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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/so-far-so-good-2018-top-picks-glance
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018
Nest x Yale Smart Lock Offers Enhanced Home Security
Yale Locks & Hardware announced the launch of its lock designed and built in collaboration with Nest, the Nest x Yale Lock, the first ‘Works with Nest’ product that is controlled using the Nest app.
The newlock is a key-free touchscreen deadbolt that can lock and unlock doors remotely, create passcodes to manage access for family members and guests, and revoke access at any time – directly from the app. Homeowners can create passcodes and schedules for guests, set the lock to automatically lock when they are away from home, and see a history of who has entered, and when.
“Yale and Nest collaborated closely to develop a lock that brings a new level of security, convenience, and insight to the front door,” says Jason Williams, president, ASSA ABLOY U.S. Residential Group, which includes Yale Residential. “With this product we are bringing to market a lock that takes full advantage of Nest’s leading ecosystem and extends its capabilities with useful product integrations.”
The lock’s keyless design means homeowners do not have to worry about keys getting lost, copied or stolen, or loaning keys to neighbors or others who need temporary access. The deadbolt is unlocked by entering a passcode and it can hold up to 250 codes that can be changed at any time. Passcode access can be restricted to certain days and times, for scheduling cleaning services, dog walkers, or anybody who requires limited access.
When integrated with Nest Secure, the lock can disarm Nest’s alarm system. And homeowners with both a Nest Hello video doorbell and a Nest x Yale lock can see who’s at the door and then remotely unlock it to let them in.
The Nest x Yale lock has a sleek, contemporary and low-profile design, with a simple user interface. It replaces an existing deadbolt. Installation requires just a screwdriver in most cases. Set up is done by following voice prompts.
Reinforced hardware on the outside protects the lock from physical assault, and the lack of a keyhole means that there’s no cylinder to pick or bump. Remote access is secured using multiple layers of bank-level encryption technology in combination with Nest’s Weave technology.
Should power fail, Wi-Fi go down, or phones become unavailable or dead, Nest x Yale Lock can be opened using the touchscreen. And Nest’s Weave technology allows the Nest x Yale Lock to communicate with other Nest products even if the Internet connection is lost.
Lock owners receive low battery alerts as power decreases, but should the lock batteries drain, the deadbolt can be powered by touching a nine-volt battery to the terminals at the bottom of the lock.
The post Nest x Yale Smart Lock Offers Enhanced Home Security appeared first on Electronic House.
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https://www.electronichouse.com/home-security/nest-x-yale-smart-lock-offers-enhanced-home-security/
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Amazon Alexa Brews Coffee on Command; Connects with Philips Hue
“Alexa, brew me a coffee.” It’s as simple as that to get a hot cup of Joe started in the morning… even before you step foot out of bed. UK company Smarter has developed Smarter Coffee, a connected coffee maker that listen and responds to voice commands from an Amazon Alexa or Google Home smart speaker. The company also offers a kettle, the iKettle, for tea-making via voice command.
The two products represent an evolution of the smart, connected kitchen. From large appliances like refrigerators and stoves, to smaller countertop devices, kitchen products are becoming more intelligent and more convenient to monitor and control. It’s a movement that has made the kitchen an increasingly important space in the connected home.
Taking the convenience of beverage making even further, Smarter has enabled its kitchen appliances to be automated via IFTTT (If This Then That) applets. This lets users personalize their experience by tying other smart products into the brewing scenario. Here are a few examples of how this could work:
- Blink the Philips Hue lights when the coffee is ready
- Display a message on a Glance Clock when the iKettle boils
In addition to voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Home digital assistants, the iKettle and Smarter Coffee can be controlled via the Smarter app, which allows you to monitor water levels and temperature, and set the kettle to boil or the coffee maker to brew from inside or outside your house.
Here are some other features that tea and coffee lovers will appreciate:
- Using the Smarter app, you can remotely adjust the strength of your coffee.
- Functions such as Wake Up mode automatically heat the water and grind the beans at a preset time.
- A Keep Warm feature ensures that your tea is always at the right temperature.
