Category: Home

August 19, 2025
Govee Launches Smart Outdoor Pathway Lights 2 with Matter Support
Key Takeaways
1. Price and Availability: Govee Outdoor Pathway Lights 2 are priced at $139.99, available from August 20th, 2025, directly from Govee’s US website, $30 cheaper than the original version.
2. Lighting Features: The lights have two sources—an upper light for ambiance and a lower light for practical use—with the lower light having four independently controllable sections.
3. Brightness and Coverage: Each light covers an area of 1.1 m² (about 12.2 ft²) and can deliver up to 160 lumens of brightness.
4. App and Customization: Users can access over 60 preset lighting scenes through the Govee Home app, including eight that sync with music, or create custom effects with an AI chatbot.
5. Smart Home Compatibility: The lights support voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, are Matter compatible, and have an IP66 rating for dust and water resistance.
Govee has officially shared the price and features for the new Outdoor Pathway Lights 2. This product was showcased at CES 2025 at the beginning of the year and has recently appeared on the brand’s ‘Coming Soon’ page, along with discussions in user testing forums.
Price and Availability
A pack of four Govee Outdoor Pathway Lights 2 is currently available on the brand’s US website for $139.99. This is $30 less than the original price of $169.99 for the first version of the Outdoor Pathway Lights. The model number for these smart lights is H7056, and they will be available for purchase directly from Govee starting August 20th. However, it is still uncertain if or when they will be available at retailers like Amazon or in other regions such as Europe.
Features and Functionality
The Govee Outdoor Pathway Lights 2 include two light sources: an upper light for ambience and a lower light for practical use; the lower light has four sections that can be controlled independently. Each light is designed to illuminate an area of 1.1 m² (approximately 12.2 ft²) and can deliver up to 160 lumens of brightness. Users can utilize the Govee Home app to select from more than 60 preset lighting scenes, including eight that can sync with music, or they can use an AI chatbot to create custom lighting effects.
Smart Home Integration
For additional control options, the Outdoor Pathway Lights 2 supports voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and with Matter compatibility, these outdoor lights can connect with multiple smart home systems. These Govee lights boast an IP66 rating for dust and water resistance, measure 14.1 inches (about 358 mm) in height, and are secured into the ground using stakes.
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Tags: H7056, Smart Outdoor Lighting
August 19, 2025
Xiaomi Launches New Charging Accessory in Europe
Key Takeaways
1. The Xiaomi 20W Power Strip is now available in Spain for €19.99, with plans for broader European availability soon.
2. It features three AC outlets with a maximum power of 3,680W and two fast charging USB-C ports (20W) plus one USB-A port (18W).
3. The power strip can charge devices quickly, reaching 50% for an iPhone 16 in 28 minutes and a Xiaomi 14 in 45 minutes.
4. Safety features include flame-retardant materials, a safety shutter to prevent electric shocks, and anti-slip pads.
5. The power strip measures 285.0 x 50.0 x 40.0 mm and has a cable length of 1.4 m (approximately 4.6 ft).
The Xiaomi 20W Power Strip has just hit the market in Europe. Earlier this year, this item showed up on the company’s global website, where several specifications were shared, but there were no details on its release date or location.
Availability and Pricing
Currently, in Xiaomi’s online store in Spain, the 20W Power Strip can be purchased for €19.99. Although it hasn’t made its way to other nations like France and Italy just yet, support pages suggest that it will soon be available across Europe, likely at a similar price point.
Features and Specifications
The 20W Power Strip from Xiaomi comes with three AC outlets, delivering a maximum power of 3,680W. On one side of the strip, you will find two fast charging 20W USB-C ports alongside an 18W USB-A port. Xiaomi claims that the 20W output can charge an iPhone 16 to 50% in just 28 minutes, while a Xiaomi 14 can reach 50% in 45 minutes. If all three ports are used at the same time, the power output is limited to 15W. There’s also a switch at the opposite end of the strip that lets you turn off power to all connected devices when needed.
Safety and Design
According to the product details, the power strip is made to be flame-retardant and can withstand high temperatures. It features a safety shutter to help prevent electric shocks. The base has anti-slip pads, and the dimensions are 285.0 x 50.0 x 40.0 mm (approximately 11.2 x 2.0 x 1.6 inches) with a cable that is 1.4 m long (~4.6 ft). It remains unclear when the Xiaomi 20W Power Strip will officially launch in other European nations.
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August 19, 2025
Anker Prime Qi2 Wireless Charger Launching Soon
Key Takeaways
1. The Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station is a 3-in-1 device that features Qi2 certification and MagGo technology for secure phone charging.
