Tag: Smart Home Hub

  • Apple HomePod Launching This Fall: 7-Inch Display & Wall Mount

    Apple HomePod Launching This Fall: 7-Inch Display & Wall Mount

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple is reportedly developing a new product called the HomePad to compete with devices like the Amazon Echo Show 8.
    2. The HomePad will feature a 7-inch square touchscreen and can be mounted on walls using a MagSafe-like system.
    3. It is expected to include a front camera for video calls and may use Face ID for user recognition and profile switching.
    4. The device will serve as a smart home control center, capable of streaming music and displaying widgets, but its launch has been delayed to autumn 2026.
    5. The HomePad is anticipated to be powered by an Apple A18 processor and priced around 400 euros, making it more expensive than competitors.

    Rumors have been floating around for several months about Apple preparing to introduce a new product that could compete with devices like the Amazon Echo Show 8, which is priced at $179 on Amazon. The leaker and Apple enthusiast, @Kosutami_Ito, now asserts that they have seen a prototype of this anticipated Apple HomePad.

    Design and Features

    The device is described as having an almost square touchscreen display, measuring about 7 inches diagonally. It’s said to be able to attach to a wall using a mounting system similar to MagSafe. Additionally, Apple is believed to be working on a version that includes a stand akin to the HomePod mini, potentially allowing for the addition of extra speakers. The HomePad is rumored to feature a front camera for video calls and has earlier speculations indicating it might use Face ID to recognize various users in a household, enabling automatic switching between user profiles.

    Functionality

    The Apple HomePad is expected to act as a main control center for smart home gadgets, with capabilities to stream music and podcasts. It’s suggested that widgets could provide helpful details, such as weather updates. However, according to the information from the leaker, the launch has now been pushed back to autumn 2026, a shift from previous reports that indicated a release in early 2026. This smart home hub is set to come equipped with a powerful Apple A18 iPhone processor and is projected to be priced around 400 euros, making the Apple HomePad notably pricier than similar offerings from competitors.

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  • Tapo H110 Smart Universal Remote and Hub Launches in the US

    Tapo H110 Smart Universal Remote and Hub Launches in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. The TP-Link Tapo H110 Smart IR & IoT Hub is now available in the US, following its launch in Japan in 2024 and rollout in Europe.
    2. It serves as an all-in-one infrared remote control for managing 18 types of devices from over 8,000 brands, operable via the Tapo app and voice assistants.
    3. The hub acts as a smart home hub, compatible with TP-Link’s sensors and cameras, and is Matter certified for integration with various smart home systems.
    4. It features a built-in 93 dB siren for security and can control devices on a local area network (LAN) even if the external network fails.
    5. The Tapo H110 is priced at $29.99 and is available for purchase on TP-Link’s website and Amazon, but not currently in the UK.

    The TP-Link Tapo H110 Smart IR & IoT Hub has officially made its debut in the US market. Initially launched in Japan in 2024, this smart home device has gradually rolled out to various countries across Europe.

    All-in-One Control

    The Tapo H110 is promoted as a comprehensive infrared remote control, capable of managing multiple home appliances. TP-Link claims it works with 18 different types of devices, including air conditioners, televisions, and lighting systems, from more than 8,000 brands. Users can remotely operate these gadgets via the Tapo app or through voice commands with assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. The app also allows for setting schedules for devices and GPS-based triggers that turn appliances on or off as you approach or leave your residence.

    Smart Home Integration

    Moreover, the Tapo H110 acts as a smart home hub, collaborating with many of TP-Link’s smart sensors and cameras. Notably, it is a Matter certified product, which means it can seamlessly connect with various smart home systems. Another significant feature is the built-in 93 dB siren, designed to scare off potential intruders. It is also important to mention that if the external network goes down, you can still use the hub to control devices on your local area network (LAN).

    Purchase Information

    You can purchase the TP-Link Tapo H110 Smart IR & IoT Hub from the brand’s online shop or its Amazon page for $29.99. As of now, this item is not available on the brand’s Amazon site in the UK.

    TP-Link

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  • Homey Pro Mini: Versatile Smart Home Hub with Matter in Europe

    Homey Pro Mini: Versatile Smart Home Hub with Matter in Europe

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Homey Pro Mini launched in Europe after initial availability in the US, priced at €249 in Germany.
    2. It is a compact and simplified version of the Homey Pro, featuring an Ethernet port and compatibility with Matter, Thread, and Zigbee.
    3. Users can connect over 1,000 different brands of devices and create complex automations using Flow, Advanced Flow, and HomeyScript.
    4. The hub allows for local operation and offers an optional cloud backup service for an additional €10 per year.
    5. Homey Energy feature enables users to monitor their household energy usage.

