Pella Collaborates With Resolution Products, Expands Smart Home Approach

Resolution Products and Pella Corporation collaborated to include Insynctive Technology as an extension to Resolution’s Universal Translator product family. The new RE524XP was reported to be available this summer.

source http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/94247-pella-collaborates-with-resolution-products-expands-smart-home-approach

Nest is announcing something big on September 20 - CNET

The invite mentions a "comfy couch" and "popcorn." Are they referring to the announcement or the product?

source https://www.cnet.com/news/nest-september-20-popcorn-couch/#ftag=CADa08b18a

LG Lawn Mower Robot Release Date, Price and Specs - CNET

The manufacturer says the robot will work with the virtual assistants Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

source https://www.cnet.com/products/lg-lawn-mower-robot/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Qihan Sanbot Nano Release Date, Price and Specs - CNET

The $,2800 Qihan Sanbot Nano is a friendly helper robot with a whole bunch of smart tech.

source https://www.cnet.com/products/qihan-sanbot-nano/#ftag=CADa08b18a

All the new Alexa announcements from IFA 2017 - CNET

A tech trade show means new devices that work with Amazon's voice assistant. Here's a list from IFA 2017 in Berlin.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/all-the-new-alexa-announcements-from-ifa-2017/#ftag=CADa08b18a

IFA 2017: Everything from day 1 of Europe's biggest tech show - CNET

Samsung, Acer, Asus, Bosch, Panasonic and more. Here's everything we learned in Berlin.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/ifa-2017-everything-from-day-1-of-europes-biggest-tech-show/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Amazon wants to make Alexa 'a fabric in the home' (Q&A) - CNET

A chat with Daniel Rausch, Amazon's vice president of smart home, on making Alexa a better digital assistant.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-wants-to-make-echo-alexa-a-fabric-in-the-home-q-a/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Taylor 7411 Stainless Steel Digital Bathroom Scale - CNET

Taylor 7411 Stainless Steel Digital Bathroom Scale

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/taylor-7411-stainless-steel-digital-bathroom-scale-7a325efe/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Amazon Prime: 20 benefits every member gets - CNET

A full list of all the stuff that is (and isn't) included with your Prime subscription -- including new deals from Whole Foods.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/amazon-prime-20-benefits-every-member-gets/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Google Home expands its smart home reach with Z-Wave - CNET

Z-Wave shows off upgraded firmware at IFA in Berlin allowing you to control devices with your voice through Google.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/google-home-expands-its-smart-home-reach-with-z-wave/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Amazon's Alexa and Microsoft's Cortana are friends now (The 3:59, Ep. 276) - CNET

We take a look at this new partnership and Alfred talks about spending an afternoon channeling an anime ninja.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-alexa-and-microsoft-cortana-are-friends-now-the-359-ep-276/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How to setup multiroom playback across all of your Alexa devices - CNET

Want to sync up your Echo, Echo Dot and Echo Show smart speakers to play music together in perfect harmony? Here's how.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-setup-multiroom-playback-across-all-of-your-alexa-devices/#ftag=CADa08b18a

EatSmart Precision MaxView Digital Bathroom Scale w/ 4.5" Backlit LCD Display - CNET

EatSmart Precision MaxView Digital Bathroom Scale w/ 4.5" Backlit LCD Display

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/eatsmart-precision-maxview-digital-bathroom-scale-w-4-5-backlit-lcd-display-2e9253c7/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Cortana and Alexa team up, will talk to each other video - CNET

A partnership between Microsoft and Amazon has the smart voice-controlled assistants working together to do more tasks.

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/cortana-and-alexa-team-up-will-talk-to-each-other/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Google Assistant finds a home in three new speakers - CNET

Google's making a splash at the IFA tech show in Berlin with a trio of new devices that are ready for your command.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/the-google-assistant-finds-a-home-in-three-new-speakers/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Bosch security cameras learn to talk to Alexa at IFA 2017 - CNET

Bosch's security cameras will soon be able to respond to Amazon Alexa voice commands.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/bosch-security-cameras-learn-to-talk-to-alexa-at-ifa-2017/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Did Alexa and Cortana just become best friends? - CNET

Amazon and Microsoft's voice assistants will now work together.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/did-amazon-alexa-and-microsoft-cortana-just-become-best-friends-windows-echo/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Bosch security cameras learn to talk to Alexa at IFA 2017 - CNET

Bosch's security cameras will soon be able to respond to Amazon Alexa voice commands.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/bosch-security-cameras-learn-to-talk-to-alexa-at-ifa-2017/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Pawbo Munch makes pets work for their treats - CNET

Make a game out of treat time with a new interactive feeder from Acer's Pawbo connected-pet brand.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/pawbo-munch-makes-pets-work-for-their-treats/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Sonos seems set to reveal their voice-control future on October 4 - CNET

The internet-connected speaker maker prepares to adapt to the age of Alexa.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/sonos-october-4-event-voice-control/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Alexa is my new BFF (The 3:59, Ep. 275) - CNET

An inside look at Amazon's quest to make its digital assistant more human.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/alexa-is-my-new-bff-the-359-ep-275/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Elgato wants to secure your home with 5 new HomeKit devices - CNET

A lock and a smoke detector headline Elgato's full lineup of new products at IFA 2017.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/elgato-wants-to-secure-your-home-with-5-new-homekit-devices/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Get a Eufy Genie smart speaker with Alexa for $29.70 - CNET

Anker's Echo Dot-alike is $20 cheaper -- but what do you give up in return? Plus: Lifetime-warranty MFi-certified Lightning cables for six bucks apiece!

source https://www.cnet.com/news/get-a-eufy-genie-smart-speaker-with-alexa-for-29-70/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Eight Sleep Mars+ Release Date, Price and Specs - CNET

Monitor your zzz’s from your phone with Eight Sleep’s Mars+ Smart Mattress.

source https://www.cnet.com/products/eight-sleep-mars-plus-smart-mattress/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Amazon launches multiroom music playback for Alexa - CNET

Finally, Alexa can control multiple speakers at once.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-launches-multi-room-music-playback-for-alexa/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Top Smart Home Security Concern: Did I Lock the Door?

A recent survey from Wakefield Research and Schlage, an Allegion brand of smart locks, reveals Americans’ No. 1 concern when it comes to smart-home security: “Wait… did I lock the door?”

Out of the 1,000 U.S. adults surveyed, 75 percent have felt uncertain about whether or not they locked their doors upon leaving the house. The data jumps to nearly 81 percent among parents and 83 percent among Millennials (we’re a forgetful bunch).

The survey also reveals that 43 percent of consumers have experienced or know someone who has experienced a break-in when they were not home.

“As technology evolves, locking devices will continue to advance and offer additional capabilities,” says Ann Matheis, marketing director at Allegion.