The Smarter iKettle carries a retail price of $149.99; the Smarter Coffee sells for $249.99.
The post Amazon Alexa Brews Coffee on Command; Connects with Philips Hue appeared first on Electronic House.
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https://www.electronichouse.com/smart-home/amazon-alexa-brews-coffee-on-command-connects-with-philips-hue/
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Home Theater Seating from Seatcraft Sits Snug to the Wall
Reclining home theater seats are comfy, but they can eat up quite a bit of space. If they aren’t placed properly, they can hit the wall when they recline. Depending on the style of the chair, the wall clearance required can be less than appealing. Designed to provide homeowners with a combination of style and comfort, Seatcraft’s Apex home theater seats enable users to comfortably watch their favorite video content without taking up a lot of room.
Seatcraft says that the Apex can be placed as close as six inches from a wall without losing the ability to fully recline the product.
The Apex home theater seat also features an independent power headrest, lumbar, and recline functions controlled by a new user interface, providing a choice of comfort options.
The Seatcraft Apex’s power headrest adjusts with a push of a button into positions that reduce neck and shoulder strain. The power lumbar support is engineered to adjust evenly against users’ lower back regions to reduce strain and provide higher levels of comfort for long hours, making it ideal for movie or TV watching.
“We are extremely proud of the Seatcraft Apex and after months of design and development, are excited to reveal the chair,” states Rick Galvez, vice president of product design, Seatcraft.
“We only use the most premium materials and put a lot of thought into each design we produce, but the Apex elevates the home theater experience through our most luxurious design yet. We hope that our customers enjoy the plush relaxation and starling innovation found in the Apex as much as all of us here at Seatcraft do.”
The Apex seat also incorporates a USB charging port that can be used for any number of needs.
The seat includes in-arm storage that is hidden inside stitched padded armrests to provide space for remote controls, cables, and more. In addition, the Apex’s arm accents feature sapphire LED glow that users can turn on and off from the user-interface panel.
The Seatcraft Apex home theater seat is available in a choice of black, brown, or red at a price of $1,519 each.
The post Home Theater Seating from Seatcraft Sits Snug to the Wall appeared first on Electronic House.
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https://www.electronichouse.com/home-theater/home-theater-seating-from-seatcraft-sits-snug-to-the-wall/
Security Camera Recognizes Faces; Records and Stores up to 3 Days’ Worth of Data Without Power
It’s not unusual for a security camera to send an alert to your smartphone when someone steps into their detection zone. It’s a helpful way of knowing exactly when there’s a visitor at your house. But are you able to tell exactly who that visitor is? If the lighting conditions are right and the resolution of the camera is high, you might be able to identify the guest. If not, you might be left wondering.
Facial Recognition
With the introduction of its Lynx Pro Security Camera, Tend is making sure you always know who is at the front door… at least those you have already identified as being regular visitors. The camera’s intelligent facial recognition software you upload familiar faces to the free Tend Secure App, and control who Lynx Pro recognizes. From there you will receive check-in notifications for these known persons. This real-time recognition allows users to know exactly who is present on their property at any time.
High-Def Video Streaming
Lynx Pro offers crystal clear HD video quality recording for outstanding clarity in every capture, as well as real-time live video streaming and manual recording from any mobile device using the Tend Secure app. Two-way audio allows you to communicate with visitors through the Tend Secure app.
Built-in Battery Backup
With its built-in battery backup and local storage, Lynx Pro provides uninterrupted monitoring and will store up to three days’ worth of data in the event of a power or Internet outage. Once power or Internet returns, local data is uploaded to the cloud.
Cloud Storage
The system includes seven days’ worth of free data storage on Tend’s cloud platform to backup and review videos for the previous week**. Access to the secure cloud storage is available from anywhere on any iOS or Android device through the free Tend Secure app.
Weatherproof
Lynx Pro’s IP65-rated weatherproof housing makes it long-lasting and durable in any outdoor environment, and its infrared night-vision monitors property in complete darkness. The onboard motion detector automatically triggers recording and can be configured to send an instant alert to users’ mobile device for motion-triggered events.
