You won’t find a flashy new Linux desktop at CES, but the open-source OS is the foundational layer for everything from $3,999 AI workstations to software-defined cars. Canonical is leading the charge, helping manufacturers comply with the EU’s upcoming Cyber Resilience Act. The show proves Linux’s f
iRobot is pushing out firmware updates for three Roomba models, adding Matter and Apple HomeKit support. This comes as the company is in a pre-packaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, with ownership set to transfer to its manufacturer, Picea, by February 2026.
The Elecrow CrowPanel Advance 7-inch display uses both an ESP32-P4 for AI tasks and an ESP32-C6 for Wi-Fi. It’s a powerful $60 kit, but development is mired in new-hardware quirks, requiring deep dives into ESP-IDF and custom fixes to get basic features running.
AT&T is taking another swing at the smart home after shutting down its old Digital Life service. Its new Connected Life platform, built with Google and Abode, starts at $11 per month. The big question is whether being an AT&T customer is enough of a draw.
As the HVAC industry phases out old refrigerants for climate-friendly but flammable alternatives like R-32, safety is paramount. Carlo Gavazzi’s new DPA01, DPA51, and DPA52 relays offer a certified, spark-free monitoring solution to meet strict new standards.
The Connectivity Standards Alliance has released the ZigBee 4.0 specification. The update prioritizes security enhancements and smart energy applications for connected devices.
A new security standard is pushing utilities to look beyond their wired networks. The real threat, and the new compliance focus, is now in the unmonitored radio waves around critical infrastructure.
China Telecom and ZTE have completed a massive 5G rollout across rural Shandong province. The results show dramatic improvements in connectivity and some unexpected economic benefits.
A new generation of printable, flexible solar technology is poised to eliminate batteries from millions of IoT devices. These organic photovoltaic cells work incredibly well under indoor light, opening up entirely new design possibilities. It’s a fundamental shift in how engineers think about power.
