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New technology makes it nearly impossible to kill house plants

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New technology makes it nearly impossible to kill house plants

Remember that “pandemic garden” you started in 2020 that didn’t quite make it? 

Well, you’re not alone in your plant care struggles. In fact, many people unintentionally send their houseplants to the great compost heap in the sky each year. 

But fear not. There’s a new gadget out there that could change the way we care for our plants.

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SmartyPlants smart sensor (SmartyPlants)

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Meet the plant whisperer you never knew you needed

SmartyPlants is a smart sensor designed specifically for houseplants. It takes the guesswork out of plant care. This clever little device monitors crucial factors such as light, humidity, temperature, soil moisture and nutrients and sends all that vital info straight to an app on your smartphone.

SmartyPlants smart sensor (SmartyPlants)

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No more guessing games when it comes to plant care

Gone are the days of wondering, “Does my ficus need water, or am I just being paranoid?” SmartyPlants provides real-time updates on your plant’s needs. And here’s a fun twist: You can name your plants in the app. So when “Dave needs a drink,” you’ll know exactly which of your green buddies is feeling parched.

SmartyPlants smart sensor (SmartyPlants)

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From serial plant killers to green thumb gurus

The brains behind SmartyPlants know the struggle is real. In fact, the Founder and CEO Ben Beaver’s partner was a self-proclaimed “serial plant killer” who had managed to keep only one hardy cactus alive for six years. Drawing on his background in biology and technology, the CEO realized there had to be a better way. After numerous prototypes and tests, SmartyPlants was born, giving even the most challenged plant parents a fighting chance at nurturing thriving indoor jungles.

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Founder and CEO of SmartyPlants Ben Beaver (SmartyPlants)

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More than just a water reminder

SmartyPlants is packed with features that go well beyond simple watering reminders. It can assess your space and recommend plants that would thrive in that specific environment. You can set up automatic watering systems over Wi-Fi, perfect for worry-free vacations.

The device uses AI image analysis to monitor your plant’s progress over time and keeps tabs on past issues to prevent future problems. It doesn’t just measure light intensity but looks at the full spectrum to maximize photosynthesis.

SmartyPlants smart sensor (SmartyPlants)

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SmartyPlants quickly became a sensation

Launched on Kickstarter, SmartyPlants quickly became a sensation. Within just four days, the campaign had over 500 backers and raised more than 10 times its initial target. By the middle of the campaign, they had over 1,000 backers, putting them in the top 1% of all Kickstarter projects. They even snagged a coveted “Projects We Love” award from Kickstarter, given to only the top 10% of projects on the platform.

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SmartyPlants app (SmartyPlants)

How can you snag one of these?

You can get your hands on a SmartyPlants sensor by heading over to the SmartyPlants Kickstarter page. For a single sensor, you can grab an early bird discount of approximately $43, 15% off the regular price. If you’re dreaming big, a monster pack of 20 sensors is available for about $605, a whopping 40% discount. Simply back the project and wait for updates on shipping and delivery.

Remember, this is a Kickstarter campaign, so the usual crowdfunding caveats apply. But given the project’s success and the team’s dedication, it looks like a pretty safe bet for plant lovers.

After reading this article about the SmartyPlants gadget, are you now considering a houseplant to add to your home or office? Well, you’re in luck. After evaluating a wide selection of plants and suppliers, I highly recommend a plant subscription service. Services like these offer a variety of beautiful and easy-to-care-for plants delivered right to your door. It’s a perfect way to start or expand your indoor garden, ensuring you always have fresh greenery to brighten your space. For more information and to get started, check out this link.

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SmartyPlants app and smart sensor (SmartyPlants)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Let’s face it, constantly replacing dead plants can get expensive and disheartening. At around $43 for an early-bird Kickstarter deal, SmartyPlants seems like a solid investment if it can keep your green friends alive and thriving. While it can’t protect your plants from curious pets (sorry, Fluffy) or magically turn you into a botanist overnight, SmartyPlants might be the tool you need to achieve that lush, Pinterest-worthy indoor garden you’ve finally been dreaming of.

