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Monday, October 31, 2016
Alexa-Enabled Speaker Available for Less than $50
Following on the heels of Amazon’s announcement of prepackaged bundles of Echo Dot devices, Canadian company FABRIQ offers an alternative that like the Dot feeds voice commands to Alexa-compatible devices like lights, window shades, A/V equipment and more.
The FABRIQ adds a few cool new features, like the ability to link multiple FABRIQ devices together so that the same piece of music can stream throughout the house. Using the FABRIQ app, you can tap into Apple’s iTunes store and Google Play. The speaker is also battery-operated, which means it’s easy to move around the house. The rechargeable battery lasts for up to five hours. The maximum sound level is 92dBA, with a frequency range of 60Hz – 18kHz, and 5 watts of power.
“We are starting to see more and more consumers put Alexa at the center of their homes, and we’ll start to see the magic of what an Alexa-powered smart home can do,” says Jordon Sansom, director of marketing at FABRIQ. “There is no doubt the Alexa technology is powerful and will change the way we live. With the launch of FABRIQ, I’d like to think that we’re accelerating the widespread adoption of the smart home.”
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatible, and compatible with both iOS and Android devices, the baseball-size speaker comes in three unique styles of color and fabric: Jack Plaid, Earl Grey, and Splat. An LED ring around the base can display an array of colors and sync with any song you choose to play through it.
The post Alexa-Enabled Speaker Available for Less than $50 appeared first on Electronic House.
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Sunday, October 30, 2016
2016 CEDIA Surround Sound Bar Overview
So you bought a new TV and the sound is as thin as your new flatscreen. Don't fear. Almost every company at CEDIA had their own version of a soundbar and boy has technology sure come a long way in the last 15 years. Tight on space and can't accommodate a discrete 5.1 speaker system? Then check out our preview of some of the newest soundbars coming out on the market this year so you can decide for yourself if a soundbar and wireless sub is right for you.
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Saturday, October 29, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016
Yamaha YSP-2700 MusicCast Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer Preview
Yamaha released their YSP-2700 MusicCast Sound Bar and wireless subwoofer at the CEDIA Expo in Dallas, Texas. A 7.1 soundbar with a 5.5" wireless sub at $1199.95 puts it in line with other higher end soundbars/sub systems. The YSP-2700 comes with built in MusicCast for music streaming, three 4k/60p HDCP 2.2 compatible HDMI inputs and one output. Is it worth it? Read on to find out.
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Parasound ZoneMaster 4 DAX Four-Zone DAC & Crossover Preview
Parasound has introduced the ZoneMaster® 4 DAX, the first four-zone DAC with crossovers for the custom installation industry. The 4 DAX was designed in response to custom installers who create multi-zone systems based around the Sonos Connect®, Heos Link®, BlueSound Node® or Google Chromecast™ Audio, and are looking to upgrade their clients’ digital sound quality, with unique connectivity for subwoofers, stereo or mono speakers, and system control options.
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Thursday, October 27, 2016
Dish Adds YouTube to Hopper Set-Top Box
Debuting on DISH’s Hopper 3 DVR is YouTube. This new streaming service addition brings viral videos and original content from creators across the globe to the TV screen via set-top box. DISH customers can now access their favorite TV shows and the Internet’s most popular videos without changing inputs or devices.
The YouTube app was included in DISH’s latest software update pushed to Hopper 3 set-top boxes on Oct. 20. With this update, DISH states that it is the only nationwide pay-TV provider in the U.S. to deliver YouTube via set-top box.
YouTube joins several Hopper apps that together bring a range of entertainment options to customers, including Netflix, Pandora, Vevo and The Weather Channel.
“We designed Hopper 3 to be much more than a conventional set-top box,” says Niraj Desai, vice president of product management, DISH. “By aggregating apps like YouTube and Netflix with live linear television, Hopper 3 is capable of serving as a household’s comprehensive entertainment hub.”
