IFA 2018: Everything we've seen at Europe's biggest tech show - CNET

With the press days of the show now almost over, we've now seen a fridge with a built-in vacuum sealer, a metric ton of smart speakers, cutting edge phones and more.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/ifa-2018-everything-weve-seen-so-far-day-3/#ftag=CADa08b18a

The Best Smart Home Products of 2018

This boring switch might be the best Philips Hue gadget yet - CNET

This light switch can trigger your Hue lights and scenes, and it'll work with HomeKit, too. Best of all, it requires no batteries or wiring.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/this-boring-switch-might-be-the-best-philips-hue-gadget-yet/#ftag=CADa08b18a

It's time to replace these items in your kitchen - CNET

Sometimes being frugal can be wasteful and dangerous.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/its-time-to-replace-these-items-in-your-kitchen/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Huawei joins the Alexa-powered smart speaker club with the AI Cube - CNET

"Cube" is a misnomer we'll have to try to get over.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/huawei-joins-the-alexa-powered-smart-speaker-club-with-the-ai-cube/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Philips Hue's smart lights will work with Siri Shortcuts this fall - CNET

You'll soon be able to add Hue lighting changes in with your customizable Siri Shortcut commands that trigger multiple things at once.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/philips-hue-smart-lights-will-work-with-siri-shorcuts-this-fall/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Nanoleaf update: Touch-sensitive Canvas panels coming December 1 - CNET

We can't wait to stick these things all over the CNET Smart Home.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/nanoleaf-update-touch-sensitive-canvas-panels-coming-december-1/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Smart Plug Lightstory Mini WiFi Socket Outlet 4 Pack - CNET

Smart Plug Lightstory Mini WiFi Socket Outlet 4 Pack

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/smart-plug-lightstory-mini-wifi-socket-outlet-4-pack-4b70a4a3/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Lenovo's got new smart home gadgets to go with that fancy Smart Display - CNET

A smart plug, a Wi-Fi camera and a smart bulb with multiple white light settings are on the way, and they'll all work with Alexa, Siri and the Google Assistant.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/lenovos-got-new-smart-home-gadgets-to-go-with-that-fancy-smart-display/#ftag=CADa08b18a

The 8 grilling tips you need for Labor Day weekend - CNET

Everything you need for awesome burgers, hot dogs, grilled salad and so much more.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/grilling-tips-you-need-this-labor-day-weekend/#ftag=CADa08b18a

LG pushes hands-free help in the kitchen with Google-powered smart display - CNET

LG's smart display will use software from the company Innit for step-by-step cooking guides.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/lg-pushes-hands-free-help-in-the-kitchen-with-google-powered-smart-display/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Neato fills out vacuum lineup with nods to value seekers, pet owners - CNET

Neato's D4 and D6 robots target dirty floors, deal hunters and pet owners.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/neato-fills-out-vacuum-lineup-with-nods-to-value-seekers-pet-owners/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Want to make your dumb Bluetooth speakers smart? This could be the answer - CNET

Alexa, time to get with the Bluetooth program.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/want-to-make-your-dumb-bluetooth-speakers-smart-this-could-be-the-answer/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Google Assistant becomes bilingual as the Max arrives in Europe - CNET

The powerful speaker comes to the UK, France and Germany -- and now lets you use two languages at once.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/google-assistant-becomes-bilingual-as-the-max-arrives-in-europe/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Marshall Voice promises powerful and loud Alexa-enabled music - CNET

The company known for amps is giving Alexa a pair of premium smart speakers.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/marshall-voice-promises-powerful-and-loud-alexa-enabled-music/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Mitte wants to sell you your own bottled water operation - CNET

Coming next year: a countertop appliance called Mitte that purifies tap water and packs it with the minerals of your choosing. Oh, and it just raised $10 million.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/mitte-wants-to-sell-you-your-own-bottled-water-operation/#ftag=CADa08b18a

June's Intelligent Oven gets a little smarter and a lot cheaper video - CNET

The second-generation June Intelligent Oven is more affordable and cooks with more finesse.

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/junes-intelligent-oven-gets-a-little-smarter-and-a-lot-cheaper/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Google Assistant now shows info on TVs with Chromecast - CNET

The long awaited feature shows answers to your questions while you watch TV.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/google-assistant-now-shows-info-on-tv-with-chomecast/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Google Assistant becomes bilingual as the Max arrives in Europe - CNET

The powerful speaker comes to the UK, France and Germany -- and now lets you use two languages at once.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/google-home-max-arrives-in-europe-as-google-assistant-becomes-bilingual/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Alexa and Google can tell Eufy's new RoboVac to get cleaning - CNET

Need a cheap little robo-minion to keep your floors clean? This smart cleaner might be your best budget pick yet.

source https://www.cnet.com/reviews/eufy-robovac-30c-preview/#ftag=CADa08b18a

HiMirror Mini smart mirror crosses the Atlantic to judge Europeans - CNET

The HiMirror Mini Premium will start to ship to Europe in October.

source https://www.cnet.com/reviews/himirror-mini-premium-preview/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Fibaro invites Samsung, IFTTT into its smart home - CNET

Fibaro hubs now work with Samsung smart home and IFTTT linked gadgets.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/fibaro-invites-samsung-ifttt-into-its-smart-home/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Labor Day deal: Get 3 Amazon Echo Dots for $75 - CNET

Plus: An exclusive deal on a collector's-edition Game of Thrones Season 7 Blu-ray!

source https://www.cnet.com/news/labor-day-deal-get-3-amazon-echo-dots-for-75/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How to make a DIY running belt video - CNET

Make your own phone running belt using an old athletic shirt, scissors and glue.

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/how-to-make-a-diy-running-belt/#ftag=CADa08b18a

GE Appliances makes it easier to use Google Assistant in the kitchen - CNET

"Hey, Google, set the oven to 375 degrees."

source https://www.cnet.com/news/ge-appliances-makes-it-easier-to-use-google-assistant-in-the-kitchen/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Eve puts Siri-enabled smarts in a power strip at IFA - CNET

Eve Systems also unveiled a color-changing light strip that works with Apple's HomeKit.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/eve-puts-siri-enabled-smarts-in-a-power-strip-at-ifa/#ftag=CADa08b18a

3 reasons you should always wear gloves while cleaning - CNET

Do it for your skin and your health.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/why-you-should-always-wear-gloves-while-cleaning/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Harman Kardon announces a metric ton of Google multiroom speakers - CNET

Samsung's Harman Kardon has announced a suite of Google Assistant speakers called the Citation range, in addition to a couple of Enchant sound bars.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/harman-kardon-releases-a-ton-of-google-multi-room-speakers/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Yale's new Sync security system gets Philips Hue, Alexa integrations - CNET

When the alarm sounds, your smart lights will start flashing red.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/yales-new-sync-security-system-gets-philips-hue-alexa-integrations/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How to store your knives the right way - CNET

Don't dull those blades! Here's how to keep your kitchen knives sharp, shiny and stored correctly.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-store-your-knives-the-right-way/#ftag=CADa08b18a

AEG SenseCook cooktops to provide automated cooking to home chefs - CNET

These induction cooktops, announced ahead of IFA, monitor and adjust your cooking temperatures.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/aeg-sensecook-cooktops-to-provide-automated-cooking-to-home-chefs/#ftag=CADa08b18a

These are the three knives you need in your kitchen - CNET

You don't need every knife under the sun to be a great home chef, but there are a few must-haves.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/the-three-knives-you-need-in-your-kitchen/#ftag=CADa08b18a

The new June Intelligent Oven is cheaper, smarter than first version - CNET

The second generation of this countertop oven, which costs $599, has a built-in camera, smartphone-like internal processor and software that could recognize foods that you put into the oven.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/the-new-june-intelligent-oven-is-cheaper-smarter-than-first-version/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Bang & Olufsen gives Google Assistant a fancy new home in BeoSound speakers - CNET

The BeoSound 1 and 2 -- starting at $1,750 -- are premium smart speakers that also work with Apple's AirPlay 2.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/bang-olufsen-gives-google-assistant-a-fancy-new-home-in-beosound-speakers/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Football Fantasy: Half-Dozen Displays Hook ’em on Game Day

There are football fans who love watching the sport then there are super fans who relish the opportunity to critique every aspect of the game: compare stats, study and analyze players, review key plays, basically live and breathe the game. The owner of this media room marvel fits into the latter category, especially when it comes to the University of Texas Longhorns. As his home was being built, he sequestered a 1,500-square-foot space where he could dive deep into football territory, but all from the comfort of his couch.