    It’s been almost a year since Homey launched the Homey Pro Mini, a smaller and more cost-effective version of its Homey Pro smart home hub. Initially, it was available in the US and was expected to be released in Europe later on. Finally, just before the end of 2025, the Homey Pro Mini has made its official debut in Europe. In Germany, customers can purchase it directly from the company for €249.

    Compact Features

    The Homey Pro Mini is a more compact and somewhat simplified variant of the popular Homey Pro. Besides having an Ethernet port, this mini version is compatible with Matter, Thread, and Zigbee. Users who wish to control more devices through Z-Wave, Bluetooth, 433 MHz, and infrared can integrate the Homey Pro Mini into their setup using the Home Bridge.

    Device Connectivity

    The Homey Pro Mini facilitates the connection of many devices, supporting over 1,000 different brands. Users can create intricate automations with tools like Flow, Advanced Flow, and HomeyScript. If you’re interested, you can also keep track of energy usage in your household with Homey Energy. The hub supports local operation and can be upgraded to include cloud backups for an extra €10 annually.

    Homey

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  • Philips Hue Bridge Back in Stock Now Available in the US

    Philips Hue Bridge Back in Stock Now Available in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Philips Hue Bridge Pro is priced at $98.99 and is available for immediate shipping from the company’s US website.
    2. It can manage over 150 smart lights and 50 accessories, surpassing the capacity of the standard Hue Bridge.
    3. The new MotionAware feature allows smart lights to act as motion detectors, turning on as you move.
    4. It supports remote control via the Philips Hue app and is compatible with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and the Matter protocol.
    5. The design is updated to a sleek black finish, measuring 92.3 x 92.3 x 26.0 mm (approximately 3.6 x 3.6 x 1.0 inches).

    The Philips Hue Bridge Pro is now available again at the company’s US website. This smart home hub, featuring several improvements from the previous version, quickly sold out after its debut in September 2025.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can purchase the Philips Hue Bridge Pro for $98.99 on the brand’s online store. It looks like orders will be shipped to customers right away. Although this product can also be found on the brand’s Amazon page, customers should note that shipping may take one to two months. In other regions, the Hue Bridge Pro is priced at CA$129.99 in Canada, £79.99 in the UK, and €89.99 in the Netherlands.

    Features and Functionality

    The Philips Hue Bridge Pro can manage more than 150 smart lights and over 50 accessories at the same time, which is a significantly higher capacity than the standard Hue Bridge. One of the new features is MotionAware, allowing the linked smart lights to function as motion detectors. This means that your lights can turn on as you move throughout your home, if you desire. Thanks to its Wi-Fi capabilities, the device doesn’t need to be placed near your router like the older model, but you can still connect it via Ethernet if preferred.

    Compatibility and Design

    You can control the Hue Bridge Pro remotely through the Philips Hue app, and it works with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. Additionally, support for the Matter protocol means it can connect with many different smart home systems. The design of the Hue Bridge Pro has been updated to a sleek black, and it measures 92.3 x 92.3 x 26.0 mm (approximately 3.6 x 3.6 x 1.0 inches).

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  • Xiaomi Launches New Smart Central Control Screen Max

    Xiaomi Launches New Smart Central Control Screen Max

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi Smart Central Control Screen Max is a smart home hub with a 10-inch WUXGA touchscreen for controlling various appliances remotely.
    2. It features a frosted glass knob for adjusting brightness, temperature, and smart curtains, along with a built-in microphone for Xiao AI voice commands.
    3. The device includes a 5 MP camera for voice and video calls via WeChat and runs on Xiaomi HyperOS with Mesh2.0 gateway support.
    4. Crowdfunding for the device starts on September 8th, with a price of CNY 1,999 (about $280) and a retail price of CNY 2,499 (around $350).
    5. Availability in other markets, such as Europe, is currently uncertain.

    The Xiaomi Smart Central Control Screen Max has been revealed in China, and it will soon start its crowdfunding campaign on the company’s Youpin platform. This innovative gadget is intended to serve as a central hub for smart homes, allowing users to manage various appliances from a distance.

    Specs and Features

    Equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen that boasts a WUXGA 1,920 x 1,200 px resolution, the Smart Central Control Screen Max offers a vibrant display. To the left of the screen, there is a frosted glass knob that features built-in lighting. This knob is designed to control brightness levels, adjust the temperature of a thermostat or fan, and even operate smart curtains.

    Connectivity and Usability

    The Smart Central Control Screen Max comes with a built-in microphone that supports Xiao AI voice commands. Additionally, users can utilize the integrated 5 MP camera to make both voice and video calls through WeChat. It runs on Xiaomi HyperOS and includes the Mesh2.0 gateway, compatible with 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3. Users can also control the device remotely using the Xiaomi app. It has dimensions of 292 x 160 x 29 mm (approximately 11.5 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches) and sports a sleek dark gray design.

