Smart

Australian television actor and director Alister Smart has died, according to industry website TV Tonight, which published a tribute under its 'Vale' obituary banner. Smart was a familiar face in Australian television across decades of acting and directing work. The announcement has prompted remembrances from viewers and industry figures, though full details of his death and career honours have not yet been widely reported.

Apple's long-rumoured smart home camera is reported to be designed without the ability to record video, according to a new report. The claim suggests the device would focus on live viewing and smart home integration rather than storing footage, a notable departure from rival security cameras such as those from Ring and Nest. The news is drawing debate about privacy trade-offs and how useful a home camera would be without recordings.

Chinese manufacturers are producing replica classic cars fitted with modern electric vehicle technology, blending vintage styling with electric drivetrains. The trend highlights China's growing capacity to industrialize niche automotive segments, and is drawing attention from car enthusiasts debating whether EV retro classics are a smart revival or a dilution of motoring heritage.

A Northeastern University project examines how modern cars, functioning like smartphones with constant connectivity, microphones and sensors, collect data on drivers and passengers. The work looks at who has access to that information — automakers, insurers, advertisers and others — and raises fresh questions about privacy and consent in connected vehicles, a topic drawing wide attention online.

UK bus passengers who cannot or do not want to pay via smartphone apps are being charged more than those who use digital tickets, a Guardian reader argues. The piece highlights how cashless and app-only fare systems leave behind older and less tech-savvy travellers, prompting debate about whether digital-only pricing is fair and whether operators should be required to offer cheaper non-digital options.

A smart borewell startup appeared on Shark Tank India season 4, seeking ₹75 lakhs in funding from the panel of investors. The full pitch was released for viewers, drawing significant attention as the founders presented their technology-driven approach to borewell drilling and water access. Interest in the episode has been strong among audiences following Indian startup funding deals.

Retailers are rolling out early Prime Day discounts on smartwatches and fitness trackers ahead of Amazon's official sale event. PCMag is highlighting the deals, covering price cuts across popular wearables. Shoppers looking to buy a fitness band or smartwatch are being encouraged to take advantage of the pre-sale offers rather than waiting for the main event, with more early promotions expected in the coming weeks.

Pakistani reviewers and shoppers are debating whether budget kitchen gadgets and smart organizers sold locally are actually worth the money. Content examining cheap household items available in Pakistan is attracting large audiences, reflecting growing interest in affordable home organization products. Viewers appear to want honest assessments before spending on inexpensive tools that often promise more than they deliver.

Financial guidance attributed to Warren Buffett on how wealthy people use debt strategically is drawing wide attention online. The message: rather than avoiding borrowing entirely, the rich take loans to buy assets that generate returns exceeding the cost of the debt. The advice has resonated strongly with audiences interested in personal finance, prompting discussion about when leverage is smart and when it becomes dangerous.

In the Netherlands, Amsterdam police have arrested a suspect in a fatal shooting in the city, a story drawing wide attention through Algemeen Dagblad. Separately, retailer Wehkamp has removed Meta's camera-equipped smart glasses from its shelves with immediate effect, citing privacy concerns around the built-in recording camera, a move reported by tech site Tweakers.

Stéphane HUC is promoting a review of LinuxTV, a project aimed at televisions and based on the Debian Linux distribution. The item, published on his site, presents LinuxTV as a way to run a full Debian system on TV hardware, inviting readers interested in free software and open alternatives for living-room devices to take a closer look.

A British developer has fitted ultra-wideband radios into his household wheelie bins to solve an everyday problem: remembering whether the bins have actually been put out for collection. Using UWB ranging, the system can tell the difference between a bin still in the garage and one left at the kerb, without cameras or cameras-like privacy concerns. Readers are discussing the project as a clever, over-engineered take on smart-home automation.

The Motley Fool is highlighting three ETFs that investors could buy now as protection against a potential stock market crash. The piece taps into ongoing investor anxiety over market valuations and economic uncertainty, recommending defensive funds as a way to cushion portfolios if stocks fall sharply.