Related: Check out these five fabulous football themed theaters. 

Local systems integrator Service Tech Audio Visual was hired to handle the conversion of the unfinished space into a multiscreen viewing environment, complete with a billiards table and bar. Sony XBR 4K TVs deliver high refresh rates for superior processing of fast-action sports, and five was the magic number of displays for the impending video wall.

After coming up with a workable game plan, the team at Service Tech centered an 85-incher on the chosen viewing wall and flanked it with two 49-inch displays on each side. The result is an eye-popping video wall capable of displaying five separate programs simultaneously. Each display is connected to its own dedicated DirecTV box, giving the owner the freedom to pick and choose at will.

Savant Automation System Consolidates Control

Rather than require the owner to use a separate remote to control each DirecTV box and its connected TV, Service Tech tied everything to a Savant control system so a single remote or touchpanel can quickly set up the video for game-day action. Using the touchpanel, which is stationed on an in-wall charging station but can be quickly removed and carried to the couch, the owner can select a channel for each TV.

Even easier, he can tap a button labeled “Hook ’em” which tunes each TV automatically to the owner’s five preferred sports channels.

The central display goes right to the Longhorn Network; the others broadcast to other sports stations. The Savant app on the tablet does the trick, or he can press a button on a Lutron Palladiom keypad as he enters the room.

Audio automatically defaults to the 85-inch TV, which plays through a full-length custom Leon Speakers soundbar mounted below the display, as well as to in-ceiling Sonance Performance speakers for a 7.2-channel surround-sound effect. The owner can always use Savant interface on the touchpanel to direct audio from any of the other TVs to the speaker array.

Longhorns in Full Color

A Lutron HomeWorks QS architectural lighting system and colored Philips Hue accent lights play a big role in the Hook ’em scene, too. The same program that sets up the video wall also activates cove lighting, which shines in Longhorns burnt orange. From the touchpanel, Savant remote or a Lutron Palladiom keypad, the owner can also engage a “Movie” scene. This tunes the 85-inch TV to Apple TV, switches off all the room lights, and turns the cove lighting to a deep blue hue: the perfect setting for a movie night.

 

“Savant is so easy for our team of designers to program, it’s become our preferred home control product,” says Service Tech’s marketing manager Mattie Horn. “This project showcases what’s possible to achieve when you have a tool like Savant to bring all the pieces together.” With multiple TVs, intuitive controls, and colorful lighting, this multipurpose room is able to transition easily from a sports devotee’s dream viewing environment to a movie buff’s cinematic bliss.

Systems & Equipment

• Sony XBR 4K TVs
• Savant Pro Host control system
• Savant A/V distribution
• Savant digital amplifiers
• Sonance VP 64 speakers
• Leon Speakers soundbar
• Lutron HomeWorks QS
• Philips Hue strip lighting

The post Football Fantasy: Half-Dozen Displays Hook ’em on Game Day appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/home-of-the-week/football-fantasy-half-dozen-displays-hook-em-on-game-day/

Bosch pitched a smart kitchen utopia at IFA 2018 - CNET

Food-identifying fridges? Virtual kitchen controls? Range hoods with a sense of smell? Bosch brought everything but the kitchen sink to Europe's largest, strangest tech show.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/bosch-pitched-a-smart-kitchen-utopia-at-ifa-2018/#ftag=CADa08b18a

The Bosch smart kitchen Americans can't have at IFA 2018 - CNET

Bosch has an entire line-up of innovative and interesting smart home and kitchen products, most of which aren't for sale in the U.S.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/the-bosch-smart-kitchen-americans-cant-have-at-ifa-2018/#ftag=CADa08b18a

15% off Energy Saving Programmable Thermostat - CNET

15% off Energy Saving Programmable Thermostat

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/15-off-energy-saving-programmable-thermostat-1c4d8e58/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Save up to 16% on LUXON products - CNET

Save up to 16% on LUXON products

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/save-up-to-16-on-luxon-products-02b7367e/#ftag=CADa08b18a

JBL Link View gives Google Assistant a smart screen with sound chops video - CNET

We put the Link View's sound quality to the test to see if it can stand out from the crowd of smart speakers that now include a screen.

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/jbl-link-view-gives-google-assistant-a-smart-screen-with-sound-chops/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Miele's newest dishwasher uses a disk to dispense detergent - CNET

The PowerDisk, which automatically dispenses detergent during wash cycles, is more efficient and effective at cleaning, the company says.

source https://www.cnet.com/reviews/miele-g7000-dishwasher-preview/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Used Logitech Circle 2 1080p Camera for $60 + free shipping - CNET

Used Logitech Circle 2 1080p Camera for $60

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/used-logitech-circle-2-1080p-camera-for-60-free-shipping-17539598/#ftag=CADa08b18a

6 smart smoke detectors for a safer home video - CNET

These app-enabled devices might offer extra peace of mind.

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/6-smart-smoke-detectors-for-a-safer-home/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Why your ice maker is making hollow ice cubes and how to fix it - CNET

Here's what you can do to make your ice cubes solid again.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/why-your-ice-maker-is-making-hollow-cubes-and-how-to-fix-it/#ftag=CADa08b18a

New Alexa-powered Bose smart speakers and sound bars take aim at Sonos, HomePod - CNET

Bose says they'll hear your Alexa voice commands even when you're playing them loud.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/new-alexa-powered-bose-smart-speakers-and-sound-bars-take-aim-at-sonos-homepod/#ftag=CADa08b18a

3rd-Gen Nest Learning Thermostat for $170 + free shipping - CNET

3rd-Gen Nest Learning Thermostat for $170

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/3rd-gen-nest-learning-thermostat-for-170-free-shipping-17539226/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Apple just turned your ancient AirPort Express router into an AirPlay 2 wireless speaker dongle - CNET

Yep, Apple just breathed new life into a totally discontinued product.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-just-turned-your-ancient-airport-express-router-into-an-airplay-2-wireless-speaker-dongle/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Harman Kardon's $600 smart speaker is basically a giant Google Home - CNET

Like the Google Home Max, but maybe even beefier.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/harman-kardons-600-smart-speaker-is-basically-a-giant-google-home/#ftag=CADa08b18a

June Intelligent Oven (2018) review: A fun kitchen tool for the age of Instagram - CNET

But the smart countertop cooker still has trouble with toast.

source https://www.cnet.com/reviews/june-intelligent-oven-2018-review/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Swann 1080p Mini Bullet Camera 2-Pack for $51 + free shipping - CNET

Swann 1080p Mini Bullet Camera 2-Pack for $51

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/swann-1080p-mini-bullet-camera-2-pack-for-51-free-shipping-17538605/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How to keep your old keys with a new smart lock - CNET

Getting a smart lock doesn't have to mean ditching the deadbolt you're already using. Here are a few smart locks that let you keep your existing keys.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/how-to-keep-your-old-keys-with-a-new-smart-lock/#ftag=CADa08b18a

7 ways Alexa can help your kids get ready for school - CNET

If you're having trouble getting everyone ready and out the door in the morning, maybe Alexa can help.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/ways-alexa-can-help-get-your-kids-ready-for-school-in-the-morning/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Nest x Yale smart lock will soon work with Google Assistant - CNET

Your smart lock is adding another voice assistant.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/nest-x-yale-smart-lock-will-soon-work-with-google-assistant/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Kangaroo security system puts motion sensors front and center - CNET

Startup Kangaroo wants to keep home security simple with a motion-sensor-centric system. Possibly too simple.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/kangaroo-security-system-puts-motion-sensors-front-and-center/#ftag=CADa08b18a

11 smart thermostats to regulate your home's heat and AC - CNET

Not yet sold on a smart thermostat? Click through your options here.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/smart-thermostats-to-regulate-your-homes-heat-and-ac/#ftag=CADa08b18a

JBL Link View combines a hefty speaker with Google Assistant smarts - CNET

With all of the capabilities of a Google Home, plus a helpful touchscreen, plus robust speakers, the Link View has a lot going for it.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/jbl-link-view-combines-a-hefty-speaker-with-google-assistant-smarts/#ftag=CADa08b18a

