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Smarthome

All articles tagged with #smarthome

technology1 year ago

The Installer's Ultimate Gift Guide: Part Two

The latest edition of Installer, a newsletter by The Verge's David Pierce, offers a variety of tech and entertainment recommendations, including a new Peloton app, a comic book series, and tech-culture documentaries. It highlights the shift from new gadgets to entertainment for cold evenings and features a gift guide with suggestions like the Raspberry Pi 5, Hoto tools, and the new Mac Mini. The newsletter also shares community recommendations and insights into Kristen Radtke's favorite apps and current interests.

technology1 year ago

Meross Launches Matter-Compatible Thermostat Amid Mixed Reviews

Meross has launched its first Matter-certified smart thermostat for North American HVAC systems, priced at $99.99. This thermostat, compatible with 95% of heating and cooling systems, integrates with major smart home platforms like Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home without needing a cloud connection. It features a touch screen, smart scheduling, and system usage tracking via the Meross app. While it lacks some advanced features of competitors like the Nest Thermostat, it is the most affordable Matter-compatible option available, supporting room sensors and the latest Matter 1.4 spec for enhanced functionality.

technology1 year ago

Top Tech Gift Picks for 2024 Holiday Season

Engadget has curated a list of top tech gifts for 2024, perfect for gadget enthusiasts. Highlights include Govee's M1 RGBIC smart light strip for customizable home lighting, the reMarkable Paper Pro for distraction-free writing, and the Canon Ivy 2 portable printer for instant photo printing. Other notable mentions are the Anker Prime power bank with a recharging base, the Turtle Beach Atlas Air gaming headset, and the Sonos Era 300 speaker with spatial audio support. These gadgets cater to various interests, from smart home setups to audio and gaming experiences.

technology1 year ago

Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W: Affordable Wireless Microcontroller for $7

Raspberry Pi has launched the Pico 2 W, a $7 microcontroller board with wireless capabilities, designed for hobbyists and industrial use. It features Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11n connectivity, built around the RP2350 microcontroller, offering enhanced speed, memory, and security. The board supports programming in C, C++, and MicroPython, and is suitable for applications like smart home devices and robotics.

entertainment1 year ago

Must-Watch Tech Documentaries of the Year

This week's edition of Installer highlights two must-watch tech documentaries: one on global surveillance inspired by Ronan Farrow's article on government hacking, and another on consumer manipulation tactics akin to 'The Great Hack.' Additionally, the newsletter covers a new powerful synthesizer from Teenage Engineering, a massive Amazon Echo device, and a minimalist podcast app. It also features tech insights from Rich DeMuro, a tech reporter, and shares community recommendations on various tech and entertainment topics.

technology1 year ago

Apple's 2025 Smart Display: Revolutionizing the Smart Home Experience

Apple is reportedly developing a smart display, dubbed the HomePad, to enhance its smart home ecosystem. This device aims to simplify home automation by integrating Apple's HomeKit and leveraging the new Matter standard for connectivity. The HomePad will feature a user-friendly interface combining voice and touch controls, potentially overcoming the limitations of current smart displays. However, Apple's success hinges on improving Siri's capabilities to provide a seamless user experience. The HomePad is expected to run on a new homeOS, enhancing Apple's smart home offerings.

technology1 year ago

Apple's 2025 Smart Display: A Home Command Center Revolution

Apple plans to launch a new smart home device in 2025, resembling a wall-mountable iPad, designed to control smart home functions. The device will feature a 6-inch display, run a homeOS operating system, and support Apple Intelligence and Siri. It will include apps like Safari and Calendar, and offer smart home controls through a customizable interface. The device aims to be more advanced than Amazon and Google counterparts, with features like FaceTime, speakers, and a built-in battery. Pricing details are yet to be announced.

technology1 year ago

Apple Reconsiders Launching Its Own TV Set Amid Smart Home Expansion

Apple is considering launching its own branded TV set as part of its expansion into the smart home industry, contingent on the success of its upcoming wall-mounted smart home hub. The company has previously explored this idea but is now revisiting it with a more integrated ecosystem of devices. Analyst Mark Gurman reports that while the TV set could feature home-related functionalities, it would not serve as the central hub, a role reserved for the new 6-inch smart home device.

