Tag: Home Automation

  • Dreame Unveils Smart Trash Can with Auto Bag Dispensing Feature

    Dreame Unveils Smart Trash Can with Auto Bag Dispensing Feature

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Dreame Life SP09 Pro Smart Trash Can features a smart sensor that automatically opens the lid when it detects trash or a hand nearby.
    2. It has a double lid design to prevent hand contact and a button to keep the lid open for extended cleaning tasks.
    3. The trash can includes automatic bag dispensing, reducing the need for frequent emptying, and has a 9L capacity, suitable for bedrooms or bathrooms.
    4. The design is battery-operated, with a white plastic exterior and gold accent, measuring approximately 347 x 304 x 156 mm.
    5. The price in China is CNY 329 (about $48), but availability in other regions, like the US, is currently uncertain.


    Dreame has introduced a new intelligent waste bin in China. The Dreame Life SP09 Pro Smart Trash Can represents the brand’s latest advancement, which already includes various smart home devices such as robotic vacuums, robotic lawn mowers, and smart light strips.

    Innovative Features

    The Dreame SP09 Pro Smart Trash Can comes equipped with a built-in smart sensor that automatically opens the lid when it detects trash or a hand nearby. With a unique double lid design, it aims to keep your hand from touching the lid. Additionally, there’s a button that lets you keep the lid open for an extended time, which can be handy for cleaning tasks.

    Functionality and Design

    One notable feature of the Dreame Life SP09 smart trash can is its automatic bag dispensing. The product description states that suction helps to open the trash bag, allowing it to cover the sides of the bin. With a capacity of 9L (2.4 gallons), Dreame claims this reduces the need for frequent emptying, although it seems more suited for bedrooms or bathrooms rather than kitchens due to its size. The battery-operated unit has a white plastic exterior with a gold accent, measuring 347 x 304 x 156 mm (around 13.7 x 12.0 x 6.1 inches).

    Pricing and Availability

    In China, the Dreame Life SP09 Pro Smart Trash Can is available for CNY 329 (approximately $48) through retailers like JD.com. It remains uncertain when or if this smart home device will be made available in other regions, such as the US, where Dreame also markets products like the L40 Ultra Gen 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop, currently priced at $569.99 on Amazon.

    Dreame via JD.com, ITHome

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  • Xiaomi Launches S40 Pro Robot Vacuum with Extending Mop Feature

    Xiaomi Launches S40 Pro Robot Vacuum with Extending Mop Feature

    Key Takeaways

    1. Enhanced Suction Power: The Robot Vacuum S40 Pro features a suction power of up to 15,000 Pa, surpassing the previous model’s 10,000 Pa, with dual mops for better cleaning.

    2. Smart Navigation Features: It uses LDS laser navigation to navigate obstacles and raises mop pads on carpets to avoid moisture damage, covering up to 180 m² on a single charge.

    3. Remote Control: Users can control the vacuum via the Xiaomi Home app, allowing for map adjustments and scheduling, and it supports voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

    4. Pricing and Availability: The vacuum is available in Europe for prices ranging from €279 to €399, depending on the country.

    5. Upgrade Opportunity: The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum S40 Pro is a strong option for those looking to enhance their cleaning routine.


    The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum S40 Pro has officially launched in Europe. This comes a few weeks after the introduction of the original Robot Vacuum S40 and several months after the more affordable Robot Vacuum S40C.

    Enhanced Suction Power

    The new Robot Vacuum S40 Pro boasts an impressive suction power of up to 15,000 Pa, significantly surpassing the S40, which has a maximum of 10,000 Pa. It features a central roller anti-tangle brush along with an extending side brush for better cleaning efficiency. An additional improvement over the standard model includes dual mops, one of which is equipped with a mechanical arm that extends to clean corners and edges effectively. These mops can rotate at a speed of 180 times per minute, and users have the option to select from three different water flow settings.

