A few months ago, the Internet was abuzz with the news of a Wi-Fi-connected Barbie that has Siri-like powers. Google was way ahead of Mattel, according to a patent the search engine giant filed three years ago.
StartUp, a legal technology firm, spotted the patent published on May 21, according to BBC. This technology could enable a stuffed animal to turn its head and listen to you before transmitting commands to other smart home devices. “Upon reception or a detection of a social cue, such as a movement and/or a spoken word or phrase, the anthropomorphic device may aim its gaze at the source of the social cue,” the patent specifies.
The patent dates back to February 2012, meaning Google has been thinking about creating these toys for quite some time. According to the patent, the toy would include a microphone, speakers, motors, and a camera. It would also have a Wi-Fi connection to your network, so it could control everything from your TV to your thermostat.
Once you provide a “social cue,” the toy would not only stare back but search your face to ensure that you’re making eye contact. “To express curiosity, it may tilt its head, furrow its brow, and/or scratch its head with an arm,” according to the patent. The document contains images of a teddy bear and rabbit, suggesting the toy could be an even more animated Teddy Ruxpin.
Now that the patent has been published, concerns have been raised over privacy pertaining to children, much like with the connected Barbie.
However, Google is playing the same card it typically uses in the case of patents. A spokeswoman for Google told the BBC that not all patents eventually mature into products and services. Hopefully someone at Google has seen Chucky.
Few things ruin a quiet evening faster than a robot vacuum roaring through the living room. Most of us end up pausing the cleaning run, which defeats the whole purpose of owning one. Matic thinks it has the answer with its new Serene robot vacuum, and the big selling point is how little noise it makes.
The Matic Serene runs at 52 decibels even when cleaning at full power. To put that in perspective, Matic compares it to the hum of your refrigerator. It is available now for $1,695, which is $200 more than the original Matic’s current price.
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.