Dish points out that users watch hundreds of millions of hours on YouTube every day, generating billions of views. DISH customers can now search, browse and play videos, as well as log into their YouTube and YouTube Red accounts, directly on a Hopper 3.
The YouTube app on Hopper 3 can be accessed from channel 371 or by selecting the “Apps” button on the remote control. Customers can also use the YouTube app on mobile devices to cast videos directly to their Hopper 3.
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Vivitar Intros Smart Home Starter Kit for DIY Homeowner or Renter
Vivitar announces a new home automation starter kit designed for DIYers, the Deluxe Smart Home/Office Automation Essentials Kit. The new smart home kit provides consumers with an easy to install and cost effective DIY option that allows them to turn their house into a smart home while adding an additional layer of security and comfort. The kit includes a remote-activated security camera, Wi-Fi LED light bulb and smart plug, all of which can be accessed and controlled via the integrated smartphone app. The kit is available nationwide at Office Depot/OfficeMax in-store and online for $129.99.
The CaptureCam that’s included streams super clear HD video securely to any phone or tablet via the mobile app or over Wi-Fi, and allows you to save important moments with the available Micro SD card slot or on the 2GB of free cloud space. Stay in touch easily and interact directly with people at home via any smartphone through the built-in two-way microphone and see what’s taking place using the motion detection, night vision and multi-camera viewing angles.
The Smart Plug piggybacks onto your home’s power socket. Any device that’s plugged into the Smart Plug can then be monitored and controlled remotely via the Vivitar iOS or Android app. Schedule the plugs once and they’ll remember your routine until you change your mind, and you can even schedule your lights to go on and off while you’re away from home. The plug also features two USB ports to charge your small electronics.
Installing the Wi-Fi LED light bulb is also a snap as you simply screw the lightbulb into any standard light bulb socket and pair over Wi-Fi. Now the bulb can be turned on and off, or an of 256 colors chosen to brighten any room.
The post Vivitar Intros Smart Home Starter Kit for DIY Homeowner or Renter appeared first on Electronic House.
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Wednesday, October 26, 2016
$500/pair Tower Speaker Round-up for Two-Channel and Home Theater Listening
Looking for some floorstanding speakers to listen to your CD collection, Internet radio, LP’s, or just looking for some quality front/all channel speakers for your home theater for around $500 a pair? We have compiled a short list for your consideration. Some are available at your local big box retailer and some are only available online. Take a look at this list and feel free to post your suggestions in the related forum thread.
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Parasound ZoneMaster 4 DAX 4 Zone + XOVER Controller Preview
Parasound has introduced the ZoneMaster® 4 DAX, the first four-zone DAC with crossovers for the custom installation industry. The 4 DAX was designed in response to custom installers who create multi-zone systems based around the Sonos Connect®, Heos Link®, BlueSound Node® or Google Chromecast™ Audio, and are looking to upgrade their clients’ digital sound quality, with unique connectivity for subwoofers, stereo or mono speakers, and system control options.
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Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Vivitar Intros Smart Home Starter Kit for DIY Homeowner or Renter
Vivitar announces a new home automation starter kit designed for DIYers, the Deluxe Smart Home/Office Automation Essentials Kit. The new smart home kit provides consumers with an easy to install and cost effective DIY option that allows them to turn their house into a smart home while adding an additional layer of security and comfort. The kit includes a remote-activated security camera, Wi-Fi LED light bulb, and a smart plug, all of which can be accessed and controlled via the integrated smartphone app. The kit is available nationwide at Office Depot/OfficeMax in-store and online for $129.99.
The CaptureCam that’s included streams super clear HD video securely to any phone or tablet via the mobile app or over Wi-Fi, and allows you to save important moments with the available Micro SD card slot or on the 2GB of free cloud space. Stay in touch easily and interact directly with people at home via any smartphone through the built-in two-way microphone and see what’s taking place using the motion detection, night vision and multi-camera viewing angles.