A personal finance tool called SpotFunds is promoting a 'smart spending coach' that nudges users before they overspend rather than after, helping them stretch discretionary money between paychecks. The pitch argues that real-time warnings beat retrospective budgeting, and the team is reportedly seeking a 50 Apple developer account as it builds out the product. Early reaction online is modest but focused on the timing-of-alerts idea.

An amateur astronomer pointed two smart telescopes, the Dwarf Mini and the Seestar S50, at the same target for the night: M43, De Mairan's Nebula, within the Great Nebula in Orion, M42. The resulting images are being shared with the astronomy community, a popular pastime as Orion returns to winter skies in the northern hemisphere.

Amazon has discounted four robot vacuum models by as much as 53%, in a deal roundup highlighted by SammyGuru. The offer covers a range of robotic cleaners, giving shoppers a chance to pick up automated floor care at a significantly reduced price. Coverage of the sale is circulating among bargain hunters and smart home enthusiasts looking for discounted home gadgets.

A comparison is making the rounds pitting Google's Fitbit Air against Noise's REP fitness tracker, weighing price against features to help buyers decide which wearable to pick. Coverage breaks down the two devices' pricing, tracking capabilities, battery life and smart features side by side.

Meta is opening its Muse AI agent to DIY hardware makers, offering free smart home devices to developers building with the platform. The programme would let independent and hobbyist hardware creators integrate Meta's AI agent into their own connected home products, lowering the barrier to experimentation. Details on eligibility, device availability and timelines remain sparse, and the wider reception of the announcement is not yet clear.

A roundup highlights five lower-cost Amazfit smartwatches as alternatives to expensive models from premium brands. The piece compares features and prices, arguing shoppers can get solid fitness tracking, battery life and smart features without paying top-tier smartwatch prices. It lands as consumers weigh rising wearable costs and look for better value in the crowded fitness tracker market.

A personal finance piece outlines practical measures Swiss families are using to trim household expenses in 2026. It focuses on everyday cost-cutting strategies for managing budgets amid continued pressure on family finances in Switzerland.

SKYX Platforms is reportedly pursuing a merger with Deako, a provider of smart-home electrical systems, in a move aimed at scaling its plug-and-play electrical technology across the residential market. The proposed combination would bring together SKYX's platform products with Deako's installed base, strengthening its position in the growing smart-home sector. Details on deal terms and timing have not been disclosed.

Children born from 2025 onward are being called Generation Beta, succeeding Gen Alpha. Experts say these kids will grow up fully immersed in artificial intelligence, smart technology and automation, and may be highly tech-fluent, adaptable and globally minded. Commenters and parenting writers are debating what a life shaped by AI assistants and constant connectivity could mean for their education, social skills and family life.

Bayern Munich signed Michael Olise from Crystal Palace, a move that has proved a smart gamble for the German champions while English clubs passed on the opportunity. Discussion centres on why Bayern acted decisively where Premier League giants hesitated, with the winger's performances in Munich vindicating the club's judgment and exposing missed chances in England.

Retailers are rolling out early October Prime Day discounts on home improvement products, covering power tools, yard care equipment, smart home devices and holiday lights. Shoppers are browsing the deals ahead of the main sale event, with coverage highlighting which tool and smart home bargains are worth grabbing before prices change.

Speculation is mounting that Apple will introduce new products next week or the week after. Attention is focused on Apple's first smart home display, with reports suggesting two different models are planned, one around six inches. Enthusiasts are debating what the devices will offer and when an official announcement will come.

Meta has released a new version of its smart glasses without a camera, priced at 349 dollars, according to Impress Watch. The audio-focused wearables complement Meta's existing Ray-Ban Meta lineup, which combines cameras with AI assistant features. The move signals Meta's continued push into wearable AI hardware, with observers weighing whether a camera-free design will appeal to users prioritising privacy or audio quality.

An electric vehicle owner in Australia noticed his home energy monitor showing zero kilowatts drawn, yet his utility's data indicated the EV charger was pulling power from the grid. The discrepancy has raised questions about how accurately households can track their own electricity use, and whether charging data and billing data are being recorded correctly.

Commentary is arguing that Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit is the only sensible option for Formula 1 to stage its first wet race. The piece presents Sepang as the smart choice over other venues, though details on the comparison or timing of such a race are limited to the opinion expressed.