls, including tapping the frame three times or the back button.

Users of the SwitchBot AI Art Frame 2 can upload personal photos and original artwork via the SwitchBot app to personalise their frame. It comes with a 16GB microSD card which stores up to 5,000 images, and you can set your photos in a slideshow to flip through your favourite memories.

Like the first generation, the SwitchBot AI Art Frame 2 comes with SwitchBot AI Studio where you can turn photos or drawings into different art styles. You can also make weather-inspired artwork using its Weather Muse feature, and it can even generate paintings when you describe a scene or style by simply pressing the frame’s function button.

Prices on the SwitchBot AI Art Frame 2 start at £179.99 / $169.99. At launch, all sizes are 25% off.

Following Apple’s ‘Welcome Home’ event which (finally) announced the new HomePod mini 2, you might be thinking that your old HomePod is obsolete now – but you’d be wrong. Apple has just released new HomePod 27.2 software for its old and new HomePod devices, including new lights, controls and audio options.

The most exciting feature that’s now available on the existing HomePod (2nd generation) and HomePod mini – as well as the upcoming HomePod mini 2 – is Sound Glow. The Sound Glow feature makes the top of your HomePod smart speaker light up and pulse with colour, and in sync to the music you’re playing.

The lights and colours emitted from Sound Glow draw from the album artwork of the song playing. It works with songs, podcasts and Apple’s ambient music feature to make your HomePod look like a ‘visual canvas’. The ambient music feature also allows you to choose a soundscape to trigger bespoke animations using Sound Glow, to make a more enjoyable, soothing experience.

I’ve just got my hands on the new HomePod mini 2 – review coming soon – which officially releases on 30th October, and Sound Glow is most definitely the feature I’m most excited to try. Alongside this feature, the HomePod 27.2 software update also includes new lock controls.

Thanks to this update, lock controls will now let you disable touch controls on the top of your HomePod. For those who have pets or small children, this means you can avoid any accidental taps, skips or volume changes, and reserve HomePod control through your other Apple devices and via voice commands.

Another new software feature is Mac audio output. If you have a Mac with Wi-Fi 6E or later, you can set your HomePod as the default speaker. This means you don’t have to manually connect them via AirPlay, which makes it more responsive and convenient when listening to audio on your Mac.

The HomePod 27.2 software features are available on the second generation HomePod, the first HomePod mini and the upcoming HomePod mini 2. It can be installed via the Home app on your iPhone.

Blink announced five new security cameras last week, including 4K and 2K models for the UK and US. The new Blink Mini 4K+ is likely to get the most attention, as it offers the brand's highest resolution yet, but another model caught my eye for a different reason.

The Blink Frontier XR+ is designed for monitoring remote areas, making it Blink's longest-range camera to date. It's aimed at places such as gates, barns, outbuildings and property boundaries that are too far away for standard Wi-Fi security cameras, whilst still offering real-time motion alerts and live view.

For now, the Frontier XR+ is only available in the US and Canada, where it's priced at $199.99 and available in black or army green. There's no confirmed UK launch date yet, but we'll update you if that happens.

Its main selling point is range, particularly when paired with the right hardware. The external antenna is designed to improve signal strength when used with the Sync Module XR or Sync Module XR+. With an outdoor-mounted Sync Module XR+, Blink claims the camera can reach up to 800 feet through heavy obstructions, or up to 7,000 feet with a clear line of sight.

The camera is available on its own or in a bundle with the Sync Module XR+. The standalone version is intended for anyone who already owns a compatible Sync Module and wants to add another camera, whilst the bundle includes the XR+ module, a power adapter and cable.

There are no cellular fees or contracts, but the system does have some limitations. The Sync Module XR+ needs AC power and a Wi-Fi connection, so it won't work in locations without electricity or internet access. That somewhat limits where you can use it, despite the extended range.

The camera runs on four AA lithium batteries, but its USB-C port also accepts 5V DC power, allowing you to keep it plugged in instead of relying on batteries.

Some features also require a Blink subscription, although some new users can access a free 30-day trial of Blink Plus AI, which begins when the product is activated and includes AI-powered features across Blink devices. After the trial, you can choose from the Basic, Plus, Basic AI or Plus AI plans for cloud storage and additional features.

The Frontier XR+ takes a different approach from Blink's more conventional best security cameras, focusing on range rather than resolution. If you need to monitor a distant part of your property, that could make it a useful option, provided you have the power and Wi-Fi connection it requires.

Resideo Technologies has announced plans to update its Honeywell Home smart thermostats to support Apple's new Adaptive Temperature Control and Clean Energy Guidance features. This means users won't need to replace their existing thermostat or pay for a professional installation to get them, as the features will arrive through a software update.

Honeywell Home isn't the first smart home brand to announce support, with Aqara doing the same thing back in April with its W200 smart thermostat. Still, the timing is interesting, coming just days after Apple's new HomeView launch. HomeView is set to become one of the main ways to access and control Apple's latest smart home features, making wider thermostat compatibility all the more useful.

The update is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2027, and will be available on the Honeywell Home ElitePRO, X7S and X8S smart thermostats.

Honeywell Home thermostats already work with several smart home platforms, including Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Home Assistant and Samsung SmartThings, and are Matter-certified. Bringing Apple's latest Home features to thermostats already installed in people's homes is a good example of how software updates can add new functionality without making existing hardware feel outdated.

Compatible Aqara smart home devices are also now available through Apple's online and physical stores, so whether Honeywell Home products will follow suit remains to be seen, but it's another development worth watching as Apple's smart home ecosystem expands.

Your Tado smart thermostat is getting even smarter and more customisable, thanks to these new app software updates. The upgrades build on Tado’s existing AI and smart heating capabilities for its standard and X thermostats, and as someone who’s currently shivering in their home, these updates couldn’t have come at a better time.

The main upgrade to the Tado app is its Open Window Detection. For Tado X customers, Open Window Detection now uses an AI-powered algorithm to learn more about the different rooms in your house to make its detection more reliable and precise.

The existing Open Window Detection feature already understands changes in your room, like drops in humidity, but this AI upgrade means it will not only recognise this sensitivity, but it’ll also learn the room’s normal patterns and habits. This should allow your thermostat to better recognise when a shift in the room is due to an open window, so it can automatically pause your heating to avoid unnecessary usage.

Another update for Tado X users, Tado has updated its Air Comfort feature with a new room-level index. With this feature, your thermostat and Tado app reads humidity levels and classifies them into Low, Elevated or High categories across multiple rooms – although each room will need a smart thermostat in it.

Being able to see the different temperatures and humidity levels in each room gives you more control over your heating. It also means you can monitor your home’s Mold Index so you can take action before mould and damp can develop.

Aside from feature updates, the app’s home screen has also had a makeover. It’s now customisable, so you can reorder and hide tiles, prioritise rooms and controls, and just generally make it more personal to you, and easier to use.

The Tado app will also introduce heating Boost to Apple Live activities. Across Apple Watch and Mac, you can now see when Boost is active from the iPhone Dynamic Island and Lock Screen.

These Tado app updates will be rolling out over the next month in stages. The home screen update is available to all Tado customers, while Apple Live Activities is exclusively to Tado X users. Open Window Detection and Mold Index is available through AI Assist which is behind a subscription paywall.

The Reolink OMVI 2i Ultra is now available to buy after making its debut at IFA 2026, where it picked up 12 awards, including one from us. It joins Reolink's OMVI Series, bringing the range's dual-view setup to a completely wire-free security camera.

Pricing wasn't announced at the time, although we expected it to arrive somewhere between £170 and £220 (around $230-$300). It's now been confirmed at £199.99/$229.99, which seems pretty reasonable for a camera this advanced.

You can buy it now from Amazon or Reolink's online store, where it's currently available with 10% off as part of a launch offer. The kit includes the camera itself and a 6W solar panel, which Reolink claims can keep the camera running on just 30 minutes of sunlight per day.

The OMVI 2i Ultra combines an 8MP wide-angle camera with a 5MP pan-and-tilt camera, letting you monitor the wider scene whilst tracking movement elsewhere at the same time. Reolink's SyncTrack technology also allows the lower camera to continue following a detected person or object after they move out of the wide-angle camera's view.