As the popularity of smart home devices continues to increase, there are a number of solutions available to ease your fears. For example, the August Smart Lock Pro and Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt let you double-check (and control) the status of their locks from anywhere with their mobile devices.

Additional Findings from the Home Security Survey

• Break-Ins:More than two in five Americans have personally experienced or know someone who has experienced a home break-in while away.
• Key Management:56 percent of Americans have lost or misplaced the key to their home. Millennials and parents are more likely to do this, as 69 percent of millennials and 66 percent of parents have misplaced or lost the key to their home.
• Uncertainties:75 percent of Americans have felt uncertain about whether they locked their doors when they have left home. Specifically, 83 percent of millennials and 81 percent of parents have experienced this.

 

Here are a few smart locks that you can add to the door of your smart home:

 

Schlage Z-Wave Connect 

 

• Works with Amazon Alexa for voice control (hub required, Alexa device and hub sold separately)
• Z-wave technology connects to your home automation system and lets you lock or unlock your door remotely via the web or smartphone
• 3-Alert modes (activity, tamper and forced entry) let you know when someone is coming or going and communicate potential security threats
• Memory for up to 30 different access

 

 

 

Kwikset Kevo Touch-to-Open Bluetooth Smart Lock 

• Open the door from a smartphone
• Send and manage eKey access via smartphone
• Bluetooth Smart ready with a Bluetooth 4.0 enabled device
• History and notifications – see who locked/unlocked Kevo
• Smart Home compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Ring Doorbell, Skybell, Nest Learning Thermostat, select Honeywell Thermostats, Android Wear and IFTTT

 

 

Yale Real Living Electronic Push Button Deadbolt 

• Works with Amazon Alexa for voice control (Wink or SmartThings hub required, Alexa device and hub sold separately)
• Create up to 250 unique pin codes to share with family and friends (25 with no controller)
• Unlock by entering your 4-8 digit PIN code on the backlit, push button keypad, with your smart home app (i.e. SmartThings) or using your physical key

 

 

August Smart Lock

• Control your door with your smartphone
• Keep your existing deadbolt–installs in minutes on the inside of your door.
• Grant or restrict access to visitors anytime
• Automatically locks your door as you leave and auto-unlocks as you approach
• Voice Control – Lock your door using Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit or the Google Assistant
• Track who is coming and going with a 24/7 activity log on your smartphone

The post Top Smart Home Security Concern: Did I Lock the Door? appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/home-security/top-smart-home-security-concern-did-i-lock-the-door/

Wireless Access Point Brings Wi-Fi to the Back Yard

There’s nothing worse than heading to the back yard and losing your Internet connection. No more music, videos or social media. It’s a bummer for back yard barbeques and relaxing on an outdoor chaise. An outdoor wireless access point (WAP) can extend your connection to the outdoors so you can entertain with ease, and SnapAV has offers a new weather-hardy solution for Wi-Fi enjoyment with no dropouts.

SnapAV’s Araknis brand has introduced its new 700 Series Outdoor Wireless Access Point. The outdoor Wireless Access Point (WAP) offers the same network capabilities as its traditional, indoor 700 Series WAP, while facing the elements.

“Outdoor living is a growing trend in North America,” says Ayham Ereksousi, director of products, Araknis Networks. “Consumers want to enjoy the outdoors while staying connected to their digital life. The 700 Series Outdoor WAP allows dealers to bring this experience to their customers.”

Designed to complement outdoor spaces such as decks, pergolas, large yards and guest houses, the 700 Series Outdoor WAP features an IP55 rating, as well as SnapAV’s proprietaryOvrC remote system monitoring platform.

“Most products receive their IP rating simply by passing the lab test according to the predetermined specifications,” notes Ereksousi. “But when we audited the spec, we found that it didn’t consider real-world scenarios such as water streaming into the top or bottom of the product. We made the executive decision to test these scenarios because we want dealers to be confident installing this product.”

Delivering as much as 1750Mbps of throughput through features such as its 3×3 antenna configuration, the Araknis 700 Series Outdoor WAP provides network-friendly functions, including band steering and fast roaming.

The WAP also features a built-in switch, and Araknis adds that through its OvrC remote monitoring platform, integrators can securely manage their clients’ networks’ signal strength, network speed, power status and more.

The post Wireless Access Point Brings Wi-Fi to the Back Yard appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/smart-home/wireless-access-point-brings-wi-fi-to-the-back-yard/

Sensors and Predictive Analytics Smarten Up HVAC Vents

A few years ago, smart vents introduced a revolutionary way to heat and cool and home. But these motorized vents, which are meant to replace dumb air vents to control temperature in individual rooms, have struggled to find a following despite strong showings from from EcoNet, Keen Home, Ecovent and others.

Start-up HiberSense promises a more elegant approach to the smart-vent category, with a Connected Climate Control system that uses multiple sensors and analytics to make each room comfortable and save energy house-wide.

The solution includes a sensor package that can monitor temperature, pressure, humidity, light, motion (occupancy detection) and indoor air quality (optional).

“This provides our developers with a plethora of data for machine learning and predictive analytics,” says Bob Fields, chief revenue officer for the Pittsburgh-based company.

The result, he says, is a solution that “maximizes system performance and efficiency, and optimizes comfort for occupants.”

One concern about “traditional” smart-vents is they could damage the HVAC system if sealed off for long periods of time.

In the case of HiberSense, sensors monitor duct pressure and airflow among other things to mitigate potential problems like over-heated motors and freezing coils.

The HiberSense system is automated via a central hub, which receives data from the sensors via Bluetooth. The wireless vents – available in brass, wood, aluminum and plastic – have a 3-year battery life based on eight to 12 activations per day, according to the company.

The company plans to sell directly to the custom installation channel, as well as to HVAC contractors. Integration with Control4, Crestron, Savant, Lutron, Amazon Alexa and other control systems is coming, according to Fields. Recommended pricing starts $99 for vents (based on style), $200 for the hub, and $79 for the sensors.

The post Sensors and Predictive Analytics Smarten Up HVAC Vents  appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/home-energy-management/sensors-and-predictive-analytics-smarten-up-hvac-vents/

11 Amazing Smart Home Tricks

The future of Alexa video - CNET

CNET interviews three Amazon execs about the growth of voice computing.

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/the-future-of-alexa/#ftag=CADa08b18a

A chat with Pixie, Princeton University's socialbot video - CNET

Here's what it's like talking to a bot that runs on Amazon's Alexa voice assistant.

