Adobe's annual shopping forecast anticipates that US consumers will increase holiday spending online by 5.3% over last year to a record $253.4 billion, and the home category -- including electronics, refrigerators/freezers, tools, smart home and more -- is expected to see increased sales. Cyber Week, the five days starting with Thanksgiving, is expected to generate $43.7 billion, with mobile shopping accounting for 56.1% of total spend.

Smart home trends for 2025 include seamless integration of technology, a focus on wellness, enhanced security features and multitasking products, according to industry experts. Designers and integrators are increasingly collaborating to meet consumer demand for connected homes, with homeowners driving the push for smarter, healthier and safer living environments.

Panasonic says it is developing an anode-free lithium-ion battery cell that eliminates the need to produce a graphite or silicon anode. Instead, a lithium metal anode will naturally form after the first charge. The new anode-free battery cell, which should be available by the end of 2027, promises to increase energy density by 25%, potentially extending the range of electric vehicles like Tesla's Model Y by approximately 90 miles without enlarging the battery.

Tag Heuer has partnered with New Balance on the launch of Connected Calibre E5 smartwatch with features that include the Snapdragon 5100+ chip, AMOLED display and sensors for health and fitness tracking. The device also offers dual-band GPS, a day-and-a-half battery life and fast charging.

Many retailers intentionally increased inventory levels ahead of the holidays to hedge against new tariffs. Strategies largely focused on bringing in core, evergreen items with low markdown risk, an approach that ties up capital and increases storage costs. Retailers are banking on the advanced stockpiling buffering against potential disruptions and higher costs, but the tactic's success will depend on consumer demand holding up through the holiday season.