Erin Lawrence from https://www.techgadgetscanada.com/ joins me this week to break down Ring’s new 4K doorbell, the real impact of AI in consumer tech after CES 2026, Amazon’s move into the Art TV market, and Alexa+ early access. We separate meaningful upgrades from marketing hype and talk through where smart home tech is actually headed. Thanks for listening!

In Home Gadget Geeks 672, I’m joined by Erin Lawrence to unpack the biggest smart home trends emerging after CES 2026. While artificial intelligence dominated the headlines, our focus is on what’s actually improving products versus what may simply be driving up costs. We discuss the broader impact of AI on hardware pricing, including rising memory and chip costs, and how that could shift consumers toward longer device lifecycles instead of frequent annual upgrades.

We spend significant time on Ring’s new 4K doorbell and camera lineup. Erin shares hands-on impressions of the upgraded resolution and improved color night vision, noting that while 4K delivers clearer wide-angle footage, it doesn’t magically solve long-distance zoom limitations. The more meaningful upgrade may be Ring’s AI-generated motion summaries and improved clip search. Instead of generic “motion detected” alerts, users now receive contextual descriptions that make it easier to decide whether to open the app. We also discuss Ring’s Familiar Faces feature and the broader privacy considerations that come with facial recognition, cloud storage, and law enforcement access.

From there, the conversation shifts to the expanding Art TV category. Amazon’s new Ember Art TV enters a market previously led by Samsung’s Frame series, but now facing competition from brands like Hisense, TCL, and LG. We talk about how televisions are increasingly designed to blend into home décor, display curated or AI-generated artwork, and operate in lower-energy display modes when not actively being used. Competition in this space could drive both innovation and pricing changes over the next year.

We also explore multifunction projectors, including the XGIMI MoGo 4 Laser. More than just a portable projector, it functions as a speaker and ambient lighting device with interchangeable magnetic filters for sunrise, sunset, ripple water effects, and moon projections. This reflects a growing trend toward devices that serve multiple lifestyle purposes instead of single-use gadgets.

The audio conversation continues with a comparison between Bose earbuds and AirPods Pro 3. Erin shares her preference for Bose sound quality and reliability, while I discuss the translation capabilities of AirPods Pro 3 and how real-time translation can enhance international travel and communication.

Alexa+ (Early Access) rounds out the discussion. We examine improvements in conversational responses, multi-command handling, Apple Calendar integration, and OpenTable reservations. While still evolving, Alexa+ shows progress toward more natural and context-aware smart assistant interactions. We also compare Alexa’s evolution to large language models, noting where it’s improving and where limitations remain.

Finally, we preview upcoming robotics and home automation reviews, including the Ecovacs Winbot W3 window-cleaning robot with self-cleaning pads, robot lawn mowers, robot pool cleaners, and even a robot companion dog named Milo. The robotics segment highlights how automation continues to expand beyond vacuum cleaners into more specialized home tasks.

Overall, this episode looks beyond product announcements to evaluate practical usefulness, privacy implications, and long-term trends shaping smart home technology in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Ring 4K doorbell worth upgrading from a 1080p model?

The Ring 4K doorbell provides sharper wide-angle clarity and significantly improved color night vision compared to older 1080p models. However, it does not dramatically improve long-distance zoom for details like license plates. The biggest upgrade is the addition of AI-generated motion summaries and improved video search, which make reviewing footage faster and more useful.

What are Ring AI motion summaries?

Ring AI motion summaries provide contextual descriptions of detected activity instead of generic “motion detected” alerts. For example, users may see alerts like “A person wearing a blue jacket delivered a package.” This feature helps homeowners quickly decide whether an event requires attention without opening the full video clip.

Does Ring use facial recognition?

Ring offers an optional feature called Familiar Faces, which allows users to label known individuals and receive personalized alerts. It is opt-in and requires user setup. While useful for identifying family members, facial recognition raises privacy considerations related to data storage and access.

What is an Art TV?

An Art TV is a television designed to display artwork or photography when not actively in use. Models like Amazon’s Ember Art TV and Samsung’s Frame TV are designed to blend into home décor by mimicking framed artwork. Many support curated art libraries, user-uploaded photos, and low-energy display modes.

How does Amazon’s Ember Art TV compare to Samsung Frame?

