Drayton has expanded its smart home range with a new 2nd Gen smart radiator thermostat, giving homeowners more control over the temperature in individual rooms. It joins Wiser's growing Matter-enabled smart home lineup, including the Wiser 2nd Gen HubR, which we reviewed back in April.

Building on the original model, the new thermostat brings several upgrades, including quieter operation, improved battery flexibility and wider compatibility with existing radiator valves. It also has an upgraded motor, which brings operating noise down to just 19dB(A), making it a great fit for bedrooms and other quieter areas of the home.

The Wiser 2nd Gen Radiator Thermostat is available now in white or anthracite, directly from Drayton or selected retailers for £59.99 – around $80.

The thermostat can run on the included AA alkaline batteries, which Drayton says can last for more than two years, or Ni-Mh rechargeable batteries. It's also compatible with radiator valves from a range of major manufacturers, which makes installation straightforward.

There's also a physical Boost control on the thermostat itself, which you can activate by twisting the cap towards the plus symbol to increase the temperature by 2°C for one hour.

For more control, you can use the Wiser Home app to manage individual rooms and create heating schedules. Drayton says its multi-zone heating system could save users up to 30% on their annual energy bills, although your actual savings will depend on how you use your heating.

The thermostat is also Zigbee certified, allowing it to connect to the wider Wiser smart heating system. As part of Wiser's Matter-enabled ecosystem, compatible products can also be brought into platforms including Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Samsung SmartThings.

Ugreen has launched a new range of smart home products at IFA 2026, including an AI-powered home hub designed to control storage, security and smart home control in one place. It marks a move beyond the best power banks and charging accessories the brand is best known for.

The new Ugreen HomeAgent sits in the middle of the lineup, combining NAS-style storage and computing with smart home controls. It can connect to Ugreen's own AIoT devices, as well as other Matter-compatible products, giving users a single place to manage their connected home.

The HomeAgent range is available to pre-order ahead of the Kickstarter campaign, which launches on 27th October. Customers can currently place a deposit to reserve a device, with Ugreen offering a 50% super early bird discount. Other AIoT products are also expected to join the Kickstarter campaign when it goes live.

Users can also interact with HomeAgent using natural language, allowing you to manage files, control connected devices and automate parts of your home without having to jump between different apps.

HomeAgent is built around local storage and on-device AI, meaning Ugreen says your data can stay at home rather than being sent entirely to cloud-based services. That's particularly interesting for things like security camera footage and personal photos.

The wider HomeAgent lineup includes the HA100 and HA100 Pro, as well as the more powerful MasterAgent MA100, which is powered by NVIDIA's Jetson Thor platform. They're joined by SynCare smart cameras, the Ugreen Smart Speaker for Uliya and Ugreen Gallery smart frames, creating a wider ecosystem of connected home products around the hub.

Govee has barely finished showing off its latest smart home products at IFA 2026, and another one has already leaked. The Govee Outdoor Classic Wall Light has appeared in a new CSA listing, revealing that the upcoming outdoor light will support Matter.

The Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 Pro was the brand's only outdoor product at last week's launch, so it's nice to see Govee already has another outdoor light on the way. The new Outdoor Classic Wall Light will also join Govee's existing outdoor lighting range, including the Govee Outdoor UpDown Wall Light, which arrived late last year,

As usual with these database leaks, there's no word on pricing or availability just yet, but we'll let you know as soon as we hear more.

The CSA listing describes the new light as being designed for installation on an outdoor porch, and it looks set to offer a mix of white and coloured lighting effects. As you'd expect from Govee, users should also be able to customise the lighting through the Govee Home app.

The listing confirms support for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, as well as Matter 1.5, although there are still plenty of details we don't know. There's no image to view, nor any information on the light's brightness, design or exact dimensions, so we'll have to wait for a proper launch to find out more.

Philips Smart Lighting has launched its new Screen Sync, just days after the Philips Hue Play Screen Syncarrived. It essentially brings the Screen Sync concept to Philips' cheaper smart lighting range, but crucially, has a strip light that comes included in the box.

Just like the Hue version, the Philips Smart Lighting Screen Sync uses a fisheye lens to capture the full TV screen from edge to edge and read its colours in real time. Those colours are then recreated using a four-sided RGBIC strip light mounted behind the TV.

There will be two versions depending on your TV size. The 40-50-inch kit costs £79.99/€89.99, whilst the 55-65-inch version costs £99.99/€109.99. Each kit includes both the Screen Sync device and the corresponding strip light, so there's no need to buy any components separately.

In terms of installation, you simply position the Screen Sync device on top of your TV and start the calibration process in the app. It automatically aligns its anchor points with the edges of the screen, although you can make manual adjustments afterwards if needed.

There are several preset sync modes to adjust the effect depending on what you're watching, whilst a built-in microphone can also make the lights react to music.

If you want to take the effect beyond the TV, you can add compatible Philips Smart Lighting bulbs, lightstrips and lamps around the room. That includes a number of products launched back in May, so you can build out the setup without having to stick to the strip light behind the TV.

Check out my guide on Philips Hue vs Philips Smart Lighting for more information on the two guides.

Apple didn’t announce a new HomePod or the rumoured Home Hub at today’s keynote, but that doesn’t mean the home was absent from the story. In fact, there was enough talk around hubs, intelligence and Siri to suggest that Apple’s ambitions for the home are still very much alive – and perhaps getting closer to becoming a reality.

The biggest clue came during Apple’s iPhone presentation, when John Ternus described the iPhone as an “intelligent personal hub.” That wording is particularly interesting given Apple’s existing use of “hub” in the smart home, where HomePod, HomePod mini and Apple TV provide the central infrastructure for HomeKit and Matter devices.

It gets even more interesting when you look at Apple’s push to make Siri dramatically more capable. A future Home Hub would need exactly that – especially a persistent interface for controlling and understanding what’s happening around the home.

There had been plenty of rumours ahead of today about new smart home hardware, including a HomePod update and a Home Hub device, yet neither appeared on stage. That doesn’t necessarily mean those products have been cancelled, especially when there are signs that Apple is still building the software foundation they would need.

There was an interesting reminder of that from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman earlier today. Before the keynote, he wrote: “If you don't see the Apple TV, HomePod mini, home display and touch MacBook today, don't worry. It's only September,” suggesting that the October event could be the one to watch.

Shelly launched a number of new products at IFA 2026 last week, including two new smart sensors, but one of the most exciting announcements was actually an update coming to its Wall Display family.

The Wall Display X1i, X2i, XL, U1, S1, S2 and XT are getting a free Matter update that will make compatible models both a Matter controller and a Matter device. Essentially, this means the Wall Display can bring compatible smart home products from different brands together on one screen, making it much easier to control everything from a single place.

The Matter functionality will arrive as a free over-the-air update with firmware 2.8.0. First-generation Wall Display and Wall Display X2 models will also be able to control Matter devices shared from a newer compatible Wall Display, but thread-based Matter devices will still require a Thread Border Router.

You also won't need a separate Matter hub or bridge to add supported devices to the Wall Display. Once connected, Matter products can be included in Shelly's local scenes and automations, meaning a smart sensor or smart light from another brand can be used alongside Shelly devices in the same routines.

The update works the other way around, too. The Wall Display itself can become a Matter device, allowing features such as its relays, dimming and thermostat controls to be used through platforms including Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant.

The Wall Display can also be connected to multiple Matter ecosystems whilst still acting as a central point for controlling devices from different manufacturers.

As Shelly CEO Dimitar Dimitrov puts it: “Making the Wall Display a Matter controller and a Matter device at the same time means it can bring every brand in the house onto one screen.”

If you missed Philips Hue’s big product announcements last week, there’s quite a lot to catch up on. The company unveiled an impressive number of new products and features, and whilst several of the recent rumours turned out to be spot on – including the Hue Play Screen Sync and Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 4K – there were also a few surprises that I certainly wasn’t expecting.

I was in Berlin for the announcements, which also gave me the opportunity to sit down with George Yianni, Head of R&D at Hue Connected; Marco Merolla, Business Leader for Consumer Connected Lighting; and Drago Jozic, Market Leader for Benelux & UK&I. After following the rumours and developments in the run-up to the event, this was my chance to get some answers directly from the people behind Philips Hue and find out what the company has planned next.

However, there was one thing in particular I was keen to ask about... Philips Hue’s decision to collaborate with Nanoleaf.

Nanoleaf has been in the spotlight quite a bit recently following its acquisition, so seeing the brand team up with Philips Hue immediately raised a few questions for me. Most importantly, I wanted to know whether this was simply a one-off collaboration or the beginning of something bigger for Hue.

After speaking with George, Marco and Drago, the main – and rather exciting – takeaway is that Philips Hue isn't ruling out more collaborations with other smart home brands.

The team wouldn't reveal exactly what's next on its partnership roadmap, but it did confirm that Philips Hue is looking at a range of potential integrations with other brands and platforms.

In fact, when discussing why Hue would choose to partner with another company rather than develop a product itself, George put it pretty simply: “If what’s there is already a great fit, why would we do it ourselves?”

The chat we had also gave me a much better understanding of Philips Hue’s thinking behind the Nanoleaf partnership. The company doesn’t need to build every type of smart lighting product itself, and if another brand already excels in a particular category, working together can ultimately create a better experience for customers.

Nanoleaf was a natural fit because its decorative lighting panels filled a gap in the Hue lineup. In fact, Hue says it had already seen members of its community combining Nanoleaf panels with their Hue setups, which George described as “clearly a gap for people that wanted to have the Hue experience in every room of their house.”

Marco also stressed that partnerships aren't simply about filling gaps in the product range. As he put it, “The consumer experience in some selected areas can be better if we partner with another brand than having to try to fix that gap ourselves.”

Nanoleaf wasn't the only collaboration announced that day, either. Selected Hue switches, including the Hue Tap Dial Switch, can now control Sonos speakers without you needing to open an app. However, the Nanoleaf partnership feels particularly interesting because it's a collaboration between two brands that could otherwise be seen as competitors.

Rather than keeping their products completely separate, Philips Hue and Nanoleaf are finding a way for them to work together. This could make both ecosystems more useful in the process, and if Hue's comments are anything to go by, Nanoleaf may not be the last smart home brand we see it work with.

Shelly has launched two new smart door and window sensors at IFA 2026, expanding its existing sensor range, which already includes the recently launched BLU Door/Window ZB and Flood S Gen4.

The new BLU Door Window Mini ZB in particular is designed for situations where standard door and window sensors may not be suitable. The Mini ZB is made for narrower door and window frames, which could be particularly useful in older UK properties, where door and window frames can vary considerably.

Shelly has yet to announce pricing or availability for either sensor, although both are expected to launch in the coming months.

The BLU Door Window Mini ZB detects when a door or window is opened or closed, with those events able to trigger notifications and smart home automations. It supports both Bluetooth and Zigbee, allowing it to be integrated into compatible Shelly setups.

Shelly has also launched the new BLU Door Window Outdoor ZB, featuring an IP55 protection that allows it to be installed on areas such as garden gates, sheds and other outbuildings. It can monitor when an outdoor door or gate is opened or closed, whilst Bluetooth and Zigbee connectivity provides flexibility when integrating it with a smart home system.

Aqara has unveiled that it’s expanding its smart lighting offering with a new range of indoor and outdoor smart lights. Announced at IFA 2026, there are five products in total, all designed to work alongside Aqara’s sensors, switches and hubs to help automate entire spaces.

The new lineup includes the Aqara Floor Lamp T1, LED Downlight T2, LED Strip T2, Outdoor String Lights H1, and Permanent Outdoor Lights H1. Every product supports both Thread and Zigbee connectivity, is Matter-enabled, and works across major smart home platforms including Apple Home, Home Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings and Homey.

As you probably know, Aqara is one of my favourite budget friendly smart home brands, so I was pretty excited to see what it’s been working on. Here’s a closer look at each of the new lights:

1. Aqara Floor Lamp T1

The Floor Lamp T1 looks similar to some of the more premium models we’ve seen before, including the Philips Hue Signe and Govee Floor Lamp Pro, but Aqara has filled its version with some impressive tech.

A new high-precision 16-bit, 5-channel chip drives 18 individually controllable zones, allowing for cinematic-looking colour transitions. It also has an ultra-wide tuneable white range of 2,000K to 9,000K, whilst brightness reaches up to 1,000 lumens, giving you everything from warm lighting to brighter everyday illumination.

2. Aqara LED Downlight T2

Following on from Aqara’s Ceiling Light T1M, the new LED Downlight T2 has an ultra thin profile, making it a good option for low ceilings and relatively straightforward retrofits.

There are also two versions to choose from – the RGB CCT version for both mood lighting and everyday use, with a 2,000K-9,000K range and support for 16 million colours. Alternatively, the simpler CCT version focuses on reliable everyday illumination, with brightness reaching up to 1,200 lumens.

Like Aqara’s other lights, the LED Downlight T2 also has power-off memory, meaning it can return to the exact lighting state you had set before a power outage.

