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Roborock’s S7 robot vacuum aims to be the only cleaning robot you’ll need
Tags: Headphones, Home Tech, Entertainment

Roborock’s S7 robot vacuum aims to be the only cleaning robot you’ll need Mark Jan 20·2 min read

Roborock was one of the first manufacturers to build a robot vacuum that can also mop hard-surface floors. The company’s all-new Roborock S7, announced during CES, will be its most advanced cleaner yet when the appliance ships in March for $649.



The Roborock S7 features a sonic mopping system that can vary from 1,650 times per minute up to 3,000 times per minute to disintegrate surface dirt andd dried-on spills. An intelligent lifting system detects when the vacuum transitions from a hard-surface floor to an area rug or carpet and automatically lifts its mopping unit.



[ Further reading: The best robot vacuum cleaners ]With Roborock’s previous vac/mop hybrids, you needed to deploy no-go strips to prevent it from moving onto carpet while it mopped. This new model will also lift its mop unit when it docks for a battery charge or after it has finished its work, to avoid leaving a wet pad resting on your floor.



This new model will offer the same suction power as the Roborock S6 MaxV that preceded it—2500pA—but the manufacturer says its redesigned brush hugs the floor better and should do an even better job of pulling dirt out of your carpet.



As with previous models, the Roborock S7 will support Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Siri and it can also be controlled with Roborock’s companion app for Android and iOS.



We’ve had favorable opinions of each generation of Roborock’s bots—including the Roborox S4, S5 Max, S6, and the S6 MaxV—so we’re looking forward tchecking out this new model.



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Lockly has new smart locks for swingers and sliders (doors, that is)
Tags: Streaming, Electronics, Home Tech, Consumer

Lockly has new smart locks for swingers and sliders (doors, that is) Toya Jan 27·2 min read

Lockly is one of the few smart lock manufacturers to also offer a smart entry latch (a lock and handle combo). The company’s latest products are the Lockly Guard smart deadbolt sliding and swing-style doors, and the Lockly Duo latch/deadbolt combo for swinging doors.



Lockly and its biometric smart locks first came to our attention in 2018. We reviewed its smart lock/video doorbell combo in early 2020. In both cases, we were impressed with the company’s fingerprint-recognition prowess and the Pin Genie features of its touch-sensitive numeric keypad scrambles the order of numbers to prevent a burglar from guessing your PIN based on the location of fingerprints. We were much less impressed with the convoluted process of installing its locks, but the company promises it’s resolved that issue.



[ Further reading: The best smart locks and deadbolts ] Lockly Lockly is also bringing its smart lock technology to sliding doors, with the Lockly Guard.



The Lockly Guard is designed for sliding and swing-style doors and fits any standard size aluminum or metal door frame. An optional RFID-card reader allows for contactless operation. In both cases, adding the optional $80 Wi-Fi hub adds Alexa and Google Assistant support and remote lock control and monitoring. It will be available in satin nickel, matte black, and metallic chrome finishes. It will sell for $500 when it goes on sale in the second quarter of 2021.



The Lockly Duo deadbolt/latch combo promises super-easy operation: You simply lift the handle up to secure the latch and throw the deadbolt with one move. Lockly will offer it in satin nickel and matte black finishes and expects it to come to retail later in the first quarter with an asking price of $400.



Both of these new locks will require an optional Wi-Fi hub to enable remote access.



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Grab the Bissell EV675 robovac for $170, a near-all-time-low
Tags: Lighting, Electronics, Home Tech, Audio

If you're tired of vacuuming pet hair off your floors every week, today's the day to hire a robot to do it for you. Amazon is selling the robot vacuum cleaner " data-vars-product-name="Bissell EV675 robot vacuum cleaner " data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/BISSELL-Vacuum-Cleaner-Charging-2503/dp/B07L75HXKB" data-product-id="000000" data-vars-product-id="000000" data-bkmfr="Bissell" data-vars-bkmfr="Bissell" data-bkvndr="Amazon" data-vars-bkvndr="Amazon">Bissell EV675 robot vacuum cleaner for $170Bissell|https://www.amazon.com/BISSELL-Vacuum-Cleaner-Charging-2503/dp/B07L75HXKB|Amazon|Bissell EV675 robot vacuum cleaner |4|Add Link">Remove non-product link, good for $130 off its MSRP and within a few bucks of its all-time low.



Bissell is aiming this vacuum mostly for cleaning pet hair, which is usually code for "entry-level model." (In fact, Bissell doesn't say what the suction power of this unit is.) While we haven't reviewed this model, Bissell is a trusted name in vacuums and it gets 4 out of 5 stars from more than 350 Amazon reviewers, with the highlights being that it runs very quiet and easy to empty. However, many people noted that it has a very small dust bin.



The EV675 features dual edge brushes and a rotating brush roll, and Bissell claims the battery supports up to 100 minutes of automatic cleaning. You can also control the vac with a remote, set a cleaning schedule, and it has built-in "cliff" detection to stop it from taking a tumble down the stairs. It's also rocking a low profile design for getting under furniture, and the dirt cup has a capacity of 0.4 liters.