GDEALER Digital Body Weight Scale 400lb Black - CNET

GDEALER Digital Body Weight Scale 400lb Black

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/gdealer-digital-body-weight-scale-400lb-black-e1c69573/#ftag=CADa08b18a

The best back-to-school deals from Amazon - CNET

It's not too late to save money on Fire, Echo and other Amazon products.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/the-best-back-to-school-deals-from-amazon-aug27/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Out of Shape Room Becomes Perfectly Fit Home Theater

9 smart thermostats to make your home the right temperature - CNET

Thinking about swapping out your old thermostat? One of these smart models might suit your needs.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/smart-thermostat-roundup/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Save on Sengled Smart Light Bulbs - CNET

Save on Sengled Smart Light Bulbs

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/save-on-sengled-smart-light-bulbs-6a6ebc29/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Eve Room 2 gives Siri an upgraded sense of smell - CNET

The latest monitor from Eve Systems sports a refined design and precise measurements for air quality, temperature and humidity.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/eve-room-2-gives-siri-an-upgraded-sense-of-smell/#ftag=CADa08b18a

JBL Link View review: The JBL Link View gives Google Assistant a screen and plenty of bass - CNET

Google Assistant's second smart speaker with a screen does a lot of things well and turns up the sound quality.

source https://www.cnet.com/reviews/jbl-link-view-review/#ftag=CADa08b18a

AEG SenseCook cooktops to provide automated cooking to home chefs - CNET

These induction cooktops, announced ahead of IFA, monitor and adjust your cooking temperatures.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/aeg-sensecook-cooktops-to-provide-automated-cooking-to-home-chefs/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Netgear Arlo Q 1080p Security Camera for $120 + free shipping - CNET

Netgear Arlo Q 1080p Security Camera for $120

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/netgear-arlo-q-1080p-security-camera-for-120-free-shipping-17534123/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Nest x Yale Lock with Nest Connect for $249 + free shipping - CNET

Nest x Yale Lock with Nest Connect for $249

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/nest-x-yale-lock-with-nest-connect-for-249-free-shipping-17533850/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Save on August Smart Lock, 3rd Gen Technology - Silver, Works with Alexa and more - CNET

Save on August Smart Lock, 3rd Gen Technology - Silver, Works with Alexa and more

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/save-on-august-smart-lock-3rd-gen-technology-silver-works-with-alexa-and-more-abacc941/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Ikea smart plugs coming in October, report says - CNET

The home furnishing giant will reportedly start selling a line of smart plugs this fall under the Tradfri line.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/ikea-smart-plugs-coming-in-october-report-says/#ftag=CADa08b18a

6 smart smoke detectors for a safer home video - CNET

These app-enabled devices might offer extra peace of mind.

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/6-smart-smoke-detectors-for-a-safer-home/#ftag=CADa08b18a

This Cortana thermostat does more than meets the eye video - CNET

Johnson Controls' $319 GLAS is a pricey smart thermostat with some neat bonus features.

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/this-cortana-thermostat-does-more-than-meets-the-eye/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Johnson Controls GLAS review: Costly Cortana-powered GLAS thermostat has a striking design, but it's not for everyone - CNET

Johnson Controls' $319 GLAS Smart Thermostat has a built-in Cortana speaker and a clear OLED display.

source https://www.cnet.com/reviews/johnson-controls-glas-smart-thermostat-review/#ftag=CADa08b18a

This Cortana smart thermostat also gives air quality reports - CNET

The Johnson Controls GLAS Smart Thermostat has a built-in Cortana speaker and a whole lot more.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/this-cortana-smart-thermostat-also-gives-air-quality-reports/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Unboxing the Naked Labs Body Scanner in the CNET Smart Home - CNET

Wonder what you get when you buy a smart mirror built to scan every inch of your naked body? Here's the whole setup process -- plus a look at our first scan (yikes!).

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/unboxing-the-naked-labs-body-scanner-in-the-cnet-smart-home/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Why your ice maker is making hollow ice cubes and how to fix it - CNET

Here's what you can do to make your ice cubes solid again.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/why-your-ice-maker-is-making-hollow-cubes-and-how-to-fix-it/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Naked Labs' body-scanning mirror might be the smartest thing in the CNET Smart Home - CNET

The Naked Labs Body Scanner is a combination smart mirror and scale that produces frighteningly accurate 3D renderings of your body that you can track and scrutinize on your phone.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/naked-labs-body-scanner-smart-mirror-scale-cnet-smart-home/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Be your own lighting designer with these layered light basics - CNET

Getting the light just right in your home isn't as complicated as it seems. Follow these simple rules for a perfect ambience.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/lighting-design-layered-light-how-to/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Brace yourselves for some harsh truths from smart mirrors - CNET

There are a growing number of internet-connected mirrors that analyze your skin, organize your wardrobe, break down your body fat and more.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/brace-yourselves-for-some-harsh-truths-from-smart-mirrors/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Why I threw away my pots and pans -- and you should, too - CNET

You could be wasting energy and contaminating your food.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/you-may-need-to-get-rid-of-your-pans-heres-why/#ftag=CADa08b18a

The WinkBed cools or warms you with comforting air while you sleep - CNET

The WinkBed comes with air-powered climate control for maximum comfort.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/the-winkbed-cools-or-warms-you-with-comforting-air-while-you-sleep/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Sleep Number's 360 Smart Bed gives you tons of tools to track your zzz's - CNET

The 360 Smart Bed by Sleep Number is packed full of sensors so you can learn more about your sleep.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/sleep-numbers-360-smart-bed-gives-you-tons-of-tools-to-track-your-zzzs/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Monoprice Launches Affordable Smart Home System

Bang & Olufsen gives Google Assistant fancy new digs in BeoSound speakers - CNET

The BeoSound 1 and 2 -- starting at $1,750 -- are premium smart speakers that also work with Apple's AirPlay 2.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/bang-olufsen-gives-google-assistant-fancy-new-digs-in-beosound-speakers/#ftag=CADa08b18a

An easy, DIY screen-cleaning spray video - CNET

Make this chemical-free antibacterial spray with a few household ingredients.

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/an-easy-diy-screen-cleaning-spray/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Cutting board battle: Wood vs. glass vs. plastic - CNET

Which cutting board earns a place in your kitchen? Here's what you need to consider.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/cutting-board-battle-wood-vs-glass-vs-plastic/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Sleep Number 360 review: This $7,600 smart bed isn't smart enough - CNET

Sleep Number's pricey 360 Smart Bed tells you how you slept, but it needs to do much more.

source https://www.cnet.com/reviews/sleep-number-360-smart-bed-review/#ftag=CADa08b18a

The best smart bed could be the one you already own - CNET

We slept on a bunch of smart beds to see which one serves up the best shut-eye.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/smart-bed-sleep-number-beautyrest-winkbed-eight/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Four fancy smart beds for a better night's sleep - CNET

These four smart beds use plenty of impressive tech to help you sleep better.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/four-fancy-smart-beds-for-a-better-nights-sleep/#ftag=CADa08b18a

26 brilliant ways to use a binder clip - CNET

You'll never look at one the same way again.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/brilliant-ways-to-use-a-binder-clip/#ftag=CADa08b18a

4 features every smart bed needs video - CNET

Shopping for a smart bed? Here are the top four things to look for.

