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June releases second-generation smart oven with food recognition
Ashlee spent time as a newspaper reporter, AmeriCorps VISTA and an employee at a healthcare company before she landed at CNET.… Read full bio
Ashlee Clark Thompson
Associate Editor
The June Intelligent Oven is similar in size to a toaster oven or microwave.
June
The oven that can recognize and automatically cook your food now has a smarter, cheaper descendent.
The second generation of the June Intelligent Oven is available to order today (its creators will start to ship units out today, too). Like its predecessor, the $599 countertop oven uses a built-in camera, an internal processor, Wi-Fi connectivity and software to identify foods that you place inside. The oven will then access specific cook programs based on what it sees and set the cook time and temperature based on how you want your food cooked. You can watch the cooking process from the June app, which will also send a notification when your food has finished cooking.
We reviewed the first June oven when it debuted in 2016. Both June models are about the same size as a microwave or toaster oven and have a 1-cubic-foot cooking capacity. A touchscreen control panel is built into the doors of both ovens.
When the June oven first came out, the appliance could only recognize 25 foods. There wasn’t a lot of room to add your own preferences for certain dishes like bacon (you couldn’t choose if you wanted it crisp or chewy). And there were just a few core functions: Bake, broil, roast and toast. Plus, it cost $1,495, which could buy two inexpensive full-sized stoves.
June says its oven can fit a 12-pound turkey.
June
The latest June oven model can recognize more than 50 common foods, and there are more opportunities to tweak exactly how you want your meal (there are now 64 ways to cook bacon). There are additional functions, including an air fryer, dehydrator, slow cooker and warming drawer. And it’s a lot cheaper — June CEO and co-founder Matt Van Horn said the price decreased because of a redesign that eliminated some parts (such as a built-in scale included in the first model), some mechanical changes and a new supply chain.
Many of the additions to the June oven’s cooking capabilities were based around its software, so people who have the original June oven have access to the new features thanks to automatic software updates, said Van Horn, who co-founded Zimride (now Lyft). (Co-founder and CTO Nikhil Bhogal previously worked at Apple.)
June’s creators have also started a recipe subscription service that costs $4.99 a month. With the subscription you can access a collection of recipes created specifically for the June oven that included pictures of ingredients and videos of each step.
The June oven is one of a growing number of countertop appliances that seek to introduce new cooking concepts. Other examples include the Tovala Smart Oven, which uses a barcode scanner to scan Tovala-branded meals and cook them automatically, and the Suvie Kitchen Robot, a countertop cooker that uses water to prepare meals.
The June’s big price drop could make this appliance, which did well in our testing, much more appealing to home cooks. I’m eager to see just how good the software has gotten, especially when it comes to recognizing more foods.
Keep Watching
The June Intelligent Oven is back to livestream your meals for less money
These countertop appliances take new approaches to cooking
Ashlee spent time as a newspaper reporter, AmeriCorps VISTA and an employee at a healthcare company before she landed at CNET. She loves to eat, write and watch "Golden Girls" (preferably all three at the same time). The first two hobbies help her out as an appliance reviewer. The last one makes her an asset to trivia teams. Ashlee also created the blog, AshleeEats.com, where she writes about casual dining in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Trishna Mirajkar works in digital and industry media, which basically means breaking news, sharp headlines, and making complex stuff readable (and occasionally interesting).… Read full bio
Trishna Mirajkar
Narwal/CNET
You can preorder the Narwal Flow 2 robot vacuum and mop for just $1,100. It ships April 20, so you don’t have long to take advantage of this $400 savings. Be sure to clip the on-page coupon on Amazon to score this price. The same $1,100 deal is also available on Narwal’s website, so that you can grab it from either place at the same price.
At its core, this robust cleaning system combines vacuuming and mopping in a single pass. The vacuum side is strong enough to pull in everyday messes like dust, crumbs and pet hair without needing multiple runs, while the mop side is where it really shines, tackling sticky messes, dried-on stains and more.
Instead of dragging a dirty pad across your floors like older robot mops, it uses a rolling track mop system that continuously refreshes itself with clean water as it cleans. That means it’s always working on a clean surface, rather than spreading grime.
It’s also a model you don’t have to babysit while it cleans, thanks to its internal smarts. The robot can recognize different surfaces and levels of mess, so it behaves differently depending on what it sees. If it hits a tougher spill, it can actually go back, clean the area again and adjust its mopping, instead of just passing over it once and calling it a day.
CNET's expert, Ajay Kumar says, “The Flow 2 comes with Narwal’s NarMind Pro Autonomous System, a new navigation system that features dual 1080p RGB cameras with a 136-degree field of view. It runs the VLM OmmniVision AI Model, which Narwal says enables the Flow 2 to have unlimited object-recognition capability, unlike other robot vacuums that typically have a list of 20-30 objects they’re trained on.” That means this robot cleaner should be able to zoom around your home without getting stuck or making a bigger mess.