2. It has a 25W output, capable of charging an iPhone 16 to 50% in just 30 minutes.
3. The product includes a dedicated charger for Apple Watch and a 5W wireless charging pad at the back.
4. Its foldable design allows for portability and adjustable viewing angles while charging.
5. Release date and pricing are not yet announced, but a similar model is priced at $109.99.
A new Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, MagGo, AirCool, Foldable Pad) has been seen recently. It was added to the Wireless Power Consortium’s (WPC) database of Qi2-certified devices. Founded in 2008, WPC is in charge of the development and oversight of wireless charging standards such as Qi and Ki.
Product Features
The listing from WPC for the Anker Prime Wireless Charger shares some interesting features of the product. Known as model A25N1, this device includes a Qi2-certified wireless charging pad at the front, which uses the brand’s MagGo technology to hold your phone securely. With a 25W output, it can charge an iPhone 16 to 50% in just half an hour, which is pretty impressive.
Additional Specifications
Moreover, Anker’s Prime Wireless Charging Station seems to include a specific charger for Apple Watch and a 5W wireless charging pad located at the back. As the name suggests, and as shown in an image provided (above), the charger is foldable. This design makes it more portable, and it can be adjusted to the angle that suits you best, allowing for comfortable viewing while your phone charges. Additionally, it will incorporate the brand’s new AirCool technology, which is also anticipated to be featured on the upcoming Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, MagGo, AirCool, Dock Stand).
Release Date and Pricing
At this time, it is not known when the Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, MagGo, AirCool, Foldable Pad) will hit the market or what its price will be. However, to give you an idea, the previous Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (Foldable 3-in-1), which has a similar design, is currently priced at $109.99 on Amazon.
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Tags: Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station, Qi2-certified
August 19, 2025
Perovskite Solar Cells: Power Home Devices with Indoor Light
Key Takeaways
1. New perovskite solar cells developed by UCL capture energy from indoor lighting with 37.6% efficiency, outperforming current indoor solar panels by nearly six times.
2. These advancements could lead to battery-free devices powered by ambient light, reducing the need for battery replacements and electronic waste.
3. The breakthrough uses a unique chemical treatment with rubidium chloride to stabilize the crystal structure of perovskite, addressing issues with energy loss and longevity.
4. The new solar cells show impressive durability, maintaining 92% efficiency after 100 days of office lighting and only a 24% performance drop after 300 hours at 55°C.
5. This technology could significantly enhance convenience in daily life and promote sustainable electronics by eliminating the need for batteries in small devices.
ZME Science has recently shared news about a global group of researchers, spearheaded by University College London (UCL), who have crafted a new kind of perovskite solar cells. These innovative cells are specifically designed to capture energy from indoor lighting. They have reached an impressive efficiency of 37.6% when tested at 1000 lux, a brightness level similar to a well-lit office. This makes them nearly six times more effective than the best solar panels currently available for indoor use.
Advancements in Battery-Free Devices
UCL emphasizes that these developments could lead to the creation of devices that do not require batteries. In the coming years, items like remote controls, wireless keyboards, sensors, and alarms could be powered solely by ambient light. This would eliminate the need for battery replacements, helping to lessen electronic waste.
Breakthrough in Perovskite Use
The breakthrough, according to UCL, is attributed to the use of perovskite as a semiconductor. Perovskite solar cells are known for their excellent light absorption and simple manufacturing process. However, issues with their crystal structure—referred to as “traps”—have historically led to energy loss and reduced longevity. The UCL researchers tackled this issue by utilizing a unique chemical treatment with rubidium chloride, which helps stabilize the crystal structure and minimize defects.
Durability and Longevity
In addition to their high efficiency, these new perovskite solar cells have shown impressive durability, as reported by SpaceDaily. In one study, the cells maintained 92% of their initial efficiency after being exposed to office lighting for 100 days, indicating a potential lifespan of at least five years. Another test revealed that when exposed to a high temperature of 55°C (131°F) for 300 hours, the cells only experienced a 24% drop in performance.
The introduction of perovskite solar cells could ultimately do away with the necessity for batteries in small electronic devices. This shift would not only enhance convenience in daily life, but also greatly reduce the volume of e-waste produced. If this technology is successfully brought to market, it could signify a significant move towards sustainable electronics that do not rely on batteries.
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August 18, 2025
New Xiaomi Mistless Smart Humidifier Now Available
Key Takeaways
1. The Mijia Mistless Humidifier comes in two models: a compact tabletop version (400 ml/h) and a larger floor-standing version (600 ml/h), suitable for different spaces.