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/a-chat-with-pixie-princeton-universitys-socialbot/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Alexa, be more human - CNET

Inside Amazon’s effort to make its voice assistant smarter, chattier and more like you.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-alexa-echo-inside-look/#ftag=CADa08b18a

TruSense Release Date, Price and Specs - CNET

Complete with professional monitoring, TruSense tunes the smart home to keep an eye on your elderly relatives.

source https://www.cnet.com/products/trusense/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Alexa’s new music feature makes your speakers work like Sonos - CNET

Playing music around the house with your Alexa speakers just got a lot better. Here's how to set it up.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/alexas-new-music-feature-makes-your-speakers-work-like-sonos/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Nest Cam 1080p Outdoor Security Camera for $159 + free shipping - CNET

Nest Cam 1080p Outdoor Security Camera for $159 + free shipping

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/nest-cam-1080p-outdoor-security-camera-for-159-free-shipping-2072107/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Avocado toast for days: Here are the best Whole Foods-Amazon deals - CNET

It's only day one, and Amazon-owned Whole Foods has already cut prices -- in some cases substantially.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/whole-foods-here-are-the-best-deals-thanks-to-amazon/#ftag=CADa08b18a

5 ways Alexa can help new parents stay sane - CNET

Alexa makes a new parent's job a little easier with these tips.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/5-ways-alexa-can-help-new-parents-stay-sane/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How to turn Google Home into a Bluetooth speaker - CNET

A recent Google Home update turned it into a Bluetooth speaker. Here's how to pair your phone and stream any audio you want.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-turn-google-home-into-a-bluetooth-speaker/#ftag=CADa08b18a

1byone Digital Body Weight Scale Bathroom Scale with Step-on Technology, 6MM Glass, Max Weight 400 Pounds - CNET

1byone Digital Body Weight Scale Bathroom Scale with Step-on Technology, 6MM Glass, Max Weight 400 Pounds

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/1byone-digital-body-weight-scale-bathroom-scale-with-step-on-technology-6mm-glass-max-weight-400-pounds-118d0de2/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Refurb D-Link Day/Night WiFi Security Camera for $20 + free shipping - CNET

Refurb D-Link Day/Night WiFi Security Camera for $20 + free shipping

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/refurb-d-link-daynight-wifi-security-camera-for-20-free-shipping-2071222/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Here's everything that's included with Amazon Prime - CNET

A full list of all the stuff that is (and isn't) included with your Prime subscription -- including new deals from Whole Foods.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/heres-everything-thats-included-with-amazon-prime-whole-foods/#ftag=CADa08b18a

SimpliSafe: $150 off Coupon - CNET

SimpliSafe: $150 off Coupon

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/simplisafe-150-off-coupon-9438/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Here's everything that's included with Amazon Prime - CNET

A full list of all the stuff that is (and isn't) included with your Prime subscription.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/heres-everything-thats-included-with-amazon-prime/#ftag=CADa08b18a

​Be ready for the next hurricane with a go bag - CNET

Keep this bag ready for a hurricane or other natural disaster.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/prepare-for-the-next-hurricane-natural-disaster-go-bag/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Otto Smart Lock Release Date, Price and Specs - CNET

With touch-to-unlock simplicity, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi smarts and concierge installation service, Otto wants to be the Nest of smart locks.

source https://www.cnet.com/products/otto-smart-lock/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Wallflower review - CNET

The $170 Wallflower smart plug will let you know if your stove's on. But it can't turn your stove off for you.

source https://www.cnet.com/products/wallflower/#ftag=CADa08b18a

KKmoon 800TVL CCTV Outdoor Camera Set for $56 + free shipping - CNET

KKmoon 800TVL CCTV Outdoor Camera Set for $56 + free shipping

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/kkmoon-800tvl-cctv-outdoor-camera-set-for-56-free-shipping-2070826/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Coidak E26 Brightness & Color Temperature Adjustable LED Light Bulb with 2.4G Remote Dimmable A19 - CNET

Coidak E26 Brightness & Color Temperature Adjustable LED Light Bulb with 2.4G Remote Dimmable A19

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/coidak-e26-brightness-color-temperature-adjustable-led-light-bulb-with-2-4g-remote-dimmable-a19-8cb30d74/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Etekcity Digital Body Weight Bathroom Scale , 400 Pounds - CNET

Etekcity Digital Body Weight Bathroom Scale , 400 Pounds

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/etekcity-digital-body-weight-bathroom-scale-400-pounds-7a187da1/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Coidak E26 RGB LED Color Changing Light Bulb with 2.4G Remote Controll Pure White Dimmable A19 - CNET

Coidak E26 RGB LED Color Changing Light Bulb with 2.4G Remote Controll Pure White Dimmable A19

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/coidak-e26-rgb-led-color-changing-light-bulb-with-2-4g-remote-controll-pure-white-dimmable-a19-74076285/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Nest Cam 1080p Outdoor Security Camera for $160 + free shipping - CNET

Nest Cam 1080p Outdoor Security Camera for $160 + free shipping

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/nest-cam-1080p-outdoor-security-camera-for-160-free-shipping-2070385/#ftag=CADa08b18a

5 ways Alexa can help with your new baby - CNET

Alexa makes a new parent's job a little easier with these tips.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/5-ways-alexa-can-help-with-your-new-baby-smart-speaker-amazon/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How to stream any audio to your Google Home speaker - CNET

A recent Google Home update turned it into a Bluetooth speaker. Here's how to pair your phone and stream any audio you want.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-stream-any-audio-to-your-google-home-speaker/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How to stream any music on Google Home using Bluetooth video - CNET

A recent Google Home update turned it into a Bluetooth speaker. Here's how to pair your phone and stream any audio you want.

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/how-to-stream-any-music-on-google-home-using-bluetooth/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Orbit B-hyve offers clever sprinkler smarts at a prudent price video - CNET

This Wi-Fi connected controller can watch the weather and schedule your sprinklers for you for less than half the cost of the competition.

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/orbit-b-hyve-offers-clever-sprinkler-smarts-at-a-prudent-price/#ftag=CADa08b18a

720p Pan and Tilt WiFi Security Camera for $19 + free shipping - CNET

720p Pan and Tilt WiFi Security Camera for $19 + free shipping

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/720p-pan-and-tilt-wifi-security-camera-for-19-free-shipping-2069593/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Crestron Home Automation System Helps Couple Entertain Guests

Suzanne and Irl Engelhardt love entertaining – so much so that they have set up their extraordinary home largely for that purpose.

“We bought kitchen towels that say, ‘Guests of our guests may not bring guests,’ but we’ve broken that rule,” Sue Engelhardt says. She has held parties for their grown children, for their friends, for employees, college alumni, even her book club from St. Louis. “I love to have people come and stay,” she says.

 

The five-bedroom house is unusually long and narrow. Most rooms have windows on two or three sides plus private patios. “We might have eight guests each in their own areas – but when they’re ready to socialize, they all congregate at the center of the house.”