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/4-features-every-smart-bed-needs/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Eight Mars+ review: A smart mattress cover for your most connected night of sleep - CNET

This Wi-Fi-connected mattress tracks your sleep and works with connected lights, thermostats and more so you can customize your sleep routine.

source https://www.cnet.com/reviews/eight-mars-plus-review/#ftag=CADa08b18a

This bed frame and sensor pair up for smarter sleep - CNET

The Beautyrest SmartMotion Base 3.0 works with the Beautyrest Sleeptracker Monitor to deliver sleep stats and helpful insights.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/this-bed-frame-and-sensor-pair-up-for-smarter-sleep/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Beautyrest SmartMotion Base 3.0 review: Get a custom night's sleep at the touch of a button - CNET

From massage to zero gravity and USB chargers, Beautyrest brings it all to the SmartMotion Base 3.0.

source https://www.cnet.com/reviews/beautyrest-smartmotion-base-3-0-review/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Save up to 15% on BIHAND products - CNET

Save up to 15% on BIHAND products

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/save-up-to-15-on-bihand-products-15e97ee2/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Save on Sengled Element Plus Smart Light Bulbs - CNET

Save on Sengled Element Plus Smart Light Bulbs

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/save-on-sengled-element-plus-smart-light-bulbs-97d91538/#ftag=CADa08b18a

WeMo Alexa and Google Assistant Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug (4-Pack) w/ $10 Dell eGift Card - $119.99 - CNET

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/wemo-alexa-and-google-assistant-mini-wi-fi-smart-plug-4-pack-w-10-dell-egift-card-119-99-usfd/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How to use Alexa and Cortana together - CNET

Amazon's Alexa and Microsoft's Cortana digital assistants now work together. Here's how to connect them.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-use-alexa-and-cortana-together/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Smart smoke detectors for a safer smart home - CNET

You don't have to rely on a cheap plastic puck anymore. Smart smoke detectors can help you watch over your place even when you're away.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/smart-smoke-detectors-for-a-safer-smart-home/#ftag=CADa08b18a

6 cheap ways to make your home smarter video - CNET

Check out these budget-friendly buys to make your home smarter in no time.

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/6-cheap-ways-to-make-your-home-smarter/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Philips Hue announced a ton of new smart lights this summer - CNET

New outdoor lights for your yard, new entertainment lights for your living room, and even a smart bathroom mirror for good measure. The team at Philips Hue has been busy.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/philips-hue-announced-a-ton-of-new-smart-lights-this-summer/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Amazon Prime: 21 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

Yale Assure smart locks now work with Xfinity Home - CNET

If you've got a Zigbee-enabled Yale Assure lock, you can now control it through Xfinity Home and your X1 voice remote.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/yale-assure-smart-lock-now-works-with-xfinity-home/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Here's how to stop your shower curtain from blowing in on you - CNET

Make your mornings less frustrating with these simple fixes for a shower curtain that blows around.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/stop-shower-curtain-blowing-in-while-showering/#ftag=CADa08b18a

10 Clever Household Uses for Smart Lighting

Whether it’s a single light bulb or a comprehensive whole-house lighting system, the lights in your home just keep getting smarter and smarter. Consequently, they offer a wide range of features and benefits to your household. From making your home more secure to a better place to entertain friends and family, today’s lighting solutions are amazingly versatile. There’s something for just about everyone. Here are 10 ways smart lighting can make an impact in your home.

1. Energy Savings. LED bulbs consume less energy than incandescent bulbs, and when you tie them to dimmer switches, the energy savings multiplies. It’s a simple, fairly affordable upgrade that will eat away at your energy costs.
2. Aesthetic Value. Lights glowing at a full 100 percent intensity level may seem like the ideal level at which to illuminate your home—maybe if you’re trying to find loose change in the cushions of a couch. Lights set a softer intensity make your home’s interior look better.
3. Convenience. Most smart light bulbs and lighting systems can be programmed to turn on and off at certain times of the day. It happens automatically, so even if you forget to turn off a light as you race out the door, the light remembers.
4. Your Health. Lighting offers proven health benefits. New bulbs have been engineered to produce light that mimics sunshine, making you feel better and be more productive. Smart lighting can also help put you to sleep, dimming gradually as the night progresses.
5. Entertainment. Lights that dim in preparation of a movie or that pulse along with beat of a song are a great addition to any party.
6. Simplicity. If you’ve ever struggled to remember which switch controls which lights—and who hasn’t?—you’ll appreciate the simple, intuitive controls of a lighting system. Buttons of a keypad are labeled, as are commands on mobile apps. No more guessing which switch to toggle.
7. Remote Access. Imagine you’re on your way home from a late-night business meeting. From a smartphone you can turn on certain lights as you pull into the driveway. It’s the ultimate peace of mind.
8. Safety. Smart lighting can be set to turn on and off randomly, making your house look occupied—and less attractive—to burglars.
9. Scare Tactics. Raccoons, trespassers, and other unwelcome visitors scurry away when the lights snap on suddenly when a detector notices their presence.
10. Personality. Just as a new coat of paint can liven up a space, smart lighting can turn drab rooms into dramatic showpieces.

The post 10 Clever Household Uses for Smart Lighting appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/home-lighting/10-clever-household-uses-for-smart-lighting/

Outdoor Space Delivers All-Weather Entertainment and Slick Home Automation Features

In most outdoor entertainment spaces, rain showers bring the party inside, but in this exterior A/V paradise, which was recently earned the Electronic House Home of the Year award for Best Outdoor Space, the family can enjoy music and movies no matter the weather. Should Mother Nature throw a monkey wrench into their plans, they just tap a button on a Crestron touchpanel to cover the main viewing area with a substantial retractable canopy.

See more Home of the Year winners here, here, and here

The canopy is also a fair-weather friend, providing shade on hot sunny days and precluding sunlight from tossing a glare onto the screen of a Stealth Acoustics 130-inch LED display with a custom swing-out feature. “Over the years, the owner has rented a lot of tents and canopies to host outdoor parties,” says Robin Bogle, owner of AHT Global, the firm hired to design and install the outdoor A/V. “He figured it was time to invest in one of his own and went the extra mile by eliminating the headaches of manually putting one up.”

Crestron Sets Scene for A/V Content Galore

Assured of bright, vivid images, the homeowners and their guests can enjoy a number of entertainment options, including content from Apple TV, Blu-ray Disc player, Kaleidescape movie server, satellite receiver, and laptop computer. “The outdoor venue is often used for special events, so we installed an HDMI input to the Crestron DM [DigitalMedia] switcher so that people can watch video from the computers on the big screen,” says Willy Blanco, partner at AHT Global. “The owner typically does this for his annual Halloween party to display a loop of spooky images on the screen.”

Whether the gathering is big or small, during the day or night, in clear or cloudy conditions, the outdoor environment is able to adapt. A Crestron control system — which the owners also use to control tech inside their house — swiftly handles all of the alterations. From any touchpanel on the property, the homeowners can activate scenes specially programmed by AHT that can change the look and feel of the outdoor space. For example, “Party” signals the Crestron A/V distribution system to deliver music to all 80 outdoor commercial-grade QSC speakers, activate the massive LED TV along with three smaller Samsung displays by the cabana, and turn on the jets in the Jacuzzi. If it’s dusk — signaled by the Crestron system’s astronomical timeclock — the landscape lighting joins the setup.

Less elaborate but equally as handy is the “Game” scene. In this mode, only the speakers by the LED TV are active. The owner can use his iPad to tune the satellite receiver to his desired sports channel, and the Crestron matrix switcher delivers the action to the screen. If guests would also like to view the game on any other TV, a few taps on the iPad make it happen. Meanwhile, music from an Autonomic server can be directed to any group of speakers.

High-Tech Watchdog

With so much entertainment available to them, it’s easy for the family to be engrossed in their outdoor activities. The Crestron system keeps an eye on things to mitigate any worries. Should a guest arrive at the gate, they are notified on iPads and Crestron touchpanels. From these devices they can access the nearest surveillance camera to identify the guest and open the gate. Real-time video from a total of 38 cameras can be cued, giving the owners a bird’s eye view of every piece of the property.

The Crestron system keeps tabs on this sensational outdoor space even when nobody’s around.  At a certain time each night the house and property goes automatically into lockdown mode. The gates lock, the security system activates, the landscape lights turn off, and the huge canopy that kept the family comfortable even on the hottest or rainiest days, slides silently back into its housing. Who says “smart home” only applies indoors?

 

Systems & Equipment

• Crestron control system
• QSC speakers
• Stealth Acoustics 130-inch LED “Jumbotron” TV
• Samsung TVs
• Visualint surveillance cameras
• Lutron lighting
• Creston A/V distribution

The post Outdoor Space Delivers All-Weather Entertainment and Slick Home Automation Features appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/home-of-the-week/outdoor-space-delivers-all-weather-entertainment-and-slick-home-automation-features/

Make your Google Home smarter by assigning it to rooms in your house - CNET

Tell your Google Home speaker that it's in your master bedroom and you can control that room with simple commands.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-assign-your-google-home-speakers-to-different-rooms/#ftag=CADa08b18a

The 9 things your dorm room needs - CNET

Everything you need to make your room the best on the floor.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/things-your-dorm-room-needs/#ftag=CADa08b18a

After a year's wait, Amazon and Microsoft bring Alexa and Cortana to each other's devices - CNET

Live today, the long-awaited collaboration brings Alexa to Windows 10 devices and Cortana to Amazon's Echo speakers. Just ask one assistant to "open" the other.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-and-microsoft-bring-alexa-and-cortana-to-echo-windows-10-devices-harman-kardon-invoke/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Want to buy a smart plug? Read this first - CNET

There's a surprising variety of smart plugs out there. Here's how to decide which is right for your home.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-buy-a-smart-plug/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Samsung Galaxy Home Smart Speaker Unveiled; Powered by Harman

If you have been looking for a new kind of smart speaker to carry out your voice commands, Samsung has recently entered the ring.  Its newly unveiled Galaxy Home, is a Bixby-supported smart speaker voice control product powered by Harman AKG technology, and features a unique design.