3. Aqara LED Strip T2

The new LED Strip T2 is another evolution of one of Aqara’s existing lighting products. It’s flexible and trimmable, making it easy to fit under cabinets, behind furniture or wherever you want to add a bit of ambient lighting.

It has 108 LEDs per metre, along with a 16-bit, 5-channel chip and 18 independently controllable zones every three metres. That means it can produce smooth colour gradients as well as music-synchronised effects, which should help keep things feeling a little more dynamic than your average static LED strip.

4. Aqara Outdoor String Lights H1

The Outdoor String Lights H1 are particularly interesting because they mark Aqara’s first move into outdoor lighting.

The weatherproof string lights feature individually controllable zones, allowing you to create richer lighting effects across patios, decks and other outdoor spaces. They also offer an ultra-wide 2,000K-9,000K colour temperature range, so you can switch between warm evening lighting and brighter illumination.

As you’d expect from Aqara, the lights can be automated based on the time of day, environmental conditions or triggers from other Aqara devices.

5. Aqara Permanent Outdoor Lights H1

Finally, there’s the Permanent Outdoor Lights H1, which is essentially a permanent version of the model I just mentioned.

Designed to be installed once and left in place, the system can be adapted for different occasions using one-tap presets and independently controlled LEDs. It’s also extendable and cuttable, so you can fit it to different rooflines, whilst its weatherproof design means it’s built for year-round outdoor use.

We’re still waiting on pricing, but based on Aqara’s previous smart lights and wider product range, I’m expecting these to be relatively affordable – especially compared with the likes of Philips Hue and Govee.

I’ll update this article as soon as we know more about pricing and availability.

Reolink has officially launched its new Home Hub 2, giving users a local and subscription-free way to store, search and manage footage from their Reolink cameras. The news was announced at IFA 2026, where the brand also unveiled three new security cameras joining its existing ranges.

The new Reolink Home Hub 2 also brings a variety of new AI features, including Local AI Video Search. This lets you search through recorded footage using natural-language descriptions, without needing a cloud subscription.

The Home Hub 2 is set to arrive in the coming weeks for £149.99 (around $200). It can connect up to eight Reolink cameras and supports up to 16TB of external storage.

Reolink also announced that it's expanding its ReoNeura AI technology a year after it first arrived, meaning the technology runs directly on your devices, rather than sending footage to the cloud.

The latest addition is Custom AI Detection, which lets users define and train the system to recognise specific scenarios or things that are unique to their home. For example, you could train it to recognise when the bins have been collected and receive an alert when it happens.

The brand's cameras are also becoming easier to integrate into a wider smart home setup, with support for Alexa, Google Home, Home Assistant, Homey and IFTTT.

That means you can now pull up a live feed on an Echo Show or Google Nest Hub, trigger a routine when a camera detects something, or use voice commands to control your Reolink kit. The company says further integrations are on the way too.

Dyson has revealed its most powerful 3-in-1 air purifier at IFA 2026, alongside two other new models designed to tackle of a range of spaces. The Dyson HushJet Hot Cool Pure+ air purifier combines three core features - purification, heating and personal cooling, which makes the unit super versatile and ideally suited to a wide range of uses.

The trio of multi-stage filtration system purifiers are able to capture 99.999% of pollutants, even those as small as 0.01 microns whilst also removing 99.9% of bacteria as well as destroying any traces of formaldehyde and other harmful gases.

The Dyson HushJet Hot Cool Pure+ air features a distinctive star-shaped nozzle that looks like it could have come straight from the aerospace industry. While the design is super efficient and offers coverage up to 140m2, it can be fine-tuned to allow air to be delivered in multiple directions. HushJet silencer engineering also means the unit is quiet, running at just 44dB. It also offers an impressive filter life of two years.

Dyson launched its first HushJet Compact Purifier in 2025 and then supplemented that with the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan in April of this year. The innovative design thinking behind this range draws inspiration from the field of aviation, especially when it comes down to that funky HushJet Nozzle. The design, which enables precise control of air and sound levels, has since gone on to be used across the Dyson range of air purifiers, heaters and coolers.

Pure Cool+ Formaldehyde

Anyone wanting something a little more compact will find the Pure Cool+ Formaldehyde air purifier perfect for smaller spaces. The high-performance medium-format purifier boasts up to 3 times more powerful purification, while still having a form factor that will be ideally suited to anyone with space issues.

Performance wise, the Pure Cool+ Formaldehyde offers air projection of 20 metres, coverage of 280m² and operates at less than 50dB. The filter life is an impressive 18 months.

HushJet Big+Quiet Cool Pure+ Formaldehyde

Conversely, the HushJet Big+Quiet Cool Pure+ Formaldehyde air purifier sits at the other end of the spectrum offering performance that’s aimed at taking on multiple rooms in one go. It has a 20-metre projection capability, coverage range of 360m², a filter life of up to 18 months and operates at 46dB for the European model.

Dyson air purifier pricing and release date

The Dyson HushJet Hot Cool Pure+ air will launch in December with an RRP of £549.99. However, if you can’t wait, the Dyson HushJet Big+Quiet Cool Pure+Formaldehyde, priced at £899.99 and the Dyson HushJet Pure Cool+ Formaldehyde costing £549.99 will both be available from October.

Roborock has taken the covers off a crop of new products at IFA 2026, including the dazzling Saros 20 robot vacuum range. Top of the pile has to be the Roborock Saros Rover, which has already been showcased at CES in Las Vegas and features independently adjustable legs that make it one of the most agile robovacs out there.

However, for the team here at T3 Towers, the Roborock Saros 20 Flow Complete offers less in the way of party tricks, but delivers oodles more practicality. The appliance boasts a formidable 36,000 Pa HyperForce suction motor system, which looked really impressive when it was in action on the huge Roborock show floor.

This model has also got an upgraded AdaptiLift Chassis 3.0, which means it’s more than capable of getting over obstacles around the home, including thresholds of up to 8.8cm. The Roborock Saros 20 Flow Complete also packs a roller mop, for tackling hard floor surfaces, spillages and stains.

The Roborock Saros 20 Flow Complete behaves smartly too, thanks to its RetractSense LiDAR Navigation system, which helps it get under low furniture. The 3D obstacle recognition was similarly impressive during demonstrations, underlining how Roborock seems to have got it just about right with its latest crop of machines.

Roborock Saros 20 Neo

Another highlight of the imposing Roborock booth was the Roborock Saros 20 Neo. Roborock has tailored this machine towards homes with more complex floor layouts, which combined with its beefy specification makes it a great all-rounder.

The Roborock Saros 20 Neo sports a similarly beefy arsenal of cleaning tools, including the AdaptiLift Chassis 3.0 setup, advanced navigation and obstacle recognition (over 300 different items no less) as well as a 36,000 Pa HyperForce suction motor. It’s also great at getting into low-slung environments, right on down to space of 7.95cm.

Adding extra appeal to the specification is a dual anti-tangle system, which makes it useful for shaggy dog owners and other pet hair scenarios. Meanwhile, the warm-water mopping system can apply up to 14N of downward pressure when needed, making the Saros 20 Neo a good option for folks who face stubborn floor stains on a regular basis.

The docking station also washes the mop with 100°C hot water, which should keep the roller in tip top condition. It’ll also cover nearly 350 m² on a single charge.

Both the Roborock Saros 20 Flow Complete and the Roborock Saros 20 Neo also benefit from European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF) certification, which means they’re officially ‘Allergy Friendly’.

Roborock RockAqua P1

However, Roborock also continues to diversify its innovative product portfolio, adding the RockAqua P1, its first robotic pool cleaner to the collection. It looks very cool, with a design that appears almost too good to put under water.

Much like its dry land Roborock counterparts, the robotic pool cleaner features an enviable ability to tackle complex pool shapes covering floors and walls as it goes, right up to a minimum depth of 15cm. It features 6,800 GPH of suction, packs a 4-litre debris basket into the body shape and the 180 μm + 70 μm dual filtration system means it’s easily able to collect dirt and debris effectively.

There’s a runtime of up to 3.5 hours, recharging takes about the same amount of time and a built-in monocular camera ensures obstacle avoidance. Meanwhile, dynamic dirt detection assists the machine in adapting to ever-changing pool conditions. Fishing it out of the pool is also not needed thanks to the Auto Waterline Parking, which automatically brings the robot to the surface.

Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen2 and more

Roborock also revealed a slew of other goodies, including its so-called intelligent cleaning solutions that consisted of the Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen2 and the Roborock F25 Pro Turbo Combo. The former had a nifty high-temperature steam and hot-water cleaning design that was easily able to tackle stubborn and dried-on stains during the brand’s keynote event.

Meanwhile, the Roborock F25 Pro Turbo Combo had a clever 5-in-1 system that makes it a brilliant multi-tasking machine, transforming it from a wet/dry vacuum into a cordless machine that can be used on standalone items of furniture or for forays into those hard-to-reach areas around the home.

Elsewhere, the Roborock RockNeo Q2 LiDAR robotic mower was just as impressive. This cool-looking creation can cover areas of lawn up to 800 m². It comes packed with top tech too, including Sentisphere LiDAR environmental perception and ReactiVision Fusion features that offer the latest in cable and antenna-free navigation.

There’s also a floating cutting deck and a PreciEdge cutting module that delivers precision trimming of borders. Owners can expect it to cut within 3 cm of lawn edges, which is impressive.

Pricing and availability

The Saros 20 Neo is set to be released in the UK starting from today, and can be purchased via Amazon UK as well as the Roborock UK store. It has an RRP of £999. However, UK consumers also can purchase the Saros 20 Neo for just £799 from the 7^th to the 20^th of September and by doing so will receive an additional 480ml of cleaning solution.

Ireland will get the Saros 20 Neo a little later, from October, with pricing details yet to be confirmed. Similarly, pricing for the Saros 20 Flow Complete, the Saros Rover, RockAqua P1 and other products will be confirmed later down the line.

The new Tado Smart Thermostat X (2nd gen) has been unveiled at IFA 2026. It’s a follow up to the Tado X, which in itself was a hugely popular smart thermostat. However, the Tado Smart Thermostat X (2nd gen) packs even more appeal with a leaner design, super intuitive controls plus a simpler installation and setup process.

It’s certainly eye-catching with a matte Snow White exterior, which features cool rounded off edges that will look much more elegant once it’s been fitted. Better still, the slimline design, which at 17.8mm is really thin, means it can be fitted just about anywhere without being obtrusive. In fact, Tado reckons it is currently the thinnest best smart thermostat on the market.

Even better on the eye is the circular touch interface of the unit. The illuminated LCD display is crisp, clear and instantly easy to read delivering crucial updates on the likes of temperature and humidity. There’s also a new Quick Action button mounted on the top, which can be customised to suit different homes and personal preferences including the option to pump up the heating when it’s needed.

More compatible than ever

The Tado Smart Thermostat X 2nd gen is compatible with boilers, heat pumps and underfloor heating systems and benefits from the popular Tado supporting app. This allows full remote management of the settings while also working seamlessly with the likes of Google Home, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings and Matter.

Another bonus with the Tado Smart Thermostat X (2nd gen) is the way it comes fitted with a rechargeable battery, which is a unique feature up against Tado’s other models. It can be charged up in around three hours using a USB-C cable connection and should be good for a year or more of use.

Easier to use too

Tado promises the new thermostat is simpler to install too and will also work in harmony with existing Tado X products, meaning upgrades should be straightforward. As an bonus, the Tado Smart Thermostat X (2nd gen) benefits from AI Assist, available as an optional upgrade for £3.99 per month or £29.99 per year.

AI Assist uses artificial intelligence to optimise heating depending on weather conditions and tweaks settings to match the type of home its being used in. A range of new AI-focused features like Geofencing, Open Window Detection, Adaptive Heating and Pre-heat Before Arrival lets users get the best from their purchase.

Homes fitted with their own boilers or heat pumps also have the potential to benefit from Hydronic Balancing, which helps make the system more efficient than ever.

Competitive pricing options

The Tado Smart Thermostat X (2nd gen) is available from today. UK pricing is as follows:

Smart Thermostat X (2nd generation) Wired Starter Kit – £ 159.99

Smart Thermostat X (2nd generation) Wireless Starter Kit – £ 169.99

Wired Smart Thermostat X (2nd generation) – £ 109.99

Wireless Temperature Sensor X (2nd generation) – £ 89.99

After rumours began last month, Reolink has officially unveiled a selection of new smart security cameras at IFA 2026. Leading the announcement is the OMVI 2i Ultra, which joins Reolink's OMVI Series and brings its dual-view setup to a completely wire-free camera.

Reolink is also expanding its TrackFlex range with the new TrackFlex WiFi, a 4K dual-lens security camera designed to keep a much wider eye on your home. Rounding out the trio is the flagship OMVI X16 PoE, which is coming later this year with an impressive 24MP resolution and 16x optical zoom.

Both the TrackFlex WiFi and OMVI 2i Ultra are expected to launch in the coming weeks. The TrackFlex WiFi will be priced at £169.99 (around $230), whilst the OMVI 2i Ultra is expected to cost £170-£220 (around $230-$300). Pricing for the OMVI X16 PoE is yet to be announced.