 

The center is a beautiful living room, kitchen and dining area, with floor to ceiling windows that retract, on both sides, to bring the outdoors inside. Here the Engelhardts and friends can lounge in the sun, eat, talk, watch movies, or binge-watch Netflix.  “After dinner, we always love to watch something, whether an action movie, a drama or Downton Abbey. We take turns deciding what it will be, but we watch it together. It’s a form of bonding.”

 

Blending Design & Smart Home Technology

 

Sue Engelhardt says she and Irl bought their original property in Naples in 2003, but after retirement they were able to purchase the adjacent lot, tear down their existing house and build something special.

 

“I knew nothing from a technical point of view, but I know good design,” she recalls. She found Vero Beach-based architect Clem Schaub and loved his designs. “He grew up in Puerto Rico and enjoys the tropical lifestyle,” she says. “He understands that if you’re in Florida you want to be outside.”

She had trouble finding a good technology integrator, but Schaub recommended Will Gilbert of Fort Lauderdale-based Think Simple. “I felt comfortable with Will. He’s very open with how they will build something and transparent about pricing. If I would say, I really want this to be this way, he would always find a way to do it.”

 

The living room is something special. Schaub and Think Simple designed a media system with a JVC projector, James Loudspeaker surround sound and a huge projection screen, but hid everything in the ceiling and behind a beautiful piece of fabric art by Olga de Amaral. But because the family hates to close draperies, Think Simple also installed an 80” Sharp TV, a better option when the room is bright. Press a button on a handheld remote or iPad and the artwork rolls out of the way to the right, revealing the TV or lowering the screen and projector.  “It’s really cool,” Sue says. “You can’t even tell they are there.”

Sue says she was surprised and impressed when the Think Simple people came back after the audio system was installed and tuned each room with Crestron’s Surround Sound Tuning Kit, using a microphone to compare the sound coming from the speakers with a reference tone generated by a computer.  “It’s night and day how much better it sounds.”

As concerned as she was about sound and image quality, Sue did not want to look at the A/V equipment when she wasn’t using it. Think Simple installed an equipment rack in the attic, mounted speakers in the ceilings, and hid TVs in cabinets whenever possible. In the master bath, they installed Seura mirror TVs, which disappear when powered off.  If someone wants to play a movie or song list from a phone or tablet, they can connect wirelessly via AirPlay. The sound system defaults to the room they connect from, but it’s easy to play music in multiple rooms or throughout the house.

 

The Finer Details

 

Getting the details right was a bit of a challenge. Gilbert says he had the bathroom vanities custom built so that the glass would match the glass in the Seura mirrors perfectly.  “We also had to use linear actuator motors in the living room to keep from damaging the artwork,” he adds.

Think Simple owns its own “CNC” computer-controlled lathe and milling machine, which they used to build bronze plates for security cameras and wood plates for some of the outdoor lighting fixtures, all of which exactly match fixtures chosen by Schaub interior architect Christine Pokorney.

 

Network, Lighting and Security

 

In addition to the A/V systems, Think Simple installed the home network, a home telephone system including a cellular antenna,  and Crestron controls to integrate the security, lighting, shading, climate and A/V, coordinating with the family’s security and IT suppliers based near their main home in St. Louis.

“The name of the company [Think Simple] is interesting,” Sue says. “As technical as they are, they really do make it very simple for the end user. I was impressed, too, with their service after the sale. I was watching a movie with some friends one evening and something happened – the movie just quit. I called Will, and he fixed it immediately by connecting remotely to my house. We went right back to our movie.”

 

“The Think Simple people are all kind of nerdy but a good nerdy,” she adds. “They are all truly excited about what they do, and they are always looking for the next thing that will be great to use in a home.”

 

That’s one reason she recommended the company to a neighbor down the street. But the other is simply that she loves her integrated home.

She says her son is building a new house now and she told him to be sure to include an automation system. “I said, ‘Do it now before the house is finished. You’ll be really glad you did.’”

The post Crestron Home Automation System Helps Couple Entertain Guests appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/smart-home/crestron-home-automation-system-helps-couple-entertain-guests/

New from Fibaro: Temperature Sensor Watches Doors and Windows

Some sensors are designed to detect one condition, and that’s okay.  But Fibaro has combined a few sensing technologies into one small-size device that fits right on the side of a door or window, gate or a set of blinds. The Door/Window Sensor 2, a Z-Wave Plus certified smart home device, monitors the status of the door, window, gate or blinds. At the same time it functions as a temperature sensor.

The combo sensor can report to your smartphone or tablet a change in open/close status to help prevent theft, break-ins, and energy loss if a door or window is unintentionally left open. Then, through its internal temperature sensor monitor temperature changes to maximize efficiency and reduce monthly electricity bills. For additional security the Door/Window Sensor 2 also includes a tamper sensor that will alert the user if someone tries to remove it.

The sensor also has the ability to trigger a pre-programmed customized scene. For example, when the front door is opened and the Door/Window sensor is triggered, a “welcome home” scene can be activated with a series of actions pre-programmed by the user (i.e. the front hall lights are turned on, music starts to play and the air conditioning is activated).

With Z-Wave Plus certification, Door/Window Sensor 2 enjoys features that come with the upgraded Z-Wave platform, including longer battery life, faster operation, better RF coverage and easier installation.

The sensor is currently available in white and additional colors may be added later to this version of the Door/Window Sensor to give consumers the option to custom match their interior décor. Smaller than its predecessor (at less than 3-inches long), the Fibaro Door/Window Sensor 2 can be easily mounted on any style of door or window using the included strong two-sided adhesive. The sensor is battery powered and also works with a Z-Wave hub, so it can be placed anywhere in the home.

The Door/Window Sensor 2 is available for $49.99 from Amazon.com.

The post New from Fibaro: Temperature Sensor Watches Doors and Windows appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/home-security/new-from-fibaro-temperature-sensor-watches-doors-and-windows/

Nakamichi Unveils DTS:X Soundbar with Dual Wireless Subwoofers

Soundbars introduced homeowners to a completely new way of integrating speakers into their media rooms. Mounted below a skinny TV, they provide channels of audio up front, but sometimes getting the rear speakers and subwoofers to connect to them can be challenging—especially if you’re interested in a multi-speaker setup like DTS:X.

Nakamichi hopes to simplify matters with the introduction of two DTS:X-compatible Shockwafe soundbars. The showcase product is the Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 DTS:X, a 45” soundbar system with 9.2 channels, two 10-inch wireless subwoofers, and four modular 3S rear speakers. The other model, the Shockwafe Elite 7.2 DTS:X, comes with two 8-inch wireless subwoofers and two 3S rear speakers.