What’s your most memorable experience with trying to keep plants alive, and how might a device like SmartyPlants have changed that outcome? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Roland’s Go:Mixer Studio turns your phone into a mobile music studio

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Roland’s Go:Mixer Studio turns your phone into a mobile music studio

Roland now offers a more capable audio mixer for phones and tablets with the launch of the Go:Mixer Studio. The Go:Mixer audio interface lineup has always been a bit limited, better suited for scrappy live streams and capturing quick demos on their phones than professional recording. The Go:Mixer Studio is an attempt to actually reach that lofty goal, with more inputs and outputs, built-in effects, and up to 24-bit / 192kHz audio. There’s even an iOS app that allows you to capture video and multitrack audio simultaneously.

Streaming and social video are still the major use cases here. The Go:Mixer Studio can even be mounted on a mic stand so you can keep it in easy reach during a live session. The screen and knobs allow you to control all the parameters on the Go:Mixer Studio directly, but there’s also a desktop app for Windows and MacOS that gives you complete control of the mixer remotely.

There’s plenty of connectivity, including two XLR inputs on the back with phantom power, a 1/4-inch instrument input for directly connecting a guitar or bass, stereo 1/4-inch line-in jacks, and an aux input. There’s also 1/8-inch TRS MIDI in and out, two headphone jacks, and stereo line outs for connecting to studio monitors. Each audio input has a dedicated EQ and compressor on the channel. The XLR and instrument ins also have reverb available.

The Go:Mixer Studio is available now for $299.

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Alexa.com brings Alexa+ to your browser

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Alexa.com brings Alexa+ to your browser

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

For years, Alexa mostly stayed in one place. It lived on kitchen counters, nightstands or living room shelves. That setup worked for music and timers, but it also limited when and how people could actually use the assistant. Now that is changing.

Amazon has rolled out Alexa.com, which brings Alexa+ directly to your web browser for Early Access users. Instead of relying on a speaker or phone, you can now open a laptop and start using Alexa like any other web-based AI tool.

This shift is less about new tricks and more about access. Alexa can now follow you throughout your day instead of waiting for you at home.

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Amazon’s Alexa is no longer tied to a smart speaker, with Alexa.com bringing the assistant and Alexa+ directly to the web browser for Early Access users. (Photo Illustration by Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

What Alexa.com actually is

Alexa.com is the browser-based version of Alexa+. You can type questions, explore topics, plan trips, organize tasks, or create content without touching a smart speaker. The biggest difference is continuity. Alexa keeps context across devices, so conversations carry over whether you are on your laptop, phone, Echo, or Fire TV. You do not have to repeat yourself every time you switch screens. That makes Alexa feel less like a command tool and more like an assistant that remembers what you are working on.

Who can use Alexa.com right now

Alexa.com is not open to everyone yet. To use it, you need:

  • Alexa+ Early Access
  • An Amazon account linked to a compatible Echo, Fire TV, or Fire tablet
  • US-based Amazon account
  • Device language set to English, United States

Child profiles are not supported on the browser version. Older Echo devices will continue using the original Alexa.

What Alexa.com cannot do yet

Because Alexa.com is still in Early Access, it has limits that matter for everyday users. Right now:

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  • You can only type to Alexa in your browser
  • Voice interaction is not supported on the web
  • Music playback is not available
  • Smart home controls are limited compared to Echo devices

Amazon says features will roll out gradually. Alexa.com is meant to complement your devices, not fully replace them yet.

Meal planning without juggling tabs

One area where Alexa.com feels genuinely useful is meal planning. You can ask Alexa for a full week of meals and set preferences like high protein, low sugar, or kid-friendly lunches. Alexa generates a plan and turns it into a shopping list. From there, items can be added directly to Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods. Instead of bouncing between recipes, notes and carts, everything happens in one place.

Organizing everyday life in one place

Alexa.com also works as a lightweight life organizer. You can upload documents, emails and images so Alexa can pull out key details. That includes appointments, reminders and schedules you would otherwise forget. Instead of searching your inbox, you can ask Alexa when the dog last went to the vet or what time practice starts tonight. The information stays available across devices.

