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The smart home market is expanding with new devices from Google, Apple, and Roborock, alongside a significant acquisition in smart lighting [1].
The smart home technology sector is experiencing a wave of new product releases, feature updates, and corporate acquisitions, aiming to enhance convenience, safety, and energy efficiency for users [1]. Among the developments, Google is expected to announce a new Home speaker, Apple is introducing energy monitoring for smart plugs, and Roborock has launched its first robot lawnmower [1].
Key takeaways
Google is preparing to announce a new Home speaker, which was previously previewed in October and projected for a spring 2026 launch [1]. This comes as over 3.5 million users have participated in early access testing for Gemini for Home [1]. Apple is also enhancing its smart home ecosystem with new features for its Home app, including a Power tab that will show the total energy consumption of compatible devices [1]. Additionally, both Apple and Google are updating their smart home streaming devices to support Thread 1.4, which will facilitate easier connection to existing Thread networks [1].
In the realm of home robotics, Roborock has introduced its first robot lawnmower, the RockNeo Q110H, which uses RTK and VSLAM navigation and is designed for small-to-medium yards [1]. Shark is also bringing new aesthetic options to robot vacuums, with its PowerDetect UV Reveal now available in four colors [1]. Furthermore, Google Home Premium Advanced subscribers can now utilize a new feature that allows Nest cameras to recognize pets, providing specific alerts about which pet is detected [1]. Thermacell has launched Liv 2.0, an updated version of its Wi-Fi-connected smart mosquito protection system, which offers new hardware and increased coverage but starts at a higher price of approximately $1,746 for a three-repeller system [1].
The smart home lighting sector has seen a significant development with OneRobotics, the parent company of SwitchBot, acquiring Nanoleaf for $40 million [1]. Nanoleaf, known for its modular RGB lighting panels, will reportedly remain independent, with its CEO Gimmy Chu and COO Christian Yan continuing to lead the company [1]. Chu described the sale as "more of a merger," which is expected to provide Nanoleaf with substantial resources, including a cash infusion to expand its team and access to OneRobotics' manufacturing facilities and supply chain [1]. This acquisition is anticipated to enable Nanoleaf to scale production, reduce costs, and improve supply chain control [1]. The acquisition is expected to be completed over two years [1].
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Philips Hue has also introduced SpatialAware, a feature for its Bridge Pro that maps the location of lights in a room to intelligently distribute colors and tones from lighting scenes [1]. This feature has been noted for making existing smart lights feel new again, enhancing the user experience beyond previous features like MotionAware [1].
These developments highlight the ongoing evolution of the smart home market, with companies focusing on both practical utility and user experience [1]. The introduction of energy monitoring features and improved device connectivity through standards like Thread 1.4 could lead to more efficient and integrated smart home systems [1]. The expansion of robot capabilities, from lawnmowers to pet recognition in cameras, suggests a trend towards more specialized and intelligent automated home solutions [1]. Furthermore, strategic acquisitions like Nanoleaf by OneRobotics indicate a consolidation and integration within the industry, potentially leading to more comprehensive smart home ecosystems and cost efficiencies for consumers [1]. The continuous stream of new gadgets and features underscores the dynamic nature of the connected home, promising further innovations in convenience, safety, and energy management [1].
AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 3 outlets · Jun 11, 2026 · How we report