The Smart Plug piggybacks onto your home’s power socket. Any device that’s plugged into the Smart Plug can then be monitored and controlled remotely via the Vivitar iOS or Android app. Schedule the plugs once and they’ll remember your routine until you change your mind, and you can even schedule your lights to go on and off while you’re away from home. The plug also features two USB ports to charge your small electronics.
Installing the Wi-Fi LED light bulb is also a snap as you simply screw the light bulb into any standard light bulb socket and pair over Wi-Fi. Now the bulb can be turned on and off, or an of 256 colors chosen to brighten any room.
The post Vivitar Intros Smart Home Starter Kit for DIY Homeowner or Renter appeared first on Electronic House.
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Amazon Alexa, Google Home: The Virtual Assistant Arms Race
By Luke Tang, General Manager of TechCode’s U.S. Accelerator
When Siri made her way onto the iPhone 4S in 2011, she became one of the first consumer-friendly virtual assistants. While her initial popularity and usage was questioned, a recent study found that 98 percent of iPhone users have interacted with Siri. But the same study found only 3 percent are willing to do so in public. Enter: virtual assistants strictly for the privacy of your own home, like Amazon Alexa and the newly announced Google Home, which will be available next month.
It’s rumored that Google Home may be the most advanced virtual assistant yet, which should be no surprise as machine learning, natural language processing, and artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance. And while big companies like Google and Amazon are making waves with their virtual assistants, lesser known startups are proving to be valuable in developing these powerful AI enabled technologies. In fact, many of them are leading the charge in the advanced development of virtual assistants and AI overall.
Startups leading the charge
A quick search on AngelList shows that there are over 1,000 AI startups in the United States. This indicates that there is clearly much more being done in the development of artificial intelligence, with a few of these startups even focusing their AI efforts on smart home products, including virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa.
While the capabilities of Alexa are valuable, startups are exploring how a similar technology can be leveraged, making these virtual assistants even more relevant for various purposes and audience segments. For example, a startup called Siliconic Home is developing its own virtual assistant called SMARTY, which is a voice-enabled virtual assistant with a unique positioning for kids. What’s unique about this startup is that it has developed a patented natural language processing technology that can recognize children’s voices, which often have a different pitch than adults.
Another example is Olly, which is being created by a London-based startup called Emotech. Unlike many current virtual assistants available today, Olly has a personality that can evolve and develop as the result of its interactions with the user. It has the ability to understand human forms of communication, including context and whether or not information is appropriate for the user.
The bottom line is consumers want to use virtual assistants to simplify their day-to-day activities at home. These startups, and many more, are developing new AI technologies with that in mind in order to advance virtual assistants’ capabilities. Eventually, we’ll see consumer confidence grow in virtual assistants, which will increase their adoption and solidify their place in the home. While virtual assistants in their current iteration are still fairly new to the market, expect to see startups making them even more valuable in the years to come.
The post Amazon Alexa, Google Home: The Virtual Assistant Arms Race appeared first on Electronic House.
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New APC by Schneider Electric Back-UPS Deliver Always-On Connectivity
The average home has more than eight devices connecting to the internet and by the end of 2019, households worldwide will have more than 10 billion devices capable of connecting to their home network. Couple this statistic with the increase in telecommuting/remote workers, and the reliability of home networks and digital connectivity becomes even more important.
To help homeowners stay connected to the digital devices that power their everyday lives, Schneider Electric has introduced a new line of APC by Schneider Electric Back-UPS battery backup solutions that deliver reliable and secure power protection for wireless networks, computers and other home and business electronics – so that this equipment stays up and running, no matter what. The new models can power as many as six devices during a power outage and feature up to two USB charging ports to make recharging mobile devices simple and convenient. Additionally, the Back-UPS’ new design offers hours of runtime for devices such a PCs and laptops, protection against unsafe voltage fluctuations and damaging surges and spikes, as well as continuous internet access during extended power outages and power-related emergencies.
