Bose expands its portable speaker line-up, Samsung starts production trials for its RGB TV display tech, Lightology kicks off its summer show in Dallas and more, all on this edition of the Weekly Rewind.
Bose Expands Portable Speaker Lineup
Bose has broadened its SoundLink portable speaker range with two major updates, according to ZDNet. The first is an entirely new product in the form of the SoundLink Plus, which comes with a dual-driver setup and includes rugged, IP67-rated construction that floats and offers up to 20 hours of battery life.
The next update comes as a refreshed SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen), which now features USB‑C charging, extended battery life (up to 12 hours), enhanced high-frequency clarity, and compatibility with the Bose app for EQ and shortcut customization.
Both speakers will support Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint pairing, Google Fast Pair, and aptX Adaptive codec for improved audio performance.
Ultrahuman Debuts Its Smart Home Wellness Monitor
Realtor.com reports that Ultrahuman has officially released its wellness-focused smart home hub, the Ultrahuman Home. Priced at $550 MSRP, the Home measures factors like allergens, mold and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in addition to noise and light levels throughout the day.
By providing real-time feedback and improvement suggestions, the system aims to empower users to enhance their home’s wellness, however, it is only capable of monitoring the environment and is unable to pair with any mitigation systems in the form of air purifiers or lighting controls.
Samsung Starts Production Trials for RGB TV Tech
Samsung has commenced test production of its next-generation RGB‑backlit Mini‑LED TVs, with it planning to debut with a 115‑inch model aimed at ultra‑premium home theaters. Samsung does plan to expand production to smaller sizes in the future, however.
While pricing hasn’t been announced, insiders expect it to fall below six-figure microLED prices while remaining substantial given the screen size, per TechRadar’s reports.
Unlike full microLED TVs, these units will use a hybrid approach with RGB LEDs in the backlight to enhance color accuracy, brightness, and efficiency over traditional Mini‑LEDs.
Lightovation Initiates 2025 Show in Dallas
Lightovation‘s summer session kicked off in Dallas Market Center this week, running from June 18–21. The show hosts several events and seminars that work to spotlight evolving trends in wellness and lighting design while also providing a exhibition for attendees to interact with lighting manufacturers in the space.
Among the debuts at the summer edition of the show were—Eichholtz, Norska USA, and Arabela Lighting—reports Home Accents Today.
The show also featured classes taught by Dr. Mariana Figueiro, as well as a showroom tour led by designer Ginger Curtis. Additional programming featured at the summer show included a Women in Lighting reception and networking opportunities for emerging leaders.
Dyson Ends Production of Air-Purifying Headphones
WIRED reported that earlier this week, Dyson decided to end production of its air purification headphones, known as the Zone. The product emerged into the market in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and quickly drew ridicule from early reviews, with the product itself costing $950 MSRP.
From an audio standpoint, the Dyson Zone offers active noise cancelling (ANC), low distortion and a neutral frequency response which was then paired with a built-in air purifier that would latch over the mouth.
The reasoning behind the rollback in production has not been explicitly stated but reports from other news site point to consumers viewing the product as largely a “gimmick” in addition to the original impetus for its use fading from public concern.
Texas Passes Right to Repair Bill for Consumer Electronics
Texas legislators sent a right-to-repair consumer electronics bill to the governor’s desk this week, according to E-Scrap News.
The bill mirrors language in bills passed elsewhere in the U.S., however, the bill will only apply to devices purchased after September 1, 2026 and have a wholesale price of more than $50 MSRP.
In addition, it provides more safeguards for OEMs and does not ban the use of parts pairing, which is the practice of using software to ensure a product will only operate with specific individual parts.
Part of the safeguards for OEMs include not requiring documentation or the availability of replacement parts and tools available. Instead, OEMs can provide reimbursement for the item or a suitable replacement.
Submissions for the 2025 BEST Product Awards Open
Submissions for CE Pro’s BEST Product Awards have opened. The awards recognize the best technologies, products, and services for the smart home, so if you have a product you think solves problems in the home and makes work easier for installers, then now is the time to enter. Early-bird deadline is July 10 while final deadline is August 8.
