Smart Home

Unlocking the Future: Why Wi-Fi 7 Will Be Essential for Your Evolving Home Network

News & Features

Unlocking the Future: Why Wi-Fi 7 Will Be Essential for Your Evolving Home Network

In a world where connectivity is the lifeblood of our digital existence, Wi-Fi technology continues to evolve at an astonishing pace. While Wi-Fi 6 has only recently made its debut, the relentless demand for faster, more reliable internet connectivity is propelling us into the era of Wi-Fi 7. This next-generation wireless standard is poised to play an even more integral role in our home networks, promising to meet the ever-increasing demands of our modern online lives. So, why is Wi-Fi 7 stepping into the spotlight so soon after Wi-Fi 6? Let’s explore the reasons.

Unleashing the Power of the Meta Llama 2 LLM: MediaTek Boosts On-Device Generative AI for Edge Devices

Gear Bits

Unleashing the Power of the Meta Llama 2 LLM: MediaTek Boosts On-Device Generative AI for Edge Devices

The next big thing is always around the corner in the tech world, and artificial intelligence is the newest and most exciting innovation. Sure, AI can power ChatGPT and other engines, but it can also make devices more efficient, learn our habits to adjust our tech to meet our needs, and even improve everything from emailing to photography. MediaTek is looking to help boost that to the next level with their partnership with Meta, Facebook’s parent company, to use the Meta Llama 2 LLM (Large Language Model) to bring on-device generative AI to our pockets and homes.

55" TCL Q7 4K QLED HDR Smart TV with Google TV Review: Affordable Entertainment with a Gorgeous Display

Reviews

55″ TCL Q7 4K QLED HDR Smart TV with Google TV Review: Affordable Entertainment with a Gorgeous Display

The 55″ TCL Q7 4K QLED HDR Smart TV with Google TV pairs cutting-edge technology with a remarkable viewing experience; it offers an array of impressive specifications that will cater to the most discerning tech enthusiasts and cinephiles. From its stunning 4K QLED HDR resolution to its smart features, the TCL Q7 truly elevates the home entertainment experience. Available in 55″, 65 “, 75″, and 85” models and with a list price starting at $749.99 (when not on sale), it’s a great QLED Smart TV for your money.

Govee AI Gaming Sync Box

Reviews

Govee AI Gaming Sync Box & Strip Light Kit Review: Dramatic AI Lighting Effects That Enhance Gaming and TV Watching

Since 2017, Govee has been designing and producing smart home products, including ambient lighting, home appliance products, and smart IoT systems. One of their most recently released products is the Govee AI Gaming Sync Box. I had a chance to review the version that comes with a single light strip meant to accommodate televisions between 55 and 65 inches measured diagonally. This version of the kit sells for $167.99. There is also a version that adds a pair of Govee’s RGBIC TV Light Bars, which sell for $299.

Nanoleaf Matter BR30 Smart Bulbs Review: Light Your Home According to Your Mood with These Flood Lights

Reviews

Nanoleaf Matter BR30 Smart Bulbs Review: Light Your Home According to Your Mood with These Flood Lights

There’s something supremely cool about having smart lights in your home that are white when you want but can also be any other colors when you prefer a different vibe. If you have recessed lighting, as I do, you may have considered installing smart floodlights, but if you want to get them from a known brand, they can be as much as $50 per bulb! The new Nanoleaf Matter BR30 Smart Bulbs are reasonably priced, and rather than being from some random maker, they come from Nanoleaf, a well-known smart lighting brand. Let’s take a look.

Vivint Expands Smart Home Lighting Options

Gear Bits

Vivint Expands Smart Home Lighting Options

Vivint has been a leader in home security for years and keeps adding to its smart home options. As smart lighting has become one of the most requested products, Vivint has announced three core products to their service. These products will integrate seamlessly with Vivint’s automation capabilities bringing smarter security and peace of mind.