[Today's deal: EV675 vacuum" data-vars-product-name="Bissell EV675 vacuum" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/BISSELL-Vacuum-Cleaner-Charging-2503/dp/B07L75HXKB" data-product-id="000000" data-vars-product-id="000000" data-bkmfr="Bissell" data-vars-bkmfr="Bissell" data-bkvndr="Amazon" data-vars-bkvndr="Amazon">Bissell EV675 vacuum for $170 on Amazonlink-tooltip" style="display: none;" data-removeparamvalues="Bissell EV675 vacuum for $170 on Amazon|Bissell|https://www.amazon.com/BISSELL-Vacuum-Cleaner-Charging-2503/dp/B07L75HXKB|Amazon|Bissell EV675 vacuum|4|Add Link">Remove non-product link]



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Microphone-less Sonos Arc SL soundbar arrives exclusively at Costco
Tags: Headphones, Internet, Connected Home, Home Tech

Sonos has quietly begun selling a new version of its Dolby Atmos-enabled Arc soundbar that comes without a built-in microphone, although you’ll have to venture out to Costco to snag one.



Mentioned in this article Sonos Arc Read TechHive's review$799.00MSRP $799.00See iton Sonos The Sonos Arc SL Shadow Edition is now available exclusively at “participating” Costco stores in the U.S. and Canada, and it will be available on Costco.com later this month, a Sonos rep told TechHive. The new Arc is selling for $749, versus $799 for the standard version (pictured above).



Word of the Arc SL first began spreading on the Sonos subreddit, where Reddit users posted images of the new soundbar sitting on store shelves. Sonos has yet to officially announce the Arc SL, and it’s not listed on the company’s website, but a Sonos rep confirmed its existence.



[ Further reading: The best soundbars ]Similar to the microphone-less Sonos One SLRemove non-product link, the Arc SL is identical to the standard Arc save for the lack of a built-in microphone for voice assistants. Both Alexa and Google Assistant are built into the original Arc, although you can use only one at a time. You can still use the Arc SL with a voice assistant if you pair the soundbar with a compatible smart speaker.



Besides the lack of a microphone and it’s “shadow-black” color, the Arc SL boasts the “same immersive sound experience” as the standard Arc, according to Sonos.



We praised the original Arc, which went on sale back in June, for its “exceptional” sound quality (an issue with buggy bass response was subsequently fixed via a software update). That said, we were disappointed that it only has a single HDMI input, which seems stingy for an $800 soundbar.



The new Arc SL might be a good choice for soundbar shoppers who want the sound quality of the standard Arc without voice assistants listening in, although at just $50 off the price of the original, the Arc SL isn’t a major bargain.



Updated shortly after publication to add that the Arc SL will be available on Costco.com later this month, as well as the fact that you can pair the soundbar with a smart speaker.



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YouTube Is Finally Forced to Deal with Children’s Privacy from Today! All Parents Win, All YouTubers Must Tread Carefully!
By: Kabir, Ko-Bir
Tags: Privacy, Made For Children, Hometech, FCC, YouTube

As a parent of two K-12 children, I am delighted that YouTube is finally enforcing “Made for Kids” or “Not Made for Kids” labeling of ALL existing and future videos on their billion-plus viewer platform.

YouTube is the cheapest babysitter in the world.

So many parents turn on YouTube on their TV or phone to get their kids glued to the screen while doing everyday duties. As a parent, I always worry about the content that my kids might bump into due to advertising or recommendations by some algorithm written by a twenty-something-year-old Google engineer who could be not aware of all the issues around children’s online privacy and safety.

When premium YouTube became available, I wanted to switch right away, but YouTube didn’t allow me to switch as I was using Google’s business email account. Finally, I decided to go with Premium on a personal account and made it available for my kids. However, ad-free YouTube is still a potentially high-risk place for children who might unintentionally click on recommendations and land on some weirdo’s channel. But, from today, parents have a reason to rejoice! YouTube is more child-friendly today than ever before! We have the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to thank for it!

I am not about excessive regulations, and the net neutrality issue had made me question FCC’s role once. But today, we are happy to see the FCC as the catalyst for a change for the good of all our children.

From today, all YouTubers must explicitly declare their videos as either made for children or not. If they choose the former, YouTube will no longer allow commenting, notifications, and possibly other features to be available on these video pages. Awesome!

This means that if a good creator has child-friendly content, they will not be able to open their videos for commenting. This is done to protect children from exposing information about themselves and putting them to risks from comment trolls. Good move!

Since notifications will be off for children’s videos, we would also get good relief from aggressive marketing-oriented channels. Many children’s channels have become too commercial, and the lack of the features mentioned above might make these channels less profitable or commercial.

This is the best news for parents today. What do you think? Write your thoughts in the comments section below!
Meross Outdoor Smart Plug review: A capable, if basic outdoor plug
Tags: Connected Home, Audio, Electronics, Home Tech

Chinese brand Meross is pushing into the U.S. with a wide range of Wi-Fi smart home gear, including this outdoor plug with a familiar design.