2. Both models feature mist-free operation, antibacterial filters, and four modes: Constant Humidity, Sleep, Power, and Air Drying.
3. Users can control the humidifiers through an app, allowing for customized humidity levels and runtime, with a dome display showing current humidity.
4. The smaller model has a 4 L tank for up to 18 hours of operation, while the larger model has a 5 L tank for 20 hours, both operating quietly at around 30 dB(A).
5. Prices in China are CNY 399 (about $56) for the 400 ml/h model and CNY 499 (about $69) for the 600 ml/h model, with no current plans for international release.
Xiaomi recently rolled out the Mijia Mistless Humidifier in China. This innovative smart home device comes in two variations: a compact tabletop model that operates at 400 ml/h and a larger floor-standing option that delivers 600 ml/h, perfect for spacious areas.
Features of the Mijia Humidifier
True to its name, the Mijia humidifiers are designed to be mist-free, making them ideal for individuals who are sensitive to moisture in the air. Each unit is equipped with an antibacterial humidification filter, which can last between six to twelve months and is washable, making it easy to keep clean and dust-free. Users have the flexibility to choose from four different modes: Constant Humidity, Sleep, Power, and Air Drying. Additionally, the built-in sensor allows for automatic adjustments to the settings in response to environmental changes.
Smart Controls and Quiet Operation
Those who own the Mijia Mistless Humidifier can utilize the brand’s app to set up smart features, allowing them to select their desired humidity level and runtime. Both models include a dome display that indicates the current humidity level and are said to operate quietly, with a noise level around 30 dB(A). The smaller 400 ml/h model features a 4 L water tank, providing up to 18 hours of operation, while the larger 600 ml/h version has a 5 L tank with a 20-hour runtime. In terms of dimensions, the smaller unit measures 215 x 370 mm (approximately 8.5 x 14.6 inches), while the larger one is 230 x 432 mm (roughly 9.1 x 17.0 inches).
Pricing and Availability
The retail prices for the Xiaomi Mijia Mistless Humidifier in China are CNY 399 (around $56) for the 400 ml/h model and CNY 499 (about $69) for the 600 ml/h variant. Currently, Xiaomi has not shared any intentions to introduce these products to other regions, such as Europe, where they already offer the Xiaomi Smart Humidifier 2 (currently priced at €53.99 on Amazon Germany).
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Tags: Smart Home Gadget, Xiaomi
August 18, 2025
Affordable Philips Hue Essential Smart Light Bulbs Coming Soon
Key Takeaways
1. Two new Philips Hue Essential light bulbs, GU10 and A60/E27, were leaked, along with other products, before their expected announcement.
2. The Essential GU10 bulb is a 4.7W LED, lasts about 15,000 hours, offers 345 lumens brightness, and has a color temperature range of 2,200 to 6,500 K.
3. The Essential A60/E27 bulb is an 8W LED, lasts 25,000 hours, provides 806 lumens brightness, and shares the same color temperature range as the GU10 bulb.
4. Both Essential bulbs are anticipated to be more affordable compared to standard Philips Hue bulbs, with a 2-pack of GU10 bulbs currently priced at $109.99.
5. The official announcement for the Philips Hue Essential bulbs is expected at IFA 2025 in September, along with details on pricing and release dates.
Two Philips Hue Essential light bulbs have been revealed through a leak. These items were found soon after a larger leak occurred on the brand’s own site, which showed the Hue Bridge Pro and the Hue Festavia Globe String Lights, among other items. Recently, the Philips Hue Essential GU10 and A60/E27 bulbs were seen at Jumbo in Switzerland.
Product Specifications
The listing for the Essential GU10 bulbs states that they are 4.7W LED bulbs, expected to last about 15,000 hours. They can create both white and colored light, with a color temperature range of 2,200 to 6,500 K, and are advertised with a brightness of 345 lumens. In comparison, the standard Philips Hue GU10 bulb has a brightness of 450 lumens at 4,000 K, and offers a broader color temperature range of 2,000 to 6,500 K.
Brightness and Lifespan
The Essential A60/E27 bulbs are described as 8W LED bulbs for both white and colored lighting. They boast a longer lifespan of 25,000 hours, maintain the same color temperature range of 2,200 to 6,500 K, and are brighter at 806 lumens. This brightness matches that of the regular Philips E27 bulbs measured at 4,000 K. However, like the GU10 bulb, the color temperature range is also wider at 2,000 to 6,500 K.
