[ad_1] Wink’s switch to a subscription service for its smart home platform hasn’t had the best start. The company has confirmed reports (via Android Police and The Verge) of a wide-ranging outage affecting its services, including integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Nest services and even Wink.com (initially reduced to a basic landing page). The […]
Category: household
Amazon now offers a smart clock add-on for the Echo Flex
[ad_1] Amazon’s Echo Flex plug-in smart speaker should now be much more useful in the kitchen. The Verge reports that Amazon has unveiled an official, Third Reality-made Smart Clock add-on for the Flex that brings connected timekeeping to the Alexa device. The USB accessory will show the current time, of course, but it’s most helpful […]
Eve’s HomeKit-only indoor security camera arrives on June 23rd
[ad_1] It’s still hard to find HomeKit-friendly security cameras, let alone ones that are focused primarily on Apple’s smart home framework, but Eve Systems is close to filling that gap. The company is shipping the HomeKit-exclusive Eve Cam indoor security camera on June 23rd, with pre-orders available now. The $150 device uses HomeKit Secure Video […]
Google’s advanced hacking protection comes to Nest devices
[ad_1] Google’s Advanced Protection Program hasn’t been very accommodating of smart homes so far — you’ve had to forego Nest devices if you wanted those additional safeguards. It won’t be a problem from now on, though. The internet giant has enabled Advanced Protection for Google accounts on Nest devices, making it possible to use a […]
Arlo Video Doorbell now takes commands from Google Assistant
[ad_1] You no longer have to live in an Amazon-focused household for Arlo’s Video Doorbell to make the most sense. Arlo has introduced Google Assistant support to deliver notifications and send commands. If you’re worried about the ruckus outside, you can ask Google to “show me the front door” and get a video feed sent […]
Wink smart home users have one week to subscribe or be shut off
[ad_1] Many smart home device makers rely on subscriptions to keep a steady stream of money coming in, but Wink is learning how that strategy can easily go wrong. The company has announced plans to move to a $5 per month subscription on May 13th (yes, just one week from now), and it’s mandatory. Decline […]
Balmuda’s $329 steam-based toaster finally arrives in the US
[ad_1] Just how much do you value your toast in the morning? Enough that you’d pay top dollar to have a near-ideal texture every time? You now have a chance to prove your commitment. Japanese brand Balmuda has released its fabled The Toaster in the US, making its one-of-a-kind steam tech available on this side […]
Tesla Powerwall knows when to stop charging your EV during power outages
[ad_1] Tesla’s Powerwall can ironically create problems if you’re all-in on the company’s ecosystem. What happens if there’s a power outage and the battery pack has to juggle the needs of both your home and your EV? You might rest a little easier from now on. Teslerati reports that Tesla has released a Powerwall update […]
IKEA’s smart blinds are finally available to buy online
[ad_1] You can’t visit an IKEA store right now due to the pandemic, but you won’t be missing out on the company’s connected devices as a result. Shoppers on Reddit and 9to5Mac have noticed that IKEA has started selling its FYRTUR smart blinds online in the US several months after they were initially limited to […]
IKEA creates a business unit devoted to smart home tech
[ad_1] The company has been involved in connected homes since 2012, but this investment in a division help it “grasp the full potential” of the technology. It’ll work with “all other departments” to digitize the IKEA lineup. You could see this coming — IKEA hinted that it saw the Home Smart app as the eventual […]