As Apple prepares to launch its streaming video service this fall, a number of Apple TV enhancements were unveiled at WWDC. Anyone who’s gritted their teeth at Netflix and Amazon autoplaying content probably won’t care for the refreshed Apple TV homescreen (which hopefully can be customized for a quieter experience) and the incoming Apple Music … Read more
With the release of the updated Ecobee SmartThermostat, the company has also refreshed the Room Sensor as the new SmartSensor featuring an updated appearance, that houses enhanced functionality, and improved mounting options. It comes bundled with the new ecobee, but also backwards compatible and sold independently in 2-packs for $79. So what’s new? Most obvious … Read more
Apple has unleashed a ton of new functionality across their device lineup … that’s still being digested. Yet a significant HomeKit update merited WWDC keynote attention. Apple rightly points out that most of our connected video camera content is shipped across the Internet and entrusted to service providers, perhaps without sufficient privacy controls. As such, … Read more
Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is underway. And we’re collectively still sifting through so many software enhancements across multiple platforms. But down here in the weeds, my wishlist has remained consistent … although, perhaps misguided, as some believe I’m holding it wrong. Maybe I am. My WWDC wishlist scorecard iPad Desktop Browser ✔️iPad Mouse … Read more
If you’ve been following along, you know ecobee is working on a variety of new products. While the company will expand their reach into the smart home later this year with (at least) an indoor camera and contact sensor, an updated ecobee thermostat and sensor is expected any day now. And, thanks to Lowe’s, all … Read more
Alexa Routines have become increasingly powerful and Amazon just upped the virtual hub ante with sunrise/sunset triggers. As shown in the video, we can use those ever shifting times to put a variety of smart home devices into action. In my case, I’m migrating three less elegant Hue lighting routines into two Alexa routines given … Read more
Welp, it’s time to pour one out for the Xfinity On-Demand services that will be removed from all TiVo platforms come June 25th. Announcement of the functionality back in 2011 marked a seminal moment in DVR retail history, where the nation’s largest cable provider stepped up to the plate and collaborated with TiVo to right … Read more
What if you could take the Arlo Pro 2 1080p cameras, run on standard AA batteries instead of proprietary, significantly lower the price of entry, and potentially have a 2-year camera charge? You’d have the new Blink XT2! At least that’s the Blink sales pitch — and it could be close. Amazon-owned Blink announced the … Read more