The all-black device offers two three-prong sockets (each with a flip-out cover) and is certified as IP44 weatherproof (which is basically just protection against splashes and large solids. You can read more about IP codes in this story.) Devices that draw 10 amps or less are specified for use, and the unit supports only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks.



This review is part of TechHive’s coverage of the best smart plugs, where you’ll find reviews of competing products, plus a buyer’s guide to the features you should consider when shopping for this type of product. Christopher Null / IDG The two sockets can be powered on independently, but only within the app or via HomeKit.



The Meross plug is widely compatible, including support for HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT. I initially set the unit up in iOS with HomeKit, and it was connected to my network in a matter of seconds. Later, I fired up the Meross mobile app to test managing the device via the official interface, and while it wasn’t immediately intuitive how to add a device to the app which had already been registered with HomeKit, after a little trial and error the plug appeared within the app.



As you might expect, there’s not much to it. One helpful feature is that, within the app or within HomeKit, you can control the two sockets individually, so one can be on and the other off, and so on. There’s only one physical power button on the hardware, however; it controls both outlets simultaneously (turning both on or both off) regardless of how you have them set in the app.



Aside from manual on/off control, the usual smart home features can be found in the app, including a section that lets you configure preset scenes, a scheduling system (including sunrise and sunset options), and an auto-off timer. The app also allows you to disable the green LED on the top of the plug should you prefer an LED-less solution.



[ Further reading: The best smart switches and dimmers ]While this plug is fairly basic in operation, I found it worked well throughout the bulk of my testing. It was normally responsive to commands in less than a second, only occasionally becoming unresponsive (usually when I was trying to turn the LED on or off). The $20 price tag is right in line with most other plugs with a similar feature set, and while the questionably translated website and manual may generate some small crisis of confidence, the required financial outlay should be small enough to minimize those concerns.



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Your Lenovo laptop will soon double as an Amazon Echo Show
Tags: Mobile, Connected Home, Cutting, Home Tech

Your Lenovo laptop will soon double as an Amazon Echo Show Jason Jan 15·2 min read

Have an idle laptop sitting on your desk on a kitchen counter? Lenovo has a novel idea: Turn it into an Amazon Echo Show, complete with Alexa.



Mentioned in this article Amazon Echo Show 5 Read TechHive's reviewMSRP $89.99See it Slated to debut on various Lenovo Yoga and IdeaPad laptops later this year, Lenovo’s Show Mode brings the Echo Show interface to a Lenovo PC, complete with support for voice commands and smart home control.



With Show Mode enabled, a Lenovo laptop or desktop system would essentially act as an Echo Show smart display. Just as with a standard Echo Show, you could ask Alexa questions, command her to turn your lights on and off, get weather reports, play music, read your schedule, or make calls to other Echo speakers.



[ Further reading: The best smart speakers and digital assistants ]Lenovo released images showing the familiar Echo Show display on a Lenovo laptop, complete with a clock, an upcoming event, and hourly weather conditions. Lenovo says you can also set the Show Mode interface to cycle through news headlines, Alexa tips, and upcoming agenda items, just like on a regular Echo Show.



Of course, you won’t be able to use Show Mode on any Windows system. Initially, Show Mode will only work on “select” Lenovo PCs, including laptops from the Yoga Slim 9i, Yoga 9i, Yoga 7i, Yoga AIO 7, and IdeaPad 5 lines.



Also, while typical Echo Show displays are intended to be left on all the time, a laptop would (of course) need to be open, booted up, and active (i.e., not in sleep mode) for Show Mode to work.



Still, Show Mode makes for an interesting way to make the most of your PC when you’re not actively using it. We’ll be eager to try it once the feature debuts in the second quarter of the year.



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Lutron adds its first outdoor smart home device to its Caséta product line
Tags: Cord, Security Cameras, Gear, Home Tech

Lutron adds its first outdoor smart home device to its Caséta product line Larkeese Jan 15·2 min read

Lutron’s Caséta is one of our favorite smart home ecosystems and includes in-wall and plug-in lighting controls, smart shades, fan controllers, and motion sensors. Caséta products can also be integrated with the Ring family of smart home products. Now the company is taking the show outdoors with the Caséta Outdoor Smart Plug.



Lutron’s outdoor smart plug carries an IP65 weatherization rating, meaning it’s fully protected from dust incursion and water sprayed from a hose in any direction (you can read more about IP codes in this story). A built-in timer can be programmed to turn devices plugged into the smart plug on a few minutes before sunset and off and sunrise using the Lutron app.



[ Further reading: The best smart plugs ]Unlike competing smart plugs that operate via Wi-Fi, however, you’ll need to add a Lutron Smart Bridge to get the most benefit from the Caséta Outdoor Smart Plug. If you already own other Caséta products, you almost certainly already own one. It is broadly compatible with other smart home technologies, including Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and IFTTT, but it must be hardwired to your router. Having the bridge on your network will also allow you to control Lutron’s outdoor smart plug with one of its Pico remote controls.



Unlike most of its competitors, however, Lutron’s outdoor smart plug has a single outlet. Our current favorite outdoor smart plug, the TP-Link Kasa KP400, has dual outlets that can be controlled independently over Wi-Fi. Lutron expects to ship the Caséta Outdoor Smart Plug, when it will sell for $79.95.



