Amazon's Alexa Plus Adopts Model Context Protocol to Expand Smart Home Control
Alexa Plus can now intelligently route requests to Bosch, iRobot, Yale, and other smart home brands, powered by an open-source AI toolkit.
#smart-home
Google Home Expands Person Recognition Beyond Facial Features
Google's smart home system can now identify household members by clothing and body size when faces aren't visible, rolling out June 23.
Google Home Speaker Marks First Gemini-Native Device, With Premium Subscription Tier
Google launches its first standalone smart speaker since 2020, priced at $99.99 and built around conversational AI—but advanced features require a $10/month subscription.
Google's New Smart Speaker Prioritizes Gemini Conversational AI Over Hardware Innovation
Google launches its first new smart speaker in six years on June 25, designed specifically for Gemini for Home with local on-device AI features.
Kiwibit's AI Bird Feeder Brings Backyard Birdwatching Into the Age of Species Recognition
A solar-powered smart feeder with onboard AI identifies over 10,000 bird species and sends real-time notifications, though visit-counting accuracy needs refinement.
Coolfly's Aura Smart Bird Feeder Trades Image Quality for Wider Backyard Views
The Aura positions its camera outside the feeder for 150-degree panoramic footage, undercutting Birdbuddy Pro on price while offering longer battery life and no paywall for AI identification.