Apple is mandating users upgrade to its new Home architecture by February 10, 2026, or risk losing control of HomeKit-connected smart devices and automations. PCWorld reports the updated system no longer supports iPads as home hubs, requiring an Apple TV 4K ($129+) or HomePod ($99) instead. Despite initial rollout problems in 2022, the re-released architecture since iOS 16.4 promises improved reliability and efficiency for smart home management. Well, this is it: After a series of delays, Apple is finally nixing support for its old Home architecture, meaning those still relying on the previous version of Apple's Home framework have some decisions to make--quickly. The moment of truth arrives February 10, 2026, less than a week away.

Well, it's official: Apple is finally nixing support for its old Home architecture, meaning those relying on the previous version of Apple's Home framework have some decisions to make. In a revision to a support article, Apple says that it will end support for the previous version of its Home app starting in fall 2025, right around the time when iOS 19 is expected to drop, MacRumors reports. If you don't update, you face "interruptions with your accessories and automations," Apple warns. In other words, you'll lose control of your Apple HomeKit-connected smart devices. Apple's move to ditch its old Home app has been a long time in coming.

Reolink has unveiled the Altas Wireless Security System, a battery-powered camera setup capable of delivering 24/7 recording in 2K resolution. Designed with flexibility and ease of use in mind, the system targets homeowners who want reliable surveillance without technical headaches. Unveiled this week at CES in Las Vegas, the Altas Wireless Security System includes two 2K bullet-style Altas cameras, two 6-watt solar panels, and a Home Hub for centralized management. Each camera features a 20,000mAh battery, providing up to seven days of continuous recording. With just two hours of sunlight daily, the solar panels keep the cameras running around the clock, reducing reliance on motion detection.

If you're shopping for indoor or outdoor security cameras, video doorbells, or a mix of all three to cover your property, finding a system you can trust is tougher than it should be. Between security scandals, shoddy software, expensive subscriptions, and laggy feeds, you'll struggle to find a bulletproof security camera brand. Believe me, I've tried them all. Anyone with Apple devices in their home has probably considered Apple's HomeKit Secure Video system (HSV). It looks amazing on paper, but does reality match expectations?

As Amazon continues its "off-to-college" savings event, Best Buy is offering a couple of Alexa speaker bundles that are great deals if you want the most bang for your buck. The latest among them is a bundle that includes a free Echo Show 5 and a Philips Hue smart light bulb when you buy an Echo Show for $180. Not only do you get those two freebies, but you're getting the Echo Show smart display for $50 off. Best Buy also cut the price of a bundle we covered earlier this month: now you can get an Echo Studio with a free Echo Show 5 and Philips Hue bulb for only $170. Best Buy doesn't advertise the freebies clearly, but you can see the full details of the bundle by clicking the "free items with purchase" link underneath the price on each product page.

A couple of Amazon Echo devices are on sale right now, but the best deal of the bunch is on the Echo Plus. The speaker with a built-in smart home hub is now $80, which is $70 off its typical price of $150. You can get the Echo Plus by itself for $80, or you can choose the bundle the includes a Philips Hue smart light bulb for free. That means you don't need to buy any extra connecting hubs when you purchase other IoT devices like light bulbs, door locks, security cameras and others. If it works with the Zigbee protocol (a majority of IoT devices do) or Amazon's own Works with Alexa platform, then it'll be able to connect to the hub inside of the Echo Plus.

You wake up; your wristwatch has recorded how long you've slept, and monitored your heartbeat and breathing. You drive to work; car sensors track your speed and braking. You pick up some breakfast on your way, paying electronically; the transaction and the calorie content of your meal are recorded. Then you have a car accident. You phone your insurance company.

A year ago, we were so impressed with what was then called the Google Home Hub, we called it one of the top 10 best tech products of 2018, with one caveat. We wished it could be bigger. Now, the all-new, and yes, larger version is in stores, with a bigger 10-inch screen (up from 7 inches) higher price tag ($229, vs. $129) and a confusing new name. The new Google Nest Hub Max, with a ten-inch screen, back to back with the old Nest Hub, with a 7-inch screen. The old Home Hub is now called the Nest Hub, and the larger, new version is the Nest Hub Max.

Google is launching a larger 10in version of its smart display as it attempts to supplant Amazon's Alexa as the top smartspeaker maker. Announced at Google's I/O developer conference in California on Tuesday, the new Google Nest Hub Max, which will launch on 15 July costing £219 in the UK. It spearheads the firm's new push to combine its Nest and other smart home products into one brand. The Nest Hub Max is a larger version of the popular Google Assistant-powered Home Hub, launched in October last year. Like other smart displays it answers questions and accepts commands via voice, but can also show information and video on its 10in 1080p screen providing more detail and allowing non-verbal interaction.

A quick look at the tech gifts and gadgets that will make life easier for Mom and just make her smile. Most moms I know "live in service and sacrifice to their children" 24/7. So it never hurts to go the extra mile to make her feel loved and appreciated. And she'd cry a few happy tears if you clean the bathroom without being asked. But if you – like more than 8 out of every 10 Americans – plan to spend a record amount of money on Mom this Mother's Day, starting with this list is a genius move.