The dock is where things get even more hands-free. It does the dirty work for you by washing the mop with hot water, drying it and collecting the dust in a sealed bag. Instead of constantly rinsing pads or cleaning rollers yourself, most of that maintenance is handled automatically in the background.
It’s also designed to handle mixed-floor homes, lifting the mop and switching to vacuum-only when necessary so your carpets don’t get wet. That makes it more flexible than older hybrid bots that basically avoided carpets altogether when mopping.
What makes this cleaner stand out is that it is not just a vacuum and a mop stuck together. It’s closer to a self-managing cleaning system. It cleans, maintains itself, adjusts its behavior based on the mess and then resets itself for the next run — all without you having to think about it too much. Plus, the $400 preorder discount brings it down to a more reasonable price.
Trishna Mirajkar
Trishna Mirajkar works in digital and industry media, which basically means breaking news, sharp headlines, and making complex stuff readable (and occasionally interesting). She spends a lot of time watching horror, thriller and suspense movies.
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Save up to $2,500: We’ve found multiple Hisense TVs on sale at both Amazon and Best Buy for up to $2,500 off as part of Hisense’s summer sale. These deals offer an excellent opportunity to nab a new TV from as low as $430 for a limited time. Hisense TVs are among our favorites, and this sale includes both some of the latest models as well as previously-released TVs that still offer fantastic performance. These deals aren’t bound to stick around for long, so that’s something to remember.
If you’re looking for a TV that’ll turn your living room into a home cinema, this 100-inch Hisense Class UR8 TV is down to $3,500. That saves you $2,500 on a TV with 4K resolution, Google Smart TV interface and AI-assisted color processing.
If you’re on a budget, this 65-inch Hisense Class U7 series TV is down to $400, which saves you $78. This TV is equipped with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. It also includes an Amazon Fire interface. The remote control can be synced to Amazon Alexa for added voice control options. The 65-inch Hisense QD7 series TV is down to $500, saving you $100 on this fully equipped 4K resolution TV with AI upscaling.
Other examples of door-busting deals include this 100-inch Hisense Class U7 TV for a massive $2,000 off. This brings it down to just $2,500 during this summer sale. This TV includes Google Assistant and is also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home and Google Home for high-tech voice controls. Its 165Hz refresh rate makes this a great TV for binge-watching and gaming.
Hisense makes excellent TVs, but this 50-inch Amazon Fire TV is down to just $310 right now. This saves you $160 for a 4K, local dimming and compatibility with Amazon Alexa for voice control options. We also found this 65-inch LG QNED 4K AI TV for $500, down from $600. This TV includes WebOS, an AI processor for stunning images, game mode and intelligent voice recognition. This TV deal is exclusive to Amazon.
Sneha is a sub-editor turned commerce writer with a love for all things digital.… Read full bio
Sneha Iyer
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Back-to-school season is here, and whether you or the kid in your life is heading to college for the first time or gearing up for another year, the shopping list adds up fast. Laptops, tablets, headphones, dorm essentials — it’s a lot, and none of it comes cheap. We’ve rounded up the best deals across tech and everyday essentials, so you’re not paying more than you have to.
The AirPods 4 are Apple’s most affordable option right now and a solid choice if you prefer open earbuds over in-ear tips. They sit comfortably without sealing your ears off from the world. Sound quality is solid for open earbuds, voice calls hold up well and you get spatial audio and pinch controls throughout. The ANC model is also discounted at $145.
The Soundcore 2 is a portable Bluetooth speaker you can take anywhere, whether it’s camping, the beach, or to add ambiance to your dorm room. IPX7 waterproofing handles splashes, waves and everything in between. Battery life runs up to 24 hours on a single charge and 12 watts of power from dual neodymium drivers delivers solid bass without distortion.
This 2026 laptop runs on AMD’s Ryzen AI 5 430 processor, 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage, with enough power and storage to handle everything the school year throws at you. The OLED display makes everything from research to late-night to Netflix look better. The touchscreen and 180-degree make it versatile.
Now a generation old, the 11-inch M4 iPad Air is still worth considering as a laptop alternative. It’s compact, instant and great for media, gaming and focused work. iPadOS 26 has pushed it closer to Mac-level versatility and the Magic Keyboard case seals the deal for anyone who needs a proper typing setup on the go.
Apple AirPods Max 2: $449 (save $100). The Max 2 are the best headphones for anyone in the Apple ecosystem and offer distinct improvements over their predecessor.
Iniu 20,000 mAh power bank: $28 (save $9). Get 45-watt fast charging, a compact design that can fit in your bag and battery life that can last a week between charges.