Smart home access, with limits

Alexa.com keeps your smart home controls visible next to your chat window. While full smart home control is still limited in the browser, Alexa.com lets you check status, review activity and continue actions on your Echo or Fire TV devices. It is most useful as a bridge. You can start something in the browser and finish it at home without starting over.

Recipes that follow you into the kitchen

Alexa.com also simplifies cooking. If you find a recipe online, you can paste the link into Alexa and ask it to adjust for dietary needs. Alexa can save it, convert it into ingredients and add everything to your shopping list. When it is time to cook, Alexa can pull the recipe up on your Echo Show, guide you step by step and manage timers so your hands stay free.

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Alexa.com lets users type questions, plan trips, organize tasks and create content without relying on an Echo or smartphone. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Finding something to watch faster

Decision fatigue hits hard at night. On Alexa.com, you can explore movie themes, get recommendations and save picks for later. When you sit down, Alexa remembers your choices and sends them to your Fire TV. That cuts down on scrolling and family debates.

What about privacy

Using Alexa on the web raises natural privacy questions. Amazon says Alexa+ includes built-in protections and user controls. Still, it is worth taking a minute to review your settings, especially if you plan to upload documents or personal information. A few smart habits can help:

  • Check your Alexa privacy settings and review stored activity
  • Avoid uploading sensitive documents like IDs or medical records
  • Use strong antivirus software to protect your device. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

As with any AI assistant, convenience comes with trade-offs. Staying aware helps you stay in control.

How much Alexa+ will cost

Alexa+ is free during Early Access. When Early Access ends, you will not be automatically charged. After that:

  • Alexa+ stays free with a Prime membership
  • Non-Prime users can subscribe for $19.99 per month

This makes Alexa.com more appealing for Prime members and a tougher sell for everyone else.

What this means to you

For most people, Alexa.com is about convenience. If you already use Alexa at home, the web version makes it easier to use during the day. You can plan, organize or look things up from your computer and then pick up later on your phone or Echo. It also puts Alexa in the same category as other browser-based AI tools, but with deeper ties to shopping, smart home features and entertainment. Whether you stick with it will likely come down to how often you want Alexa to help you during your day.

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Amazon says Alexa.com allows conversations to carry over across devices, giving users continuity between laptops, phones and smart home screens. (Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Alexa.com does not reinvent Alexa. It simply makes it easier to use where people already spend time. By bringing Alexa+ to the browser, Amazon is betting that continuity matters more than novelty. For some users, that will be enough to make Alexa feel relevant again.

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If Alexa followed you from your laptop to your living room, would you actually rely on it more, or would it still feel optional? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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A second US Sphere could come to Maryland

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A second US Sphere could come to Maryland

The second US sphere would be built in an area known as National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Located along the Potomac River, National Harbor currently features a convention center, multiple hotels, restaurants, and shops. While Abu Dhabi plans to build a sphere as large as the one in Las Vegas, the National Harbor venue would be one of the first mini-Sphere venues announced last March.

Its capacity would be limited to 6,000 seats instead of over 17,000. But the smaller Sphere would still be hard to miss with an exterior LED exosphere for showcasing the “artistic and branded content” that helped make the original sphere a unique part of the Las Vegas skyline.

The inside of the mini-Sphere will feature a high-resolution 16,000 by 16,000 pixel wrap-around screen, the company’s immersive sound technology, haptic seating, and “4D environmental effects.” For the AI-enhanced version of The Wizard of Oz currently playing in Las Vegas, audiences experience effects like wind, fog, smells, and apples falling from the ceiling.

The mini-Sphere will potentially also be cheaper to build than the $2.3 billion original, but its construction is contingent on the “receipt of certain governmental incentives and approvals from Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland.” Sphere Entertainment says the project “would utilize a combination of public and private funding, including approximately $200 million in state, local, and private incentives,” but would potentially generate millions of dollars in revenue for the country and state while supporting over 4,700 jobs once it opens.

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