As mentioned, it's completely wire-free, thanks to a detachable 10,000mAh battery that Reolink claims can last up to six months, based on five minutes of recording per day.

We'll be putting the OMVI 2i Ultra to the test in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out for our full review soon.

Blink has launched five new security cameras to its smart security line-up, including 4K and 2K models for the UK and US market. The releases include Blink’s first-ever 4K wired security camera for indoor and outdoor use, that Blink Mini fans will definitely be excited about.

While there are five Blink cameras up for grabs, only two are currently available in the UK, while all five are available in the US. As is often the case with Blink, we can (hopefully) expect the other US models to launch in the UK at some point, but it’s unclear when at this moment.

So, starting off with the UK options, the Blink Mini 4K+ builds upon the success of the original and second generation Blink Mini, and expands its usability and camera quality. Now with 4K video, the Blink Mini 4K+ has Blink’s highest resolution yet, and it can be used both indoors and outdoors.

The Blink Mini 4K+ is slightly bigger than its previous Mini models but it’s still extremely compact, and easy to install. It’s a plug-in camera, so you’ll still need an outlet, and to mount and use it outside, you’ll need a weather-resistant power adapter which is sold separately. It also has dual-band Wi-Fi 6 for fast connections and streaming.

In terms of coverage, the Blink Mini 4K+ has 115-degree horizontal views and 10x enhanced zoom so you won’t miss anything. It has true colour night vision in low light which switches to black and white when it gets dark, and it even has a built-in siren to scare off intruders.

Other features include two-way audio, noise cancellation, and smart detection. The Blink Mini 4K+ is priced at £69.99 / $79.99, in keeping with the brand’s affordable price tags.

Next is the Blink Mini Pan-Tilt 2K+. Another first for Blink, the Blink Mini Pan-Tilt 2K+ (£44.99 / $49.99) is the brand’s first indoor and outdoor pan-tilt zoom camera. Like the previous launch, this camera is also a plug-in, and looks more similar to the original Mini, except slightly longer – and with more advanced features.

The Blink Mini Pan-Tilt 2K+ has 2K resolution, colour night vision, and motion detection. For coverage, the Blink Mini Pan-Tilt 2K+ pans by 360 degrees, and tilts by 115 degrees. Not only is it extremely flexible, but it can follow people or pets around the room or outside your home.

As mentioned, these two cameras are available to pre-order now in the UK and the US, with shipping expected from 27th October. If you’re based in the US, you have three more options to choose from, and they’re all designed for outdoors.

Starting with the more affordable model, the Blink Spotlight Cam 2K+ ($109.99) is yet another first for Blink, as its first battery-powered spotlight camera. It has 2K video resolution and built-in illumination so you can see every detail, even in the dark. It’s completely wire-free and its spotlight activates when it detects motion.

A new generation of Blink’s popular Outdoor model, the Blink Outdoor 2K XR+ ($149.99) is another 2K option and 115-degree field of view. For extended range, it can be paired with Blink’s Sync Module XR+ to reach up to 800 feet away, making it ideal for big properties and outdoor areas.

Speaking of outdoor, the Blink Frontier XR+ ($199.99) is the brand’s farthest-reaching camera to date. It’s designed as a trail camera for remote locations, and with the Sync Module XR+, it can reach up to 7,000 feet of coverage. It also comes in black or camo colours to blend into its surroundings.

Govee has unveiled the second generation of its popular outdoor deck lights, bringing brighter illumination and improved water resistance. Both versions remain Matter-compatible, so they can integrate with a range of smart home setups.

The Govee Outdoor Deck Lights 2 consist of individual smart lights designed to be mounted on walls or fences, adding colour to outdoor spaces whilst providing practical lighting. They're available in packs of 10 or 20, and now carry an IP67 rating, up from IP65 on the previous generation.

For now, the lights are exclusive to the US, priced at $119.99 for the 10-pack and $239.98 for the 20-pack. We're expecting them to arrive in the UK and Europe in the future, and we'll update you when we know more.

The Outdoor Deck Lights 2 use 16-bit IC chips to produce more than 16 million colours. Each RGBWIC light can be controlled independently through the Govee Home app, where you'll find more than 100 preset scenes, including effects that sync with music.

The new lights apparently deliver up to 1,500 lumens of total luminous flux, with around 1,350 lumens of useful luminous flux. They also support voice control through assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Baseus has launched a solar-powered outdoor security camera with a motorised spotlight that locks onto a detected person and follows them as they move around a property. That makes the PrimeSentinel U2 Pro Outdoor 3K Dual Camera the first security camera to feature a dedicated target-tracking spotlight beam.

The U2 Pro combines two passive infrared (PIR) sensors with AI recognition to track people. According to Baseus, the spotlight can follow someone moving at up to 1.8 metres per second – roughly a light jog – at distances of three to eight metres.

It costs $269.99 in the US and €269.99 in Europe, and is available through Amazon. UK availability has yet to be confirmed, but a price of around £269.99 seems plausible if it launches here at a similar price point.

The U2 Pro projects a sharply defined beam of light onto detected people, following them as they move to signal they've been spotted and help capture clearer night-time footage. It features two 3K cameras – a fixed 130-degree camera with 8x digital zoom, and a second camera that pans 360 degrees, tilts and zooms to cover the wider property. Full-colour night vision and AI detection can distinguish between people, pets and vehicles.

Recordings are triggered by motion and saved to a microSD card of up to 512GB, with AES and RSA encryption. Whilst cloud video storage requires no separate subscription, cloud-based AI analysis and detection summaries do. Owners can also review footage remotely, talk to visitors through the built-in speaker and microphone, and stream live video to compatible Amazon Alexa and Google Home displays.

SwitchBot has launched its first-ever outdoor smart lights, featuring native Matter over Wi-Fi support, and up to 16 million colour options. Easy to install and designed for year-round use, the SwitchBot Permanent Outdoor Lights could not have arrived at a better time with Halloween and Christmas fast approaching.

Measuring 30 metres, the SwitchBot Permanent Outdoor Lights includes 72 LEDs across six 5 metre segments. They can be used on any outdoor area you can think of, including your home’s eaves, balconies, garages, patios and outdoor walkways, and can be secured to wood and metal surfaces using adhesive tape and screws.

The most exciting feature of the SwitchBot Permanent Outdoor Lights has to be its colour options. With an RGBIC+WW design, the SwitchBot Permanent Outdoor Lights combines RGB colours, warm-white and cool-white lights, and there’s a massive 16 million colour options for you to choose from – almost too many if you will!

The colours on offer include multi-colour arrangements, gradients, patterns and flowing effects, so you can customise your lights or pick a pre-made illumination. This makes the SwitchBot Permanent Outdoor Lights great for seasonal holidays, like Christmas and Halloween, but you can also keep things plain and simple throughout the rest of the year.

Each LED light has up to 40 lumens with a total brightness of 2,600 lumen across the entire 30 metre strip. Users can adjust the colour temperature from 2700K to 6500K, and dim the lights using the SwitchBot app. The app also unlocks remote control, colour, temperature and brightness adjustments, timers, schedules, and scenes.

Aside from the SwitchBot app, the SwitchBot Permanent Outdoor Lights are compatible with Matter over Wi-Fi support so you can connect them to your smart home ecosystem. You won’t need a hub for this, but a Matter controller is required.

The SwitchBot Permanent Outdoor Lights are also compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home and Samsung SmartThings, and you can use voice assistants to control your lights.

The SwitchBot Permanent Outdoor Lights are available to buy now for £199.99 / $239.99 at SwitchBot and Amazon.

If Apple's smart home news caught your attention last week and convinced you to buy the new HomeView, you're not alone. It's one of Apple's most exciting launches in years (well, in our opinion) and pre-orders are already underway.

However, not everyone will realise that some HomeView features are locked behind an iCloud+ subscription. That's not unusual, and plenty of other brands do something similar, but it's worth knowing before your wallet becomes £299 lighter.

Below, we've rounded up three features you'll need an iCloud+ subscription to use, alongside three you can enjoy without one. There are plenty more, of course, but these are the ones we think you should know before you buy.

Features that require iCloud+

1. AI-powered camera summaries

With a compatible HomeKit Secure Video camera, Apple Intelligence can summarise recorded activity in the Home app, giving you more useful information than a basic motion alert. Instead of simply telling you that movement was detected, it can describe events such as someone leaving a parcel at your door or a dog wandering into the garden.