    Crowdfunding Details

    On September 8th, the crowdfunding initiative for the Xiaomi Smart Central Control Screen Max will commence. Supporters are asked to contribute CNY 1,999 (around $280) for the device, while its retail price is set at CNY 2,499 (about $350). It is still uncertain if or when this smart device will be available in other markets, such as Europe, where Xiaomi already offers products like the Smart Home Hub 2 (currently priced at €39.99 at Mi Store Germany).

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  • Philips Hue Bridge Pro Leak: Price and Launch Date Revealed

    Philips Hue Bridge Pro Leak: Price and Launch Date Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Date: The Philips Hue Bridge Pro is expected to launch on September 4th, 2025, ahead of the IFA 2025 event starting September 5th.
    2. Pricing: The anticipated price for the Bridge Pro is €89.99 in Europe, which is €30 more than the original model.
    3. Device Capacity: The new hub will support up to 150 smart lights, 50 accessories, and 500 smart home scenes.
    4. Improved Connectivity: It will connect to your router via Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet for faster performance.
    5. New Features: The MotionAware feature may allow smart lights to function as motion detectors.

    The Philips Hue Bridge Pro seems to have had its price and launch date leaked. Speculation around this new smart home hub began earlier this year, and it was briefly visible on the manufacturer’s website.

    Anticipated Release Date

    According to a report by Hueblog.com, the Philips Hue Bridge Pro might hit the market on September 4th. This aligns with previous predictions that the product would be unveiled around the IFA 2025 event, which kicks off on September 5th. Additionally, the Philips Hue blog indicates that the Bridge Pro will be priced at €89.99 in Europe. This sets it at €30 higher than the original model, typically priced at €59.99 (currently €43.97 at Amazon Germany). Hueblog.com does not specify where this information originates.

    Expected Features and Improvements

    The new Philips Hue Bridge Pro is set to provide several enhancements over its predecessor. It will accommodate a larger number of connected devices, supporting up to 150 smart lights, 50 accessories, and 500 smart home scenes. Furthermore, it’s expected to function faster and connect to your router via Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet. In addition, the new MotionAware feature might enable your smart lights to serve as motion detectors.

    Pricing in Other Markets

    Details regarding the price of the Philips Hue Bridge Pro in other markets, such as the United States, have not yet been disclosed.

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  • Philips Hue Bridge Pro Enters User Testing Phase Now

    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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  • Philips Hue Bridge Pro Leaks New MotionAware Feature

    Philips Hue Bridge Pro Leaks New MotionAware Feature

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Philips Hue Bridge Pro is marketed as the “most advanced smart home hub” from Philips Hue, featuring significant speed and capacity enhancements.
    2. It includes a powerful 1.7 GHz quad-core processor, 8GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage, making it five times faster than its predecessor.
    3. Users can connect up to 150 smart bulbs and 50 accessories, with support for up to 500 scenes and MotionAware technology for motion detection.
    4. The Bridge Pro will include a Wi-Fi chip for wireless connectivity, while still having an Ethernet port and USB-C port for power.
    5. An official announcement for the Bridge Pro is expected during IFA 2025 in September, but the price is currently unknown.

    The Philips Hue Bridge Pro has been leaked, revealing exciting details about this upcoming smart home hub. Earlier this year, whispers about a new device from Philips Hue started circulating. In August, it was briefly listed on the brand’s ‘New from Hue’ webpage, alongside various other smart home gadgets set to be released soon.

    Advanced Features

    The Philips Hue website touts the Bridge Pro as the “most advanced smart home hub” the brand has created. It highlights enhancements in speed, capacity, and new functionalities. A report from Smatlights.de has disclosed further specifications of the device. This new model is said to be five times quicker than its predecessor, powered by a 1.7 GHz quad-core Cortex A-35 CPU/GPU. Additionally, it is equipped with 8GB DDR4 SDRAM and 8GB eMMC flash storage.

    Enhanced Connectivity

    With the Bridge Pro, users can connect up to 150 smart bulbs and lamps, along with 50 accessories like motion sensors and light switches. For comparison, the current Hue Bridge only supports a maximum of 50 smart home devices. Moreover, the Bridge Pro will enable the use of up to 500 scenes, and its MotionAware technology will allow connected lights to function as motion detectors. As anticipated, the new model will come with a Wi-Fi chip, eliminating the need for an Ethernet connection to your router. Nevertheless, it will still feature an Ethernet port and a USB-C port for power.

    Anticipated Release

    Philips Hue is likely to make an official announcement regarding the Bridge Pro during IFA 2025 in September. The price is still unknown; however, as a reference, the Philips Hue Bridge (v3) is priced at $65.99 (currently $52.90 at Amazon).