Compatible with DTS:X, they both possess object-based surround capabilities for more immersiveness and flexibility in how surround sound can be experienced. The new 9.2- and 7.2-ch soundbars are now available for pre-order on www.nakamichi-usa.com/shockwafe-ultra-preorder and www.nakamichi-usa.com/shockwafe-elite-preorder (delivery in October 2017), with a retail price of $899 and $1099, respectively.

With Nakamichi’s new 7.2- and 9.2-Channel soundbar systems, home theater enthusiasts can jump right into a state-of-the-art multi-dimensional cinema experience in only a matter of minutes.

“The new Nakamichi Shockwafe soundbars are the most ambitious research and development project ever undertaken by Nakamichi,” says Nakamichi USA CEO, Rayman Cheng. “Based on sound, simplicity and price-to-performance ratio, they are arguably the most value-for-money sound bars that anyone who owns a HDTV would be interested in buying.”

Dual Wireless Subwoofers

Why two subwoofers? Action movie soundtracks often push soundbar subwoofers past their limits. Even with careful placement, a single subwoofer will not provide an optimum frequency response at all listening positions in the room. Strategically placed dual subwoofers will help deliver accurate and balanced bass across the entire space, thereby making the entire room the sweet spot.

Quad-U-Flex Modular 3S (Synchronized Surround Sound) Speakers

Out of the box, the Shockwafe Ultra Quad-U-Flex 3S Speakers are arranged into a dipole configuration: two separate enclosures that face outwards and away from each other, dispersing the surround effects away from the listener to eliminate localization effects. The enclosures can be detached and placed in the room as four individual speakers for optimal placement to deliver the Ultra 9.2’s signature surround sound to any room shape or size.

Control and Connectivity

Shockwafe Ultra supports the latest video standards including HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC), 4K Ultra HD pass through, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and HDCP 2.2, connect up to 6 devices to this dream command center of your home theater via 1 HDMI ARC, 3 HDMI, 1 Optical and 1 Coaxial inputs.

The post Nakamichi Unveils DTS:X Soundbar with Dual Wireless Subwoofers appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/home-audio/nakamichi-unveils-dtsx-soundbar-with-dual-wireless-subwoofers/

How Solar is Changing Everyday Household Objects

How to make phone calls with Google Home - CNET

You can now use your Google home like a landline phone.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-make-phone-calls-with-google-home/#ftag=CADa08b18a

SimpliSafe: $200 off Coupon - CNET

SimpliSafe: $200 off Coupon

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/simplisafe-200-off-coupon-9438/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Belkin WeMo WiFi-Enabled Light Switch for $40 + free shipping - CNET

Belkin WeMo WiFi-Enabled Light Switch for $40 + free shipping

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/belkin-wemo-wifi-enabled-light-switch-for-40-free-shipping-2069044/#ftag=CADa08b18a

The Orbit B-hyve combines dated looks with modern smarts - CNET

Large buttons and a clunky interface belie the Wi-Fi enabled prowess of this smart controller.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/the-orbit-b-hyve-combines-dated-looks-with-modern-smarts/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Samsung smart speaker reportedly on the way - CNET

The company's mobile chief confirms to CNBC that Samsung is close to joining the crowded field of voice-activated smart home speakers.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/samsung-smart-speaker-reportedly-on-the-way/#ftag=CADa08b18a

LaView 8-Ch. Security System w/ TP Link Plug for $305 + free shipping - CNET

LaView 8-Ch. Security System w/ TP Link Plug for $305 + free shipping

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/laview-8-ch-security-system-w-tp-link-plug-for-305-free-shipping-2068000/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Nanoleaf Aurora Rhythm Release Date, Price and Specs - CNET

The Aurora Rhythm module turns your Nanoleaf LED panels into music visualizers.

source https://www.cnet.com/products/nanoleaf-aurora-rhythm/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Orbit B-Hyve review - CNET

At half the cost of the competition, the B-Hyve's smarts make a lot of sense.

source https://www.cnet.com/products/orbit-b-hyve/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Belkin Wemo Smart Dimmer Switch for $70 + free shipping - CNET

Belkin Wemo Smart Dimmer Switch for $70 + free shipping

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/belkin-wemo-smart-dimmer-switch-for-70-free-shipping-2067769/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Xiaomi Mijia Smart IP Camera for $28 + free s&h from China - CNET

Xiaomi Mijia Smart IP Camera for $28 + free s&h from China

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/xiaomi-mijia-smart-ip-camera-for-28-free-s-h-from-china-2067535/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Belkin WeMo WiFi-Enabled Light Switch for $40 + free shipping w/ Prime - CNET

Belkin WeMo WiFi-Enabled Light Switch for $40 + free shipping w/ Prime

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/belkin-wemo-wifi-enabled-light-switch-for-40-free-shipping-w-prime-2067421/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Ezviz Husky 720p WiFi Security Camera for $60 + free shipping - CNET

Ezviz Husky 720p WiFi Security Camera for $60 + free shipping

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/ezviz-husky-720p-wifi-security-camera-for-60-free-shipping-2067094/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Warmoon RGB LED Light Bulbs - CNET

Warmoon RGB LED Light Bulbs

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/warmoon-rgb-led-light-bulbs-d1526582/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Smart Light Offers a Cure for Insomnia

If you suffer from insomnia, Sleepace has developed a smart lamp that can offer some relief. When you’re ready to hit the sack, the Nox smart sleep light, which sits comfortably on a nightstand, bathes you with light and sound programs that adapt to your personal body clock to improve sleep quality with red-light wavelengths. This reddish light helps raise melatonin levels to promote sleep, and delicate sounds help soothe and calm. If you prefer a different color, though, you can choose to have the light shine in any of 16 million color combinations.

The light and sound is customizable through a companion Sleepace mobile app. The Sleepace app will tell Nox to turn off once you’ve fallen asleep. The Nox knows this by monitoring your body movement.

From the app you can also set the light to wake you up at a certain time. But unlike a typical alarm clock, Nox wakes you up with a gentle “nudge.”  Sleepace App will let Nox know when you are at the lightest part of your sleep cycle and Nox will wake you up within 30 minutes prior to the time you set—not with a shrill alarm, but with a light that simulates the rising of the sun and the sound of chirping birds.

The Sleepace App is handy, but since Nox is compatible with Amazon Alexa, you can also use your voice to set the light.

Connect the device to the Sleepace app, which is what tracks sleep cycle parameters like time and depth. The data generated from the app provides a comprehensive analysis and scores sleep quality.

The app then educates you with personalized daily reminders designed to help form healthier habits, while sensors monitor temperature, humidity, light levels and noise. You can refer to the app to find out if it was a barking dog or the lights from passing traffic by your bedroom window that interrupted your sleep.