technology1 year ago

Apple's 'HomePad': The Future of Smart Home Control

Apple is reportedly developing a new smart home device called 'HomePad,' which could either replace or complement the existing HomePod. The HomePad is expected to support advanced Siri capabilities and offer versatility with attachments like wall mounts and speaker bases. While it may not match the HomePod's audio quality, it could enhance the smart home experience by working alongside HomePods, potentially routing Siri requests for better processing. The future of HomePod depends on the HomePad's design and capabilities.

technology1 year ago

Apple's AI Wall Tablet Set to Revolutionize Smart Homes

Apple is reportedly planning to launch a new smart home hub device, which could boost its stock value, according to analysts. The device, resembling a 6-inch square iPad, will control home appliances and support video conferencing and Siri voice prompts. Analysts believe this product could enhance Apple's AI ecosystem and compete with Amazon Echo and Meta's Portal. Apple stock is currently rated as a buy, with a target price of $265.

technology1 year ago

Apple's AI Wall Tablet to Revolutionize Smart Homes by 2025

Apple is reportedly developing a wall-mounted AI device, code-named J490, that can control smart home appliances, handle video conferencing, and navigate apps using artificial intelligence. Expected to be announced as early as March, the device resembles a square iPad with a 6-inch screen and will be available in silver and black. It aims to compete with Google's Nest Hub and Amazon's Echo Show, with a potential price of up to $1,000 for higher-end models. The device will function independently but will require an iPhone for certain tasks.

technology1 year ago

Apple's 2026 Vision: Health-Focused AirPods and Smart Home Camera

Apple is reportedly planning to release a smart home camera and updated AirPods with enhanced health features in the coming years, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The smart home camera, expected to integrate with Apple Intelligence and Siri, is set for mass production in 2026. Future AirPods models may include health management features similar to the Apple Watch, with Goertek as the primary supplier. These developments align with Apple's ongoing focus on health technology.

technology1 year ago

Matter 1.4 Enhances Smart Home Integration with New Device Support

Matter 1.4 aims to address previous shortcomings in the smart home standard by enhancing multi-admin interoperability, improving Thread border router compatibility, and expanding energy management support to include devices like heat pumps and solar panels. While the update promises better integration across platforms like Apple, Amazon, and Google, adoption may be slow as device makers and platforms integrate the new features. The update also introduces Matter-certified routers to streamline smart home infrastructure, potentially accelerating Matter's adoption.

technology2 years ago

"CES 2024: XGIMI Unveils IMAX-Enhanced Projector with Ceiling Light Integration"

Xgimi has introduced its brightest 4K smart projector, the Horizon Max, and a unique 3-in-1 Aladdin ceiling light projector with Bluetooth speaker capabilities in the US. The Horizon Max boasts 3,100 ISO Lumens, IMAX Enhanced certification, and Intelligent Screen Adaptation technology, while the Aladdin offers 1080P projection and 360-degree Harman Kardon sound. Both devices run Google TV, allowing for easier Netflix integration compared to Android TV. Pricing and release details are pending, with the Horizon Max expected to be under $3,000 and ship in late 2024, and the Aladdin's details to be announced later.

technologyproduct-reviews2 years ago

"Top 6 Smart Window Treatments for Your Home in 2023"

The article reviews the best smart shades, blinds, and curtains of 2023, offering options for different needs and budgets. The SmartWings Motorized Roller Shades take the top spot for their versatility and compatibility with major smart home ecosystems. Yoolax Motorized Cellular Shades are the runner-up, offering a range of styles and some smart home integration. For budget-conscious consumers, Ikea's Fyrtur Roller Blind is recommended. The Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit is the best retrofit option for roller blinds, while the SwitchBot Blind Tilt and SwitchBot Curtain 3 are suggested for retrofitting Venetian blinds and curtains, respectively. The article also provides tips on choosing the right smart shades and highlights the practical benefits of automated window treatments.