The new OMVI 2i Ultra combines an 8MP wide-view camera with a 5MP pan-and-tilt camera, meaning you can keep an eye on the wider scene whilst simultaneously tracking movement elsewhere. Reolink's SyncTrack technology also allows the lower camera to continue following a detected person or object even after they move beyond the wide-angle camera's view.

It's completely wire-free too, with a detachable 10,000mAh battery that Reolink claims can last up to six months, based on five minutes of recording each day. There's also a built-in 6W solar panel to keep it topped up, with Reolink claiming just 30 minutes of sunlight per day is enough to keep the camera running.

The TrackFlex WiFi follows the Reolink TrackFlex Floodlight WiFi, which we recently awarded five stars, and uses a similar dual-lens setup to offer 270-degree Out-of-View detection. It also features 355-degree panning, 50-degree tilting and automatic tracking and zooming. Its AI can distinguish between people, vehicles and animals to cut down on unnecessary alerts, whilst dual-band Wi-Fi 6 should help keep the connection stable.

Finally, the OMVI X16 PoE sits at the top of Reolink's OMVI range, featuring an impressive 24MP resolution and 16x optical zoom. Reolink hasn't revealed too much more about its new flagship just yet, but we should hear more as its launch gets closer.

At IFA 2026, EZVIZ has announced a whole new generation of smart home products. Amongst the new launches is the EZVIZ H90f Triple Pan & Tilt Wi-Fi Camera which – as you may have guessed from the name – has not one, not two but three lenses so you won’t miss a thing.

Dual lens security cameras have been all the rage lately, but EZVIZ is offering one step better with its new H90f camera. With a triple-lens system, the EZVIZ H90f has a wide single camera at the top and a smaller rounder camera at the bottom which has its two other lenses.

With full coverage in mind, the EZVIZ H90f uses a triple-motor system to offer flexible viewing angles, and reduce blind spots. The cameras have 3K resolution, and 12x hybrid zoom so you can see all your footage and live view in crystal-clear detail. It also comes with local AI-powered familiar facial recognition to accurately notify you of what's happening at your property.

Another debut from EZVIZ, the CB60 Dual 4G Battery Camera might be my favourite of the new releases, mainly because it looks like a mini robot. Available in black or white, the EZVIZ CB60 has dual 3K lenses, and 8x hybrid zoom.

The EZVIZ CB60 comes with Always On Vision (AOV) technology, meaning it continuously records when motion is detected, and switches to lower frame rates when the area is empty. As an outdoor camera, it’s easy to install with its magnetic base, has 4G connectivity and is compatible with solar panels.

For fans of the EZVIZ C6c 4K Indoor Pan-Tilt Camera, it’s been upgraded with better image quality and detection features. It now has 4K resolution, 340° pan and 130° tilt coverage, and AI detection which can recognise over 130 items. As an indoor camera, it still comes with two-way talk, video calling and a physical privacy shutter.

At IFA, EZVIZ has also debuted its latest smart lock, the DL50FVX Dual-Cam Face Recognition and Palm Vein Smart Lock. It offers multiple unlocking options, including palm vein and fingerprint recognition, face ID, app, temporary codes and passwords, as well as a back-up key if needed.

Pricing and availability for the new EZVIZ launches has yet to be confirmed, but they look undeniably impressive – I can’t wait to get my hands on them.

At IFA 2026, SwitchBot has announced a new retrofit smart lock system, and it might have convinced me to make the switch to a smart lock over my normal door handle. The SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max Vision Pro Combo is designed for European locks, and offers 19 ways to unlock your front door, making your traditional set of keys look old fashioned.

The SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max Vision Pro Combo consists of the SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max, the SwitchBot Keypad Vision Pro and the SwitchBot Hub Mini. These three products work together to make a faster, securer and more connected experience, thanks to its upgraded technology and Matter connectivity.

Starting with the lock, the SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max mounts on the inside of your door in its existing lock cylinder, so you don’t have to modify your door. It’s powered by an UltraDrive brushless motor which gives it a speed of 160 rpm, so it can unlock your door in just 1.1 seconds – very speedy for a smart lock.

Speaking of unlocking, the SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max has 19 unlocking methods to play with, including 3D facial recognition, fingerprints, palm vein recognition, voice control, passcodes, NFC cards, the SwitchBot app and more. The keypad is needed for most of these features which can be easily installed on the outside of your home.

The SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max comes with multiple modes, including Max Mode and Quiet Mode. The former allows the lock to unlock your door quicker, while the latter makes little to no noise for discreet unlocking during the night or early morning. It also has an Auto-Lock function which automatically secures your door after entry and exit.

For hands-free entry, the SwitchBot Keypad Vision Pro projects more than 30,000 infrared points which it uses to create a 3D facial map. It also uses near-infrared sending for fingerprint and palm vein recognition to read the unique pattern of your hand. This recognition system still works in low-light conditions, and whether your hands are old or dry, plus it can resist spoofing attempts using photos or videos.

With security as its top priority, SwitchBot has given its locking combo six layers of security, including AES-128 encryption, local biometric data storage, and more. With the SwitchBot app, you can check the lock’s status, notifications, history and battery life, and you’ll receive alerts and warnings about extreme weather, low battery or if your door has been left open.

For battery – which is often a top concern with smart locks – the SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max has a 4,200 mAh rechargeable battery with up to nine months of battery life. To back this up, an independent CR123A back-up battery is in place to keep the lock working when the main battery is removed for recharging. The back-up battery can support up to 500 locking or unlocking operations.

If that’s not enough, the SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max has Micro-Power Unlock that collects energy for 30 seconds before it will offer emergency locking. The SwitchBot Keypad Vision Pro also has an impressive 5,000 mAh rechargeable battery which can last up to 12 months.

Available for European locks, including profile, knob, UK oval and Swiss round cylinders, the SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max Vision Pro Combo is easy to install and shouldn’t require you to make many changes to your door.

Easily SwitchBot’s smartest lock option yet, the SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max Vision Pro Combo will be available to pre-order from 3rd September, with prices starting from £339.99 / €339.99. As of writing, UK pricing and availability has yet to be announced.

Every piece of smart tech you own could one day be Xiaomi. The gigantic booth at the IFA show in Berlin is showing off its expansive range of products from air fryers to smart TVs and EVs.

It's all part of Xiaomi's Human x Car x Home smart ecosystem, and while most of this has been available in China for some time, we're going to be seeing much more of it in Europe soon.

There's very little that the collection doesn't touch these days. The kitchen options alone range from fridges and ovens to coffee machines, washing machines, mops and vacuums. It's the same in the living room with top-spec TVs, surround sound speakers, air purifiers and air conditioning units.

The automotive arm is the last piece of the puzzle, with two main models now established – the SU7 and the YU7. But there's also a high-performance version of the SU7, the SU7 Ultra, and a Gran Turismo Vision car created for the game but shown here in physical form.

Mijia smart home expands

The majority of Xiaomi's smart home products come under the Mijia brand. This is described as 'The Art of Smart Living' and combines the latest smart tech with classic minimalist design and often highly competitive pricing.

We first heard that Mijia products would be coming to Europe last year but in today's press conference, Xiaomi confirmed that it will 'expand at scale across Europe'.

It's not clear which products will be available in the UK as yet, but there's plenty I'd love to see. The three-drum washer dryer is very clever, while its double-stack air fryer looks like it could be a popular option.

On the stand, I saw an extractor fan that automatically activated when the gas hob was lit, and a robot vacuum that burst into action as soon as the dishwasher was started. It's this kind of connectivity where Xiaomi sees an advantage, especially connecting the home and car.

Xiaomi EVs coming in 2027

It's been three years since Xiaomi announced its first EV, the SU7, and since then we have seen numerous additions to the range, including an SU7 Ultra performance model that's broken Nurburgring records and a YU7 SUV that has now set its own autonomous track driving.

It's in the Vision Gran Turismo where we see the potential of Xiaomi's automotive progress. The car is developed purely for the game, but the model on the stand shows this could form the basis of a real hypercar in the future.

The big news for Europe, though, is that we will finally see the EVs on the road next year. A big signing ceremony at IFA marked the start of the process that should see at least one of the models on sale. I'd love to see the YU7 come to the UK, as it's perhaps the more interesting of the two designs, though the SU7 Ultra is definitely the poster child.

Folding in

The IFA stand also gave us a preview of Xiaomi's folding phone, the Fold 18. This is the first to use the Xiaomi XRING 03 processor and looks to be a real competitor to the Samsung Z Fold 8 and the rumoured Apple Fold device.

Unfortunately, this is currently only scheduled for launch in China, so we might not actually see this model in Europe anytime soon.

Athom has introduced the Homey Portal, a new physical smart home controller that gives anyone in the room easy access to lights, music, heating and other connected devices without reaching for a phone.

The Homey Portal combines a 2.8-inch circular touchscreen with a stainless steel rotary ring, and can either sit on a desk or be mounted to a wall. Each Portal is linked to a particular room or zone, meaning the one in your kitchen can control a completely different set of devices to the one in your living room.

It's available to pre-order now for £249/€249/$249 as an introductory price for the first production batch, before rising to £299/€299/$299. It's compatible with Homey Cloud, Homey Pro (2023-2026), Homey Pro mini and Homey Self-Hosted Server, with orders expected to start shipping before the end of 2026.

The Portal can display notifications, questions that need a simple yes-or-no response and even live camera feeds. For example, someone ringing one of the best video doorbells could automatically bring up the live feed and ask whether you'd like to open the smart lock. It can also display live weather and a short forecast.

Multiple Homey Portals can be placed around the house, and each comes with both a desk stand and wall mount. They can even be set up in shared spaces such as rental properties and offices, with owners choosing exactly which controls guests can access.

For lighting, you can tap the screen to switch lights on and off or choose a Mood, then twist the ring to dial the brightness up or down. You can also adjust colour and warmth directly on the display, with support for lights connected through Homey, including the best Philips Hue lights and IKEA products.

When it comes to music, you can connect a system such as Sonos or Denon HEOS and the Portal can show what's playing, complete with album artwork. A tap skips the track, whilst a twist of the ring handles the volume.

Compatible thermostats from Nest, Tado and Honeywell can be adjusted directly from the Portal, with current and target temperatures shown on screen. It can also surface real-time and historical energy use from devices such as the Homey Energy Dongle, Shelly and HomeWizard energy meters, giving you another reason to check the Portal instead of opening yet another app.

Anker has unveiled its full IFA lineup, and there’s an impressive amount to get through, particularly if you’re into smart home tech. The launches also arrive alongside the news that Anker’s five brands will be unified under a single Anker name going forwards.

The headline announcement is Anker MindBase, a new smart home hub designed to connect devices around your home and keep household data stored locally. It’ll bring together Anker devices and Matter-compatible products from other brands, with support for Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Home Assistant. There are also dedicated AI agents for different areas of the home, whilst up to 48TB of expandable local storage can keep everything closer to home.

The first product to make use of it will be the Anker MindBase Security Kit, which is due to launch later this year. It’ll work with new products including the Eufy TrackLight Cam S1 and Eufy Video Doorbell S4, as well as many existing Eufy security devices. HomeBase S380 users will also be able to transfer their existing footage across to MindBase.

Elsewhere, there’s the new Eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35, which delivers an impressive 35,000Pa of suction power alongside the HydroJet 2.0 Self Cleaning Roller Mop. We’ve luckily already managed to put the E35 Omni to the test, and our full review will be available to read tomorrow.

Interestingly, it’s also been developed to what Anker describes as “baby-grade” standards. The E35 has received TÜV certification as a “Maternal and Infant Cleaning Robot”, covering bacterial elimination, cleaning performance, noise levels and self-cleaning capabilities.

Anker has also unveiled the Eufy Robot Lawn Mower S2 Max, its first robot mower to be developed entirely in-house. Following the C15, E15 and E18, the new model doesn't require boundary wires or RTK, and uses an automatically extendable cutting arm to deliver what Anker describes as true edge-to-edge cutting.

The S2 Max also has all-wheel drive, can tackle slopes of up to 80% (38 degrees) and can map and mow areas of up to 15,000 square metres. It’s expected to launch in Europe in May 2027.

Finally, Anker has expanded its Solix energy range with the new Solarbank Max, which the company describes as the world’s first plug-in energy storage system to match home battery specifications. It offers 10kW of solar input, 7kWh of storage and up to 3,500W of AC output, with storage expandable all the way up to 42kWh.

It follows the recently launched Anker Solix Solarbank 4 Pro, which also features the brand's Plug-in Power 2.0 system, but the Solarbank Max takes things considerably further with more solar input, storage and AC output.

There’s also an energy management system capable of tracking more than 870 dynamic electricity tariffs, helping determine when it makes sense to store energy and when it could be better to sell solar power back to the grid.

Signify has officially unveiled its full lineup of Philips Hue launches at IFA 2026, ranging from a bunch of new lights to some interesting partnerships. I’m happy to say plenty of the rumours turned out to be true, including the new 4K HDMI sync box. A few were wide of the mark, though – no giant LED lounge table this time, folks.