The Nox smart light is available on Amazon.com for $149.

The post Smart Light Offers a Cure for Insomnia appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/home-lighting/smart-light-offers-a-cure-for-insomnia/

Samsung Connect Home will get a web-based interface in the future - CNET

Samsung's new Wi-Fi mesh and smart home systems will get an update in the future that will bring different improvements, including a more traditional interface to set them up.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/samsung-connect-home-get-web-based-interface-update/#ftag=CADa08b18a

NFL Football Inspired Home Theaters: Ready to Bring the Action Home

A popular trend in home theater design is incorporating the colors and memorabilia of a favorite football team. The two theaters profiled below scored the Gold and Silver awards during the Electronic House Home of the Year awards content held recently. You can see more winners here, here, and here. The Gold winning space was inspired by the owners’ love of the Denver Broncos; the Silver theater pays tribute to the Buffalo Bills. Each was put together for less than $75,000.

Gold Winner: Denver Broncos-Themed Theater Takes the Title

Ode to a fave football team and plenty of A/V power like 4K projection and 155-inch screen score a family a winning home theater.

Home theaters come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Thankfully, when the owners of this award-winning theater sat down with the home systems integrators at TYM Smart Homes & Home Theaters to brainstorm concepts for their new home theater, the house was in the framing stages, giving them a blank slate to work with. They could design the theater without much compromise, integrate technology with relative ease, and personalize the space fully.

TYM and the homeowners took the ball and ran with it, tailoring the 20-by-20-foot theater around the owner’s love of football, family, and the Denver Broncos. Naturally, the color scheme for the room would incorporate lots of Broncos blue and orange. Beyond this, the A/V presentation had to be as lifelike as possible — as if the Broncos super-fan was sitting on the 50-yard line.

 

“Graffiti” Inspires Gigantic Screen

The screen would need to be large, but how large? To help the homeowners visualize the screen’s impact on the room, TYM lead designer Matt Montgomery spray painted screen options onto the foundation walls of the basement. “This allowed the client to visualize his home theater and the impact of various screen sizes,” says Montgomery. “It’s a crude method, but effective.”

No surprise, the homeowner chose the largest of the screen options — a super-wide anamorphic screen measuring 155 inches (diagonal). A Sony 4K projector suspended from the ceiling throws football games and movies onto the Draper screen.

 

50-Yard-Line Seats

Based on the dimensions of the screen, TYM calculated the best seating location for the owner. The rest of the home theater design would revolve around this prime viewing spot. This would include a Dolby Atmos/DTS:X capable surround-sound system comprising Paradigm CI Elite in-wall and in-ceiling speakers and Anthem receiver. Additional seating in the form of blue bean bag chairs would occupy the floor in front of the main seating area. “Low to the ground, the bean bag seating would ensure that nothing would block the owner’s view of the screen,” Montgomery explains.

Going for the Extra Point

What would a game be without refreshments? At the rear of the home theater a fully stocked kitchen offers snacks and drinks … as well as a 75-inch Sony 4K TV that displays the same video feed as what’s on the 155-inch screen. There’s no chance of missing an important play as you grab a cold one from the fridge. The Just Add Power video distribution system delivers the action to all other TVs in the house as well.

The extra point on the experience is a custom-designed fiber optic star ceiling, which the TYM integrators installed permanently into the sheetrock. “If you can’t be at Mile High Stadium for the game, then we can create the feeling of being under the stars with your fellow fans,” Montgomery says.

The entire environment — audio, video, fiber optic stars, lighting, and temperature — can be easily controlled by an app on the homeowner’s iPad. The team at TYM initially configured the app with “scenes” that enable the homeowner to touch one button to command multiple devices. Since then, however, the homeowner has taken the liberty to create his own scenes as he discovers new ways to enjoy his Broncos-inspired home theater.

 

Systems Design & Installation

TYM Smart Homes & Home Theaters, Sandy, Utah

 

Equipment Highlights

• Sony 4K projector
• Draper projection screen
• Paradigm speakers
• Anthem A/V receiver
• Sony 4K TV
• Just Add Power video distribution
• Savant automation & lighting
• LaunchPort iPad wall mount

 

Silver Winner: Buffalo Bills Fan Treated to Theater that’s All Fun & Games

This sports bar-style theater was custom built by Pure Custom Integrations (PCI), of Mississauga, Ontario, for a huge Buffalo Bills fan who wanted to soak in as much football action as possible with a large projection screen surrounded by multiple TVs. A thin-bezel 108-inch acoustic screen from EluneVision was used in order to be able to place the TVs closer together and create a more uniform look. Two Samsung 50-inch 4K TVs were mounted on each side of the screen, with precise measurements for the spacing.

Five cable boxes allow for various sporting events to be watched at once, and content from a media player and PS4 can also be selected. The homeowner wanted to have a 7.1-channel theater layout, but after examining the potential speaker positioning, PCI determined a Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 setup made more sense.

To simplify operating the sophisticated A/V setup, PCI created a user interface (UI) that also catered to the theme. “The custom UI was a surprise we had and never discussed with him. We just talked with the client to find out more about what he liked and why he wanted to build his dream theater,” says PCI president Richard Juras. “We wanted his menu layout on the iPad to look similar to the displays on the wall — where he would just select which display he was controlling on the iPad and that corresponding TV would turn on and be ready to use.”

A storage closet next to the theater provided the perfect spot to hold the equipment rack and help PCI avoid extremely long runs on the HDMI cable to pass a true 4K source. RTI control systems allowed PCI to create a true custom layout that was reliable and quick responsive, while Lutron Caséta lighting sets the room for any viewing condition.

 

Systems Design & Installation

Pure Custom Integrations, Mississauga, Ontario

 

Equipment Highlights

• RTI automation
• Lutron lighting
• EluneVision projection screen
• JVC DLA-X700R projector
• Samsung 4K displays
• MartinLogan, Polk Audio, Definitive Tech speakers
• Marantz electronics
• Sony wireless headphones
• Panamax power conditioning
• Middle Atlantic rack

The post NFL Football Inspired Home Theaters: Ready to Bring the Action Home appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/homes-of-the-year/nfl-football-inspired-home-theaters-ready-to-bring-the-action-home/

Best Audio System for a Modern Penthouse? Line Source Speakers

This modern penthouse is a wide, open space with tall ceilings and glass windows. Needless to say the integrator on this project has some trouble outfitting the space with audio.

The Golf Loft penthouse in Brussels, Belgium is aptly named for the private golf course that sits on the rooftop terrace. Housed in the building of a former tribunal court, the almost 10,000-square-foot space had been remastered as a large, open living space offering impressive views of downtown Brussels. The owner, a real estate developer, envisioned a high-end space that was not only high-tech but also the perfect backdrop for hosting and entertaining clients. There was just one problem for the integrator — choosing loudspeakers for such a wide, open, acoustically-challenged space.

