G’day, Alexa+: Amazon’s AI-upgraded smart home assistant has finally arrived in Australia — and it’s fully fluent in ‘Strayan

After launching in the US last year, Alexa+ aims to be “smarter, more conversational and more capable” than ever — but at AU$29.99 per month (without Prime), is another agentic AI assistant worth it?

Google Home’s Interactive Storytime feature has me wondering who actually asked for this

Google Home’s latest update lets families co-create interactive bedtime stories with Gemini, while also expanding camera support.

Ring upgraded its peephole doorbell camera to 2K
Ring upgraded its peephole doorbell camera to 2K

Ring has debuted a new version of its smart doorbell camera that’s designed to be easily installed as a replacement for a door’s peephole without drilling or running wires. The Peephole Cam 2K is a replacement for the brand’s Door View Cam that first debuted in 2019 and, alongside a sleeker design, it features a […]

Proxima wants to move blood tests into the home, and it has cleared an important early hurdle

Proxima promises 20-minute blood-count results from a finger prick, but its path into the home will depend on clear clinical evidence showing how it compares with conventional laboratory equipment.

Philips Hue may be bringing its best ever lightstrip to the back of your TV —but we’re primed for a painful price
Philips Hue may be bringing its best ever lightstrip to the back of your TV —but we’re primed for a painful price

Hue has mentioned a new Play Pro lightstrip for TVs that isn’t currently available to buy. Could it be a TV Omniglow?

Solar energy just had its best-ever month in the UK — as the first plug-in solar kits prepare to go on sale within weeks
Solar energy just had its best-ever month in the UK — as the first plug-in solar kits prepare to go on sale within weeks

Solar energy just set a new record in the UK, supplying more power to the grid than in any previous month. And it will soon get another boost from the legalisation of plug-in solar in weeks.

I tested the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20 Max and it’s a great all-round performer — when it actually works
I tested the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20 Max and it’s a great all-round performer — when it actually works

The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20 Max is a capable robot vacuum cleaner, but my unit developed issues after a year of testing.

Skylight’s smart calendars are up to $90 off during its back-to-school sale
Skylight’s smart calendars are up to $90 off during its back-to-school sale

The start of a new school year can feel hectic, as parents juggle their kids’ classes, extracurriculars and sports on top of work, appointments, and other responsibilities. It’s easy for things to slip through the cracks, but Skylight’s shared smart calendars can help keep everyone on track, and from August 2nd through August 9th they’re […]

Is your home safe this summer? Security tech expert Chris Price shows how to expand a single camera into a budget-friendly home defence setup for when you’re away on vacation
Is your home safe this summer? Security tech expert Chris Price shows how to expand a single camera into a budget-friendly home defence setup for when you’re away on vacation

Sunscreen, beach towel… security camera? Make sure your home is properly protected and enjoy peace of mind when you’re sipping cocktails on the beach.

‘Plug-in batteries are the real game-changer’: I talked to Octopus Energy and Anker about the home energy revolution than could soon be ‘bigger than solar’ for millions
‘Plug-in batteries are the real game-changer’: I talked to Octopus Energy and Anker about the home energy revolution than could soon be ‘bigger than solar’ for millions

Could plug-in home batteries soon eclipse plug-in solar for home energy savings? I spoke to Anker, Octopus Energy, EcoFlow and WindFall Energy to find out.