Amazon’s Ember Art TV enters a category historically led by Samsung’s Frame series. Competition may drive improvements in pricing, bundled features, and artwork subscriptions. Art TVs differ in bezel options, brightness, anti-glare performance, and art display quality.

What is Alexa Plus (Alexa+)?

Alexa Plus (Alexa+) is Amazon’s AI-enhanced digital assistant currently in early access. It offers more natural conversation, improved multi-command handling, better contextual understanding, and integrations such as Apple Calendar syncing and OpenTable reservations. It represents a step toward more intelligent voice assistants in the home.

Is Alexa+ better than ChatGPT?

Alexa+ is improving in conversational capability, but it is designed primarily for home automation and task management rather than open-ended AI conversations. While Alexa+ benefits from AI advancements, large language model platforms like ChatGPT remain stronger in complex reasoning and long-form dialogue.

Do 4K security cameras really improve image quality?

Yes, 4K security cameras improve overall clarity and detail, especially in well-lit environments. However, real-world improvements depend on lens quality, lighting conditions, and compression. Higher resolution does not automatically guarantee readable license plates or facial detail at long distances.

Are robot window cleaners worth it?

Robot window cleaners like the Ecovacs Winbot series attach to glass surfaces and automatically clean windows using rotating pads and cleaning solution. They can be especially useful for hard-to-reach windows, multi-story homes, or seasonal grime removal.

Is AI increasing the cost of consumer electronics?

AI features require additional processing power, memory, and advanced chips, which can raise manufacturing costs. As AI integration expands, some devices may become more expensive, potentially leading consumers to keep phones, laptops, and smart home devices longer before upgrading.

Links:

https://theAverageGuy.tv/coinbase

https://www.techgadgetscanada.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@ErinLawrenceTV

Chapters

[00:00] Welcome to Home Gadget Geeks
[01:25] Crypto Market Timing & Coinbase Promotion
[02:47] Catching Up with Erin & Winter Weather
[04:35] CES 2026 Recap: AI Everywhere
[07:17] Is AI Driving Up Tech Prices?
[15:16] Ring 4K Doorbell: What’s New
[18:38] 4K vs 1080p: Real-World Zoom Test
[23:33] Familiar Faces & Privacy Concerns
[29:14] Ring AI Motion Summaries Explained
[33:23] Amazon Ember Art TV Announcement
[35:26] Samsung Frame TV Frustrations
[37:48] Hisense, TCL & LG Enter the Art TV Market
[47:05] XGIMI MoGo 4 Laser Projector Overview
[52:31] Ambient Lighting & Lifestyle Projection
[56:03] Bose vs AirPods Pro 3
[59:40] Real-Time Translation with AirPods
[1:04:24] Alexa+ Early Access Overview
[1:06:11] Apple Calendar Integration
[1:12:00] Alexa vs ChatGPT: Where It Stands
[1:14:38] Upcoming Tech Reviews
[1:16:35] Ecovacs Winbot W3 Window Robot
[1:18:16] Milo the Robot Companion
[1:22:36] Final Thoughts & Where to Find Erin

