Tesla owners will soon be able to summon a repair van in a few taps

When something goes wrong with your car, you wish there was someone there immediately to make it right. If you own a Tesla, that just might be possible. Company CEO Elon Musk tweeted out plans to expand the Tesla mobile app so users can request service for common problems in just a few taps.

Car News         November 19, 2018

Jaguar’s V2X technology will keep you from getting stuck at red lights

We've all hit the gas to make it through a yellow light, uncertain how much time we have until it turns red. Jaguar wants to make sure you never have to make those split-second decisions again. The carmaker is building tools that will tell you what speed you need to drive to avoid getting stuck at a red light.

Car News         November 19, 2018

Uber rolls out rewards program that lets its most loyal riders lock in prices

There's no shortage of competition in the ridesharing game these days. How do you get people to stick with your service? With a loyalty program, of course. Uber Rewards offers riders credits to Uber Eats, car upgrades, and the ability to lock in prices on their most traveled routes.

Cars         November 16, 2018

Car parts maker ZF is using drones to deliver components to its factories

ZF is a car parts manufacturer, but it's trying to keep the roads clear with its latest initiative. The company recently became the first in Germany to receive approval to use drones to deliver spare parts its central warehouses to its workshops. The six-motor drones can carry up to 6.5 pounds of goods.

Car News         November 14, 2018

You can now use Amazon Echo Buttons to set up multitasking Routines

Want an "easy" button for your home? Well, now you can have one. Amazon announced that its Echo Buttons now work with Routines. You can craft custom Routines — multiple tasks that are meant to be performed together — and have Alexa carry out the command for you. All you have to do is hit the Echo Button.

Smart Home News         November 13, 2018

This old-school bus is now a solar-powered home on wheels

Moving is never a pleasant task, but it becomes a lot easier if your home is on wheels. Michael Fuehrer of Nowhere Navigation decided to gut an old yellow school bus and turned it into a tiny home on wheels, complete with a full kitchen and shower inside and a solar panel on top.

Smart Home News         November 12, 2018

Tesla brings track mode to Model 3 Performance

Being behind the wheel of a Tesla sometimes feels like you're in a race car, especially when accelerating. Now a new mode literally makes the Tesla 3 Performance model ready to take home the checkered flag. The new Track Mode adds stability to the drive and is designed for closed track courses.

Car News         November 11, 2018

Arlo Doorbell and Chime will tell, you who’s at your door, are available to buy

It's been nearly half a year since Arlo left the Netgear nest and officially became its own company, and now the smart home device maker is showing what it can do as a solo act. The California-based company has debuted the Arlo Audio Doorbell and Chime, which promise simple, DIY setup.

Smart Home News         November 7, 2018

Rushing out the door just got faster — CrunchCup lets you eat cereal on the go

Eating cereal on the go isn't easy. Bowls and spoons don't travel well, especially if you're a big fan of milk with your cereal of choice—and who isn't? There's a Kickstarter that could solve all of your problems. CrunchCup makes it possible to take your cereal with you without any mess.

Smart Home News         November 7, 2018

Woman says abusive ex-partner used smart home tech to stalk, harass her

A woman was reportedly harassed and stalked by an abusive ex-partner using smart home technology. He was able to monitor her activity using surveillance cameras, turn the lights off and on, and blare music throughout the house to disrupt her—all while he was outside of the home.

Smart Home News         November 6, 2018

Audi gets animated with a cartoon concept car for ‘Spies in Disguise’

Car manufacturers are always working on new concepts, but you probably have never seen one quite like this. Audi went to the drawing board and mocked up a futuristic car that you might never be able to buy but you'll definitely be able to see. The car will star in the animated film 'Spies in Disguise.'

Car News         November 5, 2018

Transdev ordered to stop using self-driving shuttles as school buses

Transdev, an autonomous vehicle company based in France, has been taking Florida kids to school via self-driving bus. The government would like for that to stop. The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration called the project "unlawful" and shut down its operation.

Car News         November 2, 2018

D-Link camera falls short in security measures, Consumer Reports finds

Smart home security cameras are designed to allow you to keep an eye on your home when you aren't there. But are they letting other people snoop on you, too? A Consumer Reports study found that a camera from D-Link transmits unencrypted video, which could be intercepted by snooping third parties.

Smart Home News         October 31, 2018

iRobot and Google partner to make your smart home smarter

The Roomba is already a smart way to keep your house clean, but it's getting even smarter with some support from Google. iRobot and Google are teaming up to better use the spatial context collected by Roombas to improve the functionality of Google's smart home suite and the overall smart home ecosystem.

Smart Home News         October 31, 2018

This chill kitchen gadget has a sidekick that makes thrice the chewable ice

The Opal Nugget Ice Maker is one of those appliances you need to have if you really love some good ice. And if you're that big of an ice aficionado, you're going to want the first accessory for the ice machine too. The Opal Water Side Tank offers three times the ice, and will be available in May 2019.

Smart Home News         October 30, 2018

Huawei’s new A.I. speaker looks an awful lot like the Apple HomePod

When Huawei introduced its first smart speaker, the company clearly took a lot of inspiration from the Google Home. In China this week, the company revealed its newest smart speaker, the Huawei A.I. Speaker. This one also bears a striking resemblance to another smart speaker, this time the Apple HomePod.

Smart Home News         October 30, 2018

August locks now have Alexa, Google Assistant Halloween tricks

This Halloween, there are sure to be a lot of unfamiliar and masked faced showing up at your door. When they arrive, you can be ready for them thanks to some new integrations for Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT in August's line of smart locks. This is no Halloween trick, but it is a treat.