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The Nobi smart lamp can detect when a person falls in their home and will call for assistance
Tags: Security Cameras, Cord, Home Tech, Deals

The Nobi smart lamp can detect when a person falls in their home and will call for assistance Michelle Jan 15·2 min read

As the baby-boomer generation swells the ranks of America’s oldest population, an increasing number of smart home product developers are looking to help them age in place. The Nobi smart lamp is a case in point, having been designed to detect when a person falls in their home. It can then call for emergency assistance.



Nobi The Nobi smart lamp is designed to replace an existing ceiling fixture. Its onboard camera and artificial intelligence can detect when a person falls in the home and can summon help.



The euro-modern-style lamp will be available in two configurations, both of which are designed to replace an existing ceiling fixture: The Nobi and the smaller Nobita, which offers the added benefit of humidity resistance, so that it can be installed in a bathroom. In addition to fall detection, the lamps can also detect fire, monitor air quality, and recognize a burglary in progress.



[ Further reading: The best smart home systems ] Nobi The smaller Nobita offers the same features but is resistant to humidity and can be installed in a bathroom.



Both lamps are outfitted with a camera, speaker, and an onboard processor that can perform image processing on the device itself, enhancing privacy by not uploading them to the cloud for that task. If a fall is detected, the Nobi’s speaker will ask if the resident is OK. If there’s no response, the smart lamp will call the person’s emergency contact list. The resident has the option to share captured images with those contacts in the event of an emergency.



Nobi says it will cost about $2,500 to outfit “an average apartment,” but doesn’t specify how many smart lamps that would include or the amount of square footage each one can cover. In addition to the purchase price, you’ll need to sign up for a $19-per-month subscription. Alternatively, you can rent the equipment for $119 per month, subscription included.



The Nobi and Nobita smart lamps are expected to be available by the end of 2021.



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There’s a new player in the OLED TV market: Skyworth will offer OLED and LCD smart TVs in the U.S. in 2021
Tags: Home Theater, Consumer Electronics, Home Tech, Chromecast

There’s a new player in the OLED TV market: Skyworth will offer OLED and LCD smart TVs in the U.S. in 2021 Mary Jan 15·2 min read

Skyworth had a big CES footprint in 2020, but the global pandemic interfered with its plans to ship its smart TVs in the U.S. market. The company plans to make that happen in 2021, and its lineup will include an OLED smart TV using a panel manufactured in the fab it co-owns with LG.



Skyworth won’t rely on OLED alone to raise brand awareness. It will also ship a wide range of LED-backlit LCD TVs, ranging from the super-budget 1080p TC6200 series (32-inch and 43-inch); to the mid-range 4K UHD UC6200 series (50-inch to 75-inch) and UC7500 series (43-inch through 65-inch); and the high-end UC8500 series (55- and 65-inch) with variable refresh rate (up to 120Hz) for gaming. The company did not provide pricing information.



[ Further reading: TechHive’s top picks in smart TVs ] Skyworth Skyworth’s low-end UC6200 sereies still features 4K UHD resolution.



All U.S. Skyworth TVs will run Android TV 10. The UC7500 series and above feature Bluetooth 5.0. The 55- and 65-inch XC9300 OLED series and the UC8500-series LCD series will sport high-end goodies such as HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. These sets will also be equipped with far-field microphones for voice control.



Skyworth Skyworth’s high-end UC8500-series of LCD smart TV feature quantum-dot technology and support Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos



Skyworth is new to the U.S. market, but they’re no babe in the woods. The privately owned Chinese manufacturer is 33 years old and has been player in the worldwide consumer electronics market for more than 20 years. We have yet to test any of the company’s TVs, but if they’re fab partners with LG, we expect good things.



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Roborock’s S7 robot vacuum aims to be the only cleaning robot you’ll need
Tags: Electronics, Chargers, Home Tech, Tvs

Roborock’s S7 robot vacuum aims to be the only cleaning robot you’ll need Duece Jan 15·2 min read

Roborock was one of the first manufacturers to build a robot vacuum that can also mop hard-surface floors. The company’s all-new Roborock S7, announced during CES, will be its most advanced cleaner yet when the appliance ships in March for $649.



The Roborock S7 features a sonic mopping system that can vary from 1,650 times per minute up to 3,000 times per minute to disintegrate surface dirt andd dried-on spills. An intelligent lifting system detects when the vacuum transitions from a hard-surface floor to an area rug or carpet and automatically lifts its mopping unit.



[ Further reading: The best robot vacuum cleaners ]With Roborock’s previous vac/mop hybrids, you needed to deploy no-go strips to prevent it from moving onto carpet while it mopped. This new model will also lift its mop unit when it docks for a battery charge or after it has finished its work, to avoid leaving a wet pad resting on your floor.



This new model will offer the same suction power as the Roborock S6 MaxV that preceded it—2500pA—but the manufacturer says its redesigned brush hugs the floor better and should do an even better job of pulling dirt out of your carpet.



As with previous models, the Roborock S7 will support Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Siri and it can also be controlled with Roborock’s companion app for Android and iOS.



