Source: RioHeating
What you need to know
- Apple has updated its HomeKit accessory list with several new devices.
- Soon a video ringtone, a smart heater and a new smart outlet will come.
- The new HomeKit products will be available in several markets.
Apple has unveiled several new HomeKit accessories with a recent update to its list of accessories. The new accessories include RioHeating's first HomeKit heater, a Yobi video sound and a compact smart connector from Meross.
Source: RioHeating
The addition of ARC Heater to the Apple list was announced by RIOHeating, based in the UK, today through Reddit. Currently, not much is known about the ARC heater, otherwise it connects directly to the HomeKit via Wi-Fi and sports a small LCD screen. The ARC heater can also work with multiple units inside a home by controlling the temperature of the area and does not require wiring through a plug-in design.
Prices and exact release date for April have not yet been announced, although potential buyers may use a form to request additional information once they become available.
The best online learning tools for kids: ABCmouse, reading IQ and more
Source: Yobi
Next, Yobi B3 Video Doorbell, which was first noticed by HomeKit News, comes from the team behind the iBaby line of connected cameras and is available for pre-order now after a start-up campaign at the end of last year.
The Yobi B3 video button comes in a traditional video ring design, with a unique gold finish. The bell accepts staples such as 1080p HD video, infrared night vision, two-way audio and weatherproof, plus it has a "world-class" Fresnel lens. Full specifications include:
- Activate Apple HomeKit
- Full HD 1080p video with 180 ° field of view
- Two-way audio speakers with echo noise cancellation
- PIR smart motion sensors
- Night infrared view
- Weather resistant
- Waterproof
- Face light compensation
Yobi B3 Video Doorbell is currently listed for $ 199 directly from the company, but an exact release date has not yet been announced. Also, it is not known whether the camera will support Apple's HomeKit Secure Video feature.
Source: Meross
Finally, the second smart accessory activated by Meross, the MSS110HK Smart Plug Mini, is already listed on Amazon, but cannot be purchased at this time. The miniature plug, which seems to come in a 2-pack, will give HomeKit fans another wallet-friendly option to automate their homes.
Meross entered the HomeKit arena at the end of last year, with the MSS620HK Smart Outdoor Plug, which offers double sockets for about half the price of the closest competitor. The latest smart outlet is for indoor use, and its compact design allows the ability to use 2 of them in the same outlet.
- The compact size allows you to stack two smart Mini Plugs into the same outlet.
- Turn your devices on / off anywhere with the Meross app anytime.
- Up to 15 amps and 15 A x 120 V = 1800 W in USA / AC / JP.
- Works with Apple HomeKit *, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Line Clova, SmartThings and IFTTT.
- Create start / stop programs or set the automatic timing routine to work automatically.
- It works with the WiFi you already have. No hub is required.
In addition to HomeKit support, the MS1110HK works with Alexa Amazon and Google Assistant via hub-free Wi-Fi. Because it works without a hub, Meross notes that a remote HomeKit hub, such as Apple TV or HomePod, is required to control the remote card.
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Source: iMore
If you've ever driven at night, you most likely feel that someone, or something, can jump in front of the car at any time. For those living in rural areas, these could be animals that run across the freeway and, of course, in areas with a heavy population, may be a pedestrian that you may not have been able to see. Unfortunately, these situations happen too often, causing accidents that damage property or, more importantly, cause injury.
Fortunately, there is a product market aimed at remedying some of these scenarios. Some solutions are integrated directly into vehicles as optional upgrades, and others, such as Lanmodo Vast, are aftermarket accessories that you can just put on the dashboard and go. Recently I had the opportunity to test the unique Lanmodo camera system and it was surprising how effective it was to improve visibility in low light situations, which could really help those who travel frequently during the night.
The night rider
Lanmodo Vast Car Night Vision Camera
Bottom line: Lanmodo Vast improves visibility in dark or low light settings, potentially avoiding dangerous situations. However, its high price and average build quality prevent it from being absolutely necessary for everyone.
good
- Night vision performance
- Easy installation
- 8.2-inch widescreen
The river
- Expensive
- Average quality of construction
- Glare can be a problem on a busy street
Clearly capable
Vast mode: features
Source: iMore
Lanmodo Vast is an all-in-one solution that incorporates a night vision camera into a frame that also houses the screen. The overall design of the unit resembles a standard rearview mirror, with an 8.2-inch IPS screen running horizontally across the entire face of the device. The screen is capable of 1080p HD video resolution and supports both color and black and white modes.
The camera on Lanmodo Vast has a 36-degree field of view and can capture images from 984 meters or 300 meters. The camera is located in the middle of the unit, on the back, and its angle can be easily adjusted by the physical movement of the lens. Lanmodo claims the lens consists of seven pieces of glass and uses a Sony chip that allows what they call active infrared to produce high-resolution images. The camera itself does not capture videos and is only for displaying a live view of the road. The camera does not interface with any screen you can have in the vehicle.