    Smart Navigation Features

    Equipped with LDS laser navigation, the Robot Vacuum S40 Pro effortlessly navigates through your home. It utilizes structured light technology with a wide-angle of 129° to identify and steer clear of obstacles. Furthermore, the mop pads are automatically raised when carpet is detected, preventing any moisture from damaging the fibers. According to the product specifications, it can clean an area of up to 180 m² (~1,938 ft²) on a single charge. Users can easily control the vacuum remotely via the Xiaomi Home app, which also allows for map adjustments and cleaning schedule setups. Additionally, it supports voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum S40 Pro is now available for purchase on the brand’s online store in countries like Spain, France, and Germany for €299.99. In Germany, it is listed with a recommended retail price of €399.00, although there is no information on when this discount might end. In the Netherlands, the price is a bit lower at €279, and in the UK, it can be found for £259.99.

    Xiaomi’s new vacuum is definitely something to consider for anyone looking to upgrade their cleaning routine!

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  • Philips Hue Bridge Pro Launch: Powerful New Features Unveiled

    Philips Hue Bridge Pro Launch: Powerful New Features Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Philips Hue Bridge Pro has officially launched, featuring a sleek all-black design.
    2. It supports up to 150 smart lights and 50 accessories, a significant upgrade from the original model.
    3. The new bridge has a processor five times more powerful than its predecessor and 15 times the memory.
    4. It introduces the Hue Motion Aware feature, allowing lights to act as motion sensors.
    5. The Philips Hue Bridge Pro will be available worldwide starting September 2025 for $89.99/€89.99, with an easy transfer process for existing users.


    The Philips Hue Bridge Pro is finally here. After being the topic of much speculation and even appearing on the brand’s website back in August 2025, the company has now officially introduced this new hub. Alongside the Bridge Pro, Philips also unveiled a variety of other smart home products, including the Essential bulbs and Festavia outdoor lighting.

    Upgraded Features

    As anticipated, the Hue Bridge Pro comes with several improvements compared to the original version. It sports a sleek all-black design and can handle up to 150 smart lights and 50 accessories, which is significantly more than what the previous model could support. Moreover, the device is equipped with a processor that is claimed to be five times more powerful than its predecessor.

    Enhanced Performance

    With 15 times the memory, users can look forward to quicker response times and the capability to store as many as 500 smart lighting scenes. Another innovative feature of the Hue Bridge Pro is Hue Motion Aware, allowing Hue smart lights to function as motion sensors. This means the lights can automatically turn on whenever movement is detected.

    The Philips Hue Bridge Pro will be available worldwide starting September 2025, priced at $89.99/€89.99. For comparison, the original Hue Bridge is priced at $65.99/€59.99. Philips has also mentioned that users who currently own the original Hue Bridge will find it relatively simple to transfer their settings to the new device. Additionally, a method to merge multiple Hue Bridges into one unit of the Hue Bridge Pro will be made available later in 2025.

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  • Meross Unveils Matter-Compatible Outdoor Smart Plug

    Meross Unveils Matter-Compatible Outdoor Smart Plug

    Key Takeaways

    1. Individual Control: The Meross Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug has two independent outlets, each supporting up to 16A (3,680W) for flexible device management.

    2. Compatibility: It supports Matter technology, working with smart home systems like Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings, as well as voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

    3. Energy Monitoring: Users can track power usage at each outlet through the Meross app, helping to reduce energy costs.

    4. Versatile Features: The plug allows for timer and schedule settings, can sync with sunrise and sunset, and functions without internet access.

    5. Pricing and Availability: The device is priced at $45.99/£36.40/€41.99, with a promotional price of $37.99 in the US, available through the brand’s online store or Amazon.


    The Meross Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug has been officially released globally. Known by its model number MOP320, this device is created to help you manage devices remotely, whether they’re on your patio, in your garden, or in any other outdoor area.

    Individual Control and Compatibility

    This Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug features two separate outlets that can be controlled independently, supporting a maximum load of 16A 3,680W. With Matter technology, it connects with various smart home systems, including Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings. It also works seamlessly with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Additionally, the Meross app allows you to monitor your power usage at each outlet, which can assist you in reducing your energy expenses.

