Seeking a truly smart home experience
From solar panels to sustainable speakers. IFA previewed a complete sustainability story that bodes well for the smart home.
Blog
New Devices Increase the Appeal of Extended Reality
Excitement for extended reality devices (the catch-all term for virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality products) reached a fever pitch early this summer, with announcements of long-anticipated new products from Apple, Meta, and others. The attention the category is receiving is rightfully earned — VR was the last hit product in tech, selling more than 9 million units in 2021 and 2022 — and all eyes are on this market to lead the consumer electronics sector out of its current sales decline.
That Sinking Feeling
Smartwatches are complex devices that supposedly provide us with an accurate, detailed array of health and fitness data from which we can make informed decisions. But after a recent windsurfing vacation I’m starting to question the accuracy of the data collected.
More Than a One-Trick Pony?
The strong emphasis that the manufacturers place on the health and fitness functionality is of questionable value to us mere mortals. To expand the market to a broader consumer base, they need to evolve their approach and, perhaps, take some bold steps.
Any Given Sunday?
Streaming is slowly but surely taking over football … that leaves the 50 percent of the US without true broadband with more limited viewing options.
I Dream of Rats
Is sleep tracking the most over-rated feature on smartwatches? Is it really actionable, or simply data for the sake of data…
The Art of Gifting
With Black Friday deals galore, the smartwatch looks to be an easy gift option. But gift-giver beware: it’s never quite that easy.
Maps, Lies, and Broadband Video
The FCC has launched new broadband maps that are a vast improvement on the previous ones. But they are still significantly flawed and help paint an incorrect story of broadband success.
Folds and Phones
IFA is over and Berlin can return to normal for a while. And while the tech innovations were small, there were hints of more exciting things to come.
Desperately Seeking at IFA
It’s been three years since I attended a major trade show, but with IFA less than two weeks away, I’m starting to think about what to pack... and what to see. And my biggest concern? What if nothing has changed?