Powering the camera works by connecting to an available 12v "lighter" port or OBD port on modern vehicles. Both options come in the box and, if you're really adventurous, an optional battery pack can make the whole thing useful for camping trips. A rearview camera is also sold separately, and Lanmodo Vast comes with an inline port for quick installation with the display.
Improved vision
Lanmodo Vast: What I like
Source: iMore
Setting up Lanmodo Vast was a quick and easy experience that anyone can achieve in just five minutes or less. The camera is fitted with a non-slip mat that rests on the dashboard and a suction cup mount that attaches to your windscreen. For my tests, I went strictly with the non-slip mat, as the solutions for suction cups for other accessories, such as phone stands, ultimately fail (from my experience). The non-slip carpet kept the room in place during my travels, which was surprising given that the unit was just above the carpet.
While I managed to capture some images that show some of his abilities, to see that he believes, his impact is more impressive in person.
Of course, night vision is the main attraction here, and Lanmodo Vast has maintained its claims to improve the ability to see in the admirable darkness. For my tests, I took a camera unit on a busy highway, residential roads and a completely unoccupied neighborhood that was under construction.
While I managed to capture some images that show some of his abilities, to see that he believes, his impact is more impressive in person. Whether it was an overtaking distance, or a deer moving by chance not too far ahead (see gallery below!), The camera displayed details that would otherwise have gone unnoticed until much closer.
The most dramatic experience was on the road mentioned earlier, where I was able to pick up things, such as slight variations in the height of the soil on the display, which was quite non-existent, looking through the windshield. Other things, such as construction equipment and debris on the road and off the road, were seen much faster, giving me a better sense of awareness in an unknown place.
Bright problem
Vast mode: What I do not like
Source: iMore
Before my test unit arrived, I was fully aware of the high price that comes with Lanmodo Vast, so I expected the best in terms of build quality. While Lanmodo Vast is not poorly built, it lacks a certain fit and finish that usually come with "superior" products. The camera case is completely plastic and extremely light in the hand, which makes it feel less substantial than you would expect for the price.
The non-slip carpet, which prevented the room from sliding around my painting, had a strange design that I couldn't tell if it was a defect or not. The carpet has a groove that mimics the base of the room, which would indicate that the room is intended to nest itself, but the cinnamon was not large enough for the base. This made the camera sit just above the wallpaper, which just felt and looked uncomfortable. The instructions that came with the camera didn't touch this at all, so I'm still not sure what the "right" way is.
As for the actual operation, the display portion of the camera seemed to pick up a little glow from the oncoming vehicle headlights. This means that when you get on a freeway with a lot of cars, your ability to see your surroundings has an impact. When you are on a small side street, where you pass directly next to an oncoming car, the screen becomes essentially impossible to see for that brief moment. Light certainly makes the room more suitable for those foundations or country roads where there are not too many actions and I hope there is a magic way in which the company can approach it in future revisions.
An extremely useful product in specific situations
Vast mode: Bottom line
When all is said and done, the Lanmodo Vast Car Night Vision camera works as an advertisement, instantly enhancing the ability to see at night. This room is easy to install, either with a suction cup holder or a carpet directly on the dashboard and uses a single power cord, preventing it from looking out of place. However, true value can only be determined by your specific needs.
If you drive a lot at night in unlimited areas, then Lanmodo Vast can definitely help you stay aware of your surroundings, giving you extra peace of mind. If not, however, it is a much tougher sale, especially given the price and some of its shortcomings. Regardless, I can hardly wait to see how far this type of technology can go and I can imagine a day when it comes standard on all vehicles for its potential impact on safety. But for now, we can have a little slice of the future today, with solutions like this smart camera.
The night rider
Lanmodo Vast Car Night Vision Camera
Bottom line: Lanmodo Vast improves visibility in dark or low light settings, potentially avoiding dangerous situations. However, its high price and average build quality prevent it from being absolutely necessary for everyone.
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T
The eero Pro WiFi system offers quick and easy installation, along with excellent coverage and speeds. Managing through the eero app is simple, providing access to the basics most users need, and supports Apple HomeKit Router Security for complete smart home security. However, it is scratchy on Ethernet ports, has no advanced features without a subscription, and is priced far beyond competition.
$ 499 on Amazon
Pros
- Easy configuration and management of applications
- It covers up to 6,000 square meters
- Wi-Fi speeds up to 1Gpbs
- Accepts Alexa and Apple HomeKit
- eero Additional services
Versus
- Expensive
- Limited Ethernet ports
- Security features require a subscription
Even though Orbi RBK50 offers configuration and management through a user-friendly application, it comes with several features. This system supports Alexa and Google Assistant, has four satellite Ethernet ports and comes with parental controls without a subscription. Since this system only comes with two satellites, its coverage area is not as good as the eero Pro.