Anker RE Charge Event Introduces Plenty of Wish-List-Worthy Gear

News & Features

Anker RE Charge Event Introduces Plenty of Wish-List-Worthy Gear

Anker is the world’s #1 mobile charging brand, and one of the reasons we like their products so much is because the brand is constantly innovating and developing quality, long-lasting gear while keeping conservation in mind. Several new products were unveiled at the recent Anker RE Charge event in New York City, including a few from Anker sub-brands Soundcore, Nebula, and Eufy. Here’s a quick look at some of the newly-announced wish-list-worthy items.

One of the New TCL Smart TVs Would Make a Great Gift This Father's Day

News & Features

One of the New TCL Smart TVs Would Make a Great Gift This Father’s Day

Stumped on what to get Dad for Father’s Day? TCL has some smart TVs that make great gifts he will love. And with prices starting below $300, there’s something for almost every budget. If you aren’t familiar with TCL Smart TVs, there’s no better time than Father’s Day to check out the TCLQ6, TCL Q7, TCL QM8, and the TCL S Class S4 for Roku TV or Google TV.

Lutron Diva Dimmer and Claro Switch Are Smarter than Ever!

Gear Bits, Events

Lutron Diva Dimmer and Claro Switch Are Smarter than Ever!

Lutron makes all kinds of great devices to keep your home lights going. Their Caséta system aims to make sure you can customize your lighting controls wirelessly, and they’ve expanded that lineup at CES with the new Diva smart dimmer and Claro smart switch in a variety of colors to match your decor!

Samsung Bespoke Kitchen Appliances Get Smarter and Sleeker!

Gear Bits, Events

Samsung Bespoke Kitchen Appliances Get Smarter and Sleeker!

Anyone can have a regular refrigerator or oven. But if you really want your kitchen to reflect you, then you need to consider a Samsung Bespoke appliance! Samsung is expanding its Bespoke line, so if you’ve ever thought “you know what my fridge needs, besides more half and half? A more stylish exterior!” Well, read on!

The 2023 LG TV Lineup Promises Plenty of Style and Smarts

Gear Bits, Events

The 2023 LG TV Lineup Promises Plenty of Style and Smarts

Remember when televisions were just conduits for whatever your rabbit ears could get over the air? It’s safe to say things have changed, a lot. LG is right there pushing the envelope with exciting new OLED models that will make your living room more entertaining, smarter, and stylish. Here’s a look at the 2023 LG TV Lineup.

2022 MediaTek Summit

Gear Bits

MediaTek Summit: Pentonic 1000, Kompanio 520, and T800 Chipsets Will Make Your Devices Faster and Smarter

We talk a lot about how important MediaTek is to your smartphone experience. However, they power more than just phones (a LOT more). Today is the first day of the 2022 MediaTek Summit in Sonoma, and they kicked it off by announcing the latest Pentonic 1000, Kompanio 520/528, and MediaTek T800 chipsets to make sure your television, Chromebook, and other devices are almost as smart as you are!

Fan speed on the Cielo Breez Plus

Reviews

Cielo Breez Plus Review: A Brilliant Way to Make Just About Any Remote-Controlled AC Unit Smart

A few years ago, I bought a Kenmore window unit air conditioner that touted being smart, app-controlled, and able to connect to Alexa and Google Home. After Kev had securely installed the AC in my office window, I powered it on only to find that the app and smart features were incompatible with my WiFi mesh system. :facepalm: Long story short, for the past three years, I’ve had an otherwise excellent window unit that’s never lived up to its potential. However, that all changed when I received a Cielo Breez Plus review unit; with it, my AC is finally smart!

MediaTek Genio Powered AIoT

Gear Bits, News & Features

MediaTek Genio Aims to Make AI Chipsets Even Smarter!

We all love our shiny technology, especially now that it is all getting even smarter and more connected. But here’s the thing — the more we want our devices to keep up with us, the more they need that boost under the hood. To that end, the new MediaTek Genio chipsets aim to bring more power and support to devices featuring AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things).

ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 OMNI Review: Taking Floor Care to the Future!

Reviews

ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 OMNI Review: Taking Floor Care to the Future!

The robot vacuum space is full of many options with many features. These devices make the busy lives we live today more convenient, cutting down cleaning times. ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 OMNI is one of the most advanced all-around cleaning systems available; vacuuming and mopping have never been this easy!