Smart Home News         October 29, 2018

Arlo’s A.I.-infused security cameras can recognize cars, pets, and packages

Most security cameras are marketed as being "smart," but Arlo is following through on that by infusing its line of cameras with artificial intelligence that is capable of detecting animals, vehicles, and packages. Device owners can set up custom notifications based on what the camera sees.

Smart Home News         October 26, 2018

This smart thermometer takes your temperature while its maker sells your data

All of the data gathered by internet-connected devices can be great for your own personal use — but it's also useful to advertisers. Kinsa, maker of a smart thermometer that can remind you to take medication and call your doctor, has reportedly been selling customer data to companies like Clorox.

Smart Home News         October 25, 2018

Jaguar Land Rover finally gives cars support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles might be a blast to drive, but they've been missing a major feature for the more tech-inclined owners: support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. That situation has been rectified with 2019 line of vehicles, which will support the in-car smartphone systems.

Car News         October 25, 2018

Zero Motorcycle’s latest electric bikes boast more power, longer range

Zero Motorcycles is back with a new line of electric bikes for 2019. On deck for this year's run is a significant improvement in horsepower, new top speeds and extended range. The new specs on the company's bikes make them comparable with some of its combustion engine competition.

Car News         October 24, 2018

Bumblebee wants to lift your bed to the ceiling to save you space

Furniture takes up a lot of valuable floor space and can be difficult to move. That is, unless you connect it to the ceiling with straps and motors. Bumblebee has built a smart home system that knows when you need to make some more room in your home and lifts your bed and other furniture to the ceiling.

Smart Home News         October 23, 2018

Volkswagen’s next-generation lights will keep you safer, look good doing it

Headlights serve an important purpose when you're behind the wheel, but that functionality doesn't have to stop the lights from looking cool. Volkswagen's new LED headlights, called IQ.Light, don't just light up the road in front of you. They also look dang good while doing it.

Car News         October 19, 2018

One in 10 smart home device owners report unresolved technical problems

Smart home devices can make your life easier — unless they're not working. According to a recent survey from Parks Associates, more than one in 10 consumers report they have experienced technical errors with their connected devices that have yet to be resolved.

Smart Home News         October 19, 2018

Nest gets more colorful with three new options for its smart thermostat

The Nest Learning Thermostat isn't just learning what it takes to keep your home comfortably heated, it's also learning about fashion. Parent company Alphabet announced this week that the smart thermostat will come in three new colors: Mirror black, brass, and polished steel.

Smart Home News         October 15, 2018

LG is making cooking easy with added support for Innit and SideChef

Cooking is kind of a pain, especially if you have no clue what you're doing. Lucky for you, LG's line of smart kitchen appliances will now have the ability to guide you through your meal preparation. The company announced new support for Innit and SideChef, two popular guided cooking services.

Smart Home News         October 11, 2018

Swann tackles crime prevention with two new security cameras

October is National Crime Prevention Month, which means there is no better time to add some much-needed security tools to your home. Luckily, Swann is prepared to help you out with that. The company is introducing two new Wi-Fi connected security cameras for indoor and outdoor use.

Smart Home News         October 4, 2018

Cinder Grill creator files for bankruptcy, leaves backers in the cold

Sometimes, things just weren't meant to be. Unfortunately, in the case of the Cinder Grill, the thing that wasn't meant to be was a product nearly 1,000 people invested $550,000 in. The company behind crowdfunded smart grill has filed for bankruptcy, leaving its backers with basically no recourse.

Smart Home News         October 4, 2018

Research finds the sound of chirping birds can be used to hack Alexa

Your voice assistant may not be as safe as you think it is. According to researchers in Germany, the Alexas, Siris, and Assistants of the world can be hacked with manipulated audio files that hide hidden commands. They may sound like birds chirping to a human, but A.I. assistants can hear secret messages.

Smart Home News         October 3, 2018

Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant goes silent across Europe

We're used to having Amazon Alexa answer us when we ask it a question or to perform a task. Users in Europe yesterday were met with an unsettling silence every time they made a request of the voice assistant, as Alexa suffered a major service outage across much of the continent.

Smart Home News         September 27, 2018

Yale and August team up to conquer the smart lock market with the Assure Lock

If you're big into locks and security, you definitely know the names August and Yale. If you're not, well, don't worry. Just know that both companies have a reputation for being excellent, and now the companies are teaming up to add smart lock tech to Yale's locks that will help you secure your home.

Smart Home News         September 27, 2018

Need shelter from Hurricane Florence? Airbnb hosts are offering free rooms

As Hurricane Florence threatens to crash down hard on the east coast of the United States, Airbnb hosts in safe regions are offering up free rooms to those fleeing the storm. There are more than 300 hosts from Pennsylvania to Alabama who are participating in the Airbnb Disaster Response Program.

Smart Home News         September 25, 2018

This smart lock adds a Touch ID-style fingerprint sensor to your door

For a long time, high-tech security systems with biometric sensors were the stuff of science fiction movies. Not anymore. Lockly just introduced a new system that places a fingerprint scanner right on your front door so you can ensure that your home is secured with the touch of your finger.

Smart Home         September 25, 2018

Win a stay in a tiny house designed by tiny comedian Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart takes a lot of heat for being short. But you don't need to be tall to fit comfortably in a tiny house. The multimillion-dollar comedian left the stage behind and made himself the perfect tiny house, and you can win a chance to make yourself at home in it through Booking.com.

Smart Home News         September 25, 2018