Pricing and Availability
The Lynx Pro is available to pre-order now for $119.99 through March 31, 2018 and will then return to the regular price of $149.99.
The post Security Camera Recognizes Faces; Records and Stores up to 3 Days’ Worth of Data Without Power appeared first on Electronic House.
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https://www.electronichouse.com/home-security/security-camera-recognizes-faces-records-and-stores-up-to-3-days-worth-of-data-without-power/
Monday, March 26, 2018
Friday, March 23, 2018
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Rachio Launches Wireless Sprinkler System Controlled by Amazon Alexa
Smart sprinkler company Rachio has added to its water management product lineup with the release of its voice-controllable/smartphone-controllable Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller and Rachio 3 Wireless Flow Meter. According to the company, the system is the first-ever residential wireless flow meter to hit the market. It is also compatible with third-party home control systems, including Crestron, Control4, iControl, Nexia, Nest, Alarm.com, Google Assistant and others.
The Rachio 3 Smart Watering Controller features easy installation, 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless compatibility, enhanced weather data with the company’s trademarked Weather Intelligence Plus technology, and a new long-range radio to connect with the wireless flow meter. The Rachio Wireless Flow Meter uses patented Vortex technology to get accurate readings of water flow. The Rachio app alerts homeowners when leaks are detected, and the Flow Meter automatically shuts down water supply, protecting against landscape damage and flooding.
An eight-zone Rachio 3 retails for $249.99, while the 16-zone goes for $299.99. The wireless flow meter is $99.99. Rachio is offering a limited time $50 presale promo discount on the bundle.
Related: Items for your smart yard
“Rachio is not only saving homeowners frustration, water, and money, we are helping communities conserve water on a much larger scale,” says Chris Klein, CEO and co-founder of Rachio. “With more than 60 percent of residential water waste in the United States occurring outdoors, our new products empower consumers to be smarter with water, so they don’t have to choose between conservation and easily maintaining a beautiful landscape.”
Using a smartphone app, users can set up days and times for watering based on location, vegetation and soil type using the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller. The Rachio 3 uses company’s exclusive Weather Intelligence Plus technology that references satellite, radar and weather station data to provide schedule adjustments accurate to within a 36 foot radius of the controller.
Rachio recently raised $10M in Series B funding with Eastside Partners and Bonaventure Capital, in which the Amazon Alexa Fund also participated. Benjamin Cobb, partner at Eastside Partners notes, “Rachio is so much more than a smart sprinkler company. While they clearly lead this exciting segment of the smart home market, they are also rewriting the book on water conservation. Their innovation mentality extends to all aspects of their business.”
Rachio is compatible with multiple smart home control systems and voice services, including Amazon Alexa. “We’re excited to make a follow-on investment in Rachio as they continue their growth and innovation in sustainable solutions for the smart home,” says Paul Bernard, director of the Alexa Fund at Amazon. “Hands-free voice control is making the smart home simple and convenient for customers. Rachio’s Alexa skill makes it easy for customers to control their intelligent sprinklers simply using their voice, helping to improve water efficiency in the home.”
The company notes it has saved homeowners and their communities more than 22.7 billion gallons of water since the release of its first smart sprinkler controller in 2014 by way of leak detection abilities and water conservation management.
The post Rachio Launches Wireless Sprinkler System Controlled by Amazon Alexa appeared first on Electronic House.
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https://www.electronichouse.com/home-energy-management/rachio-launches-wireless-sprinkler-system-controlled-by-amazon-alexa/
Verizon Launches Service to Help You Connect Your Internet of Things Devices
Each day there seems another device introduced that connects to the Internet–not to mention the equipment you already own like computers, tablets, and TVs. According to statistics from IHS Markit, there’s no sign of the Internet of Things (IoT) slowing down. The number of connected IoT devices worldwide is expected to jump 12 percent on average annually from nearly 27 billion in 2017 to 125 billion in 2030.
Based on these and other figures that indicate a steady growth of IoT in the home, the way by which consumers will interact with their smart home devices will change. They will need to understand how to connect devices and protect them from threats on the Internet. For this reason, Verizon recently launched TechSure, a new personal technology helpdesk. The service provides different levels of tech support to its customers.