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  • Eufy Smart Display E10 Launches in the US: Features & Details

    Eufy Smart Display E10 Launches in the US: Features & Details

    Key Takeaways

    1. The eufy Smart Display E10 is now available in the US for $199.99, following its earlier release in Europe.
    2. Bundles are available, including a discounted package with the eufyCam S3 Pro 4-Cam Kit, originally priced at $999.98, now $799.98 until July 7th.
    3. The display features an 8-inch touchscreen (1280 x 800 px) for smart home security integration, allowing live video feeds from multiple cameras.
    4. It has a limitation as it cannot control other smart devices and lacks voice assistant capabilities; it is primarily a security hub.
    5. The device is portable with a 4,050 mAh battery for up to 24 hours of use, measuring 13.9 x 20.1 x 1.65 cm (5.5 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches).

    The eufy Smart Display E10 has now officially hit the market in the US. First teased back in April 2025, this smart home hub was previously released in Europe. It became available for pre-order in the US around mid-June.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can purchase the eufy Smart Display E10 in the US directly from the brand’s online store or on Amazon for a price of $199.99. Additionally, there are several bundles that include the smart home hub. One such bundle combines the eufy Smart Display E10 with the eufyCam S3 Pro 4-Cam Kit, which is priced at $799.98 (originally $999.98) thanks to a $200 discount; this offer is set to last until July 7th.

    Features of the Smart Display

    Eufy’s Smart Display 10 features an 8-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1,280 x 800 px, intended to integrate into your smart home security setup. You can connect various security cameras and video doorbells, receiving live video feeds and alerts right on the display. It allows you to watch up to four video streams at once, and users can also access instant playback for earlier events. When used with the HomeBase S380, it generates daily summaries, giving you a recap of the activity from the past 24 hours. This device comes with 8 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded to 512 GB.

    Limitations and Design

    Although eufy markets this device as a smart home hub, it mainly serves this single purpose; it cannot manage other smart home devices like lights or thermostats, and lacks a voice assistant feature. The device is considered portable with its built-in 4,050 mAh lithium-ion battery, which allows for up to 24 hours of usage. Its dimensions are 13.9 x 20.1 x 1.65 cm (approximately 5.5 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches). It remains unclear if or when the eufy Smart Display E10 will be launched in the UK.

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    Eufy Smart Display E10 Launches in the US: Features & Details

     

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  • Tapo H500 Smart Home Hub: Supports Matter, HDMI & 16TB Storage

    Tapo H500 Smart Home Hub: Supports Matter, HDMI & 16TB Storage

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Tapo H500 acts as a central hub for smart home devices, connecting wirelessly via dual-band WiFi and supporting up to 16 Tapo cameras and 64 sensors.
    2. It features 16GB built-in eMMC storage, expandable to 16TB, allowing for extensive local video recording options that enhance privacy and reduce cloud storage costs.
    3. The hub will provide AI features, like face detection, to TP-Link cameras that lack these capabilities when connected to the Tapo H500.
    4. It supports the Matter standard, allowing compatibility with a broader range of smart home devices beyond just TP-Link products.
    5. The Tapo H500 functions as an alarm system and can connect to a tablet for features like live feed viewing, while also including an HDMI port.

    TP-Link has introduced the Tapo H500, which they call a smart HomeBase, meant to act as a central point for different smart home devices. This gadget connects easily to a network through dual-band WiFi, allowing it to link wirelessly with cameras and sensors. Specifically, it can support up to 16 Tapo cameras and as many as 64 Tapo sensors. The company states that users can store video recordings from these cameras locally.

    Storage Options

    The HomeBase features built-in 16GB eMMC storage, which can be expanded to a whopping 16TB when using hard drives or SSDs. When equipped with 1TB of internal storage, it could keep four 24/7 camera recordings for weeks at a time. If users are only capturing events or alerts, that same 1TB could last for years. This local storage solution helps address privacy worries and reduces costs associated with cloud storage. TP-Link cameras that do not have built-in AI features like face detection are expected to receive this functionality when connected to the new smart hub, which is said to be more precise as well.

    Compatibility and Features

    The Tapo H500 smart home hub is not limited to just TP-Link Tapo devices; it also supports the Matter standard. However, it’s important to note that the Tapo H500 serves primarily as a base station, not a smart display. That said, users can attach a tablet to the base station to access functionalities such as live feed viewing, utilizing the 3D dashboard, or seeing an overview of connected IoT devices. Furthermore, the hub can function as an alarm system and works with a compatible smart doorbell. An HDMI port is also included. The Tapo H500 Smart HomeBase is currently available for purchase in Europe at a price of €130.

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