2. Search your camera footage using natural language

Rather than scrolling through hours of footage to find a particular moment, you can search using everyday questions. For example, you could ask “Show me when the parcel was delivered” or “When did the children get home?” This makes finding specific events much quicker and more convenient.

3. Searchable video history and AI analysis

Apple's AI camera features can also connect related activity and surface significant moments captured across multiple cameras. However, accessing these capabilities requires a compatible HomeKit camera, an Apple home hub, an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone or iPad to set up the features, and an eligible iCloud+ subscription. Recorded footage is retained for 10 days and doesn't count towards your standard iCloud storage allowance.

Features you can use for free

1. Live camera feeds

You can still view a live feed from a compatible HomeKit camera without paying for iCloud+. That means you can check what's happening at home in real time, even without subscribing to Apple's cloud storage service.

2. Personalised home screens for up to six people

HomeView can recognise up to six household members and show each person their own Home Screen, apps and widgets. Shared photos and music can still be enjoyed by everyone, including guests.

3. Hands-free cooking help

HomeView can turn recipes found online into step-by-step instructions, track ingredients and manage multiple timers by voice. It's a practical kitchen feature that cooks will love, and you can read more about it here.

iCloud+ plans start at £0.99/$0.99 per month for 50GB, rising to £2.99/$2.99 for 200GB and £8.99/$9.99 for 2TB.

It's that time of the year again: the temps are plummeting, and it feels like there's about 30 minutes of light each day. Here's a little winter-warmer on us. No, not a whisky dram (though that might help), but our guide to the smart home tech you need to see you through until spring comes round again.

We've got gadgets to keep you warm, entertained, well-groomed, and allow you to get a great night's sleep, plus much more.

Taken from issue #391 of T3 magazine.

Set the mood

GOVEE OUTDOOR WALL FLOODLIGHT

Govee has blended its love of colourful ambient lighting with home security for this clever outdoor launch. RGBWW lighting, 3,000 lumens and a 120° PIR sensor mean it can react when movement is detected, flood your exterior with colour or simply provide a welcoming glow when guests arrive.

£100, govee.com

TEWKE LIGHT SWITCH

Now you've filled your home with smart lighting, you'll need something equally clever to control it. Enter the Tewke Tap, a touchscreen switch with an OLED display, Gorilla Glass, environmental sensors and real-time energy monitoring. Ordinary light switches suddenly look terribly boring by comparison.

£389, tewke.com

TAPO L430C SMART WI-FI CANDLE BULB

Sometimes the smallest lighting changes make the biggest difference. Tapo's L430C Candle Bulb shifts from a cosy 2,500K to a crisp 6,500K, but its ultra-low 1% brightness setting is the real treat. Perfect for late-night illumination without being greeted by the lighting equivalent of an early-morning alarm.

£24.99 (two-pack), tapo.com

WIZ GRADIENT LIGHT BARS

Give movie night a little more drama with the WiZ Gradient Light Bars. Positioned around a TV or gaming setup, they wash the surrounding space in colourful gradient light, dance along to music, and can even sync with what's happening on-screen when paired with WiZ's HDMI Sync Box.

£75 (two-pack), wizconnected.com

MEROSS SMART TABLE LAMP

For an impressively affordable price, this smart table lamp combines touch controls, 16 million colours and 0-100% dimming with a minimalist design. It's the perfect way to introduce some ambience without paying premium-brand prices, and who wouldn't want that?

£35, meross.com

PHILIPS HUE PLAY TABLE LAMP

The Philips Hue table lamp takes the colourful appeal of its much-loved Signe floor lamp and shrinks it into a compact design made for desks and entertainment setups. Place it beside a TV or monitor and let Hue's ecosystem turn whatever you're watching into a room-filling light show.

£70, philips-hue.com

Three-layered lighting

When it comes to filling a room with good lighting, the trick is to think in three layers – ambient, task and accent. Start with ambient lighting for the overall glow – a floor lamp or larger smart light works well for this – before adding more smart bulbs for focused task lighting. Finally, light bars and LED strips can provide accent lighting around shelves, artwork or other features, bringing everything together.

Daily grind

SAGE THE DOSE CONTROL PRO

Great espresso starts before the coffee machine gets involved, and the Sage Dose Control Pro gives you 60 grind settings to play with. An adjustable timer helps control how much coffee you grind, while grounds can go straight into your portafilter. Consider your supermarket pre-ground era officially over.

£170, sageappliances.com

GRIND TWO MILK FROTHER

Grind's frother is here to give your homemade flat whites a serious upgrade, whipping milk into everything from silky hot microfoam to cold foam. It'll tackle hot chocolate too, while its sleek design means it's one of those rare kitchen gadgets you won't immediately want to hide in a cupboard.

£75, grind.co.uk

FLAIR CLASSIC

No plugs, pods or automatic buttons here. The Flair Classic is a completely manual espresso maker that puts you in charge of the extraction, using a lever to generate the pressure needed for a proper shot. It's coffee making slowed right down – and one for anyone who considers brewing part of the ritual.

£121, flairespresso.com

NESPRESSO VERTUO UP

Nespresso's latest Vertuo wants to make choosing your morning coffee almost effortless. The Vertuo Up automatically recognises each capsule and adjusts its brewing settings accordingly, with six cup sizes covering everything from a quick espresso to a much-needed longer coffee. Just add capsule, press button and attempt to wake up.

£99, nespresso.com

DE'LONGHI RIVELIA START

The new, smaller addition to the Rivelia family serves up espresso, coffee, long and Americano at the touch of a button. Its clever Bean Switch System also lets you swap between two different beans, because apparently committing to just one coffee is now optional.

£600, delonghi.com

OXO BREW RAPID BREWER

Good coffee doesn't always need a machine – or much patience. Oxo's rapid brewer uses a clever manual brewing system to produce concentrated coffee in just two minutes for hot and five for cold. It's compact, portable and doesn't need electricity, making decent coffee away from home considerably less complicated.

£45, oxouk.com

Coffee mistakes you're probably making

You can spend a small fortune on a coffee machine and still end up with a disappointing brew. Old beans, the wrong grind size and poorly textured milk are some of the easiest ways to ruin your morning coffee. Grinding beans fresh can make an immediate difference, while matching the grind size to your brewing method is just as important. Don't forget cleaning – leftover coffee and milk residue aren't going to make your flat white taste good.

Front of house

YALE LINUS SMART LOCK L2 LITE

Yale's smart lock retrofits discreetly onto the inside of your existing door, with no drilling required. It's simple to install, easy to live with and particularly tempting for renters. Your landlord need never know what hit them.

£130, yalehome.co.uk

TAPO C675D KIT

The Tapo C675D has practically every angle covered. Its dual-camera setup combines wide-angle and telephoto lenses with 4K clarity and 360° panning, while solar power keeps trips up the ladder to a minimum. Better still, there's plenty available without the need to commit to an ongoing subscription.

£238, tapo.com

RING WIRED VIDEO DOORBELL (2ND GEN)

Don't let the entry-level price fool you. Ring's latest wired video doorbell provides a sharper look at whoever's calling, while clear two-way talk and the excellent Ring app make everyday monitoring effortless. At £60, it's an appealing way to bring smart security to your doorstep.

£60, ring.com

EZVIZ EP4 WIRE-FREE PEEPHOLE DOOR VIEWER

No permission to drill into the front door? No problem. The EP4 transforms an existing peephole into a smarter security setup, complete with remote smartphone viewing and a 4.3-inch indoor screen. AI facial recognition makes it particularly appealing for apartment living.

£230, ezviz.com

Looking sharp

BRAUN NEVO 15000C ELECTRIC SHAVER

Braun isn't exactly known for doing things by halves, and this might be its most extravagant shaver yet. AeroTouch technology reduces friction, while 250 blades and a smart processor adapt power to your beard density. There's even a seven-in-one Care System to handle all the maintenance afterwards.

£740, braunshop.co.uk

SHARK CRYOGLOW CLINIC FACE + BODY

Shark's LED tech targets eight ageing zones across the face, neck, back, chest and hands. Better still, it does the job of three separate devices, saving your bathroom cupboard from yet another collection of beauty gadgets.

