Latest news with #smarttech
CNET
4 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Get Smart With This Early Prime Day Bundle Deal on Amazon Echo Frames and Spot Speaker for $130
Adding some smart tech to your home (or your ensemble) can be a great win in today's world, helping you stay connected and get tasks done easier. These devices don't come cheap, but with Amazon Prime Day just a week away -- set to kick off July 8 -- we've spotted some great deals you can cash in on right now, including offers on Amazon's own devices. Right now, you can score both the latest model of Amazon's Echo Frames smart glasses, as well as the newest Echo Spot smart speaker for just $130. That's a whopping 63% discount that saves you $220 off its $350 list price. Both of these handy gadgets have built-in Alexa -- but you have to be a Prime member to score this incredible deal. The 3rd-gen Echo Frames let you listen to music, audiobooks or even take calls wherever you are. You can also use these frames to control compatible devices from afar. Expect up to six hours of playback per charge, though you can get up to 14 hours of battery life with moderate usage. Note, however, that you will need to order prescription lenses for these frames, which are sold separately. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. You'll also get the Echo Spot, which has a clock and displays the weather and song titles right on its screen. This small smart speaker is ideal for a nightstand, shelf or even a corner of your desk. It's not the most powerful speaker out there, but it connects easily to other Echo speakers and is a great addition to your collection. Why this deal matters Smart tech comes at a steep price, but this early Prime Day deal knocks over $200 off this handy bundle that includes both smart glasses and a smart speaker. If you're in the Alexa ecosystem, this offer is an easy sell -- especially if you were already in the market for audio-ready glasses or a speaker for your desk or bedside table. With costs going up due to tariffs, this is likely the best chance you'll have to score this bundle at such a low price anytime soon.
The Verge
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Verge
Philips Hue is raising prices in the US ‘as a direct result of tariffs'
You'll soon have to pay more for various Philips Hue smart lighting and security gadgets if you live in the US. After vaguely notifying customers that prices will 'go up' on July 1st in a promotional message, Philips Hue's parent company Signify has confirmed that it's inflating prices across the Philips Hue portfolio 'as a direct result of tariffs.' 'We remain committed to providing consumers with high-quality products and features that make smart lighting extraordinary,' Signify said in a statement to Hueblog. 'Signify reserves the right to modify prices based on new or additional tariffs becoming effective in the future.' Signify hasn't provided updated pricing or specified exactly which products will be affected, but its statement suggests the changes may impact the entire Hue lineup. The company is already starting to charge US customers more for products like the new $219.99 Hue Play Wall Washer light, which Hueblog notes is around 10 percent more than the €199.99 EU pricing when currencies are converted. The latest $32.99 Smart Button is also higher than the $24.99 launch price of its predecessor, while EU pricing has remained at €21.99 (about $25) for both. Hue's smart lighting is already some of the most expensive on the market, so the incoming price increases could entice consumers in the US to seek out more affordable alternatives. Some smart home tech providers may still be able to undercut Hue prices while facing down the same 125 percent Trump tariff rate on Chinese imports that are causing supply chain issues across the wider industry. And worryingly, Signify's statement suggests the company is prepared to raise US prices even further in the future, pending any more tariff changes. The new US pricing for Philips Hue products should be revealed next week when the official Hue store is updated. It may take a while longer for these changes to be reflected by third-party retailers.