The Galaxy Home sports a totally different look from any other smart speaker on the market when compared to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomePod. The larger unit sits on a three-legged tripod and kind of looks like an urn or a vase, but is covered in black cloth.

It has a subwoofer, six drivers encircling the unit and eight microphones to pick up voice commands for Bixby. The unit incorporates what Samsung calls SoundSteer technology which allows Bixby to direct the sound towards the open part of the room versus against the wall, if the unit is placed near a wall.

The unveiling took place at Samsung’s “Galaxy Unpacked” event which was primarily focused on the new Galaxy Note 9 smartphone.

“Just say, ‘Hi Bixby. SoundSteer’ and the music is directed right at you.”

A Samsung executive noted: “With Harman’s Natural Sound Processing, you get a realistic surround sound experience that feels like you are right in the middle of a live concert. It detects your location and optimizes the sound based on where you are in the room. Just say, ‘Hi Bixby. SoundSteer’ and the music is directed right at you.”

Samsung has also partnered with Spotify and will have “deeply integrated Spotify experiences on Samsung devices” according to Spotify. The Galaxy Home will permit users to  switch between devices, such as the Galaxy Home and a Samsung TV, or another Galaxy Home.

There is no word if a companion smaller footprint device is in the works. Full specs and pricing are not yet available.

The post Samsung Galaxy Home Smart Speaker Unveiled; Powered by Harman appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/home-audio/samsung-galaxy-home-smart-speaker-unveiled-powered-by-harman/

Philips Hue's newest smart lights are coming for your TV - CNET

The new Play and Signe smart lights are designed to color your living room walls and smarten up your home entertainment experience.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/new-philips-hue-signe-play-color-changing-smart-lights-tv-entertainment/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Etekcity 1022D Dual Laser Digital Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun Non-contact -58℉~1022℉ (-50℃ ~ 550℃) with Adjustable Emissivity and Max Measure for Meat Refrigerator Pool Oven - CNET

Etekcity 1022D Dual Laser Digital Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun Non-contact -58℉~1022℉ (-50℃ ~ 550℃) with Adjustable Emissivity and Max Measure for Meat Refrigerator Pool Oven

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/etekcity-1022d-dual-laser-digital-infrared-thermometer-temperature-gun-non-contact-581022-50-550-with-adjustable-emissivity-and-max-measure-for-meat-refrigerator-pool-oven-f0a8a219/#ftag=CADa08b18a

15% off Energy Saving Programmable Thermostat - CNET

15% off Energy Saving Programmable Thermostat

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/15-off-energy-saving-programmable-thermostat-fe4dbc0c/#ftag=CADa08b18a

HOMEMAXS Wi-Fi Smart Plug - CNET

HOMEMAXS Wi-Fi Smart Plug

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/homemaxs-wi-fi-smart-plug-a4ddf5f3/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Save $100 on Echo Show - CNET

Save $100 on Echo Show

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/save-100-on-echo-show-46663064/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Save on Philips Dimming Kits - CNET

Save on Philips Dimming Kits

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/save-on-philips-dimming-kits-c0a18c36/#ftag=CADa08b18a

The first 6 things to do when you get an Amazon Echo - CNET

Set it up right and it will become indispensable.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-set-up-amazon-echo-alexa/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How a humidifier can improve your life - CNET

The humidity level in your home is important. Here's why.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/why-you-should-get-a-humidifier/#ftag=CADa08b18a

It's beer o'clock and we've got the tech to prove it - CNET

Cheers to these 12 beer devices that aim to make your drinking and brewing experience that much tastier.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/its-beer-oclock-and-weve-got-the-tech-to-prove-it-pictures/#ftag=CADa08b18a

10 best smart-home gadgets for newbies video - CNET

The smart home has never been more accessible, so what's the best place to start?

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/10-best-smart-home-gadgets-for-newbies/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Amazon is reportedly working on a new DVR - CNET

The device, currently nicknamed Frank, would connect to a Fire TV streamer.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-is-reportedly-working-on-a-new-dvr/#ftag=CADa08b18a

The best back-to-school deals from Amazon - CNET

It's not too late to save money on Fire, Echo and other Amazon products.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/the-best-back-to-school-deals-from-amazon/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Siri vs. Alexa vs. Google Assistant - CNET

Three voice assistants are fighting for space in your smart home -- is there a clear winner?

source https://www.cnet.com/news/siri-vs-alexa-vs-google-assistant/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Alexa update lets you watch Ring, Arlo, security camera alerts on your Echo Show - CNET

Select Alexa-enabled security cameras now respond to the phrase, "Alexa, show the event that just happened at the side door."

source https://www.cnet.com/news/view-saved-security-camera-clips-on-your-echo-show-with-this-amazon-alexa-update/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Transform your Amazon Echo Dot with two new dock accessories - CNET

Want to upgrade your Amazon Echo Dot into an alarm clock? A mood light, maybe?

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/ihome-iavs2-iavs5-amazon-echo-dot-docks-alexa-accessories/#ftag=CADa08b18a

5 unexpected things you can make in an Instant Pot - CNET

It's good for more than just making dinner.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/unexpected-things-you-can-make-in-an-instant-pot/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Can digital weights get you ripped? Tonal thinks so - CNET

This weight machine has the strength of a bodybuilder, fits on your wall and could get you in shape faster than the gym.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/tonal-personal-trainer-weight-machine-home-gym/#ftag=CADa08b18a

These are first 7 Alexa skills you should enable - CNET

The ever-growing world of Alexa skills can be daunting. Here are the seven you should give a go first.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/the-first-alexa-skills-you-should-enable/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Google is reportedly working on an Echo Show rival - CNET

The smart speaker with a display will be out for the holiday season, the report says.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/google-reportedly-launching-screen-equipped-smart-speaker-to-rival-amazons-echo-show/#ftag=CADa08b18a

The Bixby speaker is real. Here's what we know about Samsung Galaxy Home - CNET

Bixby, tell me a joke.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/the-bixby-speaker-is-real-heres-what-we-know-about-samsung-galaxy-home/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Preorders open for the GLAS thermostat by Johnson Controls - CNET

The Cortana-powered GLAS smart thermostat is now available for preorder.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/preorders-open-for-the-glas-thermostat-by-johnson-controls/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How to choose the right headphones video - CNET

There are so many types of headphones...which ones are right for you?

source https://www.cnet.com/videos/how-to-choose-the-right-headphones/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Save on Philips Hue 2Pk Color Bulb Kit - CNET

Save on Philips Hue 2Pk Color Bulb Kit

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/save-on-philips-hue-2pk-color-bulb-kit-b6ab984e/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Cauldron, fondue pot, grill? No, it's the Galaxy Home smart speaker - CNET

The squat, three-legged design of Samsung's just-revealed device has Twitter users cooking up plenty of comparisons.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/cauldron-fondue-pot-grill-samsung-galaxy-home-smart-speaker/#ftag=CADa08b18a

The Bixby speaker is real. Here's what we know about Samsung Galaxy Home - CNET

Bixby, tell me a joke.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/the-bixby-speaker-is-real-heres-what-we-know-about-samsung-galaxy-home/#ftag=CADa08b18a

A Smart Home Lifestyle for All Generations

Photo credit: Elan Home Systems

In luxury condo communities where high rents often afford fantastic views, superb locations and high-end accoutrements, residents expect the amenities and community areas to be easy-to-use and up-to-date. Scottsdale Waterfront Residences in Scottsdale, Ariz., recognized this need and recently upgraded its common areas with the latest Elan smart home system to make the audio and video options accessible and easy to use for residents of all ages.