£550, sharkninja.com

SURI CORE 1.0

Suri has stripped its electric toothbrush back – but not too far. The Core 1.0 still includes a pressure sensor, timer, magnetic wall mount and up to 28 days of battery life, just without the Pro's UV charging case. Great teeth, slightly happier bank balance.

£65, trysuri.com

ROOTIQUE DUO

Scalp serums have a habit of going everywhere except your scalp. The Duo's one-handed micro-mist system applies its tonics right where they're wanted, and also incorporates 650-660nm red light, dosage notifications and a clever hair-parting design.

£112, rootique.co

Cooking upgrades

CASO DESIGN PIZZACHEF 430° INDOOR PIZZA OVEN

Pizza ovens don't have to be oversized or stand loud and proud in your garden, as this indoor model proves. It still reaches up to 430° to replicate the intense temperature of a traditional brick oven. The results? Crispy, delicious pizzas that taste authentic and are cooked perfectly in mere minutes.

£199.99, casodesign.co.uk

PROCOOK INSTANT READ DIGITAL THERMOMETER

A must for both indoor and outdoor cooking, this thermometer can handle temperatures up to 300°C, has a backlit LCD screen that instantly delivers readings, and can handle the stress – and mess – of the kitchen thanks to a waterproof design.

£32, procook.co.uk

OONI DOUGH TOOLS

From pizza to bread and beyond, these tools are exactly what you need for mixing, kneading, scraping and prepping dough. The set includes mixing and lifting spatulas, and a bench scraper, all of which make it easy to handle the entire manual dough-making process.

£35, uk.ooni.com

SMEG AFC01 DUAL FLAVOUR AIR FRYER

Known for its Italian retro-inspired designs, Smeg has put its own stylish twist on the air fryer. Its AFC01 has two cooking functions and seven presets that expertly cook different ingredients to perfection. Available in a range of matte colours, Smeg's latest air fryer is the best-looking model on the market.

£199.95, smeguk.com

PANASONIC MINI BREAD AND ICE CREAM MAKER

Bread and ice cream in one machine? Sign us up! The Panasonic Mini has 34 programmes to play with, covering a range of ice cream, dessert and bread recipes. The best feature is the dispenser in the lid which adds yeast, nuts, seeds and sprinkles at just the right moment to achieve the perfect rise and mix.

£TBC, panasonic.com

OUR PLACE CERAMIC NONSTICK PERFECT POT 6L

One of the most valuable things you can have in your kitchen is a reliable cooking pot, and this eight-in-one non-stick pot ticks all the boxes. It can tackle any roasting, frying or boiling task you throw at it, from your stovetop and into your oven. It looks the part, too, coming in a range of Mediterranean-inspired colours.

£135, fromourplace.co.uk

Brains behind the home

Thanks to advancements in smart technology and AI, the kitchen has become a place for hybrid appliances that have almost taken cooking completely out of our hands. Where we're starting to see improvements within the AI appliance space is white goods, such as fridge freezers and ovens. Having a screen on your fridge sounded ridiculous a few years ago, but now it compiles your shopping list, tracks expiration dates, and even plays music while you cook. Despite air fryers taking over, the oven has never been smarter, with AI cameras inside that scan your food and adjust time and temperature to deliver the best results. Have things gone too far? Probably, but if a fridge can order your groceries for you, it might be nice to have an extra brain in your home.

Gaming gadgets

MSI CLAW 8 EX AI+

For gaming on the go MSI has you covered, with a handheld PC that'll make your daily commutes more enjoyable. Powered by the Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ offers fast and immersive gameplay for up to four hours on a single charge.

£1,399.99, msi.com

ALIENWARE 16 AREA-51 GAMING LAPTOP

The 16-inch Area-51 has everything you need to take your games to the next level. Its second-gen Intel Core processor is joined by an Nvidia graphics chip up to the mighty GeForce RTX 5090 to make ultra settings tremble.

From £2,599, dell.com

STEELSERIES ARCTIS NOVA PRO OMNI

Ideal for PC, consoles and mobile, this headset offers high-fidelity wireless audio and controls you can adjust with a quick tap. Active noise cancellation blocks out up to 96% of background noise to completely dive into whatever you're playing or streaming.

£349.99, steelseries.com

ROG XREAL R1

These AR glasses have a 0.01ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate for smooth and responsive action across their 171-inch virtual screen. The lenses come with different tint levels, and they can switch from 2D to 3D, depending on the content. Earbuds by Bose seal the deal.

£749, rog.asus.com

Home office

NANOLEAF X FANTAQI SMART LED MONITOR STAND

If you've ever wanted to make your desk look more exciting, Nanoleaf's collaboration with art-driven smart home technology brand Fantaqi is up for it. With a combination of natural wood and ambient lighting, this monitor stand illuminates your desk with colour – it's enough to make you want to sit at it for hours.

£179.99, nanoleaf.me

CANYON WEBCAM C2N

Upgrade your video calls with this pocket-sized camera that clips onto the top of your laptop or sits on your desk to offer wide viewing angles with 360° rotation. Its fivelayer 1080p lens will make your colleagues feel like you're in the room with them – in a non-creepy way, of course.

£34.99, canyon.eu

ERGOCHAIR PRO

A comfortable office chair is a must, and this one has nine adjustment points to customise the seat's depth, tilt, lumbar height and headrest. The foam adjusts to your body to keep you supported for hours for the feeling that you're sitting on air.

£466.80, autonomous.ai

COZYLA CALENDAR+ 2

Keep your work schedule and daily life organised with a 24-inch colour touchscreen that stores everything from meetings and chores to tasks and meal plans. Hang it on your office or kitchen wall, and when not in action, it turns into a photo frame.

£699.99, cozyla.com

Keep cool (and warm)

MEACOFAN SEFTE 6” PORTABLE AIR CIRCULATOR

Compact enough to sit on your desk or bedside table, this fan might be small but it sure is mighty. With three modes and 12 fan speeds, it offers strong air circulation and up to 26 hours of battery life. With a sound output of just 22dB while it's working, you'll barely know that it's there.

£69.99, meaco.com

TADO SMART AC CONTROL

Helping you make the most of your air conditioning throughout the year with simple, wireless connectivity, the Tado Smart AC Control connects to your heat pump or AC system and controls heating, cooling, speeds and other modes from your smartphone. It also monitors energy usage to help reduce your monthly bills.

£89.99, shop.tado.com

INGENIX SMART GLASS PANEL HEATER

Moving away from traditional radiator designs, the Ingenix Smart Glass Panel Heater features a glass front LED touch panel that blends into your home while delivering 2000W of heat to keep you warm during the winter months.

£99.99, igenix.co.uk

DREO WHOLE-ROOM HEATER 714S

The colder weather will be a reprieve for many after this summer, but Dreo's whole-room heater is perfect for both hot and cold seasons. This oscillating heater and fan hybrid can fill a room with warmed or cooled air, and it still remains cool to the touch while it's doing it.

£99.99, dreo.com

DUUX YENTL CUDDLE HEATED OVERBLANKET

There's nothing better than getting warm under a cosy blanket after a long day, and the Duux Yentl Cuddle Heated Overblanket is the perfect accessory for this. With its extra large size and faux fur material, the Yentl has multiple heat settings to keep you toasty warm for up to nine hours.

£159.99, duux.co.uk

DYSON HUSHJET MINI COOL FAN

While it might look a little obscene, if you've got that kind of mind, this premium handheld fan recently saved a lot of people's summers. With its simple controls and star-tipped adjustable nozzle, the HushJet Mini Cool gives immediate cooling relief and a powerful airflow while on the go.

£99.99, dyson.co.uk

What to consider before installing air conditioning

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE

The AC system you choose will determine cost, how much space it takes up, and installation length. Try to choose between cooling single or multiple rooms, and match the AC unit's cooling capacity to room size.

DECIDE ITS LOCATION

Indoors, place the unit high on your wall away from heat sources. Outdoors, the compressor should be out of direct sunlight. Check with your building management or the local council first, if you need to.

GO PORTABLE

Installation and maintenance costs for permanent air conditioning systems can add up, but portable AC units deliver super-cool air when you need it and are small enough to pack away when you don't.