Part of the modern appeal of the room is the roughly 108 feet of floor-to-ceiling glass walls and roughly 3,229 square feet of marble flooring. While these surfaces offer an impressive view and complement the historical architecture outside, they were an audio hurdle for Jan Martens, integrator on the project and founder of Belgian installation company Woelf.

The client wanted a distinct audio zone for the bar and dining area. He envisioned his guests mingling at the space’s bar, dining table or pool table while enjoying music.

The challenge for Woelf was finding a speaker solution that would deliver incredible audio without reflecting off these surfaces and overwhelming the room — and the guests — and degrading the audio experience.

Point Source Speakers vs. Line Source Speakers

A traditional point source speaker wasn’t a feasible solution because the technology pushes sound out in all directions, encountering and reflecting off the ceilings, floors and walls.

Listeners would hear more sound bouncing of the room that sound directly coming from the speakers, which would result in poor clarity and intelligibility. The louder you play the more reflection you bring which quickly becomes unpleasant. The further away from the speaker the harder it would be for guests to hear any direct sound at all.

Instead, Jan selected line source speakers from Wisdom Audio, specifying two Wisdom Audio line source freestanding loudspeakers. Featuring a slim, elegant design, the speaker met the client’s aesthetic requirements.

Because the speaker uses line source technology, Martens solved many of the acoustical challenges of the highly reverberant space. The line source technology provides more direct sound versus reflected sound.

It propagates sound in a line versus a sphere like a traditional point source speaker, eliminating floor and ceiling reflections that can distort the audio. Sound is pushed directly where it needs to go — the listener’s ears.

 

This kind of speaker is ideal for large rooms and open spaces, or those with architectural challenges including cathedral or coffered ceilings, hard floors, high ceiling and glass walls.

The result is high resolution, low distortion and great dynamic range at any volume level.

Throughout the bar area, the volume stays almost uniform throughout the space, preventing guests who are closer to the speaker from being blasted at high levels and allowing those farther away to hear and enjoy music at almost the same level.

“Although the space is breathtaking, it was visually and quality wise very difficult to integrate. With the line source, the result is beautiful and everyone have can the same listening experience and carry on conversations anywhere in the room,” says Martens. “My client was astonished because he thought he’d have to sacrifice the audio quality and have the room be really noisy. It was a great experience making the connection between high-end audio and design.”

The post Best Audio System for a Modern Penthouse? Line Source Speakers appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/home-audio/best-audio-system-for-a-modern-penthouse-line-source-speakers/

Microsoft’s New Cortana Smart Thermostat Takes Aim at Nest

Last year Microsoft said it wanted to open its Alexa-style voice assistant Cortana up to third parties, and one of its first iterations is here; Microsoft and Johnson Controls have partnered to create a Cortana-powered smart thermostat called GLAS.

Similar to Nest and Ecobee, GLAS will monitor the temperature in a room, raising or lowering it to save energy. It will also include a touchscreen to allow manual controls and informational checks, including temperature, indoor and outdoor air quality and calendar schedule.

A promotional video (view above) also says GLAS will detect whether or not anyone is in a room and operate accordingly.

“GLAS is a thermostat that moves with us. Its daily reporting provides insights needed to create the perfect atmosphere for your business, your home, the places you want to visit … GLAS knows when you’re in the room and when you’re not. GLAS constantly monitors indoor and outdoor air quality and intelligently changes its settings, making it capable of providing leading energy savings.”

GLAS will run on Microsoft’s Windows 10 IoT Core operating system and have Cortana voice services built in, taking aim at both Nest and Ecobee, which can be controlled via Amazon Alexa.

In the promotion video, Microsoft appears to be marketing the thermostat to businesses and commercial properties as well as residential spaces. The company plans to power GLAS with its Azure cloud services, which would put it right at home in a workplace environment.

That could make GLAS stand out, considering most smart thermostats are geared towards homes and not offices.

If third-party integration is the key to Alexa’s and Google Home’s success, this is a good first step for Microsoft’s Cortana. But the Internet giant doesn’t plan to stop here, saying it will bring Cortana to refrigerators and toasters, too. That’s a new one.

The post Microsoft’s New Cortana Smart Thermostat Takes Aim at Nest appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/home-energy-management/microsofts-new-cortana-smart-thermostat-takes-aim-at-nest/

Google said to be working on mini Google Home smart speaker - CNET

Smaller smart speaker expected to be unveiled in the fall, according to Android Police.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/google-said-to-be-working-on-mini-google-home-smart-speaker/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Amcrest ProHD 1080p WiFi IR Security Camera for $62 + free shipping - CNET

Amcrest ProHD 1080p WiFi IR Security Camera for $62 + free shipping

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/amcrest-prohd-1080p-wifi-ir-security-camera-for-62-free-shipping-2065393/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Amazon was selling Echo Dots for the low, low price of $0 - CNET

The smart speaker usually sells for $50. But for a short window on Friday, Amazon was giving it away through an unadvertised promotion.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-was-selling-echo-dots-for-the-low-low-price-of-0/#ftag=CADa08b18a

iHome iSP8 Wi-FI SmartPlug, includes hand held remote, Works with Amazon Alexa - CNET

iHome iSP8 Wi-FI SmartPlug, includes hand held remote, Works with Amazon Alexa

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/ihome-isp8-wi-fi-smartplug-includes-hand-held-remote-works-with-amazon-alexa-49505348/#ftag=CADa08b18a

See the brains of Andy Rubin's Essential Home - CNET

The pieces are coming together for the Echo competitor from the founder of Android.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/essential-home-pictures/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Smart grills battle for BBQ supremacy video - CNET

We make two smart grills battle to see which is best.

