Amazon launched a profusion of sensor-filled speakers, cameras, and televisions as well as services from its Eero Wi-Fi business and Ring security business on Wednesday as it doubled down on its idea of ambient intelligence. Basically, Amazon is … [Read more...]
Sharing a smart home with multiple digital assistants isn’t bad
We're finally approaching the end of 2021! I don't know about you, but perhaps the biggest change I made to my smart home this past year was transitioning to Apple HomeKit. When I started out on my digital assistant journey a few years back, it … [Read more...]
Why Apple pulled the plug on HomePod: High cost and lack of Thread support
In a move that surprised many, Apple last week quietly confirmed that it was pulling the plug on its HomePod speaker. The company will instead focus on its much less expensive HomePod mini product, although it will continue to support the $299 … [Read more...]
How to stream music from an Amazon Echo to other Bluetooth speakers
On our most recent IoT Podcast episode, we listened to a message from Mark on our voicemail hotline. He has a few Harmon Kardon Invoke smart speakers that are unfortunately getting a little less smart. These speakers use Microsoft's Cortana digital … [Read more...]
A smarter Siri and UWB make Apple’s HomePod mini a more competitive smart speaker
At an online press event Tuesday, Apple introduced its new line of iPhones which will support faster 5G networks. That’s nice, but a more interesting device to me was the new HomePod mini for the smart home as well as improvements to Siri. Starting … [Read more...]