$ 292 on Amazon
Pros
- Accessible
- Four satellite Ethernet ports
- It covers up to 5,000 square meters
- Accepts Alexa and Google Assistant
- Disney Circle parental controls included
Versus
- Only two satellites were included
- The Netgear Armor service does not have access
- Larger, bulky design
Network technology of the eero Pro and Netgear Orbi networks provides reliable Wi-Fi coverage throughout the home through a series of nodes that allow for perfect roaming. If you want the largest coverage area and the highest wireless speeds around, without having to navigate a number of complicated functions, then go with eero Pro. If you want parental controls without a subscription, you need more Ethernet ports in each room and you don't want to spend a ton of money then go with the Netgear Orbi system.
More than just the hardware
Source: Netgear
Both eero Pro and Netgear Orbi are massive upgrades from traditional routers, with only one access point in the past. These routers can cover every corner of your home with a powerful Wi-Fi signal and provide access to quick and easy controls through the respective applications. These systems also work quietly in the background to scan for threat traffic, content filtering, and automatic updates with the latest security fixes. With these features some additional expenses may appear, so it is important to determine which is best for your household before you buy.
| eero Pro WiFi System | Netgear Orbi RBK50 WiFi System | |
|---|---|---|
| Application management | iOS and Android | iOS and Android |
| wifi | 802.11a / b / g / n / ac | 802.11a / b / g / n / ac |
| Radio | Tri-band | Tri-band |
| Covering | Up to 6,000 ft. | Up to 5,000 ft. |
| Speed Wi-Fi | Up to 1 Gbps | Up to 500 Mbps |
| Ethernet speeds | Up to 1 Gbps | Up to 1 Gbps |
| Ethernet ports | 2 per knot | 4 on the satellite |
| Works with Apple HomeKit | Yes | Not |
| Works with Amazon Alexa | Yes | Yes |
| Works with Google Assistant | Not | Yes |
| Extensible | Yes | Yes |
| processor | 700 MHZ Quad-Core | 710 MHZ Quad-Core |
| Memory | 512mb Ram | 512mb Ram |
| Storage | 4gb flash | Flash of 512mb |
| Bluetooth | NO 4.2 | Tri-band |
| Family profiles | From w / eero Secure | Yes |
| Internet break | Yes | Yes |
| Ad blocking | From w / eero Secure | Not |
| VPN | From w / eero Secure + | Not |
Despite the fact that the eero Pro has a price that is almost double that of Netgear Orbi, parental controls and advanced security features are locked behind a subscription. eero actually offers two different subscription levels for its eero Secure service, both of which are accessible, but are still a subscription.
The Secure eero plan cheaper than $ 3 a month includes the mentioned parental controls and security scanning mentioned, but also includes a handy ad blocking feature that not only hides the inconvenience, but can provide a low-speed shot. The most expensive $ 10 per month eero Secure + launches subscriptions to popular applications and services such as 1Password, Malware Bytes antivirus and VPN encrypt.me.
Netgear also offers subscription services for Orbi, one that focuses on security and the other that allows for more parental controls through Disney Circle. The $ 70-a-year Netgear Armor service examines potential threats such as malware, phishing attempts and includes anti-virus protection.
Disney Circle Premium, which costs $ 5 a month or $ 50 a year, includes extensive usage history information, programming, and a reward system for family members. In both cases, subscription services for both eero and Netgear offer some pretty cool benefits, although depending on your needs, you can get without a subscription.
Similar specifications, different features
As you can see, both eero Pro and Netgear Orbi offer very similar hardware specifications, but some key differences are important to consider. The eero Pro WiFI system includes an additional node that gives it an additional 1,000 square feet over Orbi and supports speeds up to 1 Gbps wirelessly.
The Eero Pro also includes additional storage space, which allows for additional features, such as Apple's HomeKit Secure Router, which keeps smart home devices safe and secure. However, eero Pro does not have parental controls without subscribing to the eero Secure service, which only adds to its already high price.
If you have a small home to medium to medium internet speeds, then the Netgear Orbi WiFi System may be a better choice because of the lower price and feature set. This system includes two satellites, but still has the same number of Ethernet ports that the three nodes of the eero Pro include and comes with free parental controls via Disney Circle baked right in. Disney Circle allows you to create profiles for each member of your household, enabling content filters, breaks and usage history, all without a subscription and all at the router level, not on the device.
Simple and fast
eero Pro WiFi System
Speed for everyone
The eero Pro WiFi system offers a simple configuration, which can be operated within minutes, covering large houses with ultra-fast speeds. This system provides the basics of the box, making it a set and forgotten solution.
More for less
Netgear Orbi RBK50 WiFi System
The value of your money
Netgear's Orbi RBK50 offers all the major benefits of the mesh network, along with fantastic parental controls without a subscription. It may not have the best range or speed, but its abundant ethernet ports and built-in features make a solid choice.
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