In just a few years, smart speakers have quickly grown into a competitive market. No matter the preference, it is hard to deny that Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are two of the leading competitors. But rather than choosing sides, one third-party smart speaker is making its presence known by embracing both assistants.
By combining both Alexa and Google Assistant, the Clarity Speaker gains the best attributes of each. Not only is it the first standalone device to offer access to both voice services, it is also the first and only Alexa-enabled device to feature a multitouch screen.
As a smart speaker, Clarity promises to deliver great sound performance. It takes advantage of two 5-watt speakers with spacious sound chambers as it plays music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more. Content plays directly from Clarity through internet radio stations and streaming services, or by connecting a personal device.
With voice commands, users can control any enabled device within their home including Nest, TP-Link, Hue Lighting, and more. If Alexa or Google can connect to it, so can Clarity. Alternatively, these devices can be controlled using the built-in 7-inch touchscreen.
For clarity, the screen boasts a resolution of 1280 x 800. A built-in camera allows it to act as an android tablet with apps and services like Netflix and Skype. Users can access and enjoy any of their favorite apps straight from the Google Play store. Clarity runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow powered by a quad-core CPU. All this weighs in at two pounds with a battery life of 6 hours of audio and 2.5 hours of video.
Due to its early success, Clarity has extended its IndieGoGo campaign. Through April 30, the Clarity Speaker is available for a discounted price of $149. After the device ships in June, it will retail for $199.
Outdoor security cameras are not always practical if you live in an apartment or rental. Drilling into an exterior wall may be off-limits, while pointing a regular indoor camera through a window can create another problem once reflections start showing up after dark.
Baseus is trying to solve both issues with the new PrimeSentinel W1, a $69.99 security camera designed specifically to monitor the outdoors through glass. It mounts directly to a window without drilling and uses a 4K Starlight sensor with an F1.0 aperture for full-color monitoring during the day and at night.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.
With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
Mori isn't meant to clean your house or control your smart home, but to serve as what OKA calls a "Nature Companion." It uses subtle movements, warm lighting, nature-inspired sounds, and small reactions to make its presence around the house feel calming rather than distracting. Mori can sit quietly while you read, sway along to music, welcome you when you enter a room, or encourage you to slow down for a moment without requiring a screen or a conversation.