Tech for sleep

HATCH SLEEP CLOCK

Hatch's new Sleep Clock is a sleep tracker, wake up light and alarm in one cute, semi-circle gadget. Instead of a wearable, the Hatch Sleep Clock uses radio signals to track your breathing, movement and sleep stages without being invasive. It also has colourful lights, sleep sounds and personalised guidance for the best night's rest.

$249.99, hatch.co

EIGHT SLEEP POD 5

When it comes to smart sleep technology, no one does it better than Eight Sleep. Its Pod 5 sleep system features a base, cover and hub that work together to track your sleep and health. Overnight, it makes adjustments to regulate your temperature, stop snoring and more, so you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

£2,499, eightsleep.com

LOOP DREAM

Sleep uninterrupted by your partner's snoring. Perfect for side sleepers, thanks to its soft silicone and small shape, the Loop Dream plugs reduce external noise and other distractions so you can sleep without interruptions. But don't fret – they're not completely noise-blocking, so you won't miss your morning alarm.

£44.95, loopearplugs.com

THERABODY SMARTGOGGLES 2ND GEN

If blackout blinds just aren't enough, these goggles block out all external light. But they are much more than just an eye mask, offering compression massage, heat and vibration cycles which will relax you, reduce stress and eye strain, and relieve headaches.

£199, therabody.co.uk

Just smart stuff

AQARA SPATIAL MULTI-SENSOR FP400

Make your smart home work without you having to think about it too much. This sensor uses mmWave radar and AI, so it knows when someone is in the room and whether they're sitting, standing or lying down – so lights and other devices can react automatically without anyone reaching for a switch.

Price TBC, aqara-shop.co.uk

IKEA KLIPPBOK WATER LEAKAGE SENSOR

Not every smart home gadget needs to be exciting – sometimes you just want to know if the dishwasher is flooding the kitchen. Ikea's tiny sensor sounds an alarm when it detects water and, when connected to a hub, can send an alert to your phone.

£7, ikea.com

TAPO P304M SMART WI-FI POWER STRIP

Why make one plug smart when you can do four at once? This strip gives each of its four sockets individual smart control, alongside Matter support, energy monitoring and surge protection. It can even estimate how much your connected gadgets are costing you.

£34.99, tapo.com

HOMEY PRO

When your smart home gadgets all speak different languages, Homey Pro acts as the translator. This hub supports Matter, Thread, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 433MHz and infrared, bringing devices from different ecosystems together and letting you build some seriously sophisticated automations.

£449, homey.app

Powered-up partying

ROBERTS SOLARDAB 99

The Roberts SolarDAB is made for those rare British afternoons when the sun actually decides to cooperate. Its integrated solar panel helps keep the battery topped up outdoors, while DAB+/FM radio and Bluetooth give you plenty to listen to. Garden soundtrack sorted.

£150, robertsradio.com

HYPERVOLT HOME 3 PRO

An EV charger isn't usually the most exciting thing attached to your house, but the Hypervolt Home 3 Pro makes a strong case for changing that. Alongside 7kW charging, it can make use of surplus solar energy, schedule charging around cheaper tariffs, and put everything within reach through the Hypervolt app.

£690, hypervolt.co.uk

ECOFLOW STREAM GARDEN/GROUND KIT

Now that plug-in solar panels are legal in the UK, EcoFlow has the perfect kit to get you started. It includes two 400W rigid solar panels bundled with a microinverter and ground-mounting hardware, letting you angle them towards the sun without committing to a permanent rooftop installation.

£649, ecoflow.com

ANKER SOLIX EVERFROST 2

Forget melting ice and soggy sandwiches. The Anker Solix EverFrost 2 is a batterypowered electric cooler that can actively chill its contents without bags of ice taking up valuable space. Available in three sizes, its wheels and pull-out handle make transporting it a breeze, whether you're camping, picnicking or taking the garden party really seriously.

From £799, ankersolix.com

IKEA SOLVINDEN LED SOLAR TABLE LAMP

Not every outdoor light needs an extension lead or complicated electrical installation. Leave Ikea's Solvinden table lamp outside to charge from the sun during the day, and it'll provide a decorative glow after dark. With such a low price, scattering a few around the garden doesn't feel particularly extravagant either.

£12, ikea.com

JACKERY EXPLORER 300D PORTABLE POWER STATION

Essentially a giant power bank for everything your phone charger can't handle, this power station is compact enough to take outdoors with you. Its 288Wh capacity and 300W output can keep laptops, cameras and other gadgets going, while USB-Cfast charging makes it particularly handy for weekends away from a plug socket.

£219, jackery.com

Solar isn't just for rooftops any more

For years, solar has meant expensive panels professionally installed on your roof, but that's recently changed. Following a change in the rules at the end of August , compliant plug-in solar systems can legally connect to standard household sockets in the UK, making generating your own electricity much more accessible. They won't replace a full rooftop setup, but could offer a simpler and cheaper way to generate some of your own power without committing to a full-size installation.

Apple's HomeView smart home hub has proved popular since it launched last week, with pre-orders selling quickly and the general reception to the design being positive. Even the price seems reasonable.

However, some have since pointed out a couple of additions that could have made it even better, such as a screen that turns to face you and a larger display.

Well, according to Bloomberg's resident Apple expert, Mark Gurman, that could be exactly what we're getting with the next generation. He believes that Apple "is on track" with a larger, robotic version of the hub.

In his latest PowerOn newsletter, Gurman claimed that Apple is looking to release a "souped-up" version with a nine-inch screen. It'll be the same design and, we assume, square aspect ratio but will be bigger.

In addition, he revealed that behind it will be a robotic arm that works with Siri AI to identify who is talking in the room and turn the display to face them. It will be able to swivel a "full 360°".

"Imagine a FaceTime call where the screen follows uoi as you move around the kitchen," he wrote in the newsletter.

This sounds more like the sort of robotic assistant we've all imagined at one point or another. It doesn't sound like it'll have wheels or any other to move around, but you could theoretically give the automated HomeView a face.

The new HomeView won't replace the existing model, it'll be a higher-end device, claims Gurman. He suggested it'll be called something like "Apple HomeView Max" or "HomeView Ultra".

The latter ties in with other devices we're expecting to see at some point, such as the much-rumoured MacBook Ultra, which could be revealed next week. Media have reportedly been invited to LA to see new MacBooks and iPads.

It's been a busy week for smart home, with Apple unveiling an array of new hardware, including an entire collection of smart home devices. However, the product I'm most excited for is HomeView, and there's one feature in particular that I can already see myself using a lot.

Alongside the usual smart home controls, HomeView has a few tricks up its sleeve for the kitchen. It can turn web recipes into step-by-step cooking instructions, complete with hands-free timers, which sounds like a much better use of a screen than having to keep unlocking your phone with messy fingers.

When viewing a recipe in Safari, users can tap ‘Start Cooking’ to switch to a simplified layout designed for following along as they cook. HomeView also helps with ingredient tracking, so you can keep an eye on what you need without constantly scrolling back through a long list of instructions.

You can also manage multiple timers hands-free, whilst Live Activities keep them visible even when you're using another app.

HomeView further supports Handoff, meaning you can start looking up a recipe on your iPhone and pick it up on the hub when you get to the kitchen. The same feature works with music, podcasts, calls and videos, so it's not limited to cooking.

I've always thought the kitchen was one of the most practical places for a smart home display, especially when your hands are covered in flour, sauce or whatever else is happening at the time. It's one of my favourite things about the Echo Show 8, so I'm interested to see how Apple's take compares.

HomeView isn't available just yet, but with pre-orders due to open in November, it won't be long before we find out whether it works as well in a real kitchen as it sounds on paper.

Google Home is adding local Matter support for Philips Hue lights in its latest update, which should mean faster response times when controlling your best Philips Hue lights through the Google Home app. According to 9to5Google, the change should also let you control Hue lights through the Home app during an internet outage, as long as your device is connected to the same local network.

Google announced the change in a statement, saying that “existing Philips Hue bridges now automatically upgrade in the background to local Matter control through Google Home hubs”. It also promises “greater reliability with no re-pairing required”.

The upgrade happens automatically in the background, so just keep an eye out for the latest version of Google Home in the Android or iOS app store.