Summary

• Home Gadget Geeks Show Introduction and Weather Discussion[0:00]
  • Jim Collison introduces the Home Gadget Geeks show, mentioning the date and location.
  • Jim and Erin Lawrence discuss the cold weather in their respective locations, with Erin mentioning temperatures as low as minus 26 degrees Celsius.
  • Jim mentions the snow in Bellevue, Nebraska, and the availability of show notes with links to Aaron’s YouTube content.
  • Jim thanks Patreon subscribers and discusses the Amazon affiliate link for the show.
• Crypto Investment and Coinbase Promotion[1:25]
  • Jim asks Erin Lawrence about the best time to invest in crypto, with Erin suggesting now due to current market conditions.
  • Jim mentions Coinbase’s promotion offering $30 for new users who make a $20 trade.
  • Jim encourages listeners to check out the Coinbase link on the show’s website.
  • Jim reiterates his appreciation for Aaron Lawrence and her YouTube content.
• Erin Lawrence’s Return and Personal Updates[2:47]
  • Jim inquires about Erin Lawrence’s return and how her family is doing, including her dog Roger.
  • Erin shares that Roger is doing well but they haven’t been able to take him for walks due to the cold weather.
  • Jim and Erin discuss the impact of the cold weather on their pets and the need for natural light.
  • Erin mentions the snowfall in her area and Jim shares his own snow situation in Bellevue.
• CES 2026 Highlights and AI Trends[4:35]
  • Jim asks Erin about her experience at CES 2026, where she focused on new tech and meeting brands.
  • Erin highlights the prevalence of AI in various products and devices at CES.
  • Jim and Erin discuss the potential bursting of the AI bubble and its impact on consumer products.
  • Erin mentions the increasing cost of technology due to AI and the potential for consumers to hold onto devices longer.
• Impact of AI on Technology Prices and Consumer Behavior[7:17]
  • Jim and Erin discuss the rising costs of technology due to AI and the potential for consumers to hold onto devices longer.
  • Erin shares her thoughts on how AI will affect the price of smartphones and other devices.
  • Jim mentions the potential for consumers to use older devices for longer periods due to higher costs.
  • Erin highlights the importance of meaningful AI in consumer products and the potential for AI to drive up prices.
• Ring Doorbell 4K and AI Recognition Improvements[15:16]
  • Jim introduces the topic of the original Ring doorbell and the new 4K Ring doorbell.
  • Erin explains the improvements in video quality, including better resolution and night vision with the 4K doorbell.
  • Erin discusses the new chime speaker feature that allows the doorbell to ring inside the house.
  • Erin highlights the AI-generated summaries that provide detailed information about who is at the door.
• Facial Recognition and Privacy Concerns with Ring[23:33]
  • Jim and Erin discuss the potential for facial recognition with Ring’s familiar faces feature.
  • Erin mentions the privacy concerns associated with facial recognition and the need for consumer consent.
  • Jim shares his thoughts on the benefits of facial recognition for community safety and crime prevention.
  • Erin expresses her willingness to test the familiar faces feature and provide her honest feedback.
• Amazon’s Art TV and Competition in the Market[33:23]
  • Jim introduces Amazon’s new Art TV and its features, including low light and low energy art display.
  • Erin compares Amazon’s Art TV with other similar products from Hisense, TCL, and LG.
  • Erin discusses the benefits of having a TV that blends into the home decor and provides high-quality art display.
  • Jim and Erin discuss the energy efficiency of Art TVs and their potential impact on home energy bills.
• Projector Technology and Ambient Light Features[47:05]
  • Jim and Erin discuss the benefits of projectors for larger image sizes and lower costs per square inch.
  • Erin introduces the X Jimmy Mogo for laser projector, which also functions as an ambient light and room device.
  • Erin highlights the projector’s ability to project various ambient light effects, such as sunrise, sunset, and moonscape.
  • Jim and Erin discuss the potential for using projectors in outdoor settings for ambient lighting.
• Bose vs. Apple AirPods and Translation Features[56:03]
  • Jim shares his positive experience with Bose earbuds and their superior sound quality compared to Apple AirPods.
  • Erin discusses her frustrations with Apple AirPods and her switch to Bose earbuds.
  • Jim mentions the translation features of the AirPods Pro 3 and his upcoming trip to Brazil to test them.
  • Jim highlights the benefits of using translation features for better communication with non-English speakers.
• Alexa A+ and Early Access Features[1:04:24]
  • Erin introduces Alexa A+, the newest iteration of Amazon’s digital assistant, and its conversational capabilities.
  • Erin shares her experience upgrading to Alexa A+ and the improvements in natural language processing.
  • Erin discusses the new voices available for Alexa A+ and their more human-like sound.
  • Erin highlights the early access nature of Alexa A+ and the ongoing improvements being made.
• Alexa Integration with Apple Calendar[1:06:11]
  • Erin Lawrence discusses the integration of Apple Calendar with Alexa, highlighting the convenience of adding events to the calendar using voice commands.
  • Jim Collison shares his experience with Dave Jackson, who uses Alexa to set a timer 10 minutes before their podcast to remind him of things.