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/smart-grills-battle-for-bbq-supremacy/#ftag=CADa08b18a

An outdoor security camera for just 100 bucks - CNET

Reolink's Argus is a battery-powered outdoor security camera -- for only $100.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/an-outdoor-security-camera-for-just-100-bucks/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Etekcity Digital Body Weight Bathroom Scale , 400 Pounds - CNET

Etekcity Digital Body Weight Bathroom Scale , 400 Pounds

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/etekcity-digital-body-weight-bathroom-scale-400-pounds-7a187da1/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How to make hands-free calls with Google Home - CNET

Google just rolled out hands-free calling for its Google Home speaker. Here's how it works.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-make-hands-free-calls-with-google-home-smart-speaker/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Sonos lays out terms for voice control ahead of Alexa skill - CNET

An upcoming update to the Sonos privacy statement makes it sound like the long-awaited integration with Amazon's Alexa is getting closer to arrival.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/sonos-lays-out-terms-for-voice-control-ahead-of-alexa-skill/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Amazon Echo Dot cases: The good, the bad and the horse - CNET

You don't need a case for your Echo Dot smart speaker, but if you want one, you've sure got some interesting options.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/amazon-echo-dot-cases/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Google Home starts rolling out voice calling - CNET

Soon, you can use Google's smart speaker to call your contacts.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/google-home-starts-rolling-out-voice-calling/#ftag=CADa08b18a

No Space for a TV Wall Mount? Try One of These 5 Creative Solutions

Ok Google, Set the Temperature in my Home to 72 Degrees

Does your home feel too cold, too hot, or just right? Honeywell wants to make it as easy to adjust the temperature of your home as saying “Ok, Google, set the temperature to 72 degrees.” It’s part of Honeywell’s commitment to grow its ecosystem of products and services by adding a new integration with Google Home. Now, consumers who own a Google Home can use a few simple words, like “OK, Google …” to adjust their home’s temperature and comfort with a Lyric thermostat (Lyric Round, Lyric T5, Lyric T6 Pro) or Total Connect Comfort (Wi-Fi and RedLINK) thermostat. Google Home is the latest in Honeywell’s Works With Honeywell program, which includes integrations with other smart home products and services available, such as Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT and more.

In addition to Google Home voice control, consumers can control their Honeywell thermostats with Google Assistant on Google/Android devices, using a number of different commands. If a home has multiple heating or cooling zones, it is possible to control them independently by informing Google Home which thermostat corresponds to a specific zone. Consumers can also continue to adjust the temperature, set up schedules or make other changes with Honeywell’s Lyric or Total Connect Comfort (TCC) app, and directly on the thermostat interface.

Honeywell continues to collaborate with more than 200 companies in the smart home space via the Works With Honeywell program of integrations and partnerships. Works With Honeywell helps by providing customers with more flexibility to add into and personalize their homes with a wide collection of the best connected products and services, from comfort and control to savings and safety.

“Honeywell technology is already found in more than 150 million homes worldwide,” says Scott Harkins, vice president, IoT partner programs, Honeywell Connected Home. “Now with our Google Home integration, we’re thrilled to have the first thermostats integrated with every major smart hub. It is another way we are helping consumers more easily bring smart technology into their homes and lives, regardless of how they want to get started, their home’s unique needs or which smart hub they have.”

The post Ok Google, Set the Temperature in my Home to 72 Degrees appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/home-energy-management/ok-google-set-the-temperature-in-my-home-to-72-degrees/

Best Home Theater: 7 Amplifiers Deliver 10,000 Watts of Pure Audio Muscle

The owners of this theater didn’t pussyfoot around when it came to the equipment driving the roughly 400-square-foot entertainment space. Nor did they skimp on the design or architectural details. They even had the entire room acoustically engineered and the audio system expertly calibrated to ensure everything from music to movie dialog would sound pristine. It was this attention to detail that made this project a clear winner as the Electronic House Home of the Year: Best Home Theater $75,000 and Up. See other winners of the 2017 Home of the Year contest, here, here, and here.

“This theater sounds as good as it can possibly sound,” says Michael Alpert, president of Nantucket Media Systems, of Nantucket, Mass. He credits the outcome to close collaboration between the homeowners, his team of integrators, and fellow subcontractors. “We all came to the table with different ideas, but were all flexible enough to work together and create something special.”

Digging Deep for Home Theater Gold

It all started with the bones of the house. Although structurally sound, the basement where the theater would reside needed some TLC. A portion of the existing slab was removed and contractors trenched into the earth to create a higher ceiling of 10 feet. With that extra height, the homeowners were able to get the stadium-style seating layout they wanted and Nantucket Media Systems could mount the projector high enough to preclude anyone from hitting their head on it.

The Nantucket Media Systems team cloaked the HVAC ducts with a custom-built soffit and applied two layers of sheetrock. This construction method would prevent the high-octane audio planned for the room from spilling out into other areas of the house.

 

Acoustics and Calibration Create Top-Notch Audio

With the shell of the theater complete, Nantucket Media Systems teamed up with Cinema Design Group (CDGi) to add architectural elements like acoustical wall and ceiling treatments, carpeting, seating, and light fixtures. These features would all impact the performance of the Wisdom Audio speakers and amplifiers selected for the project, so Wisdom Audio and CDGi worked together to ensure perfect placement of the acoustical panels and the speakers that would rest behind them.

The next step was calibrating the audio equipment to compensate for any minor acoustical anomalies that might still be present in the intricately designed room. A high-end audio processor from Datasat was added for this purpose. Including such features as memory profile settings, equalization, room optimization/correction, and extensive automation controls, the Datasat RS20i was the last link in the audio calibration chain, giving the Dolby Atmos surround-sound setup the brain and brawn to perform to perfection.

13-Foot-Wide Video

While audio was obviously a high priority for this project, the video presentation is completely on par. Sony’s flagship VW5000ES 4K projector pairs with an acoustically transparent 13-foot-wide screen from Seymour Screen Excellence. Nantucket Media Systems made sure the owners had plenty of 4K content to watch by adding a Kaleidescape Strato media server. Equipped with an internal 6 or 10TB hard drive, it can store as many as 180 4K Ultra HD movies, 330 Blu-ray quality movies, or 1,500 DVD quality movies.

Shape-Shifting Screen

All of the equipment is tied to a Savant control system, which allows the owners to operate the theater gear, as well as the lights and fiber optic star ceiling, from a custom-designed iPad interface. The system also automates certain features; for example, when it receives a cue from the Kaleidescape media player that the movie to be displayed is a wide CinemaScope format, it tells fabric masking panels on the screen to roll up so the entire 2.35:1 aspect ratio is available. When a narrower 16:9-formatted video is chosen, the Savant system instructs the masking to slide back over the screen. Then, as the movie begins to play the room lights dim and the heating and cooling fan activates.

In Control of the Entire Home

With so much A/V power coursing through this room, it’s hard to imagine thinking about anything else than what’s playing on the screen and speakers. Still, thanks to the Savant system, the owners are able to use the same iPad interface to monitor and manage lights, motorized window shades, thermostats, and security devices in other areas of the house. They can immerse themselves in the entertainment yet remain completely connected.

 

Systems Design & Installation

Nantucket Media Systems, Nantucket, Mass.

 

Equipment Highlights

• Savant automation
• Wisdom Audio speakers
• Wisdom Audio amplifiers
• Datasat processor
• Sony projector
• Lumagen Radiance video processor
• Kaleidescape media server
• Oppo Blu-ray player

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source https://www.electronichouse.com/homes-of-the-year/best-home-theater-7-amplifiers-deliver-10000-watts-of-pure-audio-muscle/