The Back-UPS’ new compact design delivers more battery backup outlets in less space – up to 22 percent smaller in size and nearly 30 percent lighter in weight than previous models. Additionally UPS runtime has been maximized for heavy power-consuming loads such as multiple PCs and AV equipment powering up to 480 watts. The new models have also been optimized to run low-powered loads like routers and modems, allowing internet access during an extended power outage for up to 5.9 hours, depending on the model.
“Consumers’ dependency on connectivity continues to grow as electronics, smart devices, and the home network become increasingly important for both entertainment and work. Defending the digital experience through reliable backup power is essential to everyday life,” remarks Colin Campbell, vice president, Home & Business Networks, Schneider Electric. “Based on direct feedback from our customers, we’ve redesigned our Back-UPS line to deliver the most reliable backup power protection to ensure customers can stay connected to the technologies that power their lives at all times.”
The new Back-UPS models range from $49.99 to $119.99.
The post New APC by Schneider Electric Back-UPS Deliver Always-On Connectivity appeared first on Electronic House.
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Monday, October 24, 2016
Alexa-Enabled Speaker Available for Less than $50
Following on the heels of Amazon’s announcement of prepackaged bundles of Echo Dot devices, Canadian company FABRIQ offers an alternative that like the Dot feeds voice commands to Alexa-compatible devices like lights, window shades, A/V equipment and more.
The FABRIQ adds a few cool new features, like the ability to link multiple FABRIQ devices together so that the same piece of music can stream throughout the house. Using the FABRIQ app, you can tap into Apple’s iTunes store and Google Play. The speaker is also battery-operated, which means it’s easy to move around the house. The rechargeable battery lasts for up to five hours. The maximum sound level is 92dBA, with a frequency range of 60Hz – 18kHz, and 5 watts of power.
“We are starting to see more and more consumers put Alexa at the center of their homes, and we’ll start to see the magic of what an Alexa-powered smart home can do,” says Jordon Sansom, director of marketing at FABRIQ. “There is no doubt the Alexa technology is powerful and will change the way we live. With the launch of FABRIQ, I’d like to think that we’re accelerating the widespread adoption of the smart home.”
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatible, and compatible with both iOS and Android devices, the baseball-size speaker comes in three unique styles of color and fabric: Jack Plaid, Earl Grey, and Splat. An LED ring around the base can display an array of colors and sync with any song you choose to play through it.
The post Alexa-Enabled Speaker Available for Less than $50 appeared first on Electronic House.
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KEF Ci200QSb-THX and Ci200TRb In Wall Subwoofer Preview
Looking for a great in wall sub to add bass to your home theater, outdoor patio, or yacht? Check out KEF's new Ci200QSb-THX and Ci200TRb in wall subs. The Ci200QSb-THX is a great 8" sub that can be configured with other Ci200QSb-THX subs to make them THX Select 2 or even THX Ultra 2 certified for larger home theaters. If you're looking for great bass but don't have the floor space, Kef may have your solution with these new in-wall products.
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Friday, October 21, 2016
Atlantic Technology LCR2 Compact Speaker Preview
Atlantic Technology has introduced its new LCR2 ultra compact speakers in white or high-gloss black finish for a wide variety of audio and home theater applications. They seem to be going after the high value ultra compact form factor that so many ID companies already have successfully capitalized on for quite some time. At $200/ea and given their reputation, we'd have to say Atlantic Technology has just offered a compelling alternative to the already crowded ID marketplace. What do you think?
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Thursday, October 20, 2016
Razer Buys THX: What This Could Mean for Your Future Man Cave
On Monday THX announced that it was purchased by Razer, a computer gaming hardware company. Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan promises to let THX run independently. Tan added that there will be collaborations bringing together THX audio experience and Razer computer technology. But many see the deal as yet another low point for the once proud THX logo. Let's take a closer look at what the deal could mean to the future of home entertainment and how it could possibly leap forward Virtual Reality technologies.
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LG 77-inch OLED 4K TV Delivers HDR Compatibility
Ever since it launched its first-generation of organic light emitting diode (OLED) televisions, LG‘s cutting-edge televisions have been widely recognized as some of the best TVs in the consumer electronics industry.
