Best Smart Home Companies for a Mixed-Brand Household
Compare smart home companies for a mixed-brand household. Samsung, Apple, and Google assessed by compatibility checks, platform fit, and hub requirements.
Consumer Technology
The latest news and perspectives on Consumer Technology.
Apple Previews Siri AI and Its Next Software Generation
Apple previewed Siri AI and a new generation of Apple Intelligence on June 8, 2026 at WWDC. The announcement places an expanded assistant within its upcoming software releases across the company's device platforms.
Microsoft Refreshes Surface for Business With New AI PCs
Microsoft announced a new Surface for Business portfolio on May 19, 2026, including Surface Pro and Surface Laptop devices powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors. The company said those devices were available that day in selected markets, with Snapdragon X2 models planned for later in the year.
iPhone 17 Brings ProMotion to Apple's Mainstream Model
Apple announced iPhone 17 on September 9, 2025, bringing a ProMotion display and the A19 chip to its mainstream iPhone. The new model starts with 256GB of storage, and Apple scheduled preorders for September 12 and initial availability for September 19.
Google Launches Pixel 10 With AI Across Everyday Phone Tasks
Google announced the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL on August 20, 2025, introducing the Tensor G5 chip and a new generation of Gemini Nano alongside the phones. The company scheduled retail availability for August 28.
Your Smart Device’s Lifespan Depends on Its Software
Smart device support affects useful life. Examine update commitments, Matter compatibility, service dependencies, and recovery before buying connected hardware.