    Versatile Features

    The Meross outdoor plug is suitable for different solar setups; for instance, you could utilize the left outlet to monitor the energy output from your balcony solar panel. Other functionalities include the option to establish timers and schedules, or sync operations to sunrise and sunset timings. Meross mentions that the plug can function without internet access and asserts that installation is quite straightforward. It comes with a 1.5 m power cord and has an IP44 rating for water and dust resistance, enabling it to endure various weather conditions.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can purchase the Meross Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug for $45.99/£36.40/€41.99 directly from the brand’s online store or Amazon in countries like Germany. Moreover, customers in the US have the opportunity to grab this smart home device at a special price of $37.99; however, the duration of this offer remains uncertain.

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  • Aqara Launches Display Switch V1 with Four Customizable Buttons

    Aqara Launches Display Switch V1 with Four Customizable Buttons

    The Aqara Display Switch V1 has just been introduced in Europe. This innovative smart wall switch is among the brand’s newest products, launching alongside the Touchscreen Dial V1 EU and the Panel Hub S1 Plus.

    Features of the Display Switch V1

    The Display Switch V1 is a two-channel neutral wall switch that includes four buttons—two wired and two wireless. Users can utilize these buttons to manage single devices or to create broader scenes. Below these buttons is a slim LCD screen, measuring 2.08 inches (~53 mm) wide, that is customizable. It can display button functions, time, and indoor temperature. Additionally, users have the option to modify the text size, color, and icons according to their preferences.

    Connectivity and Monitoring

    Another attractive aspect is the ability to view power consumption reports for connected devices through the Aqara Home app. Furthermore, the built-in presence sensor allows the screen to turn on automatically. This device is compatible with Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Matter over Bridge, meaning it can integrate with Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant.

    Availability and Pricing

    The smart switch comes only in white and has dimensions of 3.39 x 3.39 x 1.66 inches (86 x 86 x 42.2 mm). The Aqara Display Switch V1 EU is currently on sale in Europe for £109.99/€109.99. However, it remains uncertain when the Display Switch V1 will be available in the United States.

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  • Yeelight Obsid RGBIC Light Strip with Game Sync Now Available Worldwide

    Yeelight Obsid RGBIC Light Strip with Game Sync Now Available Worldwide

    Yeelight recently introduced the Obsid RGBIC Light Strip to the global market, offering a versatile lighting solution that can be trimmed and extended as needed. This new light strip provides features such as game sync and compatibility with Matter, along with music sync lighting effects and customization options through its dedicated mobile app.

    Key Features

    The Yeelight Obsid RGBIC Light Strip was unveiled at IFA 2023 alongside the Beam RBBIC Light Bar. This light strip is designed to connect with various smart home hubs and supports voice assistant functionality. Users can enjoy a range of preset lighting effects and personalized bead-level controls, with the ability to choose from 16 million colors and multiple white color temperature settings to suit different environments.

    Versatile Lighting Options

    The Yeelight Obsid RGBIC Light Strip offers versatile syncing capabilities with music playback, screen colors, and gaming effects, all without the need for a connected camera. Its dark background facilitates better concealment on darker surfaces. The standard model includes a 2-meter trimmable light strip and a control box, while users have the option to expand the lighting by adding more lights. Three extension packs are available, each providing an additional 1-meter length.

    Pricing & Availability

    For a limited time, the Yeelight Obsid RGBIC Light Strip is available at a discounted price of $59.99 in the US, the UK, and Canada. In the EU, the retail price is €56.95 with no current discount offer. The original price of the Obsid RGBIC Light Strip is $69.99. Additionally, the extension pack can be purchased for $16.99 in the US, UK, Canada, and the EU. More information about the Obsid RGBIC Light Strip is accessible on the official Yeelight website.


    Yeelight Obsid RGBIC Light Strip with Game Sync Now Available Worldwide