 

Effortless Smart Home Control-No Instructions Necessary

“We have residents ranging in age from 20 to 90,” says Scottsdale Waterfront Residences chief engineer Patrick Bernardi, “and we work hard to make sure every resident can use the beautiful community facilities in the towers. That’s one reason we decided to upgrade our control systems to Elan, it’s so easy to use. In our popular Club Rooms and rooftop pools, we used to have another control system that seemed good in theory, but was far too much trouble in practice, both to use and to maintain. With Elan, we’ve found a solution that anybody – and I really mean anybody – can use with zero instructions. There’s a touchpanel mounted on the wall, and with a few taps on clear, large icons they can set the TVs or speakers to play their chosen content. There are no remotes to lose, no menus to navigate andno complicated interfaces to learn, and our residents really appreciate the change.”

The Scottsdale Waterfront Residences is comprised of two identical 14-story towers, each featuring a rooftop pool with multiple speakers for music, and a kitchen and bar area with two TVs, plus an indoor Club Room that offers a dining area, prep kitchen, wet bar, comfortable seating areas, an 80-inch TV and a surround sound stereo system.

 

 

 

Test Driving Technology for Their Own Condos

 

Jon Lunt, owner of JL Automation, the integration firm responsible for system design, installation and maintenance, sees the upgrades as a big step toward convincing people that home automation and control can make everyday living simpler and more enjoyable.

 

“Once residents spend time using the new Elan system in the pool area, the fitness room, the club room, the dining area, the boardroom and even the lobby, it’s easy for them to see the value of home control,” Lunt says. “In that way, the common areas are a great educational selling tool for us. Residents who like the system have been inquiring about how we can improve their condos and add simple multi-room audio, video, climate control and more. We’ve already completed two subsequent installations for people who liked it so much they had to have it in their individual condos, and we expect more to upgrade their homes in the future.”

 

System Ensures Comfort for Every Resident

Each of the towers has a total of seven 7-inch touchpanels for residents to control audio and video, while the club rooms each feature a larger 12-inch touchpanel. While residents can only control the room they are currently in, staff members have their own logins they can use to override or manage the system in any room in the building. This means if residents have pushed the music volume too loud at the pool, a staff member doesn’t have to go to the roof to lower the volume. Each rooftop pool has its own control system, including an Elan touch panel, Elan Controller, Elan Multi-Room Audio Amplifier, multiple Gefen 4K splitters and extenders to distribute the A/V signals, an Autonomic media server for Sirius/XM, Pandora, Spotify, Airplay and more, and two televisions.

 

Failsafe Smart Home Features

With so much of the living experience riding on this interactive technology, JL Automation took the necessary precautions to protect the equipment and installed a Panamax M4315 Power Conditioner with BlueBOLT remote energy management functionality in each building’s main equipment rack and pool equipment rack to ensure smooth operation and protection in case of power surge or shortage. The club rooms also feature a BlueBOLT-enabled Panamax SM3-Pro system manager with surge protection. The BlueBOLT functionality in the Panamax units allows Bernardi to get instant text or email alerts of any power issues or problematic components, often solving problem remotely without rolling a truck.

 

“One of our biggest problems with the previous control system was that when there was an issue, it took forever to get it fixed,” Bernardi remarks. “We had components fail, and then it took 2-3 weeks to get replacement equipment and installation completed. We can’t have week-long periods where our residents are inconvenienced. We just can’t have it. With ELAN and JL Automation as our integrator, I’m confident that any future issues will be corrected quickly and efficiently, and ELAN’s support and customer service was evident throughout this project.”

 

This project was a welcome upgrade to the residents, who appreciate every effort to simplify their lives and make technology work for them, rather than against them. With rave reviews from residents, staff and Bernardi himself, nobody will be surprised if more residents begin to install ELAN systems in their condos and bring the pleasant, simple control experience to their homes.

 

The post A Smart Home Lifestyle for All Generations appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/smart-home/a-smart-home-lifestyle-for-all-generations/

New Soundbar from Yamaha Loaded with Features

Soundbars are a simple-looking device. They hang from your flat-panel TV, blending in and delivering audio from the display. But there’s a lot that this skinny speaker can do than perform as your TV’s audio sidekick. Yamaha proves this with the introduction of its  MusicCast BAR 400 sound bar.

Retailing for $499.95, this soundbar do just about anything—whether you want to stream music, play music housewide, or enjoy a surround-sound experience. Key elements include Yamaha MusicCast wireless multi-room audio technology, Wi-Fi access to the most popular music-streaming services, optional wireless surround speakers to enhance home theater performance, and voice control via Amazon Alexa devices, including Amazon Echo smart speakers.

The BAR 400 supports high-resolution audio formats at sampling rates up to 192kHz with 24-bit resolution. The soundbar also includes a wireless subwoofer as part of the package, rather than as an optional component. Additionally, it incorporates a wide array of Yamaha sound-enhancement technologies, including Yamaha Clear Voice to improve the audibility and clarity of dialogue in movies and TV shows while maintaining overall sonic quality. Its Compressed Music Enhancer enriches the sound quality of compressed-music formats by restoring high frequencies lost during compression.

To integrate easily with any TV and other external sources, the BAR 400 features multiple connectivity options: an HDMI input, an HDMI output with Audio Return Channel (ARC), and optical and analog audio inputs. Beyond hard-wired connections and Wi-Fi, customers also have the convenience of connection from any Bluetooth-enabled device.

For home theater users, the soundbar offers both Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround^, and it joins a select group of Yamaha sound bars incorporating DTS Virtual:X post-processing technology, which creates a spacious 3D virtual surround – including the sensation of height – from any stereo or multichannel source.

You also have the option to add wireless MusicCast Surround-enabled rear speakers. MusicCast Surround uses a Wi-Fi link to send surround-channel audio directly from the BAR 400 to a pair of MusicCast 20 speakers, or to one or two stereo-capable MusicCast 50 speakers.

MusicCast Surround builds on the MusicCast wireless multi-room audio platform, which streams all of your music wirelessly to MusicCast-enabled products located throughout the house. You can stream thousands of internet radio stations, popular music-streaming services, and music files stored on mobile devices and computers – all controlled from the MusicCast Controller app. Streaming services include Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM Internet Radio, TIDAL, Deezer, and Napster.

The $499.95 MusicCast BAR 400 Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer will be available in September.

The post New Soundbar from Yamaha Loaded with Features appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/home-audio/new-soundbar-from-yamaha-loaded-with-features/

BedJet 3: Heat your sheets with Alexa - CNET

The newest BedJet uses Wi-Fi, Alexa and IFTTT to help set your bed to the perfect temp.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/bedjet-3-heat-your-sheets-with-alexa/#ftag=CADa08b18a

The Bixby speaker is real. Here's what we know about Samsung Galaxy Home - CNET

Bixby, tell me a joke.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/the-bixby-speaker-is-real-heres-what-we-know-about-samsung-galaxy-home/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Innovo Medical Deluxe Fingertip Pulse Oximeter - CNET

Innovo Medical Deluxe Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/innovo-medical-deluxe-fingertip-pulse-oximeter-1bbbb86e/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Home Theater Masterpiece

Photography by Brad Montgomery

If there’s one room where customers can let their imagination run wild, it’s in a home theater. The owner of this award-winning home theater let his personality and heritage reflect in the design by incorporating decorative pieces made of steel. Owner of a steel factory, he put his creativity to work by using materials at his mill to fashion his own theater sign and film reels, which will eventually don the walls of the space that earned the Electronic House Gold Award for Best Home Theater, $25,000 to $75,000.

See more home theater award winners, here, here, and here

But first things first: This A/V enthusiast hooked up with Tym Smart Homes & Home Theaters to turn an unused portion of his basement into a theater that his entire family could enjoy. “He visited our showroom and we tossed around a few fun ideas and wondered if we would hear back from him,” relates Matt Montgomery, co-founder of Tym, of his initial conversation with the homeowner. That was more than a year ago. Eventually, the owner made it back to the Tym showroom; this time he was ready to commence with the project.

Star-Studded Atmosphere

Out of the gate, Tym’s signature star ceiling, which is prominently displayed at its showroom, struck the homeowner as a must-have for the home theater. Beyond this, a large screen, lots of comfortable seating, and a casual vibe were at the top of the shopping list. While Tym’s star ceiling expert, Brad Montgomery, laid the groundwork for the galaxy overhead, the rest of the team focused on the design and implementation of the A/V gear.

