If you want to change the look and feel of a room, there's one immediate upgrade that can shift the entire vibe almost instantly. A new lamp, preferably one with some personality and maybe even some smart-enhanced versatility, can be an insta-game-changer, assuming you make the right choice, that is. — Read the rest

Remember back when the Amazon Alexa was the only name in home smart speakers? Things have definitely changed since early 2015; while Amazon is still no. 1 in smart speaker sales, Google is giving Amazon a run for its money, now holding a 22.6 percent global smart speaker market share to Amazon's 28.3 percent.  — Read the rest

EyeQue is a nifty little gadget that lets you test your eyes using your phone, then order lenses with the specs it produces. TK Bay:

This is a budget-friendly stay at home eye exam that you use your smartphone to be able to track and find out what your prescription is.

For those who are slow-playing our societal shift toward fully-integrated automated smart homes — don't be scared. Sure, we know there are whole movies about computer-controlled houses turning on their owners, but seriously… we're way past that now. Maybe it's time to take that first tentative step into gearing up your home with some basic smart technology that's about as non-threatening as it comes. — Read the rest

When revved-up kids used to dribble a basketball through the kitchen or practice their footwork with a soccer ball in front of the television, exasperated parents would often just send 'em outside to play. But these days, sending kids out might not be the best course of action. — Read the rest

Winter can be a difficult time of year for golfers. Between the freezing temperatures and frequent snow showers, maintaining your handicap can seem almost impossible.

When the fairways are frozen solid, the PhiGolf simulator lets you practice at home. This device captures every nuance of your swing to provide virtual coaching. — Read the rest

From the people who brought you Universal Paperclips and Drop 7, and highly recommended by the designer of QWOP and Getting Over It,  is an incredible marketing pitch for a new game. And the game sounds good.  Hate your Alexa or Google Home?  — Read the rest

Tenants in New York City have reached a settlement with their landlord requiring the landlord to install actual locks with actual keys on demand, rather than insisting that all tenants use locks from Latch, the leading Internet of Things "smart lock" vendor, whose products conduct fine-grained surviellance on their users, which the company reserves the right to share with third parties.

I remember writing about smart homes for Wired nearly 20 years ago and the technology just never seemed ready for primetime. I know that X10 has its evangelists, but from a mainstream perspective it almost felt like smart home tech was moving toward the retro-futurism zone of robot maids and, yes, jetpacks. — Read the rest

I just read Matt Silady's heart-rending graphic novel The Homeless Channel, a visually stunning story about the rise of a 24-hour cable network devoted to homelessness in America.

The Homeless Channel is created by Darcy Shaw, whose schizophrenic sister is herself living on the streets. — Read the rest

TL;DR: Take full control over your home climate with the Klima Smart Thermostat, now discounted to just $134.99 down from $145.

Your home is your safe space, which means you should experience nothing but peace and comfort there. But if you come home after a long day to disgustingly hot temps, being home isn't anywhere near as pleasant as it should be. — Read the rest

TL;DR: Stay connected to the world when your mobile devices can't! How? With the $150 Eton Elite Executive radio, which can receive every single radio wavelength around the world.

An emergency is never the right time to find out you're missing a vital item geared at helping guide you through that emergency. — Read the rest

TL;DR: Tired of waiting to use gym equipment or want an easier workout solution? This $139.99 (reg. $199) foldable exercise bike is an excellent way to get your blood pumping at home and your body ready for the beach!

We've yet to see a warm sunny day we can trust in 2024, but we promise they are (actually) afoot! — Read the rest

I used to think vaccines were the most important invention in human history. But I'm starting to believe it's smartphones, which have fundamentally and permanently changed how humans interact for the first time since language was invented. The difference is that vaccines were and are a net positive for humanity; the jury is still out on smartphones.  — Read the rest

The popular podcast SmartLess, hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, is leaving its home on Amazon, and going to SiriusXM in a deal worth $100 million. Link to an article by Ramishah Maruf and Elizabeth Wagmeister on CNN.com here. — Read the rest

This doggo sure knows how to party! Watch this footage captured by Lost Our Home pet rescue in Tempe, Arizona. It shows one smart and curious dog leaving its kennel, opening the door to the main office, and helping himself to loads of snacks. — Read the rest

TL;DR: Make the thought of moving to a faraway land less stressful when you purchase this Citizen Remote Premium: Lifetime Subscription to help you navigate the process and even make some buddies. It's here on sale for $39.97 (Reg. $299). Act fast, this is part of our New Year 2024 event and will end on 1/7 at 11:59pm PST. — Read the rest

TL;DR: Upgrade your home with theatre-like capabilities this holiday season with the AAXA L500 1080p Bluetooth Wi-Fi Smart Projector. Purchase it for $189.99 (reg. $199).

While every season comes with many specialties, fall and winter land on many people's lists as favorites. — Read the rest

Yuki* eagerly packed her compact TravelSmart duffle bag with all the essential tools of her trade – brushes, combs, nail clippers, shampoo and conditioner. As the top capybara groomer in Kyoto, she took great pride in keeping her furry clients looking their very best. — Read the rest

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TL;DR: The ROLLOVA V2 is a new take on a classic tool. Just roll this smart measuring tool over an area to get an accurate reading, and it's on sale for $88.99.  — Read the rest