LG’s newest generation of OLED televisions was recently bolstered with the announcement of its latest product, the Signature OLED77G6P 77-inch Ultra HD 4K television.
Announced recently at CEDIA 2016 Expo, the flagship television carries an suggested retail price of $19,999, and is supported by the company’s Signature Concierge service, which includes one-on-one customer support, a $200 American Express gift card, and an LG G Pad Tablet.
“LG Signature represents the art of essence, the pinnacle of stylish design and innovation,” states David VanderWaal, vice president of marketing, LG Electronics USA. “The new flagship 77-inch OLED TV further elevates this new catgory of television with a dramatic home entertainment experience that means consumers can stop watching and start seeing.”
Explaining how OLED works, LG says that because the technology allows for each pixel to be turned on or off, the TVs are capable of producing “perfect blacks,” as well as vibrant colors and textured shadow detail. The OLED televisions utilize 10-bit panels with processing that enable them to deliver more than a billion color variations and wide viewing angles.
The company wraps its state-of-the-art picture technologies in its latest mechanical and industrial designs, including “Picture on Glass” concept. LG says the TV’s depth measures about a tenth of an inch with a design that features a translucent glass back and soundbar that doubles as a unique stand/bezel.
Augmenting the TV’s performance is its compatiblity with the HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR (high dynamic range) formats, and supporting its functionality and convenience is the inclusion of LG’s webOS 3.0 that allows users to easily find the content they want to watch.
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7 Ways to Prepare Your Smart Home for the Winter Months
By Danielle Jackson, director of marketing communications, Building Control Systems, Legrand
With the changing of the seasons, Mother Nature significantly shifts the demands asked of home lighting control and home automation systems. Seasonal lighting is much more than spooky Halloween porch bulbs and winter wonderland twinkle lights, and shorter days encourage a strong effort to bring in as much natural light as possible. And, of course, heat and energy management are top of mind concerns as temperatures drop. Here are 7 things homeowners should consider as they prepare for seasonal adjustments to optimize home performance.
1 Safety in Motion
Using motion sensors together with outdoor lighting to ensure that walkways and spaces are properly illuminated for security and safety should be a homeowner requirement. With long, dark evenings, and the potential for snow, ice, and debris buildup, it’s important to make sure walkways, driveways, decks, and other outdoor areas are well lit for optimum safety. Lighting activated by motion sensors is an excellent, easy-to-install, reliable and energy-efficient solution.
2 A Modern Meaning for “Daylight Savings”
With an astronomical time clock, today’s lighting control systems can automatically raise and lower window shades to coincide with sunrise and sunset. By incorporating dimmers, systems can also be programmed to turn lights on and off with seasonal time changes automatically.
Leading systems incorporate multi-channel clocks for fully automating multiple systems, both hardwired and wireless. New user interface apps provide for ease of use, yet allow advanced programming and control that can include special holiday schedules, automatic daylight savings adjustments, and detailed room and house scenes. Various modules can be used to control a range of fixtures, enabling remote dimming and switching, as well as programmed scene control.
3 See the Light
As days grow shorter and nights get longer, adjust your lighting dimmers accordingly. As humans, we evolved to be in-synch with our surroundings. When it’s best to wake up, eat, or sleep — we’re all linked to sun cycles. It’s difficult enough to get your day started, so there’s no need to do it in the dark. Research shows that by incorporating the rhythms of natural daylight — a strategy known as daylighting — home and building occupant satisfaction can be greatly improved. Make sure your dimmers are adjusted to provide a little extra light and warmth for the early and late hours of the day. Put a little extra pep in your step and don’t let the gloom get you down.
4 When Guests Arrive
With the change of seasons and holiday season fast approaching, you may find yourself playing host to visitors and overnight houseguests. Company is great, but an unfamiliar lighting system can complicate their stay unnecessarily. Set up a simple Guest profile and your home’s master settings can remain intact. Profiles can even include zones that integrate with your home’s HVAC system, ensuring that the lighting, temperature, and humidity levels offer ultimate comfort and ease of use for your guests.