There's also a big software update on the way called Custom AI Behaviours, which will be exclusive to the Hue Bridge Pro. Instead of manually building complicated automations, you'll be able to simply describe what you want your lights to do in everyday language, and the Hue AI assistant will create the automation for you.

There's a lot more hardware to get through, so below you'll find the biggest new launches, along with pricing and availability.

1. Philips Hue Liane 360° rope light

One of the more unusual launches is the Philips Hue Liane 360° rope light, which produces light around its entire circumference. Its flexible design means it can wrap around walls, furniture and other features, rather than being limited to the usual straight strip light setup.

It uses Philips Hue's OmniGlow technology to create a continuous diffused gradient and is available from today in the UK, Europe and North America, starting at £379.99/€429.99.

2. Philips Hue Signe and Festavia

The Signe collection is getting bigger too, with new Signe pendant, pendulum and pole designs. The pendant and pendulum are available in Europe from today, starting at £309.99/€349.99, with North American availability following in November. The Signe pole will arrive at a later date.

Festavia is also expanding with new Curtain, Net and Icicle lights, starting at £189.99/€229.99. There are new, more affordable outdoor wall lights and spots too, alongside an OmniGlow outdoor strip light starting at £259.99/€299.99.

3. Philips Hue Play Screen Sync

One rumour that turned out to be true is the new Philips Hue Play Screen Sync, which offers a completely different way to match your Hue lights with what's happening on your TV.

Instead of relying on an HDMI connection, it uses a fisheye lens and automatic calibration to capture what's happening on the screen and extend those colours into the room using the best Philips Hue lights. Crucially, that means it can work with native smart TV apps and broadcast television as well as HDMI-connected devices.

The Philips Hue Play Screen Sync is available from today, starting at £109.99/€119.99.

4. Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 4K

We were also right about the new Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 4K. It's a slimmer and simpler alternative to Hue's existing sync box setup, with a single HDMI connection for synchronising your lights with 4K content.

It's available from today, starting at £134.99/€149.99.

5. Philips Hue Play gradient strip lights

Philips Hue is refreshing its Play gradient strip light range as well, and this time the strips are cuttable, making it easier to get a better fit around different TV sizes and setups.

For the first time, there's also an option designed for TVs up to a huge 100 inches. Prices start at £89.88/€99.99, with availability from 15th September.

6. Two new collaborations

Finally, there are two big collaborations to talk about, starting with Sonos.

From November, selected Hue switches, including the Hue Tap Dial Switch, will be able to control Sonos speakers without you needing to open an app. You'll be able to assign Sonos Favorites to buttons, play and pause music, skip tracks and adjust the volume directly from your Hue controls.

However, the more surprising partnership is with Nanoleaf, which will bring compatible Nanoleaf Shapes into the Philips Hue ecosystem. Nanoleaf Hexagons, Triangles and Mini Triangles will be able to join Hue scenes, automations and entertainment setups, meaning products from the two brands can finally work together within the same lighting setup.

You'll need the new Philips Hue Wall Light Module, which is available from today for £34.99/€39.99. Starter kits featuring compatible Nanoleaf panels will also be available in selected markets, starting at £179.99/€199.99.

Govee has announced its IFA 2026 launches, and one of the highlights is a smart ceiling light that creates lighting based on your mood and what you're doing. The Govee Sky Ceiling Light is described by the brand as the industry's first AI-powered, mood-responsive ceiling light.

It joins several other new launches, including the COB Strip Light 2 Pro, COB Strip Light 2 and Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 Pro. AI is a big theme across the range, with Govee AI Lighting allowing users to create and personalise lighting using text, voice and image inputs. Govee says you can even have multi-turn conversations with the system, so you can describe the lighting you want and then keep refining it.

I've rounded up each of the new launches below, along with pricing, availability and when you can expect to get your hands on them.

As mentioned, the Govee Sky Ceiling Light uses AI Lighting Bot 2.0 to create lighting based on your mood. For example, if you want to feel more alert or focused, it can prioritise a specially tuned 478nm sky-blue spectrum, which Govee says is designed to support the body's natural rhythm and help maintain alertness when daylight is limited.

It arrives not long after Philips introduced its own range of skylights designed to mimic sunlight. However, Philips' models don't include smart connectivity, instead relying on an included remote control and five preset lighting scenes. Govee's model keeps the smart features, making it much easier to integrate into a wider smart home setup.

There's a huge 1,000K-10,000K colour temperature range, up to 7,000 lumens of white light and a CRI of 95. Govee's DaySync feature can also automatically adjust the lighting based on the time and weather, whilst Matter support lets it work with other compatible smart home platforms.

The Govee Sky Ceiling Light launches tomorrow for $399.99/€399.

Govee is also expanding its strip light range with the COB Strip Light 2 Pro, another new product powered by AI Lighting Bot 2.0.

You can describe the atmosphere you're after using voice or text prompts, and the strip will create a corresponding lighting scene. It features 1,344 LEDs and 16 ICs per metre, alongside Govee's RGBWWIC technology and LuminBlend+ colour engine, which are designed to produce smooth lighting across single and multiple colours. It also offers the same wide 1,000K-10,000K colour temperature range.

The 5-metre COB Strip Light 2 Pro launches tomorrow for $169.99/€179.99, and there's a more affordable COB Strip Light 2, arriving the same day for $99.99/€119.99.

Finally, Govee has launched its new Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 Pro, featuring a dual-layer lighting design with two independently controlled chips inside each light head. This allows the upper and lower sections to display different colours and effects at the same time, giving you more freedom to create colourful displays around the outside of your home.

The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 Pro launches in the US on 7th September, priced at $499.99 for 100ft or $799.99 for 200ft. UK and European availability is yet to be confirmed.

Tapo has launched a new robot vacuum and mop that’s considerably more affordable than many of its recent releases, despite still promising plenty of cleaning power. The Tapo RV30 Max Plus Gen 2 is an upgraded replacement for the original RV30 Max Plus, which first launched in late 2024.

The RV30 Max Plus Gen 2 delivers 13,000Pa of suction power and retains Tapo’s Tangle-Free Cutting Brush, which picks up hair before automatically cutting and detangling it in the dock. If you’re short on space, the docking station is also relatively compact at around 11 x 9 inches, despite offering up to 90 days of hands-free maintenance.

The RV30 Max Plus Gen 2 is priced at £299.99 (around $400) and is currently available to buy from Amazon and Tapo’s own online store.

There are plenty of other useful features too, including improved edge-to-corner cleaning thanks to a longer side brush that reaches further along walls, around furniture and into corners. It can also automatically detect carpets and adjust its cleaning accordingly, or you can set your own cleaning preferences depending on the room and surface.

Navigation has also had an upgrade, with a new-generation dToF LiDAR system designed to move around obstacles with greater precision. It supports 3+1 multi-floor maps too, allowing it to recognise different floors and store maps locally to build up a more complete picture of your home.

Eufy has launched a new 2-in-1 outdoor wall light and security camera, called the Eufy Wall Light Cam S4. It arrives at an interesting time, just days ahead of IFA 2026, where we're expecting to see plenty more from the brand.

With 4K resolution and a 120-degree ultra-wide view, alongside what Eufy calls Adaptive Smart Lighting, the S4 essentially combines features you'd expect from some of the best security cameras and best smart lights into one unit. The camera itself is also fairly discreet, so at first glance it looks much more like a regular outdoor wall light than alternative options.

The Eufy Wall Light Cam S4 is available now in both the UK and US, priced at £229/$249.99 through Eufy's online store and Amazon. Eufy is currently warning of high demand, however, with orders expected to be dispatched within a week.

The S4 can be wired into your home or mounted using a hook, and there's also a detachable 2W solar panel that can be positioned separately to keep it powered throughout the year.

The lighting side includes up to 500 lumens of brightness, with different settings depending on what's happening outside. You could have a warm light come on when you arrive home, whilst radar-activated detection can trigger flashing blue and red warning lights alongside a siren if an intruder is detected.

With IFA kicking off next week, there's a good chance this won't be the last we hear from Eufy over the next few days. We'll keep you updated with everything else the brand announces at the show.

August has gone by in the blink of an eye, and despite it being one of the quietest months out of the year, it’s been packed with smart home launches.

The biggest announcement from August is that plug-in solar is now officially legal in the UK. Available for millions of households around the country, compliant systems can now be legally connected to a standard household socket, so you can generate some of your own electricity without having to install a traditional rooftop solar panel.

Alongside home solar batteries, August has seen lots of security camera and video doorbell releases, as well as sensors and lighting. I’ve rounded up the best August smart home launches from the likes of EcoFlow, Tapo, Philips Hue, Govee and more, in case you missed them.

1. EcoFlow Stream 5000

Shortly after plug-in solar became legal in the UK, EcoFlow launched the Stream Series, its first home solar battery. The standout of the line-up is the EcoFlow Stream 5000, a compact 5kWH battery that offers up to 5,000W of solar and 3,000W of AC outputs.

Currently available for pre-order, the EcoFlow Stream 5000 is much smaller than similar home solar systems, but its power means it’s able to run many large appliances, like washing machines. It’s priced at £1,599 / $2,200.

2. Tapo TC34 Indoor/Outdoor Dual Lens Pan/Tilt Security Camera

With IFA coming up in September, many brands are announcing their new product line-ups, including Tapo. Ahead of the event, Tapo has launched its latest dual lens camera which stacks two cameras atop of one another to offer a wider field of view.

For both indoor and outdoor use, the Tapo TC34 is easy to install, and after the initial cost, there are no subscription fees to worry about. The top camera stays fixed and offers a wide angle lens with 125° of coverage, while the bottom is a 6mm telephoto lens which automatically pans and tilts up to 135° vertically and 360° horizontally to track and follow movement.

3. EZVIZ CP8 Battery Video Doorbell

Taking on brands like Ring and Arlo, EZVIZ has launched the CP8, one of the most affordable video doorbells currently on the market. With 5MP resolution, the EZVIZ CP8 has a wide field of vision, and works to minimise blind spots so it can clearly capture what’s happening outside your home, even towards the edges of the frame.

My favourite feature of the EZVIZ CP8 is its built-in spotlights. They shine out from the top and bottom of the doorbell, and help power its colour night vision. It also works alongside the EZVIZ CP8’s PIR sensor which uses motion detection to recognise people and other objects, like pets and packages.

4. Wyze Indoor Cam Pan

Another indoor camera launch, the Wyze Indoor Cam Pan is a great budget option that gives even Blink, one of the cheapest security brands on the market, a run for its money. Priced at $39.98, the Wyze Indoor Cam Pan rotates a full 360° while the lens has 103° of vertical movement.

To protect your privacy, the Wyze Indoor Cam Pan has a physical privacy mode where you can tilt the lens down and retract it into the camera’s body. This means the camera will no longer see or record your home when you don’t want it to.

5. Philips Hue HDMI Sync Box Lite APR

Philips Hue looks to be dropping a cheaper edition of its HDMI Sync Box. As spotted via an early listing on Very, the Philips Hue HDMI Sync Box Lite APR has a lot of the same features as its predecessor, but it’s significantly cheaper.

What we know so far about the Philips Hue HDMI Sync Box Lite APR is it has one HDMI input and supports 4K up to 60Hz and 1080p up to 120Hz. It’s slightly less advanced than the 8K Sync Box, so this could be better suited to households with single devices.

6. Govee Strip Light 2

Govee has been launching many new smart lights recently, and its newest launch from August is the Govee Strip Light 2. Building on its original 2022 Strip Light, the Govee Strip Light 2 uses RGBWWIC and LuminBlend+ technology, so you get a combination of colour and white-light options.

Another notable upgrade of the Govee Strip Light 2 is you can cut it to fit your home, making it much more flexible and versatile. It’s currently available in four sizes in the US, with prices starting from $49.99, while a UK five-metre version is priced at £59.99.

7. Shelly Flood S Gen4

Expanding its Gen4 line-up, Shelly launched the Flood S Gen4 in August. The smart water leak sensor has three stainless steel sensors on its base, giving it a wider contact area to allow it to pick up even the smallest amounts of water.

The Shelly Flood S Gen4 is minimalist and petite, so it can easily fit near and underneath sinks, toilets and appliances, like dishwashers. If it detects water, the sensor sends an alert to your smartphone, and it even makes a noise via its built-in alarm.

I hate to say it, but you’ve probably been living under a rock if you haven’t heard that plug-in solar is now officially legal in Great Britain. We’ve already covered the 10 things you need to know before buying and the savings you can expect, so if you’ve checked both of those out and you’re keen to give it a try, there are already a couple of systems you can order.

UKSOL has launched its new Plug-In Solar Pro range following the introduction of the new plug-in solar framework. Whilst seven of its systems have now been formally marked as compliant on the ENA Connect Direct register, only two configurations are available from launch, and you can find out more about both below.

As you can see, both are ground-mounted systems rather than the balcony setups that have become particularly popular elsewhere in Europe. UKSOL says it’s taking a ground-mount-first approach in Britain whilst questions around balcony mounting, including wind loading, building height, planning and landlord permissions, become clearer.