The bigger update also brings a visual refresh, with Google saying it has redesigned the “core controls for third-party lights, plugs, and switches”. That should apply to Hue devices too, giving you a cleaner way to manage your smart home setup.

There are a few tweaks for the Gemini for Home early access programme as well. Conversations should now end more naturally, whilst weather temperature units will be more consistent. Requests for 'relaxing music' should also open a proper media player rather than defaulting to ambient sounds such as rain or white noise.

A welcome upgrade, if you ask us!

It's fair to say that Google's selection of Home and Nest speakers haven't seen a lot of activity, with a feeling that Google had sort-of forgotten about them. Having launched Google Home in 2016, there was a flurry of activity and the launch of a number of other speakers, and then things fell quiet.

That was until the launch of the Google Home Speaker in 2026. But it seems that the tech giant is now working on a run of updates for its older devices, including the Google Home, Home Mini, Nest Mini and Nest Audio.

Highlighted by 9to5Google, the latest version as part of the Preview Program appears to address a full range of issues, while previous updates were just listed as addressing security and bug fixes.

Does this suggest a new level of interest in its smart home devices now that Apple has announced the HomeView? It might, although I suspect that Google was planning on making these updates before Apple crashed in with its Nest Hub Max rival.

The updates listed include (and this is directly quoted):

• Audio & media streaming and volume improvements
• Setup and connectivity improvements on Wi-Fi issues
• Google assistant entry experience improvements
• Smart home control experience improvements
• Overall performance and stability improvements

That points to a number of improvements across these older devices. While the performance and stability enhancements appear to be par for the course, a new interest in assistant, streaming and smart home control are unexpected.

Exactly how these changes might impact on the older speakers is currently unknown, but it's likely that the work that went into the recent Google Home Speaker is now being reflected on a software level in these older devices.

The inclusion of "Google assistant entry experience" suggests some attention on how people get started with talking to their devices, although exactly what the changes will make remains to be seen.

Equally, the audio and media streaming improvements aren't defined, but the inclusion of volume improvements suggests that the whole experience is going to get a bit smoother.

Google's position in smart home has swung from being actively involved when it felt like a two-horse race between Google Home and Alexa, with both making the assimilation of third-party services really easy. While that still remains, Amazon stayed committed to affordable hardware, while Google eased off dramatically.

Since 2021, there has been very little activity from Google in the smart home space, but perhaps these updates mean that it is a little more focused on improving the experience on the hardware it has.

EZVIZ has announced the CB30 Dual Kit, a new wireless outdoor security camera powered by solar energy. It features a dual-lens system with an 180° horizontal field of view and 3K 5MP resolution, putting it in competition with some of the best security cameras on the market.

The CB30 Dual Kit is similar to the Eufy SoloCam S340, which launched a few years ago. Both cameras are solar-powered and use dual lenses, but the SoloCam S340 offers 360-degree pan-and-tilt coverage. It also costs around twice as much as EZVIZ's new model, making the CB30 Dual Kit a more affordable alternative.

The EZVIZ CB30 Dual Kit has an RRP of £99.99 (around $132) on Amazon, although it's currently available for a launch price of £89.99.

Other features include three built-in spotlights, which enable full-colour night vision for clearer footage after dark. They also work alongside the camera's active defence features, allowing it to flash its lights and sound a warning siren when needed.

AI-powered human and vehicle detection helps the CB30 Dual distinguish people and cars from other movement, reducing unnecessary notifications. Alerts are sent through the EZVIZ app, allowing users to keep an eye on their property whether they're at home or away.

It also features EZVIZ's Always-On Video (AOV) technology, designed to extend monitoring beyond conventional motion-triggered battery cameras. The system adjusts recording intervals according to battery power, helping provide all-day monitoring whilst managing energy consumption.

SanDisk has introduced its new Guardian Series, a range of high-endurance memory cards designed for continuous recording in dash cams and the best security cameras.

Supporting resolutions up to 4K UHD and capacities of up to 512GB, the cards are built to handle repeated overwriting and demanding conditions, helping keep important footage available when it's needed.

The range includes two options – the SanDisk Dash Cam Card and the SanDisk Security Cam Card. Both are available now from select retailers, with prices starting at £20.99 or around $28.

As more security cameras become subscription-free, memory cards are becoming increasingly important for keeping footage without paying for cloud storage. These cards are often sold separately from the cameras themselves, so SanDisk's new Guardian Series gives users a strong and reliable option.

The SanDisk Dash Cam Card is compatible with a wide range of dash cams, supporting recording from Full HD up to 4K UHD. It's designed to withstand heat and humidity, making it suitable for long drives, and comes in capacities from 32GB to 512GB.

The SanDisk Security Cam Card is designed for continuous recording in home security cameras, either alongside cloud storage or as a local alternative. It can help preserve footage when Wi-Fi drops and is available in capacities from 32GB to 512GB. It's also designed to resist water, dust and temperature extremes, making it suitable for year-round outdoor use.

Eufy has launched an affordable indoor security camera designed to stick directly to your window, giving you a practical view of your entryway, front garden or driveway without having to install a camera outside.

The Eufy E10 Window Camera offers tool-free installation, with a 90° L-shaped connector and cable clips to keep wiring neat and discreet. It also comes with anti-reflection stickers designed to minimise glare and reflections from the glass and indoor lighting, helping keep footage clear.

Priced at £69.99/$79.99 for one camera or £129.99/$149.99 for a two-pack, the E10 is already available in the US, with UK pre-orders set to ship on 6th November.

The E10 features 2.5K resolution and a built-in 25° downward tilt designed to capture more ground-level detail whilst minimising wasted space, and MaxColor Vision also helps keep footage vivid at night,

For storage, the camera supports microSD cards up to 256GB, although one isn't included. It can record continuously through your window, whilst dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi helps maintain a stable connection.

Alongside its new HomeView hub, Apple TV 4K and upgraded HomePod mini, Apple has also announced its new Home Collection range. Developed in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric, the lineup covers everything from home security and door access to smart temperature control.

The products were first leaked last week, after Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported hearing about them from “people with knowledge of the matter”.

The collection includes four cameras, a smart lock, two thermostats and temperature and humidity sensors. You'l find everything you need to know about the new devices below, including their features, pricing and availability where confirmed.

LG Video Doorbell Wired

Priced at £229.95, the LG Video Doorbell Wired features dual cameras, giving users separate views of visitors and packages. The front camera records in 2.5K, whilst the downward-facing camera captures Full HD footage. It also has a built-in spotlight and a chime that plays through Apple HomeView, HomePod or HomePod mini.

2. LG Floodlight Cam

The Floodlight Cam costs £349.95 and is designed for outdoor monitoring, with adaptive dual floodlights that switch on when motion is detected. It also features colour night vision to help keep footage clear in low-light conditions.

3. LG Outdoor Cam Plug-In

At £279.95, this outdoor security camera offers colour night vision and an adjustable design for flexible coverage. It's also designed for straightforward self-installation.

4. LG Indoor Cam Plug-In

The indoor version costs £179.95 and includes a privacy-focused feature that automatically tilts its view upwards, stopping monitoring when the first member of the household returns home. Users can also adjust its position manually or through the Home app.

5. LG Smart Deadbolt Lock

This smart lock uses Ultra Wideband technology to detect when an authorised user approaches, automatically unlocking the door when they have a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch with a home key.

Other entry options include tapping a device, using the integrated PIN pad or accessing a hidden backup key slot. It can also detect whether the door has been opened, closed or tampered with, whilst guest access can be shared through the Home app.

Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but it's possible it may launch in the US or Korea first.

6. LG Smart Thermostat

One of two new thermostats in the collection, this model works with Apple's Home app to adjust temperatures depending on whether someone is home, winding down for the night or away. It also works with temperature and humidity sensors to monitor conditions across multiple rooms.

Apple hasn't confirmed its price yet, but may have similar availability to the LG Smart Deadbolt Lock.

7. Schneider Electric Smart Thermostat

Developed with Apple, Schneider Electric's thermostat offers similar smart temperature controls, with a focus on energy management and compatibility with the wider Schneider Home ecosystem. In the contiguous US, users with compatible utility plans can also use the Home app to shift heating and cooling to cleaner, lower-cost periods. Pricing is also yet to be announced.