Expected Launch
According to Smartlights.de, these bulbs may also be packaged with the standard Philips Hue Bridge. The new Philips Hue Essential bulbs are likely to be officially announced at IFA 2025 this September, when more details, including pricing and release dates, should be shared. The Essential line is anticipated to be more affordable than other Philips Hue offerings; currently, a 2-pack of the Philips Hue GU10 bulb is priced at $109.99 on Amazon.
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Tags: A60/E27, Philips Hue Essential
August 18, 2025
Philips Hue Bridge Pro Enters User Testing Phase Now
Key Takeaways
1. The Philips Hue Bridge Pro is not officially released yet but has been sent to select reviewers.
2. It features a USB-C power input, an Ethernet port, and a reset button, and can connect via Wi-Fi.
3. Setup issues included difficulty adding the device using a QR code, but manual search worked.
4. The Hue Bridge Pro is expected to support up to 150 smart lights, 50 accessories, and 500 scenes.
5. An official reveal is anticipated at IFA 2025, with a likely higher price than the current Philips Hue Bridge (v3).
The Philips Hue Bridge Pro, which hasn’t been officially released yet, has now been sent to some reviewers at a US retailer. This smart home hub was talked about earlier this year and even showed up on the brand’s website for a short time. Because of this, a lot of information about the product has already come to light.
Review Program Insights
A Reddit user named u/TugBuilder shared that they received the Philips Hue Bridge Pro through the Lowe’s Incentivized Reviewer Program. It seems that customers can’t just sign up for this program; instead, they are chosen by the company based on their past orders and reviews. The tester confirmed a few features of the Hue Bridge Pro, such as having a USB-C power input, an Ethernet port for a wired connection if desired, and a reset button. Additionally, they mentioned that they were able to connect the Bridge using Wi-Fi without any issues.
Setup Challenges
When u/TugBuilder tried to set up the device, they found that it couldn’t be added to the Philips Hue app using the QR code. However, they had success when they manually searched for the Hue Bridge. Just to keep in mind, the Hue Bridge Pro is anticipated to be much more powerful compared to the previous version, allowing for up to 150 smart lights, 50 accessories, and 500 scenes. The official reveal is expected to happen at IFA 2025 this coming September. Although the price hasn’t been disclosed yet, it’s expected to be pricier than the Philips Hue Bridge (v3), which is currently priced at $65.99 (now $52.79 on Amazon).
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Tags: Philips Hue Bridge Pro, Smart Home Hub
August 18, 2025
Jackery Unveils Slim Power Station and Solar Panels at IFA 2025
Key Takeaways
1. Jackery will showcase the new Explorer 500 v2 power station at IFA 2025 in Berlin from September 5th to 9th.
2. The Explorer 500 v2 is designed for portability with a 512 Wh capacity LiFePO4 battery and can power up to six devices simultaneously.
3. It features fast charging capabilities, fully charging in 80 minutes or 60 minutes with a 100W solar panel using ChargeShield 2.0 technology.
4. The exact release date and pricing for the Explorer 500 v2 are not yet announced, but the original model is currently priced at $298.98.
5. Jackery will also present XBC Solar Roof Tiles and the HomePower 2000 Ultra at IFA 2025, expanding their energy storage solutions.
Jackery has announced it will showcase multiple new products at IFA 2025, including the lightweight Explorer 500 v2 power station. This event is happening in Berlin from September 5th to September 9th.
New Features of Explorer 500 v2
Making its first appearance at IFA is the Jackery Explorer 500 v2 power station. It’s made for camping, day excursions, or as a backup at home. Jackery boasts that this model is the “most compact and lightweight” of its kind, featuring a “slim-format,” although the specific weight and dimensions have not been shared yet. The device comes with a 512 Wh capacity LiFePO4 battery, providing a continuous output of 500 W, similar to the earlier version. Users can connect up to six devices through two AC outlets, along with a 100W and a 30W USB-C port, a USB-A port, and a 12 V port.
Fast Charging Capabilities
The Explorer 500 v2 is equipped with ChargeShield 2.0 technology, allowing it to be fully charged in just 80 minutes from a wall outlet. Additionally, a hybrid charging mode can cut the charging duration to 60 minutes when using a 100W solar panel. However, the exact release date and pricing for the Jackery Explorer 500 v2 power station remain uncertain. For reference, the original Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station is priced at $499.00, but currently, it’s available for $298.98 on Amazon.
Additional Innovations
At Jackery’s booth during IFA 2025, they will also present their XBC Solar Roof Tiles. Previously unveiled at CES this year, these are claimed to be the first curved roof tiles with XBC solar technology on the market. They are intended to work alongside the brand’s HomePower Energy Storage solutions. This includes the HomePower 2000 Ultra, which will also be featured following its introduction earlier this year.