This backpack is a practical pick for students of any age. It comes with a durable padded laptop sleeve, is easy to clean and sized to fit comfortably. Whether it’s navigating hallway spills in middle school or cramped lecture-hall desks, it handles daily wear with little fuss.
This dorm essential keeps things cool between 32 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit and comes with adjustable temperature control. The separate freezer compartment can handle everything from frozen meals to ice cream.
Unleash your personality with a smart floor lamp that syncs to music and gaming audio in real time, shifting color and brightness with the beat. With 16 million color options and 85 dynamic scene modes, it’s the easiest way to make any dorm room feel like your own.
It’s a Stanley. You already know. The 30-ounce tumbler keeps drinks cold, fits in a cup holder and comes with a three-position lid. It’s BPA-free stainless steel and comes with the iconic handle.
Never scramble for a sticky note again. Each pack includes 24 pads of 3×3-inch notes, with 70 sheets per pad. That’s over 1,600 notes to keep your desk, classroom or workspace stocked all year long.
This stainless steel lunchbox comes with three compartments to keep meals organized. A bonus silicone container adds extra storage and the PFAS and BPA-free design means no unwanted chemicals near your food. It’s odor-resistant, dishwasher safe and available in a variety of colors.
Owala FreeSip tumbler: $35 (save $10). Keep your drink cold through back-to-back classes and commutes with this insulated, leak-proof 40-ounce water bottle.
Pilot G2 Pens (12-pack): $13 (save $2). The contoured rubber grip keeps things comfortable whether you’re taking notes in class or powering through a project.
Sneha is a sub-editor turned commerce writer with a love for all things digital. She spent years editing print publications, gaining a sharp eye for detail. She writes with curiosity and just a bit of humor. When she's not sharing her takes, you'll find her leveling up in a game, getting lost in a good book or caught in an endless loop of cute cat videos.
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The latest federal rules could spell doom for many robot brands in America. Colin West McDonald/CNET
On Sunday, the Federal Communications Commission issued an important update clarifying how its national security restrictions on equipment from certain foreign companies apply to robots. The update may be broader than it first seemed. In addition to banning the import of new models of humanoid robots that walk and dance, the language could also apply to household devices like robot vacuums and other mobile technology.
The key phrase in the FCC’s statement is “advanced robotic devices,” under which the agency includes autonomous robots that are “capable of locomotion, obstacle avoidance, navigation or movement on the ground.” The rule specifies the device and its ground station weigh over 4.4 pounds. Most robot vacuums are heavy enough to be affected, although fuzzy toys like SwitchBot’s AI pets are too light to be included. However, this rule will likely also apply to most robot lawn mowers, pool robots and even food delivery robots.
Any of these devices that use components from foreign companies may be banned, but those already for sale in the US or your current Roomba, Shark or Roborock aren’t at risk, since it applies only to new models that haven’t been brought to the US market.
“New foreign-produced advanced robotic devices and power inverters are generally prohibited from receiving FCC authorization to be imported, marketed, or sold in the US,” according to an FCC fact sheet. “This action does not affect any previously purchased devices.”
An FCC representative confirmed to CNET that vacuum devices are covered in the latest updates. Pool-cleaning robots and similar products like robot mowers are also likely to be affected.
The policy exempts sales to and use by the federal government, including the military. This is somewhat surprising given the report’s rationale for the ban, which cites additional vulnerabilities that could allow foreign firms to access sensitive data or gain control of the devices. Self-driving vehicles and medical equipment are also exempt.
Will all foreign-made robot vacuums be banned for sale?
Roborock
No. If the rollout happens as it did with routers, you’ll still be able to purchase existing robot vacuum models in the US market, including warranties and services. The ban only applies to new models not yet released in the US. For those, brands will need to apply for an exemption and meet the criteria established by the FCC.
We expect the FCC to publish a covered list for robot vacuums, similar to what it did for routers.
“This is very similar to the FCC’s sweeping ban on routers earlier this year. If any part of the design or manufacturing process takes place outside the US, it’s subject to this ban. Every router company in the world fell into that category, and I’d guess it’s a similar story with robots,” said CNET Senior Writer Joe Supan. “With routers, companies immediately began lobbying for exemptions to the FCC’s ban, and I expect we’ll see the same here. Netgear received the first exemption about a month after the ban was announced, and dozens more have followed since then.”
The FCC does not directly mention China in its fact sheet, but the full update includes references to Chinese autonomous systems, and the administration recently accused China of stealing AI technology from Anthropic for its Moonshot project.
Will you be able to buy robot vacuums in the future?
