With CES looming, it seems clear Arlo has been hiding a few secrets. The biggest of which may be turning Arlo into a complete smart home solution, not just a line of Internet-connected security cameras and lights. Let’s connect some dots. When Arlo announced their new 4k Ultra camera solution, CEO Matthew McRae tweeted the following, … Read more
As we anxiously await the Kadrilj and Fyrtur IKEA smart blinds, we learn the company will be expanding the NORDMÄRKE line of Qi chargers to include a double-wide wireless charging stand (of unknown power) to simultaneously juice up multiple smartphones. Ikea was something of an early leader in wireless charging, having introduced a variety of furniture back in 2015 … Read more
48 hours after going live, the $30 Amazon Echo Clock has begun arriving in homes… including redditor kaotsu, who has posted his first impressions of the Alexa accessory, and our very own Adam Miarka who shot a hands on video. I guess it shouldn’t come as a surprise, but the clock pairs to a single Echo device, over Bluetooth, … Read more
Taking a page from professional home monitoring services and DIY glass break sensors, Amazon is readying Alexa “Guard” mode to place our Echo hardware into a new sort of listening mode while we’re out and about as the company continues to flesh out their home automation platform. And the Alexa app has just been updated … Read more
Competing Google Assistant and Alexa-powered nightstand assistants are on sale today. While I’m reluctant to bring the stylish Echo Spot into our bedroom, given its video conferencing camera, the full-color 2.5″ touchscreen is a source of frequent temptation. And, at a discounted $99, available in white or black, it’s not a bad deal for what … Read more
As with so many things ‘Alexa’ the Amazon Echo Buttons, at a mere $14 for two, are tantalizing close to greatness. Initially introduced as a gaming accessory (meh), the Alexa platform was updated a few weeks ago to allow the buttons to trigger smart home routines. Awesome! Or so I thought. It turns out the … Read more
For those looking to automate their homes, the Amazon Alexa platform took great strides this week with significant “Routine” enhancements. While some were fired up by location-based triggers, I can’t say I’ve experienced consistent reliability over the years with geofencing. However, two new conditions make all the difference as I look to standardize on a … Read more
The mysterious Arlo Gen 5 discovered last month has been revealed as the Arlo Ultra. And, based on an early 2019 release date, missed an anticipated holiday launch. Not only has Arlo’s styling been enhanced, the Ultra is more powerful on all fronts — with 4K video, wider field of view, dual microphones, and a built-in … Read more