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Tags: IFA 2025
August 18, 2025
Samsung Launches Smart Water Filter with Voice Control and Ramen Mode
Key Takeaways
1. Compact Design: The Samsung Bespoke AI Water Purifier Countertop is 17 cm wide, making it suitable for small kitchen spaces.
2. Advanced Filtration: It features a four-stage filtration system that can remove up to 82 contaminants and particles as small as 0.08 micrometers.
3. Self-Cleaning and Maintenance: The device has a self-cleaning feature, sterilizes pipes every three days, and alerts users via a smartphone app when to replace the filter.
4. Multi-functional Features: It dispenses and heats water with customizable amounts and temperatures, and can assist with 38 ramen recipes using voice commands.
5. Pricing and Availability: The water purifier is priced at 1.45 million won (around $1046) and is currently available only in South Korea in three colors.
The Samsung Bespoke AI Water Purifier Countertop is made for kitchen counters and, measuring 17 centimeters in width, it occupies a small footprint. Even with its compact design, Samsung claims it has a powerful four-stage filtration system that utilizes a UF filter to eliminate particles as tiny as 0.08 micrometers from regular tap water.
Effective Filtration
Samsung states that it can remove up to 82 different types of contaminants. The stainless steel casing is easy to take apart for cleaning, and the water filter has a self-cleaning feature. Every three days, the pipes undergo sterilization through electrolysis, and they are emptied every four hours when not in use to prevent the growth of bacteria. The dedicated smartphone app will notify users when it’s time to replace the filter.
Multi-functional Capabilities
The Samsung Bespoke AI Water Purifier Countertop does more than just purify; it also dispenses and heats water. Users can set the dispensed water amount anywhere from 50 ml to 1 liter in increments of 10 ml, and they can adjust the temperature in 5-degree steps up to a maximum of 90 degrees Celsius. This can be controlled not only through the device’s buttons but also with the built-in Bixby voice command feature. An added bonus is that the water purifier can assist with 38 instant ramen recipes, automatically selecting the right amount of water for various ramen styles using voice commands.
Pricing and Availability
In South Korea, the Samsung Bespoke AI Water Purifier Countertop comes in beige, gray, and black, with a price tag of 1.45 million won (around $1046). Samsung has not yet made any announcements regarding a potential release in other countries.
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Tags: smart kitchen appliance, Water Filtration
August 18, 2025
Xiaomi Launches 27-Inch Portable Smart Home Screen Max with Battery
Key Takeaways
1. The Xiaomi Smart Home Screen Max features a 27-inch 1080p display with a mobile stand that allows for vertical lift, rotation, and tilting adjustments.
2. It has a built-in 9,700 mAh battery providing over 13 days of standby time, making it suitable for portable use.
3. The device runs on Xiaomi HyperOS and includes a specially designed app store for various smart applications.
4. Connectivity options include wired and wireless connections with ports such as HDMI 1.4, USB Type-A, and USB Type-C.
5. The Smart Home Screen Max has 128 GB of storage, an 8-core processor, 6 GB of RAM, and is priced at CNY 3,999, with a launch date of August 21 in China.
Xiaomi has lately rolled out a new portable smart display in China, known as the Smart Home Screen Max. This device features a 27-inch display with a 1080p resolution, and it is attached to a mobile stand. This stand is quite versatile, offering multiple adjustments such as vertical lift and rotation. Users can also tilt the display up to 20° upwards and 25° downwards.
Battery and Performance
As a portable device, the Smart Home Screen Max includes a built-in battery that has a capacity of 9,700 mAh. Xiaomi claims that this battery can provide over 13 days of standby time, making it quite practical for users on the go.
Software and Connectivity
In terms of software, the smart screen runs on Xiaomi HyperOS, which is not expected to be based on Android. The company has mentioned a specially designed app store that allows access to various smart applications, including those focused on fitness.
Users are able to connect different devices to this smart screen using both wired and wireless options. This device is equipped with several external connection ports, such as HDMI 1.4, USB Type-A, and USB Type-C.
Specifications and Pricing
Additional features of the Smart Home Screen Max include 128 GB of storage, an 8-core processor, and 6 GB of RAM. It also supports smart home control, dual-band WiFi, and Bluetooth 5.4. Currently, this product is available for pre-order in China at a price of CNY 3,999, and it is set to officially launch on August 21, alongside the Redmi Note 15 series. At this time, it’s uncertain if Xiaomi plans to release this product in markets outside of China, but the LG StandbyME serves as a viable alternative in the global market.
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Tags: portable smart display, Xiaomi