Want to buy a future robot vacuum in America? It may be difficult if this ban holds. Shark
CNET’s robot vacuum specialist, Ajay Kumar, said that iRobot, the maker of the popular Roomba line, still considers itself an American company and maintains its headquarters in the United States. However, he said the company’s recent acquisition by the Chinese supplier Picea is likely to mean that future Roomba models may not be available in the US if the FCC rule remains in effect without an exemption.
A representative for iRobot responded with the following statement: “We are aware of the FCC’s recent action and are working with them to better understand its implementation and potential impact. We remain committed to serving our customers and will share updates as more information becomes available.”
A Roborock representative confirmed to me that the company doesn’t expect a short-term impact on its robot lineup and that users can trust that products purchased through US sales channels meet official certification criteria. Existing and new products should still be available on Best Buy, Target, Walmart and US online storefronts, including Amazon and the Roborock website. All products sold in the US should continue to operate normally.
“Narwal’s current lineup is not impacted — every model sold in the US today remains fully certified, fully supported and available at retail, and that doesn’t change,” said Yunlin Kong, president of Narwal Overseas Business. “As for future products, we’re reviewing the FCC’s process, including conditional approval, and we remain committed to the US market.”
Your robot vacuum may be affordable to buy up front, but over time, the costs can add up.
MOVA
Dreame likewise said it is “currently reviewing and assessing the details of the recent announcement.”
Other companies have responded off the record, telling me they’re adopting a wait-and-see approach, monitoring the latest developments, but they don’t currently anticipate disruption to existing product lines.
It’s likely that most or all robot vacuum brands in the US could face bans because of their reliance on overseas components, including Eufy, Roborock, Ecovacs, Dreame, Shark and even Matic, which proudly states it’s designed and assembled in the US but acknowledges that it uses globally sourced parts on its website.
Previously purchased robot vacuums, mowers and pool robots will not be affected by this ban, though you should keep an eye out for possible issues with future firmware updates.
“With routers, part of the initial ban was that existing models that had already gotten FCC approval wouldn’t be able to issue firmware updates after about a year from the ban,” said Supan. “They eventually pushed that deadline back to 2029, but it looked at first like everyone’s router would turn into a pumpkin in a year.”
How will this impact the robotics industry?
Robot maker 1X envisions Neo fitting comfortably into your upscale home.
1X
The FCC’s latest actions could also have significant implications for other autonomous robots used across a variety of industries, from police and helper robots to technology in shipping and warehouses. The goal is undoubtedly to promote full domestic manufacturing of advanced robots, but as Ian Rinehart, Lux Research principal analyst, noted, “It’s not realistic to onshore that volume of electronics manufacturing within a span of even 5 years. It would require a decade of significant, concentrated policy support to recreate the manufacturing base and tight industrial networks that China has developed.”
Rinehart believes that if the FCC rule stands without exemptions, Americans will lose access to affordable robot vacuums and other devices they’ve been able to get, though he does acknowledge there are some potential national security issues.
“In light of cybersecurity threats from AI-enabled hacking and the advances in autonomous robotic weaponry on the battlefield in Ukraine, it’s prudent to minimize vulnerabilities,” said Rinehart. “Critical infrastructure deserves that level of protection. However, casting too wide a net in advanced robotics will hurt US consumers but achieve only minimal gains to national security.”
Tyler has worked on, lived with and tested all types of smart home and security technology for over a dozen years, explaining the latest features, privacy tricks, and top recommendations.
With degrees in Business Management, Literature and Technical Writing, Tyler takes every opportunity to play with the latest AI technology, push smart devices to their limits and occasionally throw cameras off his roof, all to find the best devices to trust in your life. He always checks with the renters (and pets) in his life to see what smart products can work for everyone, in every living situation.
Living in beautiful Bend, Oregon gives Tyler plenty of opportunities to test the latest tech in every kind of weather and temperature. But when not at work, he can be found hiking the trails, trying out a new food recipe for his loved ones, keeping up on his favorite reading, or gaming with good friends.
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Ajay has worked in tech journalism for over a decade as a reporter, analyst, product reviewer, and editor. He got his start in consumer tech, breaking Android news at Newsweek before going to PCMag, where he reviewed hundreds of smartphones, battery packs, and chargers as a Mobile Analyst. He also worked at Lifewire, a Dotdash Meredith brand, as a Tech Commerce Editor, putting together tested best-of lists and assigning product reviews across categories including smart home, uninterruptible power supplies, generators, and automotive tech.
Most recently, he was Section Editor, Mobile at Digital Trends, spearheading his team's coverage of breaking news, features, reviews, roundups, deals, and more across a variety of mobile products, including phones, wearables, VR headsets, batteries, and chargers. If you want Ajay's advice about anything tech, especially solar panels, UPS, batteries, EVs, and charging technology, you can reach him at ajkumar@cnet.com.
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