UK consumer group Which? finds some everyday items including watches and speakers are ‘stuffed with trackers’ Air fryers that gather your personal data and audio speakers “stuffed with trackers” are among examples of smart devices engaged in “excessive” surveillance, according to the consumer group Which? The organisation tested three air fryers, increasingly a staple of British kitchens, each of which requested permission to record audio on the user’s phone through a connected app. Continue reading...

Smart alarm clock ticks most boxes with distraction-free screen and room-filling sound Amazon’s latest attempt to usurp the humble bedside alarm clock is the revamped Echo Spot, equipped with a speaker and small display for a customisable Alexa clock. The new Spot straddles the line between Amazon’s Echo Show smart displays and its basic Echo smart speakers in price and capability. The Spot costs £80 (€95/£80/A$149), though frequently much less in Amazon’s numerous sales. Dimensions: 113 x 103 x 111 mm Weight: 405g Touchscreen: 2.83in Connectivity: wifi 5 (ac), Bluetooth Speaker: 1.73in Continue reading...

Smart display is the control centre for Alexa-connected devices anyone in the home can use Amazon’s latest Alexa device feels like the missing piece in making a home fully smart and acts as a hub for controlling lights, doors, cameras, timers and heating. The Echo Hub arrives ready to be the touchscreen controller for your smart home, and is a cut-price option for a device that usually has to be either professionally installed, costing thousands, or a DIY job that requires more than a little expertise. Continue reading...

Full-size portable speaker gets stereo and bass upgrade, plus better wifi, Bluetooth and touch controls Sonos’s top-class battery-powered wifi and Bluetooth speaker has been given an all-round upgrade with double the battery life, impressive stereo sound and new touch controls. The Move 2 is certainly not your average portable speaker. It costs £449 (€499/$449/A$799) and aims to be the only sound system you need for indoor and outdoor use, weighing 3kg and sized about the same as a traditional bookshelf speaker. Dimensions: 241 x 160 x 127mm Weigh: 3kg Connectivity: wifi 6, Bluetooth 5, USB-C, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect Battery: 44Wh (24 hours playback), 120 hours standby, three hours to charge Charging: Included dock or USB-C 45W Water resistance: IP56 (dust and high-pressure water jets) Continue reading...