“Laptops, tablets, TV, thermostats, security cameras, doorbells, light bulbs – these days, almost everything in the modern home is connected to the Internet,” Verizon notes in a press release.
Verizon offer three different levels of IoT service:
- TechSure ($10/month): 24/7 phone support for all devices connected to a home network. This includes software installation, device setup support, and troubleshooting.
- TechSure Plus ($15/month): Includes the above services plus identity theft protection, virus protection, and parental controls.
- TechSure Premium ($30/month): Includes everything in TechSure Plus, as well as protection for many of the connected devices in a customer’s home. If a TV, tablet, smart thermostat or any other eligible device breaks down, Verizon will repair or replace it. Premium also include LastPass Families, which digitally and safely stores all of a customer’s passwords for any of their online accounts.
Is a Helpdesk Enough?
Many manufacturers promote their IoT products as being simple enough for a DIYer to set up and configure. This may be true in some cases, but the complexity increases as the number of devices on a network grows. Consequently, consumers will need a helping hand at some point, whether it’s with installation, configuration, or maintenance. According to a consumer survey by revenue management and billing company CSG International, connecting devices together “will require human intervention from skilled and reputable resources.”
Where will they look for help? Forty percent of respondents say that will seek online help, even for simple installations, while 89 percent say they will rely on a communications service provider for assistance, if they offer such services.
Respondents also indicated the following:
- 84 percent said skilled help will be needed if two to five devices are being connected.
- 74 percent want a phone call or text from the technician stating that he is on his way.
- 65 percent want a technical resource to help them with installation of multiple devices, with self-guided only help desired by only 29 percent.
The post Verizon Launches Service to Help You Connect Your Internet of Things Devices appeared first on Electronic House.
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https://www.electronichouse.com/smart-home/verizon-launches-service-to-help-you-connect-your-internet-of-things-devices/
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Leon Horizon Interactive FIT Soundbar Offers Storage for Amazon Alexa Device
Designed to blend into a home entertainment space, the Leon Horizon Interactive FIT soundbar combines audio fidelity, contemporary looks, and built-in storage to serve a wealth of applications.
The Horizon Interactive FIT soundbar incorporates a storage area for the placement of devices such as Alexa and Google Home smart speakers. The storage space is concealed by the Horizon Interactive’s matching custom grille.
After seeing the Horizon Interactive FIT Soundbar, Fermin Serrano, technical manager of the Spain-based company Integral Home Systems (IHS), says his company could use the soundbar to appeal to the aesthetic concerns customers have when thinking about electronics in their home environments.
“The first time we saw the Horizon Interactive Fit, we know we needed to get one for our showroom so we could introduce it to our dealer network,” he comments.
“Not only is the sound quality exceptional—like all of Leon’s products—but the ability to manage power cords, communication wiring and amplification, while also storing small IoT devices like Amazon Echo Dot, Ethernet switches or your favorite integration system like RTI is so helpful to the installer. Interior designers will love it too because the grill is custom built to match the exact width of the TV, giving the install an elegant look.”
The Leon Horizon Interactive FIT Emphasizes Performance
Ensuring the Horizon Interactive FIT’s sound quality matches its looks, the soundbar employs a pair of 4-inch woofers and a pair of 28mm tweeters that flank the speaker’s storage space.
The fully customizable speaker measures just 2.75-inches deep, and Leon states it offers the speaker in two versions: the HIFIT44UX, which accommodates televisions up to 65 inches in screen size, and the HIFIT44UX-OS, which complements televisions as large as 90 inches.
Leon adds the 88dB, 6-ohm HIFIT-44UX and HiFIT44UX-OS produce frequency responses of 110Hz to 20kHz, and the speakers are capable of producing SPLs as high as 104dB during peak usages.
The post Leon Horizon Interactive FIT Soundbar Offers Storage for Amazon Alexa Device appeared first on Electronic House.
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https://www.electronichouse.com/home-audio/leon-horizon-interactive-fit-soundbar-offers-storage-for-amazon-alexa-device/
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Monday, March 19, 2018
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