We’ve had favorable opinions of each generation of Roborock’s bots—including the Roborox S4, S5 Max, S6, and the S6 MaxV—so we’re looking forward tchecking out this new model.



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JBL’s Bar 5.0 MultiBeam soundbar delivers virtual Dolby Atmos on a budget
Tags: Streaming, Music, Home Tech, Chromecast

JBL’s Bar 5.0 MultiBeam soundbar delivers virtual Dolby Atmos on a budget Kelly Jan 15·2 min read

After wowing us last year with a high-end 5.1.4-channel soundbar with detachable, battery-powered wireless surround speakers, JBL’s latest budget-minded soundbar dials it down a notch with an all-in-one design, multi-room audio support, and virtualized Dolby Atmos.



Mentioned in this article JBL Bar 9.1 Read TechHive's review$999.95See iton JBL Announced less than a week before CES kicks off, the JBL Bar 5.0 comes equipped with a quartet of passive radiators in the place of a wireless subwoofer, while JBL’s MultiRoom audio technology (which previously appeared on the JBL Bar 5.1 soundbar) is designed to deliver an “immersive listening experience” (read: virtual surround effects) without the need for separate surround speakers.



Speaking of virtualized immersive audio, the Bar 5.0 MultiBeam also comes with virtual Dolby Audio, Dolby’s method of teasing height cues from a soundbar that lacks upfiring drivers.



[ Further reading: The best soundbars ]We’ve seen (and heard) plenty of affordable soundbars that employ virtual 3D audio, either from Dolby or via DTS’s Virtual:X mode. What sets the Bar 5.0 MultiBeam apart from its budget-priced competitors is support for a trio of multi-room audio platforms: AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Alexa, which means you’ll be able to add the speaker to AirPlay, Chromecast, and Alexa speaker groups. That’s pretty impressive given that budget soundbars with virtual 3D modes generally relegate you to just one wireless multi-room audio platform, if they support any at all. You can also connect an iOS on Android device to the Bar 5.0 MultiBeam via Bluetooth.



JBL hasn’t detailed exactly how many drivers are housed within the Bar 5.0 MultiBeam, nor do we know whether the soundbar supports eARC, an “enhanced” version of ARC that allows for lossless audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. (We’re guessing “no,” since we’re talking a budget soundbar here.)



In any case, we do know how much the Bar 5.0 MultiBeam will cost: $400, a reasonable price given the soundbar’s feature set.



Look for the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam to ship this spring, and keep your eyes peeled for a full review once we spend some time with a sample unit.



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Sony TVs boast faster, smarter processing and improved audio, but there are no major technology changes
Tags: Connected Home, Tvs, Home Tech

Sony TVs boast faster, smarter processing and improved audio, but there are no major technology changes Alana Jan 15·2 min read

Sony made no mention of major new technologies, such as mini LED backlighting, for the 2021 TV lineup, but the company has announced plenty of other improvements. Most noticeably, the new Cognitive Processor XR processing unit marries higher speed with more granular and processing algorithms. It will be available on Sony’s high-end XR series of smart TVs.



The end result of XR manipulation, which places great emphasis on the viewer’s focal point of an image, should be better overall images with increased detail, fewer artifacts, a higher contrast ratio, according to the company. Sony says its 4K and 8K UHD models will also deliver distinctly improved upscaling of lower-resolution content.



[ Further reading: TV tech terms demystified ]Sony audioSony already has the world’s best-sounding TVs, and the company says its 2021 models will be even bertter. Re-designed planar drivers that directly vibrate the display panel and bezel are said to produce more oomph, and—thanks to more of them and refined placement—they’ll even successfully reproduce 5.1.2 surround sound. If you’re never heard a high-end Sony TV, especially an OLED, take a listen next time you’re in a store—they sound better than many soundbars.



Sony Sony’s X95J LED will also get the benefit of XR processing. Sony already boasted arguably the best LED/LCD processing on the market.



Beyond improved image processing and audio, Google TV will make its way to Sony’s XR series, and as you may have noticed, the monikers are losing a digit. What was once a model 950 will be a model 95, and so on. Sony skipped a letter and will go directly from H to J. We’re not sure why, though it’s likely a visual thing. “I” can be confused with 1 in some fonts.



The new XR LED models range from the 8K Z9J to the X90J (called the X92J at 100-inches) at the low-end. The new OLEDs are the A80J and A90J. As usual, higher numbers are used for higher-end models.



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TCL’s latest soundbar connects wirelessly to Roku TVs
Tags: Mobile, Connected Home, Security Cameras, Home Tech

TCL teamed up with Roku at CES 2020 to release a soundbar that eased the TV setup process with on-screen instructions and settings courtesy of the “Roku TV-Ready” program. The two companies are doing it again at this year’s CES with a new soundbar that connects wirelessly to Roku TVs.



Related product TCL 8-series 4K UHD LCD TV (65-inch class, model 65Q825) Read TechHive's review$999.00MSRP $1,999.00See iton Best Buy (Price when reviewed) Slated to arrive later this year, the Alto R1 is an all-in-one, 2.0-channel soundbar that marks TCL’s first truly wireless soundbar—well, wireless save for the power cord.