5 It’s Harvest Season
Daylight harvesting — that is. Beyond just feeling better, letting in natural light and warmth is a great way to reduce energy use and maximize home efficiency. With sensors and advanced home automation systems, electric lighting levels can increase or decrease in proportion to the amount of natural light present. The system then controls dimmers to adjust electric light output to maintain a desired level of illumination. For less automated systems, setting timers and gradually reducing artificial light as natural light increases through day is a an effective approach.
6 Growing Shadows
The shift of the sun’s angle directly affects the demands of your shading system. Don’t forget to adjust schedules to accommodate the seasonal shift and allow for maximum natural lighting. Automated window shades can be programmed to work in tandem with your home’s control system, dimmers and timers to raise and lower shades perfectly in-tune with sunrise and sunset. Some systems even allow for grouping and super grouping, i.e. all shades on the south side of the house can be programmed to rise and lower with a single press of a button. Additionally, dual shades are a great option allowing for both light filtration and elegant design, while ensuring security and privacy with a separate blackout shade that can be programmed independently.
7 Set the Scene
Many lighting control systems allow for presets to help set a mood for any occasion. Create a bright kitchen workspace or a warm and cozy dining room setting. Proper interior and exterior lighting can help make any holiday event a memorable success.
The post 7 Ways to Prepare Your Smart Home for the Winter Months appeared first on Electronic House.
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Smart and Solid House Meshes Tech and Design
Concrete House in Johannesburg is a testament to the strength of a concept and its seamless execution – where the architecture, interiors, and technology all work together harmoniously to translate a vision.
The house is perched on a steep hillside – the site of the building the basis of the architectural concept, guiding the creation of the spaces and the look of the interiors. ‘It is firmly rooted to the hillside through impressive engineering, while also protruding out as if it were shaped and morphed over time,’ says Nico van der Meulen, of Nico van der Meulen Architects, the firm behind this logistically challenging project.
A design of this architectural magnitude needs to be as aesthetically strong as it is structurally, so M Square Lifestyle Necessities was commissioned to do the interiors, and BNC Technology to incorporate integrated systems that enhanced the comfort levels, convenience and composition of the home. M Square Lifestyle’s use of timber, marble, and mild steel elements soften the concrete, and provides a natural but polished complement to the surface, prompting technological solutions that were just as sophisticated.
From the point of entry to the contemporary spaces beyond, the tech had to complement the design, so BNC Technology conceived a comprehensive plan that included a home cinema solution, audio and video distribution, networking throughout, lighting control, an intercom system, window blind integration, fire detection, security system (alarm and CCTV), and gate and garage control. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by four garage doors – four-ton cast-in-situ concrete that mimic the shape of the stone and the hillside – that are opened and closed using motors via a Control4 system, which also operates the skylight on the lower level (added for extra ventilation and light).
Inside, the open-plan style of living and interconnectedness of spaces are important to the concept of the home – the views of Johannesburg from the expansive living level is central to the experience. As a result lighting, is key, and the sleek design of this system, with Lutron as the foundation, has Control4 forming the interface for mobile devices, touchpanels and on-screen displays on the televisions, with motion sensors for bathrooms and rooms usually unoccupied. Likewise, the bespoke Siedle intercom solution is designed to complement the modern design, which incorporates a built-in mailbox, motion sensor for the LED light, keypad for guest and staff access and phone capabilities, among other features.
BNC’s task was not without its challenges however. As the home is made predominately of concrete and so large, the installation of the Wi-Fi and its distribution was a challenge and BNC had to add multiple points throughout the home as well as intelligent QOS/bandwidth management for the various subsystems.
But through these pioneering solutions, the home is an example of how the synergy of architecture and life enhancing technology can create an energy-efficient, convenient and comfortable home.
Credits: BNC Technology, Nico van der Meulen Architects, M Square Lifestyle Necessities
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