  • Jim mentions the ongoing development of Alexa, noting that it has been updated with new voice and functions over the past couple of months.
  • Erin notes that Alexa is still in the early adoption phase but is improving, learning, and personalizing based on user interactions.
• Alexa’s Evolution and AI Integration[1:12:00]
  • Jim Collison compares Alexa’s evolution to chat GPT, noting that while Alexa is improving, it still lags behind in complex conversations.
  • Jim shares a personal anecdote about using Alexa while cooking with his daughter, highlighting the challenges of managing multiple AI assistants.
  • Erin Lawrence points out that Alexa is now more intuitive and understands context better, making it easier to use without being overly deliberate.
  • Jim and Erin discuss the integration of Alexa with various home automation systems, making it a versatile tool for managing daily tasks.
• Alexa’s New Features and Personalization[1:12:49]
  • Erin Lawrence mentions a video on her YouTube channel where she tests new features of Alexa, such as adding items to the grocery list and canceling them.
  • Jim Collison expresses interest in exploring more of Alexa’s capabilities, particularly in managing lists and making reservations.
  • Erin highlights Alexa’s integration with OpenTable, allowing users to make restaurant reservations using voice commands.
  • Jim and Erin discuss the potential of Alexa to handle more complex tasks, such as managing lists and making reservations, making it a more versatile tool.
• Upcoming Tech Reviews on Aaron Lawrence TV[1:14:38]
  • Erin Lawrence shares her excitement about upcoming tech reviews on her YouTube channel, including the Hisense Canvas TV and LG Wallpaper TV.
  • She mentions testing various 4K devices, indoor and outdoor cameras, and robot floor cleaners, window washers, and lawn mowers.
  • Erin expresses interest in testing a robot pool cleaner, despite not having a pool herself.
  • Jim Collison shares his experience with a pool, noting the high cost of maintenance and the potential benefits of a robot pool cleaner.
• Ecovacs Win Bot and Its Features[1:16:35]
  • Erin Lawrence discusses the new Ecovacs Win Bot, a third-generation window cleaning robot, and its impressive performance.
  • She highlights the robot’s ability to clean the pads it uses to wash windows, making it more efficient and convenient.
  • Jim Collison compares the Win Bot to a shower that washes towels, emphasizing its self-cleaning feature.
  • Erin shares her positive experience with the previous Win Bot model, expressing excitement about the new version.
• Robot Companions and AI-Enabled Devices[1:18:16]
  • Jim Collison and Erin Lawrence discuss the potential of robot companions, such as Ecovacs’ Milo, a robot dog designed to respond to human emotions.
  • Erin describes Milo’s features, including its ability to read human expressions and respond accordingly, and the availability of outfits for it.
  • Jim expresses interest in Milo but also concerns about its potential to be a target for pets.
  • Erin and Jim discuss the potential of AI-enabled devices, such as General Dynamics’ robot dogs, and the ethical considerations of giving them sharp objects.
• Final Thoughts and Contact Information[1:22:36]
  • Jim Collison reminds listeners about the availability of the show notes, including links to the products and services discussed.
  • Erin Lawrence provides her contact information, including her YouTube channel, email, and Instagram handle, for those interested in her reviews and updates.
  • Jim thanks Erin for being a guest and encourages listeners to join the Discord group and the Average Guy TV platform for further discussions.
  • The conversation concludes with a light-hearted exchange about the potential of AI-enabled devices and the importance of staying connected through technology.

About Erin Lawrence

Erin Lawrence is a consumer technology journalist and content creator focused on smart home devices, home security, TVs, audio gear, and emerging AI-powered gadgets. She is the creator of the YouTube channel Erin Lawrence TV, where she delivers in-depth reviews, hands-on demonstrations, and practical buying advice for everyday consumers. Her coverage spans everything from security cameras and robot vacuums to projectors, art TVs, and home automation systems.

With years of experience covering consumer electronics, Erin brings a balanced perspective to new technology. She evaluates not just what’s new, but whether a product meaningfully improves daily life. Her reviews are known for real-world testing, clear explanations, and honest feedback — especially when marketing claims don’t match performance.

Erin regularly attends major industry events such as CES, where she connects directly with manufacturers, tests upcoming releases, and identifies emerging trends in smart home innovation. Her reporting often highlights the intersection of AI, privacy, and usability, helping viewers understand both the benefits and tradeoffs of connected devices.

In addition to YouTube, Erin shares insights through social media and direct community engagement, offering practical advice for consumers navigating a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Her approachable style and hands-on expertise make her a trusted voice in home technology and smart living.

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg672

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #672 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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