Smart Home

Price Shocks! How Expensive Alexa+ Is Expected to Be in Germany

Alexa+ is coming to Germany, but the price is steep. For customers without Amazon Prime, the AI service could become prohibitively expensive.

From Kitchen to Smart Home Who Really Stands Behind Lidl's Silvercrest Brand?

Under the name Silvercrest, Lidl has been selling kitchen appliances and electronic items from various manufacturers for decades.

Upgrade That Changes Everything Alexa Gains Personality–and Suddenly Sounds Completely Different

Amazon's voice assistant Alexa adjusts its tone and response style to match user preferences.

Update Now Available Fritz!App Introduces New Energy-Saving Feature for Smart Homes

Fritz! releases an update for its smart home app. A new feature aims to completely disconnect devices from power while in standby mode.

Connection Issues New Matter Devices from Ikea Launch with Many Problems

Ikea launches new Matter over Thread devices, but many users report setup issues and connection drops.

Apple Warns: Smart Home Users Must Act Urgently

New Architecture Apple Warns: Smart Home Users Must Act Immediately

A technical decision by Apple could cause problems if users don't adjust their systems now.

Amazon Quietly Pulls the Plug: What's Behind the End of the Fire TV Blaster

Device Is Now Electronic Waste Amazon Unexpectedly Shuts Down Fire TV Product

Amazon rendered the Fire TV Blaster unusable on Jan. 31, 2026. However, customers will receive compensation.

Surprisingly Valuable 20-Year-Old LG Air Conditioner Turns Out to Be a Goldmine

An old LG air conditioner has unexpectedly sparked a new craze. The brand logo attached to it is made of pure gold.

The Fritzbox can now be connected to Alexa to control the smart home.

Smart Home Made Easy How to Connect Fritzbox with Amazon Alexa

Fritz! Smart Gateway for the Fritzbox now enables the control of smart home devices via Alexa. Here's how to set it up.

Apple Smart Home Hub Could Be a Mix of iPad and HomePod (Illustrative Image)

Lift and Security Camera Apple Plans Smart Home Push With New Devices

Apple plans to enter a new category for the connected home with a smart home hub as early as next year.

Users Complain About Ads on Amazon Echo and Alexa

Customers Angry Now Even Ads! Amazon Alexa Keeps Getting Worse

Advertising on Amazon Echo speakers is causing discontent among users. They complain that Alexa is increasingly getting worse.

Vorwerk has unveiled a new generation of its Thermomix—the TM7.

TECHBOOK Does the Math Who Benefits from the Thermomix?

Is a Thermomix Worth It for $1,500? TECHBOOK Did the Math to See if It Really Saves Money

Amazon has introduced many new products that are fully functional only with Alexa+.

Event in NYC New Amazon Products in Europe Only Partially Usable

Amazon unveiled new products in New York City, and we were there live. However, without Alexa+ in Europe, the wow factor is missing.

Unlike Amazon and Google, Apple has not yet released its own smart display.

Codename Revealed Apple Is Developing an Entirely New Operating System

According to an insider report, Apple is working on a new operating system specifically designed for smart home products.

Google Home Device Users Worldwide Report Increasing Issues

Class Action Possible Google Faces Increasing Complaints Over Product Quality

Google Home users are increasingly reporting disruptions. Legal action is now being considered. Meanwhile, Google has issued a statement.

Apple's Home Hub is expected to be a blend of an iPad-like tablet and a HomePod.

Start Delayed New Apple Product Delayed Until 2026 Due to Siri Issues

Apple had originally planned to launch an entirely new product in 2025. However, issues with the development of the new Siri are delaying the release.

Hackers Publish Personal Data Huge Data Scandal Surrounding Thermomix! What Users Need to Know

A data leak has occurred around the Thermomix. Cyber criminals have stolen personal data from millions of people.

First impression Are robots that recognize emotions on the way? LG unveils prototype at IFA 2024

At IFA 2024, TECHBOOK discovered, among other things, a robot from LG that is supposed to be able to recognize emotions in people.

For Smart Home Unprecedented! AVM Introduces Fritz!Smart Energy 250 at IFA

AVM is expanding its smart home division and will unveil a device at IFA 2024 that has not been seen before.

Woman Carries TV Out of Electronics Store

EU Energy Label Why Do TVs Often Have the Red Energy Class G?

Since March 2021, new energy labels have been introduced to better illustrate the annual electricity consumption of electronic devices. TECHBOOK has the details.

This smart comforter, according to the manufacturer, can spread itself out and always maintains the desired temperature.

Technology in Bed This Smart Blanket Ensures Ideal Bed Temperatures

Big Test of Voice Assistants How Apple's HomePod Stacks Up Against Amazon Echo and Google Home

TECHBOOK put the Apple HomePod, Google Home, and Amazon Echo to the test. Each device demonstrated specific strengths and weaknesses in the evaluation.

Crowdfunding Project Smart Blanket Ensures the Right Temperature in Bed

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to sleep: temperature, blanket, pillow, position. Smartduvet aims to solve at least one problem through crowdfunding—with a climate-controlled, smart duvet.