Prices for the Plug-In Solar Pro range start at £699, although exactly how much you’ll pay depends on the model and where you buy it. Each kit brings together the solar panel, compliant microinverter, mounting hardware, cabling and monitoring, so you’re getting everything together as part of one system.

UKSOL has also confirmed there are more options on the way. The brand already has five additional configurations marked as compliant, ranging from a 515W single-panel system to a 1,260W two-panel model, although these aren’t listed as available at launch.

That means the choice is still fairly limited if you want to buy a compliant plug-in solar system today, but this is only the beginning of a completely new category in Great Britain. With more manufacturers expected to enter the market, it probably won’t be long before there are considerably more systems to choose from.

Ring has announced a new video encryption standard called TAKE – or Throw Away the Key Encryption – which will eventually become the default for all Ring customers worldwide. It's designed to give you more control over your best security camera footage without taking away the brand's cloud-based features.

It's worth pointing out that Ring videos are already encrypted after being sent to the cloud and whilst they're stored there. However, TAKE adds another layer by protecting videos with unique encryption keys, with a copy temporarily held inside a secure cloud enclave. Ring can access the key under limited conditions to power features you've chosen to use, such as Smart Alerts, but once that's done, Ring says its copy of the key is deleted.

TAKE will begin rolling out in phases from September and will eventually become the default encryption method for Ring customers worldwide, so it's a change most users won't have to actively opt into.

Once Ring's copy of the key has been deleted, access remains with you and any trusted Shared Users you've chosen, using enrolled devices such as your phone, tablet or computer. Ring compares it to a house key – you might temporarily lend one to someone who needs access, but the company that made your lock doesn't keep a permanent copy for itself.

The main difference between TAKE and traditional end-to-end encryption (E2EE) is that TAKE doesn't require you to give up Ring's wider cloud-based features. With E2EE enabled, only your enrolled devices have access to the encryption keys, meaning Shared Users and cloud-based features aren't available, although core functions such as Live View, playback and video sharing still work.

Ring will continue offering E2EE as an optional setting for anyone who wants that additional level of control, whilst TAKE becomes the default for everyone else. You'll also be able to manage encryption on a device-by-device basis through the Ring app and switch between the available options.

Anker Solix has announced the Solarbank 4 Pro for the UK, a new home solar battery system that starts with 5kWh of storage and can be expanded up to 30kWh. The system first launched in Europe back in May and offers up to 5,000W of solar input and 2,500W AC output.

The timing makes sense as the UK's new plug-in solar rules have just come into effect, allowing compliant solar kits to connect to a standard household socket. I've already covered 10 expert-approved things to know before buying, but one of the important points is that plug-in batteries aren't legal yet. That means the Solarbank 4 Pro – along with other similar home batteries – currently needs to be hardwired into your home's consumer unit by a registered electrician.

The Anker Solix Solarbank 4 Pro is available to pre-order from today for £1,699 (around $2,308). Anyone ordering during the pre-sale period will also get an Anker Solix Smart Meter Gen 2 at no additional cost, which is used to monitor energy flowing around the home and help the system decide when to charge and discharge.

The battery itself has a modular, stackable design, so you can start with 5kWh and add more storage later, up to a maximum of 30kWh. Anker also says additional capacity can be added without requiring a second installation. There's also 5,000W MPPT solar input with support for up to 12 solar panels, depending on your setup.

Despite all that, the main unit is relatively compact, with the battery and inverter combined into a single system. Inside, it uses automotive-grade LFP battery cells rated for 10,000 charge cycles.

When paired with the Anker Solix Smart Meter Gen 2, the system can monitor energy flowing around your home in real time, adjusting how it uses solar, stored and grid electricity. Anker claims this could save a typical UK household up to £770 a year, with an estimated payback period of around 3.3 years. Of course, actual savings will vary considerably depending on your electricity tariff, energy usage and how much solar power you generate.

Interestingly, Anker has already designed the Solarbank 4 Pro with future plug-in battery storage in mind. If UK regulations eventually change to allow home batteries to connect directly to standard sockets, Anker says the hardware will be ready to support it. For now, though, you'll still need to have it professionally installed and hardwired into your home's consumer unit.

Plug-in solar has officially become a reality for millions of households across Great Britain. From today, compliant systems can legally be connected to a standard household socket, offering a simpler way to generate some of your own electricity without committing to a traditional rooftop solar installation.

However, there's a little more to it than buying the first kit you see and plugging it into the wall. To find out exactly what you need to know, I spoke to Luke from Plug-In Solar Register, who talked me through the rules around which products qualify, how much electricity they can supply and even how many systems you're allowed to have at home.

So, if you're thinking about giving plug-in solar a go, here are the key things you should know before buying.

1. They're legal from today – but not everywhere in the UK

Plug-in solar is legal from today, but only in England, Wales and Scotland. The change doesn't extend to Northern Ireland, and you shouldn't plug a system in before the legislation comes into effect, even if you've already bought a compliant device.

2. Check the ENA register before buying

Don't rely solely on a retailer describing a product as 'UK-ready' or compatible with the new rules. Instead, check that the exact device is listed as compliant on the Energy Networks Association's Type Test Register.

The register is changing quickly as manufacturers submit new products, so it's worth checking it as close to the point of purchase as possible.

3. Not everything on the register is actually compliant

Appearing on the ENA register doesn't automatically mean a product has passed.

Of the 23 plug-in solar devices assessed so far, only seven are currently listed as compliant. With new products being added regularly, make sure you're looking at the device's compliance status rather than simply checking that its name appears.

4. The 800W limit isn't about the size of your panels

You'll probably see 800W mentioned a lot, but that doesn't mean the solar panels themselves can only have a combined rating of 800W.

Instead, the limit applies to the amount of AC power the device can feed into your home's electrical wiring. A kit containing 900W or more of solar panels could therefore still comply, provided its output into the home is limited to 800W.

5. You can use a standard wall socket

One of the biggest differences between plug-in solar and a conventional rooftop installation is that a compliant system can connect through a standard 13A household wall socket.

However, it needs to be plugged directly into that socket. Extension leads and multi-way adaptors aren't part of the permitted setup, so don't assume you can simply run one from wherever is convenient.

6. It's one plug-in solar device per household

Under the current G98 network connection rules, the practical limit is one plug-in solar device per household, rather than one per socket. You also can't link multiple kits together to get around the limit.

The rules may develop as the plug-in solar market grows, but that's the requirement buyers need to follow at launch.

7. Plug-in batteries aren't included

This is where things can get slightly confusing. Although plug-in solar panels are now legal, that doesn't mean plug-in home batteries are as well.

Battery-integrated plug-in kits designed to store electricity for later use aren't covered by the current Great Britain framework. You can still buy a home battery, such as the recently launched EcoFlow Stream Series, but this needs to be professionally installed and can be used alongside a permanent solar panel setup. That's a different system from the new plug-in solar devices, so it's best to treat the two separately for now.

8. You'll need to notify your electricity network operator

Plug-in solar removes a lot of the installation work associated with conventional solar, but it doesn't remove all of the paperwork.

You'll need to notify your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) under G98, either before switching the system on or within the permitted period afterwards – generally 28 days, or 30 days for SP Energy Networks. You'll also need to notify them if the system is permanently removed.

The Plug-In Solar Register's DNO notification guide walks you through finding your operator and the current notification process for each area if needed.

9. Finding your network operator only takes a couple of minutes

If you're wondering who your DNO even is, you're probably not alone. Your network operator is separate from the energy supplier you pay for your electricity, so its name might not be particularly familiar.

The easiest way to find it is through the Energy Networks Association's postcode lookup. Alternatively, check the MPAN or long 'S number' on your electricity bill – the first two digits identify your electricity distribution area.

10. The notification process isn't the same everywhere

How you actually notify your DNO depends on where you live. Six network groups cover Britain's 14 distribution licence areas, and their processes aren't completely standardised.

Some have relatively simple online forms, whilst others require you to download and email paperwork. Some guidance is also still geared towards professional installers, so I'd check your operator's current instructions before buying rather than leaving it until afterwards.

Take a look at our guide on how much can plug-in solar panels really save you on your energy bills next.

Wyze has launched its new Indoor Cam Pan, a budget indoor security camera built around pan-and-tilt movement and an unusual physical privacy feature. The camera can rotate through a full 360 degrees, whilst the lens itself has 103 degrees of vertical movement.

The standout feature is its privacy mode, which physically tilts the lens down and retracts it completely inside the camera's body when activated. This gives you a clear visual indication that the camera can no longer see what's happening in the room.

The Wyze Indoor Cam Pan is priced at $39.98 through Wyze's online store and is currently exclusive to the US, which works out at around £29.40. There are also two-pack and three-pack options available.

We've seen plenty of privacy features on the best security cameras before, including physical shutters on several Ring models, but Wyze's disappearing lens is a slightly different approach. The brand also says it's using its quietest and smoothest motor yet, so it shouldn't be too distracting as it pans around the room.

There's AI-powered motion tracking as well, allowing the camera to automatically follow movement. You can customise detection zones and tell it to ignore certain activity, including things like one of the best robot vacuum cleaners making its way around the floor.

There's a microSD card slot supporting up to 512GB for storage, and Wyze's optional Cam Plus and Cam Unlimited subscriptions add further AI features, including more descriptive notifications.

You also get a built-in speaker and microphone for two-way audio, alongside a 95dB alarm. The camera can sit on a surface or be attached to a wall using an optional mount, although it isn't battery-powered, so you'll need to keep it within reach of a power outlet.

Tapo is back again with yet another dual lens security camera, proving that this type of camera design is here to stay. The new – deep breath, everyone – Tapo TC34 Indoor/Outdoor Dual Lens Pan/Tilt Security Camera features two 2K cameras stacked atop of one another for increased coverage and detection – and you won’t believe the price.

One of this year’s most popular smart security trends is dual lenses. This has previously been favoured by video doorbells, but it’s still a relatively new technology to be introduced to security cameras which is surprising, considering having two lenses is an extremely handy feature that enhances viewability.

The likes of Reolink, TP-Link and even Tapo itself – we’ve previously seen dual lenses on Tapo’s C575D camera – are finally taking advantage of this type of camera technology, and at seriously affordable prices. The latest example of this is the Tapo TC34 Indoor/Outdoor Dual Lens Pan/Tilt Security Camera which is smarter than ever.

The Tapo TC34 comes with 2K 3MP dual lenses to monitor two separate areas at the same time in one convenient package. The top camera is a wide angle lens with 125° of coverage. It stays in a fixed position, although it can be manually adjusted, and it provides a wider field of view.

The bottom camera is the most impressive. As a 6mm telephoto lens, this camera automatically pans and tilts up to 135° vertically and 360° horizontally. Not only does this mean it can focus on different areas while the top camera stays put, but it can follow motion so you can clearly see who or what is on your property.

Speaking of motion, the Tapo TC34 comes with synchronised smart tracking and smart focus. If you spot action via the wide angle lens, the pan/tilt lens will focus on this instantly, and you can see an overview of everything on one screen via the Tapo app.

The Tapo app also unlocks free AI detection which recognises people, pets, vehicles and motion. It will then send you notifications to keep you up-to-date about what’s going on around your home. What’s better is there’s no additional fee to use this feature, and the Tapo TC34 and app can be used without a subscription.

Most of these cameras are only designed for installing outdoors, but the Tapo TC34 can also be used indoors. It has IP65 weatherproofing, and it’s easy to install, although I’d personally prefer to have it outside than inside as it could look quite bulky in the corner of your living room.

Other notable features of the Tapo TC34 is smart night vision. It offers full colour and black and white infrared vision, and its automatic smart mode enhances clarity when it detects light. The Tapo TC34 also comes with two-way audio and it’s compatible with Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings.

The Tapo TC34 Indoor/Outdoor Dual Lens Pan/Tilt Security Camera is available to buy for £89.99 at Tapo and select retailers, like Amazon. As mentioned, it can be used subscription free which entails you saving footage on a 512GB microSD card or you can sign up for Tapo Care for cloud storage.

Over the last few weeks, home energy has suddenly become a much bigger talking point in the UK. New legislation around plug-in solar comes into effect this week, opening the door to simpler solar setups and, inevitably, a wave of new products designed to help households generate more of their own electricity.

The timing is particularly interesting for EcoFlow, which launched its new Stream home battery range last Thursday. The compact 5kWh systems are designed to store solar energy so you can use it when you need it, but between the changing rules, different Stream models and upcoming plug-in solar products, it's easy to get confused about how everything actually fits together.

So, if you're considering investing in an EcoFlow Stream battery, I've broken down five things you should know before buying.

1. You don't have to use EcoFlow's own solar panels

One of the most useful things to know is that the Stream 5000 isn't limited to EcoFlow-branded solar panels. It can work with compatible third-party panels, provided they meet the required electrical specifications. For the Stream 5000, that means staying within a maximum input voltage of 60V and maximum short-circuit current of 40A.

The Stream AC 5000 works slightly differently, as it's primarily designed for AC-coupled installations. That makes it particularly relevant if you already have a compatible solar PV system and want to add battery storage without replacing your existing panels and inverter.