8. LG and Schneider Electric temperature and humidity sensors

These standalone sensors let users monitor conditions in multiple rooms and work with either company's thermostat. Both thermostats and their sensors support Matter and are designed for DIY installation. Prices haven't been announced for the sensors either.

Apple has announced the LG Video Doorbell, part of its new Apple Home Collection developed in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. The products were first leaked last week, after Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that he had heard about them from “people with knowledge of the matter”.

Designed to work seamlessly with Apple Home and the new HomeView hub, the doorbell can be set up with a single tap using an iPhone, with no separate app or account required.

The LG Video Doorbell Wired starts at £229.95 and will be available in the UK from December through Apple website and in-store.

The doorbell features two cameras, giving users separate views of visitors and packages. You can switch between the front-facing and downward-facing views, with the front camera recording in 2.5K resolution and the bottom camera capturing Full HD video. It also includes a built-in spotlight and a chime that plays through Apple HomeView, HomePod or HomePod mini.

The doorbell integrates with Apple's Home app, allowing users to view live footage, receive notifications when someone rings the bell and speak to visitors from their Apple devices. When paired with the newly announced LG Smart Deadbolt Lock, users can also see who's at the door and unlock it from the same view or by asking Siri.

As with the other Apple Home Collection cameras, footage is encrypted end-to-end, meaning Apple, LG Electronics and Schneider Electric can't access it. With a supported iCloud+ plan, users can access up to 10 days of event video history, whilst Apple Intelligence can provide automatic video descriptions and let users search footage using natural language.

Apple has officially unveiled HomeView at its ‘Welcome Home’ event, a new smart home hub designed to bring control of your connected home to every room.

It features a 7-inch Liquid Retina touchscreen and comes in two versions – a tabletop model with a speaker base and a wall-mounted option. The tabletop model is available in Silver, Starlight, Rose Pink and Space Grey, whilst the wall-mounted version comes in Silver and Space Grey.

Both models cost £299/$299, with pre-orders opening on 13th October and availability starting on 13th November in the UK, US and several other markets. The wall-mounted version requires a separate mount, with prices starting at £59.95/$59.95. HomeView won't launch in the European Union for now, as Siri AI is currently unavailable in iOS there.

Both models are powered by Apple's A18 chip and feature Siri AI, a more capable assistant with broader world knowledge and onscreen awareness. When paired with a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad, Siri can also draw on personal information from apps such as Messages and Calendar to provide more personalised responses. HomeView recognises up to six people, giving each user their own Home Screen, apps and widgets.

Beyond smart home controls, HomeView supports FaceTime, Messages, Apple Music, Apple TV, Podcasts and other compatible apps. Its audio system is designed to deliver room-filling sound, whilst features such as Handoff and multiroom audio make it easy to move music between Apple devices and speakers.

As a smart home dashboard, HomeView lets you control compatible lights, thermostats, locks and blinds, as well as view up to nine camera feeds at once. It works with Apple Home and Matter-compatible accessories, alongside the new Apple Home Collection, developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.

Apple says privacy is central to the experience, with Secure Exclaves keeping camera and microphone data processing isolated. Siri requests are handled on-device or through Private Cloud Compute, which Apple says doesn't store data or make it accessible to the company.

Keep following our live blog for more announcements as they happen.

Christmas might still feel a little way off, but plenty of retailers are already getting into the festive spirit. IKEA is one to keep an eye on if you like your Christmas décor affordable and understated, but its designs tend to be popular, so it's worth taking a look now before the favourites sell out.

As part of its latest Stråla collection, IKEA has launched a variety of festive lighting, including chain lights, LED decorations, table decorations and outdoor lights. I've picked out a few options below, but don't forget to check out the full collection on IKEA's website.

Russell Hobbs has launched the new Calm Connected Kettle, introducing a smart version of its existing Calm Kettle. Users can now switch it on remotely, adjust the water temperature and adjust the lights via the Russell Hobbs app.

It retains the original's illumination features but expands the choice to 12 colours and nine lighting scenes, including Ocean, Forest, Snowflake and Fireside. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and built-in speakers, so you can play your own music or tune into your favourite radio station.

The Calm Connected Kettle is available now for £149.99 from Russell Hobbs and Currys, making it £50 more expensive than the original Calm Kettle.

Alongside it, Russell Hobbs has also launched the Calm Toaster, designed to complement both Calm kettles with matching lighting and sound features. It offers five built-in sounds, nine illumination scenes and a lamp mode that creates an ambient glow even when the toaster isn't in use.

The toaster also features an automatic lift-and-lower carriage operated via touch controls, longer slots and a bagel setting for added versatility. Frozen and reheat functions are also included, whilst a removable warming rack sits above the slots to gently heat pastries, rolls and buns.

The Calm Toaster costs £99 on its own, but you can also buy it alongside the Calm Connected Kettle in a £225 bundle. That's a £25 saving compared with buying the two appliances separately.

More details about Apple's upcoming Home Hub have leaked ahead of tomorrow's event, and we're getting a clearer picture of what to expect. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman first reported last week that the event would likely see the hub make its debut, and he's now shared some additional details about the device.

According to Gurman's report, the hub will be called the HomeView and will sit alongside Apple's existing HomePod range. There will reportedly be two models to choose from, including a version with a speaker base that's available in Space Grey, Silver, Starlight and Pink. There will also be a wall-mountable model, which will apparently come in just Silver or Space Grey.

Whilst Apple is expected to announce the HomeView on Tuesday, Gurman reports that it won't arrive until mid-November. Pricing and wider availability details remain unknown for now, but hopefully we'll get a clearer idea of Apple's plans tomorrow.

As for the design, the floating-display model is said to take inspiration from the iMac G4, which had a distinctive screen suspended above its base. Both versions are reportedly powered by Apple's A18 chip, with voice control and Siri AI at the centre of the experience.

Gurman has also said the device is also expected to run Apple apps without offering a dedicated App Store. However, users may be able to project third-party app widgets from a nearby iPhone, which could give the display a little more flexibility.

As always, we'll keep you updated as soon as we know more.

IKEA's new Stengrönska alarm clock has appeared on the retailer's websites in Japan and China, featuring dual sensors, integrated LED lighting and wireless charging, along with up to three alarms and six adjustable volume levels.

IKEA has launched several of its own alarm clocks before, including the Rödsträfse, which also does more than wake you up. However, the Stengrönska feels particularly advanced, thanks to its extra features that you wouldn't typically find on a traditional alarm clock.

For now, the Stengrönska appears to be exclusive to Japan and China, where it's listed for ¥4,999 in Japan and ¥199 in China – around £24 or $30. IKEA hasn't confirmed whether or when it'll arrive in other markets, but we'll keep you updated if that changes.

The Stengrönska has a built-in hygrometer and thermometer, displaying the room's humidity and temperature in the bottom-right corner of the screen. The display also shows the time in either 12 or 24-hour format, along with the date and day of the week. There's also a backlight, making everything easier to read when the lights are low.

The clock can also charge your phone using the wireless charging pad on top, whilst a USB-C port at the rear lets you charge a second device.

The Stengrönska also has LED strip lighting underneath its body, with three brightness levels to choose from. It runs on USB-C power, but you can also install two AAA batteries to preserve the time and alarm settings in the event of a power cut.

Apple has officially confirmed its 'Welcome Home' event for Tuesday 13th October, and it suggests the company's long-awaited smart home devices are coming. We expected this to happen following reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman a few days ago, but now that the event has been confirmed, it looks like we won't have to wait much longer.

Apple's SVP of Worldwide Marketing, Greg Joswiak, has also shared a teaser video showing embroidery taking place. This could hint at a range of colourways for the new devices, although that's purely speculation for now.

As for what we can expect, Apple's rumoured Home Hub is high on the list, alongside a new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2. We're also expecting to see the smart home devices reportedly developed in collaboration with LG, including products such as a doorbell, smart lock and thermostat.

It's not yet clear whether Apple will share a launch video online at 9am ET (2pm UK time), but we'll be keeping a close eye on developments and will update when we know more.

Ring has announced the launch of its first-ever smart lock, offering four unlocking methods and a first-of-its-kind power dial designed to prevent the lock from becoming unusable if the battery dies. It also connects with Ring doorbells, cameras and alarms, whilst supporting voice control through Amazon Echo and Alexa.