The Alto R1 manages its wireless audio trick with help from a reference design from Roku that allows for a point-to-point Wi-Fi connection between a soundbar and a Roku-powered TV, meaning there’s no need for HDMI or optical cables. Roku announced its new reference design late last week.



[ Further reading: The best soundbars ]As with the Alto 9+, the 3.1-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar that TCL unveiled a year ago at CES, the Alto R1 will be a Roku TV-Ready model, which means Roku TV users will be guided through the setup process with on-screen instructions and settings.



TCL TCL’s wireless Alto R1 soundbar is Roku TV-ready, which means it will support on-screen setup instructions and configuration settings when connected to a compatible Roku TV.



Unlike the Alto 9+, the R1 won’t support Dolby Atmos, nor will it offer virtualized 3D audio via DTS Virtual:X. Instead, the soundbar will come with straight-up Dolby Audio support, similar to many budget soundbars. Also missing will be support for Alexa and Google Assistant, although you will be able to stream audio to the Alto R1 from your phone via Bluetooth.



TCL also announced a few higher-end, HDMI-enabled soundbars for 2021, including its first models with built-in AirPlay 2, plus support for Alexa, and Google Assistant.



Due later this year, the 3.1.2-channel Alto 8e boasts a wireless subwoofer and upfiring drivers for Dolby Atmos, it will also come with AirPlay 2, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Spotify Connect support.



Meanwhile, the Alto 82i will be yet another Dolby Atmos soundbar (no word on the exact channel configuration) with AirPlay 2, Alexa, and Google Assistant support, although it will swap out the wireless subwoofer for a pair of built-in subwoofers. Rounding out TCL’s 2021 soundbar lineup will be a fourth, “premium” model with Dolby Atmos support, TCL said.



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Konka TV goes upscale with quantum-dot TVs at CES 2021
Tags: Mobile Accessories, Cutting, Tvs, Home Tech

Konka TV goes upscale with quantum-dot TVs at CES 2021 Erica Jan 15·2 min read

Our first look a Konka TV revealed a decent entry-level picture for a very nice price. In 2021, the company promises to deliver a line of higher-end smart TVs with more accurate color thanks to quantum-dot technology. Shoppers with tight budgets will also appreciate being able to choose between the company’s current Android TV implementation and WebOS, LG’s highly regarded smart TV operating system.



The Lineup Mentioned in this article Konka U5-series 4K UHD Android TV (50-inch class, model 50U55A) Read TechHive's review$279.99See iton RCWilley WebOS is scheduled for March/April availability on Konka’s U4 series (see below), which will range in size from 43- to 75-inch-class. Pricing was not announced.



Konka Konka’s WebOS TVs will arrive in the U.S. in the middle of spring 2021.



As far as was announced, quantum-dot color will be available only on Konka’s Q7 Pro series running Android TV. This mid-range line will come with a host of Konka’s best-foot-forward features: color gamut of more than 100 percent DCI-P3, a gaming mode, support for Google Assitant and Chromecast, and Bluetooth 5.0. Note that most Konka TVs support the latter—a nice perq for those who listen through Bluetooth headphones.



Konka will continue with the affordable U5 series we reviewed, as well as the super-budget H3 series in smaller 32-inch (720p) and 43-inch (1080p) models. The TVs will also integrate with the company’s line of smart home products, including video doorbells.



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Google adds a privacy-oriented Guest Mode to its Home and Nest smart speakers and displays
Tags: Headphones, Cord, Home Tech, Entertainment

Google adds a privacy-oriented Guest Mode to its Home and Nest smart speakers and displays Joshua Jan 15·2 min read

It’s easy to ask Google Assistant to forget the last thing you said to your Nest or Home smart speaker or display (“Hey Google, that wasn’t for you”), but now there’s a way to temporarily keep Google Assistant from remembering what you said in the first place.



Related product Google Nest Hub Max Read TechHive's review$229.00MSRP $229.00See iton Google Google’s newly launched Guest Mode acts like an incognito tab in Chrome. While Chrome’s incognito mode won’t remember your browsing history, Google Assistant’s Guest Mode lets you chat with the Assistant on your Google smart speaker without your interactions being recorded.



Just say “Hey Google, turn on Guest Mode” to activate the new privacy mode. When you do, you’ll hear a special tone on your Google smart speaker, while a banner will appear on a Google display.



[ Further reading: The best smart speakers and digital assistants ]With Guest Mode enabled (which shouldn’t be confused with the old Guest Mode, which allowed visitors to cast media to your Google devices without connecting to your Wi-Fi network), you can ask Google to play music, check the weather, or read headlines, without any of your requests being saved in your Assistant history.



Guest Mode could also come in handy if a visiting friend (yes, we’ll have friends over again—eventually) wants to use your Google smart speaker without getting results that are personalized for you.



When you’re done with Guest Mode, you can simply say “Hey Google, turn Guest Mode off,” or you can check if the speaker is still in Guest Mode by asking the Assistant. On a Google smart display, the Guest Mode icon will remain on the screen until you turn the mode off.