The area of the basement that the owner had saved for a home theater was completely finished, so Tym was able to pull together the project fairly quickly, affixing a 138-inch acoustically transparent screen from Elite Prime Vision to the front wall. Optimized for displaying 4K content, the screen was paired with a Sony 4K projector, which Tym suspended from the 10-foot ceiling.

A Dolby Atmos receiver from Anthem runs the audio, delivering a realistic, three-dimensional listening experience through 11 Paradigm speakers and two Paradigm subwoofers — all of which Tym recessed into the walls and ceiling. Brad Montgomery meshed the ceiling speakers into the design of the star ceiling by painting their grilles and painstakingly hand-threading five miles of fiber-optic cabling into the sheetrock.

Familiar Choice for Controls

Selecting a control system for the space was a no-brainer, as the family was already using a Savant system to access, control, and distribute audio and video throughout the house. Tym simply downloaded the Savant app on a tablet dedicated to the new home theater and the family was mastering their media in no time. The new A/V equipment was also tied into the housewide Savant distribution system, which enables the family to route content from the theater to other media rooms upstairs and vice-versa to the theater downstairs. “Everything can be shared,” Matt Montgomery says.

Through the app, they can activate a Sony Blu-ray player, cable TV box, or Apple TV, plus command the Savant Metropolitan light switches to darken the room for optimum viewing. The fiber-optic ceiling is controlled through the app, too, and it’s created an unforeseen use of the theater.

“The owner shared with us that while he and his family do use the theater almost every night to watch movies — and he and his wife regularly visit the theater to just sit and relax and enjoy the stars,” Montgomery says. The steel décor that will soon be added will give the theater even more to gaze upon, and greater personality and polish.

Systems & Equipment 

• Elite Prime Vision 138-inch screen
• Sony projector
  Savant control system
  Savant light switches
  Anthem receiver
  Paradigm speakers and subwoofers
  Sony 4K Blu-ray player

The post Home Theater Masterpiece appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/home-of-the-week/heavy-theater-masterpiece/

Noon Home Disrupts Lighting with ‘Floating’ Switch, Bulb-Detection Technology

Inside the Noon Home dimming base unit, an algorithm can identify the low-level current wave form of the lighting flowing through the switch. That could be an LED, halogen or incandescent bulb in a magnetic low-voltage (MLV) fixture, electronic low-voltage (ELV) fixture, chandelier, recessed light, sconce… anything.

Aiming to disrupt the lighting control market, Noon Home is bringing highly stylized, intelligent and low-cost light switches to homeowners.

The company, based in Cupertino, Calif., offers light switches that not only look different from any switches integrators have ever seen before, but also include patented “automatic bulb-detection technology” that enables the system to do automated lighting design using advanced algorithms that determine dimming levels by reading the electric current generated by light sources.

Aesthetically, the super-thin switches themselves physically “float” out from the faceplates and instead of aiming to blend into the wall, they are designed to visually stand out. The “switch” itself is a single-gang touchpanel, but the system comes in configurations as large as four-gang.

Erik Charlton, CEO, is certainly familiar with market disruption. Among his previous positions was the head of product marketing at Logitech. Most recently, he was head of marketing, product marketing and sales at Nest.

“There are about 140 million residential light switches sold each year,” says Charlton. “This is a really great market and I thought we could do something really disruptive in terms of delivering a scene-based experience to a much broader market.”

Noon Home Product Design, Installation

Noon Home’s product offering consists of a $199 Room Director switch that connects wirelessly via Bluetooth with $99 slave extended switches.

As mentioned, the switches come in single-, double-, triple- and four-gang wall plate configurations, but are also compatible with Decora designs for five-gang or other unusual combinations, such as combination outlets and switches.

Noon Home switches are upgradeable, which means the hardware can be changed out easily.

The switches are controllable via Amazon Alexa, Google Home or IFTTT integration with third-party devices, which also allow Noon switches to work with smart bulbs like Philips Hue, light-effect bulbs, or even music.

The system installs similarly to any wall switch, with a neutral wire required. There is no specialized DC wiring needed.

The wallplates also have a special feature to speed up installation: The metal chassis behind the wallplate allows the technician to hang the dimming base from it while he is connecting the wires. That feature lets the technician keep both hands free.

“The Room Director is the central touchpoint for the user in the room,” says Saket Vora, head of hardware engineering.

“It basically is the scene controller. The Room Director has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, so it connects over to the home network’s Wi-Fi, which enables remote control through a smartphone app. It also allows us to send notifications.”

The Room Director is paired to the different extension switched over Bluetooth, so the idea is that in any central-switch location you’d like, you put the Room Director.

Then, in all the other switches that control the lighting loads in your room, you can put the extension switches. What’s cool about this is that by having the extension switches in all the other locations, you’re still able to control the lights like you normally have been used to controlling them.

The unique design also allows the integrator to upgrade or change out hardware easily. There is no external hub…everything is in the switch itself.

“We don’t believe in changing user paradigms. People love switches. People know switches,” says Charlton. He says future upgrades could include health-sensing technology built into the switches or integrated security features.

“Today, our goal is best-of-breed lighting,” he notes.

Automatic Bulb-Detection Technology

Vora says the company’s automatic bulb detection technology is “truly industry-first” using Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and algorithms based on the profile of the electric current to determine what type of lighting load is connected to the switch.

Inside the dimming base unit, the algorithm can identify the low-level current waveform of the lighting flowing through the switch. That could be an LED, halogen or incandescent bulb in a magnetic low-voltage (MLV) fixture, electronic low-voltage (ELV) fixture, chandelier, recessed light, sconce… anything.

“This allows us to bring a truly universal dimmer to the market, rather than having to look at different catalogs to figure out which is the right dimmer for the lighting load. The intelligence inside the switch is able to do this,” says Vora.

“We are able to exactly dial in the appropriate dimming scheme, the dimming range, and all the other parameters that really help the integrator get the best dimming performance.”

— Saket Vora, Noon Home

“Based on that, we are able to exactly dial in the appropriate dimming scheme, the dimming range, and all the other parameters that really help the integrator get the best dimming performance out of whatever lighting load he has connected to the switch.”

Related: The 10 Best Dimmer Switches for Ligthting Control

 

In other words, looking at the electronic signatures of the lighting loads, the Noon Home switch’s built-in lighting designer knows the switch is connected to four recessed cans, one chandelier, and one accent lamp, for example.

Using that information, it will preconfigure three different scenes for the homeowner: Relaxed Mode, Everyday Mode, and Bright Mode.

Noon has six issued patents, 36 pending and over 170 identified.  Several of the company’s patents are focused on bulb identification and control.

“It dials in the different light levels for each of those loads to create that experience,” says Vora. Using a smartphone, the homeowner can reconfigure and modify it if desired, and create new experiences, such as Movie Night Mode.

Professional Installation Recommended

“Lighting control is great for someone who wants to try to install a smart switch or two, but most of these lighting experiences require at least seven switches, or dozens of switches, to deliver the right experience,” suggests Charlton. “There is only one in a handful of people out there who wants to take on that kind of project. We highly encourage homeowners to use a professional, and I think that’s the right path for most people.”