2. Stream 5000 and Stream AC 5000 are designed for different homes

Although their names are similar, there's an important difference between the two. The Stream 5000 is a hybrid battery with direct solar input, offering 5,024Wh of storage, four MPPTs and up to 5,000W of solar input. It's designed for households installing solar and battery storage together, or building a new home energy setup.

The Stream AC 5000, meanwhile, is primarily designed to add battery storage to a home that already has solar panels and an inverter. It can be AC-coupled to a compatible existing system without requiring the solar setup to be substantially reconfigured.

Both provide around 5kWh of storage and up to 3,000W of output, but they're essentially aimed at different starting points.

3. You can't pair it with EcoFlow's upcoming plug-in solar panels – at least for now

This is an important distinction, especially with plug-in solar becoming legal in the UK. You might assume you could buy a Stream battery now and simply add EcoFlow's upcoming plug-in solar panels and microinverter later, but that's not currently the case.

Under the UK's current Plug-in Solar Interim Product Specification, plug-in solar devices aren't intended to be connected to or used alongside a battery energy storage system. EcoFlow therefore isn't currently advising customers to combine its upcoming plug-in solar setup with an existing Stream battery installation.

That could change as UK regulations develop, but for now it's worth treating plug-in solar and the Stream home battery system as separate setups.

4. It needs to be professionally installed

Despite all the recent talk around plug-in solar, the Stream 5000 itself isn't a plug-in battery that you can simply connect to a spare three-pin socket. It needs to be professionally installed by a certified electrician and connected into your home's electrical system.

That obviously makes the process more involved than buying a typical portable power station, but EcoFlow can help arrange the installation. It's something worth factoring in before buying, particularly if you're expecting a completely DIY setup.

5. It's more of an investment than a purchase

Unlike a purchase such as one of the best TVs, which starts depreciating pretty much as soon as it enters your home, a battery is better viewed as a longer-term investment.

The aim is to store surplus solar energy generated during the day and use it later, reducing how much electricity you need to draw from the grid when your panels aren't producing enough. Of course, how much money that could actually save you depends on your solar generation, electricity tariff and household energy use, so it's worth doing the research for your own home before committing.

EcoFlow also says the battery is designed to last for up to 15 years or 10,000 charging cycles and comes with a 10-year warranty. The modular Stream system also allows you to add more storage later, rather than having to replace the entire setup if your energy needs grow.

Tapo has launched its new Tapo Doorbell Pro D260, featuring 4K resolution and a wide 180° field of view. It follows the recent Tapo TD23, but improves on that model's 2K 5MP camera and 160° viewing angle.

The design has changed too, with the D260 getting a cleaner front and a large central doorbell button.You can either hardwire it for continuous power or use batteries for an easier installation, whilst an IP66 rating means it's designed to cope with rain, dust and everyday outdoor conditions.

The Tapo Doorbell Pro D260 has an RRP of £219.99 (around $300) but it's currently available for £159.99 ($220) as an early-bird offer from Tapo. Orders are expected to start shipping in mid-September.

For detection, Tapo combines radar with AI-enhanced motion detection to tell the difference between people, animals, vehicles and packages, helping cut down on unnecessary alerts. There's also full-colour night vision, two-way audio and voice masking for speaking to visitors remotely.

Tapo claims the battery can last up to 180 days between charges, depending on usage, with the option to connect one of the brand's solar panels as well. Recordings can be saved locally to a microSD card up to 512GB, meaning there's no need for a subscription. Tapo Care remains available for anyone who prefers cloud storage.

The D260 also works with Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The addition of SmartThings is particularly welcome, as support has been missing from some of Tapo's more recent doorbells after previously featuring on the D205.

Philips Hue looks set to launch a more affordable HDMI Sync Box, after a listing for the new model appeared on UK retailers Very and Littlewoods. From the initial images and specifications, the basic functionality appears to be much the same as its considerably more expensive predecessor.

Just like the 8K model, the new Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box Lite is designed to synchronise the colour and brightness of your Philips Hue lights with what's happening on your TV screen. In other words, your best Philips Hue lights can react to films, games and other content in real time, extending the colours on screen into the rest of the room.

For reference, the existing Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K costs £299.99/$349.99, whilst the new Lite model is listed at just £109.99 (around $150). With IFA now only a week away, it seems likely we'll hear more about an official launch very soon.

That said, there are a few compromises to be aware of. The Sync Box Lite has just one HDMI input, compared with four on the more expensive 8K model. That means it's better suited to someone with a single device they want to sync, rather than a setup involving multiple consoles, or streaming devices.

Resolution and refresh rates are also lower, with the Lite supporting 4K content at up to 60Hz, whilst 1080p content can reach 120Hz. As its name suggests, the more expensive model goes considerably further, supporting 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz.

Still, the important part is that the core experience appears to remain intact. If you only need to connect one HDMI device and aren't bothered about 8K, the Lite could offer a much cheaper route into Philips Hue's TV syncing setup.

Google has just updated Gemini for Home with some crucial fixes that users have been asking for – yet some people still aren’t happy.

Many of Gemini for Home’s updates are in early access, and are for its voice assistant, which is available on the Google Home Speaker. The first improvement is for Spotify media selection, which has been improved to better recognise songs, playlists and artists.

Previously, Gemini for Home has found it difficult to understand specific commands for personal playlists, but this update means your listening experience should be smoother and with less faults. This also includes playing liked songs via Spotify, although Google states that ‘Personal Results’ will need to be enabled for this.

Next up is smart lighting adjustments and precision. With this new update, you can now use your voice to adjust your smart light to specific colour temperatures. For example, you can now ask Google requests like “Hey Google, make the living room lights 2700 kelvins” and this should change the lights to suit your preferences.

Another new update is for message broadcasting which Google states has now been made easier. Previously, broadcasting messages needed to be done in one long request which could be hard for Gemini for Home to follow, and often lead to miscommunication.

Now, message broadcasting is done in two parts. First, you’ll need to say “OK Google, broadcast message” and then you can follow up with what message you want it to say.

Google has also released updates to the Google Home app which improves controls for smart locks, temperature units and cameras. For smart locks, if you have a compatible European-style smart lock, you can now independently control latching and locking features.

For temperature control, the Google Home app, voice commands and Nest devices will now match your preferred unit of measurement, like Celsius or Fahrenheit. Google has also fixed Fahrenheit temperature rounding for iOS, as previously, half-degrees were rounded down on thermostat screens.

Security camera users have also received some handy updates, including less app crashes and clearer offline controls for iOS. For Android users, Google has fixed its live camera feeds which previously got stuck at a lower resolution. Now, live streams should be in full HD.

Despite these upgrades, many users are still unhappy as they feel that Google is ignoring some key issues with Gemini for Home. Google Home users have reported that the transition to Gemini has been hard, and have noted that simple functions like setting alarms and turning off lights have been harder than before.

Shelly has announced the launch of its latest smart water leak sensor, designed to detect even small amounts of water before they have a chance to cause costly damage. The new Shelly Flood S Gen4 joins the brand's growing Gen4 lineup and comes with Matter support for wider smart home compatibility.

Instead of the smaller pin-style contacts found on some leak sensors, the Flood S Gen4 has three large stainless-steel sensors across its base, creating a much wider contact area. This is designed to pick up small amounts of water quickly, reducing the time between a leak starting and an alert being sent.

The Shelly Flood S Gen4 is available now, priced at £18.90 in the UK and $27.99 in the US via Shelly's website and authorised distribution partners.

Much like IKEA's popular Klippbok water leakage sensor, Shelly has kept its new model small and low-profile. That means it can be slipped underneath appliances, sinks and toilets where leaks can easily develop without being noticed.

If water is detected, the Flood S Gen4 sends an alert directly to your smartphone whilst also sounding its built-in alarm. This means you'll have a warning whether you're at home or away, rather than relying entirely on a phone notification that could easily be missed.

There are also two operating modes, with Flood Detection designed for indoor leaks and Rain Detection offering another option for different environments. You can choose between three alarm profiles – Intense, Normal and Economic – depending on whether you want to prioritise faster detection or longer battery life.

The Flood S Gen4 is battery-powered, with Shelly claiming up to two years of use from the included CR123A battery. Alongside support for Matter, Wi-Fi and Zigbee, it's compatible with major smart home platforms including Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings and Home Assistant.

If you're still wondering whether this kind of sensor is worth adding to your home, have a read of our guide to smart water leak detectors and whether you should get one before you go.

Tewke is adding several new features to its Tap smart home controller, including music and heating controls alongside a new weather screen. We awarded the device four stars when we reviewed it earlier this year, and these latest additions will expand what it can control around the home.

Tap already combines smart lighting controls, energy insights and home health information within a wall-mounted device designed to replace a traditional light switch. The new features won't require any changes to the hardware either, with Tewke rolling them out to existing devices through software updates.

The first update will bring music controls on 26th August and thermostat controls on 2nd September, followed by a weather screen that's scheduled to arrive later in the year. For those who don't already own one, Tap is currently priced at £389 (around $530) via Tewke's website.

Music control will initially arrive through an integration with Sonos, allowing users to play and pause music, skip tracks, browse the current playlist or queue, adjust the volume and choose which rooms music plays in. Album artwork will also appear on the display alongside the usual playback controls.

This allows anyone in the household – or even guests – to change what's playing without needing to reach for a phone first. Tewke says it plans to add support for other audio systems in the future as well.

Thermostat control will begin with Heatmiser, with a dedicated screen allowing users to adjust temperatures on a room-by-room basis. They'll also be able to override existing heating schedules and access temperature presets they've already created within their original heating system.

Much like the best smart thermostats, Tewke also wants to make more of this happen automatically, with future plans for heating automations that respond to movement and environmental sensor data.

Homey has added two new features to Homey Energy, designed to give solar panel owners a better understanding of how much electricity they're likely to produce and what happens to the excess energy they send back to the grid.

The first is solar production forecasting, which predicts how much energy your panels should generate today and tomorrow. Homey has also introduced export pricing, so you can see what you're earning – or paying – when electricity is sent back to the grid.

Both additions are available on Homey Pro, Homey Pro mini and Homey Self-Hosted Server, whilst Homey Cloud users will need a Homey Premium subscription. You'll also need version 13.4.0 or later on Homey Pro or Homey Self-Hosted Server and version 10.1.0 or later of the Homey mobile app, and a solar panel device connected to Homey is required for the forecasting feature.

Homey recently became one of the first smart home platforms to receive Matter 1.5 certification, and these latest additions continue its push to work with a wider range of devices and setups. Plug-in solar has also just been given the green light in the UK, meaning more households could soon be looking for an easy way to keep track of exactly what they're generating.

As for how the solar production forecast actually works, Homey uses factors including local weather, your panel setup and previous energy production to estimate future output, with the forecast becoming more accurate as it gathers more data. You can also add details such as your panels' orientation, tilt and total peak power, including multiple groups if different panels face in different directions.

For export pricing, Homey supports both fixed and dynamic tariffs, depending on how your energy provider pays you. If your export rate stays the same throughout the day, you can simply enter a fixed price per kWh. If it changes with the time of day or market conditions, Homey can track dynamic pricing instead and automatically adjust the value as rates change.

EcoFlow has unveiled its new Stream Series in the UK, designed to help households store more of the energy generated by their solar panels and use it when needed. The launch follows the UK government's move to allow compliant plug-in solar systems, with the new regulations taking effect from 27th August.

At the centre of the lineup is the Stream 5000, a compact 5kWh home battery that's around 40% smaller than comparable systems. Despite its size, it offers up to 5,000W of solar input and 3,000W AC output, giving it enough power to run everyday appliances – including washing machines and dishwashers.

The new Stream Series is available to pre-order now in the UK, with early-bird pricing starting at £1,599 ($2,200) for the Stream 5000. There's also the slightly cheaper Stream AC 5000 priced at £1,499 – which works out to be just under $2,050.

That said, whilst plug-in solar is becoming legal in the UK, the same rules don't yet extend to plug-in battery storage. That means you can't simply connect the Stream 5000 to a spare three-pin socket and start storing energy. Instead, the 5kWh battery needs to be professionally installed by a certified electrician, after which it can store surplus solar energy for your home to use later.

Another useful addition is EcoFlow's new Local Mode, which is due to arrive in September. This allows the Stream system to keep operating and remain locally controllable if your internet goes down, rather than leaving everything dependent on a cloud connection.

EcoFlow has also given the system an IP65 weather-resistance rating, alongside a multi-layer safety system. The battery is designed to last for up to 15 years or 10,000 charging cycles, and there's a 10-year warranty included as well.

As a smart home expert, I’m often asked what device you actually need to protect and monitor your home. Every time without fail, I always recommend a video doorbell for both smart security beginners and experts.

I’ve had my video doorbell for a few years now, and it’s still the most invaluable piece of technology I have for my home. Having it installed means I never miss packages, I can talk to visitors and I can quickly check up on my home while I’m away.

There are lots of video doorbell brands on the market, but if you’re looking for an affordable, wireless option, the Arlo 2K Video Doorbell is currently on sale at Amazon for its lowest ever price.