Of course, if you chat with Google Assistant on your smart speaker without turning Guest Mode on, you can always erase your interactions after the fact. Just say “Hey Google, delete my last conversation,” or “Hey Google, delete today’s (or this week’s) activity.” You can also set Google Assistant to delete your voice history automatically, on a regular basis.



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There’s a new player in the OLED TV market: Skyworth will offer OLED and LCD smart TVs in the U.S. in 2021
Tags: Internet, Consumer Electronics, Electronics, Home Tech

There’s a new player in the OLED TV market: Skyworth will offer OLED and LCD smart TVs in the U.S. in 2021 Charlie Jan 15·2 min read

Skyworth had a big CES footprint in 2020, but the global pandemic interfered with its plans to ship its smart TVs in the U.S. market. The company plans to make that happen in 2021, and its lineup will include an OLED smart TV using a panel manufactured in the fab it co-owns with LG.



Skyworth won’t rely on OLED alone to raise brand awareness. It will also ship a wide range of LED-backlit LCD TVs, ranging from the super-budget 1080p TC6200 series (32-inch and 43-inch); to the mid-range 4K UHD UC6200 series (50-inch to 75-inch) and UC7500 series (43-inch through 65-inch); and the high-end UC8500 series (55- and 65-inch) with variable refresh rate (up to 120Hz) for gaming. The company did not provide pricing information.



[ Further reading: TechHive’s top picks in smart TVs ] Skyworth Skyworth’s low-end UC6200 sereies still features 4K UHD resolution.



All U.S. Skyworth TVs will run Android TV 10. The UC7500 series and above feature Bluetooth 5.0. The 55- and 65-inch XC9300 OLED series and the UC8500-series LCD series will sport high-end goodies such as HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. These sets will also be equipped with far-field microphones for voice control.



Skyworth Skyworth’s high-end UC8500-series of LCD smart TV feature quantum-dot technology and support Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos



Skyworth is new to the U.S. market, but they’re no babe in the woods. The privately owned Chinese manufacturer is 33 years old and has been player in the worldwide consumer electronics market for more than 20 years. We have yet to test any of the company’s TVs, but if they’re fab partners with LG, we expect good things.



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We loved the iRobot Roomba 960 for $600, and this model is just $280
Tags: Security Cameras, Tvs, Home Tech, Cutting

We loved the iRobot Roomba 960 for $600, and this model is just $280 Sarah Jan 15·2 min read

Every year we hope to renew ourselves and our lives for the new year. For 2021, how about reinvigorating your vacuuming strategy with a fantastic “renewed” iRobot Roomba 960 for under half its original $600 cost? Amazon is selling one for $280. That’s also $120 off the usual $400 for this refurbished model, and the all-time low. The is a one-day sale, which ends just before midnight Pacific time on Monday evening.



[ Want more great deals? Check out TechConnect, our home for the best tech deals, all hand-picked by the PCWorld, Macworld and TechHive editors. ]



We reviewed the Roomba 960, giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars and an Editors’ Choice Award—and that was at its full $600 price. “The Roomba 960’s flawless navigation, stellar cleaning, and advanced features set it apart from all other robot vacuums,” we said.



While that review is more than two years old, the Roomba 960 is still an excellent vacuum. It features Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration for voice control, and an intelligent mapping feature. The Roomba 960 has a three-stage cleaning system with rubber brushes, and you can control the vacuum via Wi-Fi using the iRobot smartphone app.



As for the “refurbished” part of this robovac, it comes with Amazon’s 90-day Renewed Guarantee, which means it will work and look like new. If it fails that promise, you can get a replacement or refund within 90 days.



The non-refurbished version of this can be anywhere from $400 to $500 depending on the day (as of this writing it’s $437). So you’re getting quite a bargain with the refurbished version.



[Today’s deal: Refurbished iRobot Roomba 960 for $280 on Amazon.]



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The Moorebot Scout is an AI-powered robot camera that can autonomously patrol your home
Tags: Home Tech, Security Cameras, Electronics, Lighting

The Moorebot Scout is an AI-powered robot camera that can autonomously patrol your home Joseph Jan 15·2 min read

There isn’t too much that hasn’t already been done in the smart camera market. They’re smaller, clearer, and, yes, smarter than any than ever. But the Moorebot Scout has one feature that makes it stand out from the crowd: four-wheel drive.



The Scout consists of a 1080p camera with night vision and two-way audio support mounted to a wheeled chassis measuring just 2.8 x 4 x 4.3 inches. Its tiny size should enable it to roll into the tightest spaces. Even more intriguing: the camera’s integrated artificial intelligence renders it autonomous—it can operate without human intervention.



[ Further reading: The best home security cameras ]The quirky gadget is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core ARM CPU, 1GB of DDR III memory, 4GB of flash memory, a dual-band Wi-Fi adapter, a collection of sensors, and a SLAM (Simultaneous localization and Mapping) algorithm for navigation. The Scout can patrol the interior of your home, recording video clips in response to sound or motion in its vicinity. Video can be stored onboard, sent to the cloud, or streamed to a smart display.



Moorebot Measuring just 2.8 x 4 x 4.3 inches, the Moorebot Scout should be able slip into and out of tight spaces.



