Gemini for Google Home can now use your cameras to trigger automations
Gemini for Google Home can now use your cameras to trigger automations

Google Home is rolling out a new Gemini-powered automation feature that can trigger smart home routines based on what your security cameras can see. This is one of several updates announced yesterday for Gemini for Home, including enhanced voice command support and general stability improvements, following its early access launch in October. “We are introducing […]

My Lawn Used to be a Never-Ending Weekend Job Until the LEBOSBO V3 Took Over

Having a sharp, manicured outdoor space is something many homeowners dream of, but the amount of work behind maintaining that perfect lawn is often overlooked. From exhausting weekend mowing sessions to constant upkeep, the process can quickly become o…

Govee included a book on ‘white supremacy’ in its website imagery
Govee included a book on ‘white supremacy’ in its website imagery

Companies often include background props in their product imagery that serve as set dressing, but one of Govee’s decorative choices is raising some eyebrows. An eagle-eyed Verge reader spotted that two copies of a book with “white supremacy” plastered on the spine were included in a lifestyle image on Govee’s website, in a scene that […]

With 4G connectivity in addition to the usual Wi-Fi, the IMOU AOV PT is the ideal security camera for large properties

No Wi-Fi signal? No problem — this solid security camera has you covered, with solar charging and optional on-board storage for your videos as well.

Govee’s colorful, JBL-tuned Lamp Pro 2 is matching its best price to date
Govee’s colorful, JBL-tuned Lamp Pro 2 is matching its best price to date

They say that Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. I have my doubts given the less-than-balmy weather in many parts of the US this weekend, though that doesn’t mean it’s not an appropriate time to pick up some summer essentials — including a portable speaker / smart lamp like Govee’s Table Lamp 2 […]

This mechanical bird drops dead when your home’s air quality worsens
This mechanical bird drops dead when your home’s air quality worsens

The original Birdie debuted in 2022 with a morbid-but-fun design – an air-quality monitor with a literal canary in a coal mine. When the CO2 in your home hit a certain level, a mechanical bird mounted on your wall would appear to drop dead, then prompt you to open a window to air things out. […]

The cost of the smart home is going up
The cost of the smart home is going up

Selling the smart home has been hard. Even Amazon has lost money in the space, despite putting hundreds of millions of Echo devices in people’s homes. Google has also reportedly struggled to turn a profit from its substantial investment in Nest. But now Google is seeing dollar signs in the prospect of selling AI-driven subscriptions […]

I review robot vacuums for a living, ask me anything!
I review robot vacuums for a living, ask me anything!

Welcome! I’m The Verge’s smart home reviewer, and I’m hosting an exclusive subscriber AMA today at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET. I test a lot of connected gadgets for my job, but the dominant device in my home – by both number and square footage covered – is the robot vacuum. At any […]