Officially called the Ring Smart Lock, it gives users several ways to get inside, including a fingerprint reader, backlit touchscreen keypad, the Ring app or Alexa. The best smart locks on the market tend to offer more options, but it's exciting to see one come from such a well-known and trusted brand as Ring.

It looks like the smart lock will be exclusive to the US for now, with the product expected to arrive in 2027. It'll cost $249 (around £180) and will be available in black, silver and brass.

You will be able to check the status of the Ring Smart Lock and lock/unlock it remotely through the Ring app. You can also decide exactly who gets access, how they get it and when that access expires. For example, Ring says you could give your dog walker access every Tuesday from 2pm to 3pm, without allowing them to unlock the door outside that window.

The Ring Smart Lock also stays connected through Amazon Sidewalk, a shared network powered by nearby Amazon devices. This means remote locking, status updates and PIN syncing can happen automatically without relying solely on your home Wi-Fi.

It's important to note that the Smart Lock has not yet been authorised by the FCC, meaning it can't be sold in the US until that authorisation is obtained. We'll keep you updated if and when that changes, as well as if Ring announces plans to bring the smart lock to other markets.

Just days ahead of a wider smart home launch, Apple has added another brand of smart home devices to its range, and this time it's from one of the most affordable smart home brands around.

Apple has added seven Aqara products to its lineup, including the Aqara Thermostat Hub W200 and Aqara Climate Sensor W100, both of which were announced at CES earlier this year. It's believed the two products have been selected because they support Apple's Adaptive Temperature feature and Clean Energy Guidance through the Apple Home app.

As of the time of writing, all seven devices are available to buy in the US, whilst five are available in the UK. You can see the full range below, with prices remaining almost identical to their respective RRPs on Aqara's website.

As mentioned, Apple is preparing to launch its own smart home lineup, reportedly releasing a range of products developed in collaboration with LG. That said, the products are expected to carry the LG name, so it looks like Apple could soon have multiple brands within its smart home category.

The full lineup includes the Thermostat Hub W200 ($169.95), Smart Lock U400 Deluxe Kit ($299.95), Climate Sensor W100 (£39.95/$39.95), G5 Pro Outdoor Camera Hub (£199.95/$199.95), G410 Doorbell Camera Hub (£144.95/$144.95), G100 Indoor Camera (£34.95/$39.95) and Presence Multi-Sensor FP300 (£49.95/$49.95).

It’s been announced that Alexa+ and eDreams ODIGEO have collaborated, meaning you can now plan a trip across flights, hotels, packages, rail and car rental via your Echo smart speaker or the Alexa+ browser.

Using natural language, users can simply ask Alexa+ to find and book a trip based on their preferences, with the experience powered by an MCP. Alexa+ then uses eDreams ODIGEO's network to present relevant options directly within the conversation, so there's no need to jump between different websites or apps.

Everything is handled by eDreams' AI-powered system, which covers a catalogue of more than 40,000 destinations and nearly 700 airlines across 44 countries. The company's Chief Technology Officer, Carsten Bernhard, described the collaboration as "a powerful accelerator" for the business.

This isn't Alexa+'s first partnership with a travel provider, with Priceline, Viator and Virgin Atlantic being early partners to join the platform after launch. However, eDreams ODIGEO makes more than six billion online predictions daily, helping it anticipate what travellers might need and create a more personalised experience. It's this combination of AI and travel data that eDreams says sets its platform apart from other competitors.

When you're ready to book, eDreams ODIGEO will securely complete the transaction as the merchant of record, as well as handling supplier integrations, financial guarantees and 24/7 customer support. The integration is set to roll out in the coming weeks.

Ring has just announced a whole new line-up of security cameras – and in the middle of its Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale no less! The new range features four 4K outdoor and indoor cameras, and a 2K pan-tilt indoor model which is actually the camera I’m most excited by.

Designed to cover every corner of your home, the new Ring security cameras are arguably the brand’s most versatile yet. Alongside options for indoors and outdoors, the Ring cameras can be installed in various ways, including battery, wired, solar, plug-in or Power-over-Ethernet.

Let’s take a look at all the options available from the new Ring line-up.

Ring’s new 4K Outdoor Cameras – spotlights and floodlights galore!

Starting with the outdoor options, Ring has announced three new models, all of which have retinal 4K video resolution to capture crystal clear, true-colour images. The Ring Outdoor Camera 4K Plus has been described as the most flexible option Ring has ever made, as you can install it in five different ways (all the power options listed above).

The newest generation of the Ring Outdoor Camera 4K Plus has the same design as its predecessor, but it’s been advanced with new technology. Alongside 4K resolution, it has colour night vision in light, and automatically switches to black and white when it’s dark. It also has up to 10x Enhanced Zoom, a built-in siren to scare off intruders, and is priced at £129.99.

Next up is the Ring Spotlight Camera 4K Plus which has many of the same vision features as the Outdoor Camera 4K Plus. What makes it stand out is its motion-activated spotlights which are built into the main design of the camera, so they flank either side of the lens.

Dubbed Ring’s 4K battery-powered spotlight camera, the light of the Ring Spotlight Camera 4K Plus has up to 550 lumens which you can adjust in the Light Settings section of the Ring app. The light will automatically turn on when the camera detects motion. It’s priced at £179.99.

The last outdoor option is the Ring Floodlight Camera 4K Plus, and if it’s bright lights you’re after, this is the camera for you. Rather than having its lights built into the camera like the Spotlight model, the Ring Floodlight Camera 4K Plus has two extended floodlights that sit at the top of the camera.

To enhance its 4K video quality, the floodlights have 2,000 lumens and fully light up your property at all angles. The biggest and priciest model from the range, the Ring Floodlight Camera 4K Plus costs £199.99.

Ring moves indoors with its new 4K and 2K Indoor Cams

Moving indoors, Ring has introduced two indoor cameras, including a 4K option, and a 2K pan-tilt model. The 4K model is the Ring Indoor Camera 4K, a plug-in camera that has a wide 115-degree field of view and Auto HDR that enhances details when the area is too bright or too dark.

This style of indoor camera is most commonly used as a pet or baby camera, and the newest generation can still be used that way. For privacy, the Ring Indoor Camera 4K has a physical privacy shutter which covers the lens for when you want it to stop watching and recording. At £79.99, it’s a great beginner-friendly camera option.

Last but not least, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera 2K might be lower in resolution, but it’s still undeniably impressive. Its 2K Retinal vision enhances details, and it has up to 6x Enhanced Zoom. Its pan-tilt coverage offers 360 degrees pan, and 175 degrees tilt, and it uses auto tracking and computer vision-based motion detection to follow you around the room.

Like the other new indoor camera, the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera 2K has a privacy shutter that disables the camera and microphone. At £59.99, it’s the cheapest option in the new line-up.

All new Ring security cameras are compatible with the Ring app where you can unlock features like live view, two-way talk, customisation zones, and notifications. They’re available to pre-order now at Amazon with a shipping date expected in November.

It's been reported that Apple is set to launch a much bigger smart home range than anticipated, including a video doorbell, thermostat and other accessories developed in collaboration with LG. The products will form part of an ecosystem of devices designed to work with Apple's new smart home hub, which has been rumoured to launch since last year.

The news was first reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who said he had been told the information by "people with knowledge of the matter" who "asked not to be identified because the undertaking is private".

The good news is that we apparently won't have to wait long to find out, with the entire lineup reportedly set to launch next week on 13th October. The range is also expected to include an upgraded HomePod mini and a new Apple TV set-top box, and we'll keep you updated when Apple makes an official announcement.

Gurman also stated that, although the two companies have worked together to develop the accessories, the products will carry the LG brand. That's not entirely surprising, given Apple has collaborated with other brands on products before.

In recent weeks, LG has reportedly sought regulatory approval for the devices, including from the FCC. Whilst the filings don't mention Apple's involvement, the listings include products called the LG Video Doorbell Wired, LG Floodlight Cam, LG Outdoor Cam Plug-In, LG Indoor Cam Plug-In, LG Smart Deadbolt Lock, LG Smart Thermostat and LG Temperature Sensor.

Gurman also noted that the launch would put Apple in closer competition with Amazon and Google, who are already firmly established in the smart home market. With two major names behind the new range, it will certainly be interesting to see how well these products are received.