The Scout can avoid obstacles and return to its charging cradle every couple of hours to top off its battery—much like a robot vacuum cleaner. It can even be programmed to automatically follow moving objects, whether it be the family cat or an intruder. It can be manually controlled with a mobile app.



Moorebot also offers an easy-to-use modular programming language, Scratch, that owners can use to customize the Scout to their liking, making it an educational tool for learning how to code. “Scout’s applications range from an intelligent mobile home camera, a pet companion, a surveillance tool for the handyman, and an inspiring, modern learning toy for kids,” said Moorebot CEO Jun Ye.



The Moorbot Scout will be priced at $179 when it launches in the early spring on Amazon. We’re certainly intrigued and look forward to getting our hands on a review unit in the next few months. Stay tuned.



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Toto’s new smart toilets are less likely to invoke sticker shock
Tags: Connected Home, Cutting, Chargers, Home Tech

Toto’s new smart toilets are less likely to invoke sticker shock Audra Jan 15·2 min read

Toto is known for building elaborate booths at CES to display and demonstrate its technologically advanced plumbing fixtures. If you’ve longed to grace your bathroom with one of the company’s high-tech toilets, you’ll be happy to know that some relatively affordable models are coming to market.



When we first covered Toto’s CES in 2016, its top-of-the-line toilet cost nearly $10,000. In 2021, you’ll be able to buy that same technology for less than $1,500. Granted, the Toto Washlet+ C2 (integrated remote control) and the Washlet+ C5 (wall-mounted remote) still cost several times the price of your average throne, but they’re equipped with technology that will keep your bum squeaky clean. Plus, Toto promises the toilet itself will be easier to clean.



[ Further reading: A smart home guide for beginners ] Toto The Toto Washlet+ C5 features a wall-mounted remote control. The remote is mounted to the bidet seat on the Washlet+ C2 displayed at the top of this page.



The toilet bowl is fabricated from an ultrasmooth ceramic. Adding Toto’s Washlet+ seat turns the toilet into a bidet. When you approach the toilet, a “pre-mist” feature sprays electrolyzed water over the surface of the bowl above the water line. Electrolyzing the water converts it to sodium hypochlorite—a broad-spectrum disinfectant—and makes the bowl surface even more slick.



When flushed, Toto’s Dynamax Tornado technology fills the bowl with water from the back as well as the sides to create a more forceful flush. The combination of the slick bowl and the robust flush reduces the likelihood that solid waste will stick to the sides, all while using less water, about .8 gallons per flush. The misting function occurs every eight hours to keep the bowl clean, and it reduces the need to introduce harsh chemicals during periodic cleanings with a brush or rag.



In addition to the bowl cleaning, the bidet wand uses the same process to clean itself. There’s also an onboard water heater and a deodorizer to keep odor at bay, and a blower tops the experience off by lightly drying your bottom after the show.



Both models require a button push to initiate flushing. If you’re looking for a touchless experience, you’ll need to move up to one of Toto’s more expensive models, with prices starting at around $2,500.



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Users Upset as Raspberry Pi OS Now Pings a Microsoft Server During Updates
Tags: Privacy, Raspberry Pi, Microsoft, DIY, Cybersecurity

The change was made without warning and potentially allows Microsoft to identify Raspberry Pi users.

By Matthew Humphries

The Raspberry Pi Foundation enjoys a good reputation among users, but it has been tarnished somewhat this week due to a change to the Raspberry Pi OS.

The officially supported operating system for Raspberry Pi single-board computers is called Raspberry Pi OS (formerly known as Raspbian). As HotHardware reports, the latest update to the operating system introduced a Microsoft software repository (repo) by default. The change is due to the Foundation adding official endorsement for Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code editor, but it’s causing outrage among some users.

By including the repo by default, every time a user performs an OS update a Microsoft server is pinged. In a thread on Reddit, it’s highlighted that there was no warning before the new repo was added. There’s also a big privacy concern, with one Reddit user explaining, “If you’re logged into a Microsoft service, use Bing, or even pull something from GitHub they can “identify” you as a Raspberry Pi OS/likely Raspberry Pi owner and influence ads, among other possibilities.”

Inevitably, the addition of the Microsoft repo was brought up on the official Raspberry Pi forums, but anyone expecting it to disappear from Raspberry Pi OS are set to be disappointed. Gordon Hollingworth, Raspberry Pi Director of Software Engineering, commented on the thread stating, “Thank you, everyone, for your feedback, this won’t be changing because it makes the first experience for people who do want to use tools such as VSCode easier.”

Eben Upton, the founder of Raspberry Pi, was also asked on Twitter why there was a lack of transparency regarding adding a Microsoft repo to the OS. His response has not been well received, “Sorry: I can’t understand why you think this was a controversial thing to do. We do things of this sort all the time without putting out a blog post about how to opt out.”

Any Raspberry Pi users concerned about having the Microsoft repo installed on their computer does have options to avoid it by selecting an alternative OS. Wikipedia offers an extensive list of options. There’s also now a big question mark hanging over what else will be added to the official operating system without warning in future, and what that means for trust.