The post Noon Home Disrupts Lighting with ‘Floating’ Switch, Bulb-Detection Technology appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/home-lighting/noon-home-disrupts-lighting-with-floating-switch-bulb-detection-technology/

Amazon and Microsoft bring Alexa and Cortana to each other's devices - CNET

Live today, the long-awaited collaboration brings Alexa to Windows 10 devices and Cortana to Amazon's Echo speakers. Just ask one assistant to "open" the other.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-and-microsoft-bring-alexa-and-cortana-to-echo-windows-10-devices-harman-kardon-invoke/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Want to buy a smart plug? Read this first - CNET

There's a surprising number of smart plug varieties out there. Here's how to decide which one is right for your home.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-buy-a-smart-plug/#ftag=CADa08b18a

LaView 8-Ch Wi-Fi 1080P IP Security System for $286 + free shipping - CNET

LaView 8-Ch Wi-Fi 1080P IP Security System $286

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/laview-8-ch-wi-fi-1080p-ip-security-system-for-286-free-shipping-17512457/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Add 4 Wi-Fi smart plugs to your home for $19.39 - CNET

That's less than $5 apiece for these app-powered plugs, which can also be controlled via smart speakers. Plus: Get a $200 Epson all-in-one printer for $100.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/add-4-wi-fi-smart-plugs-to-your-home-for-19-39/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Save on GE Z-Wave Plus Smart Lighting Control Light Switch, Paddle, On/Off, In-Wall, White and Light Almond Paddles, Repeater and Range Extender, Zwave Hub Required- Works with SmartThings Wink and Alexa, 14291 and more - CNET

Save on GE Z-Wave Plus Smart Lighting Control Light Switch, Paddle, On/Off, In-Wall, White and Light Almond Paddles, Repeater and Range Extender, Zwave Hub Required- Works with SmartThings Wink and Alexa, 14291 and more

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/save-on-ge-z-wave-plus-smart-lighting-control-light-switch-paddle-onoff-in-wall-white-and-light-almond-paddles-repeater-and-range-extender-zwave-hub-required-works-with-smartthings-wink-and-a-d6f78c93/#ftag=CADa08b18a

LED Flame Light Bulb 3 Modes Simulated Light Atmosphere - CNET

LED Flame Light Bulb 3 Modes Simulated Light Atmosphere

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/led-flame-light-bulb-3-modes-simulated-light-atmosphere-a23a91d6/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Which smart home gadget should you buy first? - CNET

It depends, but we've got plenty of suggestions, and everything you need to help narrow them down.

source https://www.cnet.com/news/best-smart-home-gadgets-to-buy-first/#ftag=CADa08b18a

The best smart home gadgets for newbies - CNET

Shopping for your first smart home device? Start with one of these.

source https://www.cnet.com/pictures/best-smart-home-gadgets-for-newbies/#ftag=CADa08b18a

KEDSUM C35 4W Candelabra Light Bulbs - CNET

KEDSUM C35 4W Candelabra Light Bulbs

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/kedsum-c35-4w-candelabra-light-bulbs-228a2a51/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Etekcity High Accuracy Weight Scale - CNET

Etekcity High Accuracy Weight Scale

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/etekcity-high-accuracy-weight-scale-2a02bb7e/#ftag=CADa08b18a

New Samsung SmartThings WiFi System Melds Home Automation with Mesh Wi-Fi

How to customize the appearance of Google Home - CNET

If you think the Google Home speaker looks a bit drab, spice it up with these customizations.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-customize-the-appearance-of-google-home/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Ring WiFi Video Doorbell Pro for $160 + free shipping - CNET

Ring WiFi Video Doorbell Pro for $160

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/ring-wifi-video-doorbell-pro-for-160-free-shipping-17508266/#ftag=CADa08b18a

How to properly hang art, every single time - CNET

Tired of stressing over where or how to hang your wall art? Don't fret.

source https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-hang-art-on-your-walls/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Reolink Argus 2 Camera w/ Solar Panel for $130 + free shipping - CNET

Reolink Argus 2 Camera w/ Solar Panel $130

source https://www.cnet.com/deals/reolink-argus-2-camera-w-solar-panel-for-130-free-shipping-17507531/#ftag=CADa08b18a

Ready to Cut the Cable TV Cord? Check Out These New Streaming Services from Microsoft, Vizio and Roku

If you’ve been waiting for a good time to cut the cord, the timing couldn’t be better. Microsoft Movies & TV and Vizio have partnered with online streaming services to offer thousands of movies and programs to consumers, some of which are free of charge. Roku, meanwhile, has launched The Roku Channel for free streaming access to content from your PC, tablet and smartphone. Here are the details:

Movies Anywhere and Microsoft Movies & TV

Movies Anywhere and Microsoft Movies & TV have joined forces to make it easier for film fans to access and grow their movie collections. Users simply sync their Microsoft account with Movies Anywhere to centralize their favorite digital movies purchased from Microsoft alongside their movies purchased from other Movies Anywhere retailers. Movies Anywhere allows consumers to access their digital movie collection at home or on the go in one simple cross-platform app that also features over 7,500 digital movies for purchase, including the new “The Deadpool 2 Super Duper $@%!#& Cut” with 15 minutes of brand-new action and jokes.

Using the Movies Anywhere app and website, Microsoft customers can access their eligible digital movies from Hollywood’s major film studios, including Sony Pictures Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox Film, Universal Pictures (including DreamWorks and Illumination Entertainment), The Walt Disney Studios (encompassing Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm), and Warner Bros. Upon connecting their Microsoft account with Movies Anywhere, users can watch their favorite redeemed and purchased digital movies from participating digital retailers on an array of platforms, including Xbox and Windows 10 devices; Amazon Fire devices; Android devices and Android TV; Chromecast; iPhone, iPad and iPod touch; Roku devices and popular browsers.

“We are thrilled that Microsoft now supports Movies Anywhere,” says Pedro Gutierrez, director, movies & TV, Microsoft. “With Movies Anywhere, all of your eligible movies from Microsoft can be enjoyed across your favorite screens at no extra cost. Microsoft Movies & TV allows you to watch the newest movies across your favorite devices — like Xbox — before streaming services or disc, and without subscription or membership fees.”

Vizio and WatchFree

Vizio has rolled out WatchFree, a streaming service designed with cord-cutters in mind. Available on nearly all VIZIO SmartCast TVs, WatchFree, in partnership with Pluto TV, takes the entertainment experience one step further by providing free, direct streaming access to more than 100 live and linear channels. WatchFree has all of the attributes associated with traditional cable TV minus boxes, antennas, cords, and most importantly, the cost.

WatchFree offers access to news, sports, movies, TV shows, viral videos, concerts and more – all without the expense of a monthly subscription or transaction fees.

“With the TV landscape continuously evolving, we’re excited to offer consumers a comprehensive entertainment solution packed with free and unlimited content offerings.” says Bill Baxter, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. “Powered by Pluto TV, WatchFree is a next-generation streaming service with an easy-to-navigate, cable-like interface that delivers creative and thoughtful content selections.”

In a completely innovative fashion, WatchFree is easily accessible via a dedicated input. SmartCast TV users simply press the Input button and select “WatchFree” to be instantly transported into a free and unlimited live TV experience. WatchFree offers an unrivaled, free viewing experience with endless entertainment options at the forefront.

Some of the Pluto TV channels that will be available through WatchFree include Pluto TV Movies, Action Movies, Black Cinema, News 24/7, NBC News/MSNBC, Fox Sports, Frontdoor, Cats 24/7, Crime Network, MST3K and The Surf Channel. In addition to the regular channel lineup, coming soon, Pluto TV will launch two new pop-up channels also available on WatchFree, featuring Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares and Unsolved Mysteries.

The Roku Channel

Roku, Inc. has launched two new ways to help consumers find free streaming entertainment. The company offers The Roku Channel for the web in the U.S., giving free access to anyone via PCs, mobile phones, and tablets. Consumers can visit The Roku Channel’s website to begin streaming once they log in or create a Roku account.

Roku also is beginning the rollout of a navigation change to its home screen called “Featured Free,” which provides users with direct links to free content from The Roku Channel, ABC, The CW, CW Seed, FOX, Freeform, Pluto TV, Sony Crackle, Tubi and more.

Featured Free includes the latest in-season episodes of top network shows, full past-season catch-ups and more.

Launched last fall, The Roku Channel has quickly gained popularity, and according to Roku, is currently one of the most popular streaming channels on its platform based on active account reach.

Now, both Roku device owners and those who don’t yet own a Roku device can watch The Roku Channel on desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones. In addition, The Roku Channel app begins rolling out to select Samsung smart TVs today.

The company says it will continue to look for ways to expand the reach of The Roku Channel, and distribute the service through a phased software roll out over the coming weeks.

Once available on their device, Roku customers will be able to quickly access current season TV shows, classic series, hit movies and more in just a few clicks. Roku is also pulling forward new and returning shows, allowing Roku customers quick and easy access all season long.

 

 

 

 

The post Ready to Cut the Cable TV Cord? Check Out These New Streaming Services from Microsoft, Vizio and Roku appeared first on Electronic House.

source https://www.electronichouse.com/smart-tv/ready-to-cut-the-cable-tv-cord-check-out-these-new-streaming-services-from-microsoft-and-vizio/