Shop the Arlo 2K Video Doorbell deal

Originally priced at £139.99, the Arlo 2K Video Doorbell is now just £75.99, saving you 46% on this premium video doorbell. I’ve done some price checking, and this is the cheapest the Arlo 2K Video Doorbell has been since 2025.

In our Arlo 2K Wireless Video Doorbell review, we gave it four stars and commented that “there's a lot to like about the Arlo 2K Wireless Video Doorbell: it comes with the key features you're going to need, the video footage and the two-way audio is crisp and clear, and getting around the app is very straightforward.”

This Arlo 2K Video Doorbell deal doesn’t include a chime. However, if you want one, Amazon has also got a great bundle deal where you can get the Arlo 2K HDR Video Doorbell and Ring Chime for just £92.99.

When you're in the market for the best security camera, you need to choose a model that is reasonably easy to install, not too overly complex to use, efficient at triggering events when an intruder enters your property and, above all, is equipped with a high-quality camera sensor and lens that can preferably handle a minimum of 2K resolution. Any thing less and chances are that identification may be impossible to prove, especially if the suspect has been captured from a distance.

I've reviewed many home security cameras over the years and I think that the dual-lensed panoramic Reolink OMVI 3i WiFi I'm reviewing today produces some of the sharpest footage I've seen to date. Comprised of a unique wide-angle panoramic camera that covers the full breadth of a property and a second 350˚ PTZ (pan, tilt, and zoom) 4K camera that delivers exceptional close-up imagery, this wired model is an ideal option for first timers looking to increase their home security without the extra cost of having to employ the services of an electrician. However, there are one or two caveats you need to know about.

Let's look at the Reolink OMVI 3i WiFi in more detail.

Price and availability

The Reolink OMVI 3i WiFi is available in both the UK and USA, having launched in June 2026. The UK Reolink store currently lists it at £259.99 while in the US it sells for $279.99.

In the UK you can buy the OMVI 3i WiFi directly from Reolink or via Amazon and if you're in the States, try the US Reolink store or Amazon.

Installation

The OMVI 3i WiFi is IP66 weatherproof and suitable for permanent outdoor installation. You'll be pleased to learn that it is one of the easiest wired security cameras to set up and install (and I'm no DIY expert) but I should add that it uses its own proprietary power cable and a 12V plug on the end that will not fit safely inside the most common type of outdoor plug housing with clipped waterproof lid.

Likewise, you will not be able to utilise any existing mains spurs if you're thinking of replacing your existing camera with this one. Instead, you will need to use the supplied 4.5m extension cable and possibly drill a hole in the wall so it can be plugged in indoors. You will also need a plug socket within about five metres of the camera though you can buy a second extension cable if necessary.

I personally prefer the Eufy system which is hard wired at the point of mounting but I also appreciate that most people won't want to dabble with electric cables or call in an electrician so I can see the appeal of a DIY system like this.

Actual set up and connection to one's home WiFi couldn't have been easier and simply involved launching the Relink app, scanning the QR code on the camera and typing in my WiFi password. Simples.

Features and performance

Most PTZ cameras are on the portly side but I have to admit that this one takes the biscuit for sheer size. At 202 x151 x 125mm in size, it's frankly huge and, at just over a kilo, pretty hefty for a domestic security camera. It's therefore highly conspicuous, which could be a good thing, because it tells any aspiring thief that your home is like GCHQ so don't even think about it.

The OMVI (a portmanteau of OmniView) combines two cameras in a single unit. At the top is a vertically adjustable 180° dual-lens camera capable of 5120 x 1920 (10MP) video, while beneath it sits a motorised 350° pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) camera delivering 3840 x 2160 (8MP) pixel resolution for extremely sharp detail.

The clever part is how the two systems work together – the top panoramic camera provides the constant big-picture view while the lower PTZ camera automatically locks onto and follows a person, vehicle or animal. Auto Framing, meanwhile, keeps the tracked subject accurately centred, while the Pinpoint function lets you tap an area of the panoramic image to direct the PTZ camera straight to it.

In the pantheon of domestic security cameras, this model produces some of the very best footage on the market. It's sharp, well defined and you can really see the features on a face when you pinch and zoom using the app. I've also been exceedingly impressed by its efficient subject tracking.

I tried everything to trip it up by sneaking into the frame on the far side of the PTZ camera's range and the moment I appeared within its range the camera's pixel-based software motion detection system started recording. I also tried dashing across the frame and it tracked me like a hawk. Likewise, when I walked up the side of the garden behind a row of trees it intelligently estimated where I was and picked me up as soon as I walked onto the lawn at the far end of the garden. Very impressive.

The OMVI 3i’s AI-enhanced detection also adds some very useful intelligence to its surveillance duties. Aside from the usual AI stuff like recognising people, vehicles and animals, it also supports line-crossing, zone-intrusion and loitering alerts. While requiring some experimentation when setting them up, these perimeter features basically let you define specific areas of your property and receive targeted notifications when something suspicious occurs.

For instance, you could define a specific area around the shed door and when someone steps inside the boundary it will immediately send an alert and, if programmed, sound the unit's extremely loud siren. It will also keep track of a package and notify the user when it's left the scene. Add time-lapse recording, 24/7 recording and the wherewithal to set recording to continue for up to one minute after the motion event ends, and you have one of the most customisable security cameras on the market.

While the Reolink OMVI 3i's small spotlights aren't a patch on Eufy's floodlight range of wired and wireless cameras, they make a fair fist of illuminating the area up to a distance of around 15 metres. Beyond this, images are reliant on the camera's infrared vision which thankfully extends to around 30 metres. If you have a large garden, yard or frontage and require much more light around the perimeter of the home, perhaps opt for Reolink's Elite Floodlight WiFi model instead, or take a look at some of Eufy's offerings.

Like most good home security cameras, the OMVI 3i has a built-in microphone and speaker for two-way audio, allowing you to hear and speak to anyone within range. Audio recording is subject to much stricter privacy considerations than video, but the ability to capture clear conversations could prove invaluable if footage is ever required by the police. In terms of audio quality, the OMVI 3i's microphone is a huge cut above those I've experienced with Eufy and Arlo cameras, delivering impressively clear uncompressed audio even when the subject isn't particularly close to the camera.

The OMVI 3i's connectivity is via dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. I've been really impressed by the speed of this camera's live WiFi response to movement. In short, there is just one second delay between raising an arm and seeing the motion on the app's screen. To put this into perspective, with some of my admittedly older Arlo cameras, the delay is between two and five seconds.

Many security camera manufacturers provide subscription-based cloud storage though in most cases – including this camera – it's not a requirement and this saves forking out on yet another subscription.

In essence, cloud-based storage is primarily for theft protection as local storage can be physically stolen or destroyed. In this case the camera comes with a MicroSD slot (up to 512GB) for recording all triggered events and if a determined thief steals the camera, they steal the footage, too. This could feasibly be an issue with the OMVI 3i since you are advised to install it at a height of between 2.5m and 3.5m, which is within reach of a determined thief if standing on a piece of garden furniture.

Thankfully the OMVI 3i also works in tandem with the Reolink Home Hub (£109.99) which is kept indoors where it saves all footage to its built-in 2TB hard drive. Since it is far less likely to be stolen, the Home Hub is an excellent way to safely store footage while avoiding any subscription costs. For the record, Reolink's Cloud subscription starts at £3.59 per month for the 1GB SIM Plan, rising to a whopping £38.99 for the 20GM Sim Plan.

App

No question, the OMVI 3i WiFi is the most advanced camera I've so far reviewed and this means that the Reolink app is filled to the gunnels with all manner of customisable options and settings. It doesn't help that everything is laid out completely differently to the way Eufy, Arlo or Imou's apps operate. In fact I still find the Reolink app very confusing to navigate simply because of the huge amount of options.

For instance, it took me ages to find even the most basic of camera options like record settings and motion detection sensitivity, and even once I'd found them (under the confusing heading Detection Alarm), it took me a while to remember where they were when searching again.

It's all very well having a security camera with a full compliment of bells and whistles but when the app is this frustrating to use it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Heaven knows how anyone who isn't tech savvy will get along with the app but all I can say is good luck.

Verdict

The Reolink OMVI 3i WiFi is an impressively capable security camera that combines superb video quality, wide-area coverage and clever subject tracking in one very substantial package. I'm not a fan of the convoluted app and its proprietary wiring system is less convenient than standard connections, but once fitted the OMVI 3i delivers outstanding surveillance coverage, excellent audio and genuinely useful AI detection. If you're in the market for a serious home security camera, this one is among the most accomplished options currently on the market.

Reolink has announced that it will unveil a range of new security products and technologies at IFA 2026, taking place from 4-8th September. Amongst them will be a new addition to its OMVI camera family, a range that only made its UK debut back in June.

The biggest difference with this upcoming OMVI model appears to be how it's powered. Reolink is moving away from relying solely on a wired connection by combining a rechargeable battery with solar charging, which could make it much easier to position around the outside of your home.

Reolink hasn't revealed all the details just yet, so there's still plenty we don't know about the new camera. Thankfully, with IFA now only a few weeks away, we shouldn't have to wait too long for the full reveal.

Reolink will also show off what's next for ReoNeura, its on-device AI platform that arrived during IFA last year. One of its biggest draws is that its intelligent security features don't require an ongoing subscription, and the upcoming improvements are set to focus on making detection more accurate and alerts more useful.

Finally, Reolink has said it will demonstrate how its cameras and other connected security products can work together rather than operating as completely separate devices. It's a fairly vague promise for now, but we'll be keeping an eye out for more details when IFA gets underway.

Govee has launched its new Strip Light 2, building on the basic RGBIC LED Strip Light that arrived in 2022. The new model uses RGBWWIC and LuminBlend+ technology rather than standard RGBIC, meaning you get dedicated white-light capabilities alongside the multi-zone effects Govee's light strips are known for.

Another big upgrade is that the Strip Light 2 can be cut to fit your space, with in-app calibration helping everything work properly once you've trimmed it to size. It's a feature also found on the more expensive Govee Strip Light 2 Pro, making the standard Strip Light 2 a much more flexible option than its predecessor.

Right now, it's available in four lengths in the US, ranging from three metres ($49.99) to 20 metres ($139.99). UK buyers only get a five-metre version for now, priced at £59.99.

Alongside 16 million colours, the Strip Light 2 lets you move between warm and cool shades of white, as well as choose from more than 100 preset scenes. Govee has made a few less obvious upgrades as well, including a protective coating, alongside improved white-light reproduction and Matter support for easier integration with different smart home ecosystems.

We're also now only a few weeks away from IFA, where we're expecting Govee to make a few more big announcements. If its previous launches are anything to go by, there could be plenty more smart lighting on the way, so stay tuned.

EZVIZ has announced the launch of its new CP8 Battery Video Doorbell Kit, promising users clear visibility, smarter alerts and reliable performance despite its more affordable price tag.

The CP8 captures footage in an impressive 5MP resolution, which stands out even amongst some of the best video doorbells. That's paired with a wide field of view designed to minimise blind spots, helping keep visitors and deliveries in sight even when they're towards the edges of the frame.

The EZVIZ CP8 costs £69.99 via Amazon (around $95) but it's currently reduced by 28% to £49.99 (around $69) until 27th August. For comparison, the recently launched EZVIZ EP8 Ultra costs £139.99 (around $175), making it twice the CP8's usual price.

Built-in spotlights power the CP8's colour night vision, and it combines human motion detection with a PIR sensor, helping distinguish people from other movement. This will then cut down on unnecessary notifications caused by pets, insects or passing vehicles.

Power comes from a sizeable 9,600mAh detachable battery, which can be removed, charged and simply put back into place. There's also Wi-Fi 6 connectivity over the 2.4GHz band, designed to provide a more stable connection between the doorbell and your router, and it's IP65 rating means it's equipped to handle changing outdoor conditions.

The CP8 also comes with an indoor chime, though the included CH2 chime can be joined by an additional EZVIZ CH1 if you need better coverage around the home. There's also a built-in voice changer if you'd rather not reveal your real voice when responding to an unfamiliar visitor.

Finally, users can choose between local and cloud storage. The CP8 supports microSD cards up to 512GB, alongside EZVIZ CloudPlay for encrypted cloud storage. It also uses H.265 video compression, which EZVIZ says can reduce file sizes and bandwidth requirements by up to 50% compared to older H.264 encoding.

Is Apple launching a new HomePod Mini smart speaker? According to reports from Bloomberg, an Apple HomePod Mini 2 is ‘nearly ready’ and despite Apple neither confirming or denying this statement, it seems many people have started to speculate what it could look and act like.

The original Apple HomePod Mini came out back in 2020. Six years later, we’re more than ready for a new upgrade. With Siri AI recently becoming widely available, many believe that this could lead Apple to release more smart home-related products.

The main rumour we’ve been hearing is the HomePod Mini 2’s potential new chip. As reported by 9to5Mac, the HomePod Mini 2 could upgrade from the S5 chip (which is featured in its current Mini speaker) to the new S9 chip.

