Based on Camio visual AI engine built by former Google Search execs, new Ella from IC Realtime (IC Realtech) quickly identifies objects and text (OCR) in surveillance videos at consumer-friendly prices.

In studying pre-CES IoT activity, we discerned a few new trends in smart-home technology ('the fog') and market forces (wellness) driving home-automation. But some things never change (standards).

Home automation, networking and security have never been more confusing, thanks to an onslaught of DIY products like Ring Protect, Nest Secure, Amazon Echo Plus and Google Home. That's great news for smart-home pros.

Julie Jacobson and Avi Rosenthal wonder why Amazon chose ZigBee for Echo Plus home-automation hub, when Z-Wave is more interoperable, secure, supportable, and ubiquitous.

At CEDIA 2017, Google and Nest product managers Mark Spates and Mike Soucie discuss smart-home products, protocols and opportunities for home-technology pros.

The theme of Google's big press event last week was: Stuff just happens. No downloads. No "skills." New Google Home Max, potential Sonos buster, listens and learns for "smarter sound," and Nest home automation magically joins the ecosystem.