Some rumours have speculated that the HomePod Mini 2 could come with a new wireless chip like the N1 that launched in last year’s iPhone. These faster and more advanced chips are expected to allow the HomePod Mini 2 to support Siri AI, making it a better smart home hub, as well as enabling stronger Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Thread connections.

Yet another chip rumour we’re seeing is that the HomePod Mini 2 could also get a new Ultra Wideband chip to make it faster and more accurate. With Siri AI, this could make the HomePod Mini 2 a more interactive and conversational smart speaker, too.

In terms of design, little has been said about what could change, if anything. The HomePod Mini 2 is said to have upgraded audio quality, but nothing has been mentioned regarding changes to the speaker or microphones. Personally, I like the look of the original HomePod Mini, so I could see it at least staying the same size and colour options.

Price and availability has – you guessed it – not been confirmed or even announced. The current HomePod Mini was originally priced at £99 / $99 but it was increased in price to £129 / $129 in June 2026. It’s unknown whether this price change will affect the HomePod Mini 2 and if it’ll be lower, higher or the same price.

If the reports are anything to go by, the HomePod Mini 2 – if it exists – could launch in autumn 2026. Apple’s next event is taking place in September so we could find out more then.

With the news this morning that Sainsbury's has suspended its use of live facial recognition technology at one of its London stores after a customer was wrongly challenged as a shoplifter, it's raised yet more questions about how much we should really trust AI-powered security technology.

As reported by the BBC, Matt Arnold, 46, was shopping at Sainsbury's East Dulwich store when he was stopped by management at a self-service till. He has since warned that retail surveillance technology risks humiliating customers and creating situations where staff feel compelled to follow automated alerts without applying their own judgement.

Of course, a supermarket's facial recognition system is very different from the best smart security cameras we have around our homes. However, as someone who discusses smart home security on a daily basis, I think there are still some important lessons we can take from what happened.

1. AI can still get things wrong

The best smart security cameras are packed with AI features these days, ranging from object recognition and package detection to identifying familiar faces. However, it's important to remember that these features aren't infallible.

Lighting, camera angles, partially obscured faces and poor image quality can all affect what a camera thinks it's seeing. I've experienced some of this myself when testing Ring's Familiar Faces feature, and whilst a false identification at home might only result in an annoying notification, things become more serious if you're relying on AI to decide whether someone poses a genuine security risk.

That's why I'd always treat smart recognition as a useful extra rather than unquestionable evidence. If your camera flags something suspicious, take a look at the footage yourself before jumping to conclusions or acting on the alert.

2. Think carefully about your privacy settings

A lot of people are already aware of the privacy considerations surrounding smart security cameras, but they're still worth mentioning. These devices can collect a considerable amount of information, particularly when positioned around entrances, driveways and other frequently used areas. Check out our guide on whether your video doorbell could be violating your neighbour's privacy for more on this.

Depending on the camera and your chosen settings, footage may also be uploaded to cloud servers for storage or AI processing. Before installing one, it's worth understanding exactly where your recordings are stored, how long they're retained and which features require cloud processing.

Strong passwords and two-factor authentication are also essential wherever they're available. It's equally important to think about what's actually within your camera's field of view, especially if neighbouring properties, shared spaces or public areas regularly appear in your footage.

3. Don't let smart features replace basic security

Security cameras can provide instant notifications, two-way communication, AI detection and even automated responses, but they shouldn't become your entire home security setup. Wi-Fi can go down, batteries can run flat and software can occasionally fail, leaving even the most expensive smart camera temporarily unavailable.

Instead, I'd recommend using your security cameras alongside more traditional security measures, such as reliable door and window locks, floodlight lighting and, where appropriate, a dedicated alarm system.

It's also worth regularly checking battery levels, firmware updates and notification settings to make sure everything is working as it should. Smart technology can add an incredibly useful extra layer of protection to your home, but relying on it completely can create vulnerabilities of its own.

Birdfy has just launched its Feeder Metal smart bird feeder, and it’s a serious upgrade compared to its predecessor. Now made from a metal construction, the Birdfy Feeder Metal is more durable than before, and can withstand the elements, as well as birds and other animals wear and tear.

If you’re an avid birdwatcher, having an outdoor camera is handy for monitoring your garden in a different way. Birdfy’s bird feeders are a fun and unique way to do this, as they combine a birdhouse with a feeding system, camera and app so you can care for and watch them without being too intrusive.

The latest version of the Birdfy feeder is the Birdfy Feeder Metal which comes in a bright green colour made from upgraded metal materials. It’s more durable and sustainable than before, thanks to its chew-proof, rust and weather-resistant construction which is better suited to withstand long-term outdoor use.

The Birdfy Feeder Metal has a 2.5-litre seed container included in the design, as well as a seed guard and an adjustable perch. There’s also a built-in 2W solar panel that powers the 9,000mAh rechargeable battery so you can constantly see what’s happening on the feeder via its 2MP 1080p camera.

As an outdoor camera, the Birdfy Feeder Metal offers colour night vision so you can see what’s happening throughout the day and night. It also has a microphone and speaker which unlocks two-way audio so you can better hear the birds and animals that visit the feeder.

Birdfy has also upgraded its Birdfy app with advanced AI features, including detection and identification. The Birdfy Feeder Metal can now recognise over 6,000 bird species, and will send real-time notifications when a bird is spotted and explain what the bird is.

The app also has ‘highlight’ features, including a monthly recap of activities, daily highlights, and other standout images and videos. Footage can be stored in the cloud or with local storage, and the AI recognition feature is only available through a subscription.

The Birdfy Feeder Metal is available to buy for £219.99 / $249.99 at Birdfy and select retailers, like Amazon. As of writing, it’s been discounted to £159.99 / $179.99.

We’ve been hearing rumours of Apple announcing an Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub competitor for a while now. It was originally thought that the smart home hub would launch at the end of last year, and while that, of course, didn’t happen, the latest report suggests we could be getting closer to a reveal.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has said in a report (via MacRumors) that Apple is developing a new operating system that blends tvOS, watchOS and iOS. It will specifically be for the rumoured home hub device.

What will homeOS offer?

Gurman said the OS, which has been dubbed homeOS, will have a grid featuring icons, apps and widgets along with customisable clock faces.

The HomePod home hub it is rumoured to land on is said to come with multi-user support and built-in facial recognition to distinguish who is interacting with it. It’s claimed personalised information will be presented depending on who is looking at it.

Gurman also said that the elements on the interface will automatically change size depending on whether a user is moving towards the hub or away from it.

Siri AI is claimed to be at the heart of the new device – which is not in the slightest bit surprising. And there will be features like FaceTime video calling, home security monitoring, management of HomeKit accessories and music playback also on board.

A photo gallery and calendar have also been reported to be coming to the device's 7-inch display.

As you might expect, the hub is claimed to feature some native Apple apps pre-installed, including Calendar, Camera, Music, Reminders, and Notes. None of those are particularly surprising, though the camera app is a little odd unless the screen can be detached from the HomePod speaker base.

The smart hub is rumoured to be launching sometime between October this year and early next, which feels more likely if the report on this new operating system is accurate.

All of this is merely speculation for now, but it's not often Gurman is wrong so fingers crossed.

I’ve tested many smart home devices but my favourite of all time has to be a video doorbell. Being able to check on my home while I’m away is invaluable, and I hardly ever miss any deliveries now – plus watching my neighbour’s cat sit on my doorstep is very cute.

But speaking of neighbours, how do you know if your video doorbell is violating their privacy? With video doorbells getting more advanced, including expanding into AI detection features, there have been a lot more privacy lawsuits over the past few years.

Recently, both Ring and Google have seen themselves involved in privacy lawsuits, mainly due to the use of face recognition technology. This type of technology detects and analyses people’s faces so it can more accurately notify you to who’s at your door – but the people it’s analysing haven't consented which is why privacy concerns are being raised.

Whether you use this type of feature or not, it’s important to know about your video doorbell’s privacy rules and best practices. In the UK, video doorbells are fairly common and completely legal to set up, but you need to make sure it complies with privacy and data protection so you’re not violating your neighbours rights.

In general, your video doorbell should be set up to only view and record your property. If the coverage expands beyond that into public spaces, like streets, walkways or your neighbours front garden, this can become a problem. Here are five ways to avoid privacy concerns with your video doorbell.

5 ways to ensure your video doorbell isn’t violating anyone’s privacy

1. Position your video doorbell correctly

Positioning your video doorbell should be quite self-explanatory – you want it to be by your front door, ideally on the door frame, and at a suitable height so that people can see it. But it’s important to place it properly so it’s able to see your property, including your doorstep and drive, without covering public spaces and your neighbours’ windows.

For more set-up advice, check out our guide on how to install a video doorbell.

2. Customise privacy zones

In your video doorbell app, you should be able to set up privacy zones within your settings. Not only does this narrow down your doorbell’s field of view so it doesn’t notify you about things happening away from your doorbell, but you can block public zones so you’re not capturing footage of your neighbours or pedestrians walking by.

3. Disable audio features

One of the best features of a video doorbell is two-way talk, where you can speak to whoever’s ringing the bell. But audio can be tricky, especially if it’s recording conversations that are happening outside your home which you’re not involved in. For most doorbells, you can deactivate its microphone so it doesn’t stream or record audio.

4. Store and share footage responsibly

Storing and sharing footage should be done properly at all times. The best option for storing footage is to save it locally on an SD card. This is the most cost-effective way and it keeps your data and footage private and protected. I’d also recommend deleting recordings regularly, and only showing footage if you need to do so from a legal standpoint, like if a crime has happened near your property.

5. Put up signs

Most video doorbells come with signs or stickers in the box which you can attach to the outside of your home. This lets your neighbours or any visitors know that they’re being recorded.

If you’re looking to introduce an outdoor smart sensor to your Apple Home set-up, Abode has just launched two new sensors to make your garage and gate smarter.

Abode, the US-based home security company has expanded its security collection with the Outdoor Contact Sensor and the Garage Tilt Sensor. Both sensors use Abode's 433MHz RF protocol to detect motion and send real-time notifications via the Abode app.

What makes these new sensors so attractive – aside from the cheap price – is they’re both compatible with Apple Home, as well as Alexa and Google Home. As outdoor sensors, they have an IP66 rating so they can be used outdoors, including on garages, gates, sheds, mailboxes and storage units.

With this rating, the sensors can operate in temperatures ranging from -25°C to 60°C. In optimal conditions, they can also offer connectivity up to 500 feet to help you stay connected and in the know of what’s going on outside your home at all times.

Starting with the Outdoor Contact Sensor, this model is best used on gates, sheds and detached garages. It uses a powerful magnet that allows for a larger operating gap between the magnet and sensor for easier installation. Despite this ‘gap’, the Outdoor Contact Sensor works to detect motion and reduces false alarms.

The Outdoor Contact Sensor can be installed on multiple surfaces, including metal or wood. Powered by two AA batteries, the sensor has a good battery life, and sends low battery notifications. With the Abode app, the Outdoor Contact Sensor can be customised with chime and alarm settings, as well as sensor behaviours.

Specifically for your garage, the Garage Tilt Sensor is designed for doors and windows that open at an angle. When the door moves more than 45 degrees, the sensor will alert you, so you’re updated when your garage door opens or closes. It’s completely wireless with over 30 metres of wireless range.

Prices on the new Abode sensors are extremely affordable, with the Outdoor Contact Sensor priced at $49.99, and the Garage Tilt Sensor costing $34.99. If you have an Apple Home smart set-up, these sensors are a great addition to your ecosystem, although you will need an Abode security system for it to work.

Due to the intensely hot weather we’ve been experiencing in the UK, I’ve been spending more and more time in my garden. The evenings stay bright for quite a long time, but I’ve been looking to upgrade my outdoor smart lights so I can enjoy the summer nights for longer.

Philips Hue lights are some of my favourites, and I have plenty of indoor bulbs set up around my house. My outdoor space is severely lacking in smart lights, but I just found this cheap deal on the Philips Hue Smart Outdoor Floodlight at John Lewis which will be a great addition to my outdoor smart light set-up.

Shop the Philips Hue Smart Outdoor Floodlight deal

Originally priced at £149.99, the Philips Hue Smart Outdoor Floodlight is now just £74.99 in the John Lewis sale. I’ve done some price checking, and this is the cheapest the Philips Hue Smart Outdoor Floodlight has ever been so it’s well worth taking advantage of if you’re in the market for new outdoor lighting.

The Philips Hue Smart Outdoor Floodlight is a no-fuss white LED light which is great for lighting up the outside of your home. For your back garden, it adds extra lighting to set the mood and occasion, while at the front of your house, it can be used to light the way to your door when it’s dark, or scare off potential intruders.

With the Philips Hue app, you can control the Philips Hue Smart Outdoor Floodlight with your smartphone, as well as Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Homekit voice controls. Pair it with a Philips Hue Bridge and you can integrate the Philips Hue Smart Outdoor Floodlight with your other smart lights, and set timers and routines.

As an outdoor light, the Philips Hue Smart Outdoor Floodlight is IP44 rated, meaning it’s water resistant and can handle wet weather conditions. It’s also incredibly easy to install so if you’re looking for a new outdoor light, this is the deal I’d recommend.