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  • Philips Hue Outdoor Wall Light Upgrade Now Available

    Philips Hue Outdoor Wall Light Upgrade Now Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new Philips Hue Turaco Outdoor Wall Light features an A60 bulb capable of producing both white and colored lights, enhancing its appeal compared to the previous model.
    2. The updated model provides up to 1,100 lumens of brightness, significantly increasing from the original 806 lumens.
    3. It offers remote control via the Philips Hue app, including features like ‘Welcome Home’ lighting and presence simulation for security.
    4. To use the light’s full capabilities, a Hue Bridge or Hue Bridge Pro is required, enabling compatibility with Matter and voice control through Siri or Google Assistant.
    5. The upgraded light is priced at £99.99 on Amazon UK and is also available in other countries, though its broader launch timing is still unclear.

    The Philips Hue Turaco Outdoor Wall Light is receiving a new version. Originally launched in 2018, the first model was only able to produce white lighting effects, which limited its appeal.

    New Features and Improvements

    A new Philips Hue Turaco Outdoor Wall Light has recently shown up on the brand’s Amazon UK page. This refreshed model includes an A60 bulb, capable of producing both white and colored lights. It’s also more powerful, providing up to 1,100 lumens of brightness, in contrast to the previous model’s 806 lumens. The Turaco smart light is dimmable, and users can control it remotely using the Philips Hue app. This allows for features like ‘Welcome Home’ lighting, which can automatically light up your driveway, and settings that mimic presence to help keep intruders away when you aren’t home.

    Compatibility and Installation

    To fully utilize the Philips Hue Turaco Outdoor Wall Light, you will need a Hue Bridge or Hue Bridge Pro, which is currently priced at $98.99 on Amazon. This connection makes the device compatible with Matter, allowing it to work seamlessly with other smart home systems and be controlled by voice commands through Siri or Google Assistant. The dimensions of the smart light are 212 x 118 x 101 mm (about 8.35 x 4.65 x 3.98 inches), and it includes wall fasteners and screws for easy installation.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can purchase the upgraded Philips Hue Turaco Outdoor Wall Light now for £99.99 on Amazon UK. It’s also available in countries like France for €114.41. However, it’s still unknown when it will officially launch in more locations.

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  • Xiaomi Unveils New Dual-Lens 4G Security Camera

    Xiaomi Unveils New Dual-Lens 4G Security Camera

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi Smart Outdoor Camera 4 4G Dual-Camera Edition features dual 5MP cameras with 3K resolution and AI technology for human and vehicle recognition.
    2. It is the first Xiaomi camera with 4G capabilities, allowing for remote management via the Xiaomi app and connectivity with other smart home devices.
    3. The camera includes two-way voice communication, sound and light alarms for security, and supports local video storage on a microSD card up to 256GB.
    4. The crowdfunding campaign in China will offer the camera at a discounted price of CNY 379 (~$55) on the Youpin platform.
    5. The product’s availability in regions outside of China, such as the EU, is currently uncertain.

    Xiaomi is set to launch a crowdfunding campaign in China for a new addition to their smart home lineup: the Smart Outdoor Camera 4 4G Dual-Camera Edition. This innovative security device comes packed with several enhanced features.

    Advanced Camera Features

    The Xiaomi Smart Outdoor Camera boasts dual 5MP cameras capable of capturing images in 3K resolution (2,880 x 1,620 px). The upper camera lens remains fixed, whereas the lower lens offers pan, tilt, and zoom functionality. This allows users to monitor two different areas at once. Notably, the camera also includes full-color night vision and utilizes AI technology to recognize humans and vehicles.

    Connectivity and Control

    This new version of the Smart Outdoor Camera 4 is equipped with 4G capabilities, marking it as the first of its kind from Xiaomi. It features built-in SIM cards from China Telecom and China Unicom, seamlessly switching between the two for optimal signal strength. Additionally, it is a HyperOS Connect device, which means it can be managed remotely through Xiaomi’s app and connected with other smart home devices. Further features include two-way voice communication with visitors and sound and light alarms designed to scare off potential intruders. Users can store video locally on a microSD card with a capacity of up to 256GB, and the main unit is rated IP66, functioning within a temperature range of -30°C to 60°C (~-22°F to 140°F).

    Crowdfunding and Pricing

    In China, the Xiaomi Smart Outdoor Camera 4 4G Dual-Camera Edition will be available for crowdfunding on the Youpin platform. Supporters will need to pledge CNY 379 (~$55), which reflects a discount from the regular price of CNY 499 (~$72). It remains unclear if or when this product will be introduced in other regions, including the EU, where Xiaomi already markets other security cameras, such as the Outdoor Camera CW700S, currently priced at €79.99 at Mi Store DE.

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  • Thomas Edison: Early Nanotech Pioneer and Graphene Innovator

    Thomas Edison: Early Nanotech Pioneer and Graphene Innovator

    Key Takeaways

    1. Thomas Edison improved the light bulb’s practicality by using cotton or bamboo filaments, making it suitable for widespread use.
    2. Recent research shows Edison’s light bulbs created conditions for forming graphene, a significant material discovered long after his time.
    3. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, is known for its strength and conductivity, and can be produced through methods similar to Edison’s heating process.
    4. Edison’s carbonized filaments can transform into turbostratic graphene, enhancing its electronic properties compared to ordered graphite.
    5. Historical research in natural sciences can lead to new discoveries by reevaluating past experiments with modern knowledge and techniques.

    Thomas Edison is widely recognized for his role in the invention of the light bulb. While the light bulb existed prior to Edison’s work, he made it more practical for widespread use by utilizing a filament crafted from cotton or bamboo fibers. Recent research indicates that, unbeknownst to him, he actually created a material that would become significant more than a century later. A team from Rice University, led by Lucas Eddy and James Tour, conducted studies showing that the conditions present in Edison’s light bulbs from 1879 were perfect for forming graphene. Although they couldn’t analyze original bulbs without damaging them, tests on similar replicas produced clear evidence that these bulbs generate graphene.

    Understanding Graphene

    Graphene is made up of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal pattern. It is known to be one of the strongest and most conductive substances in existence. Nowadays, graphene is typically made through complicated methods, such as chemical vapor deposition or a technique called “flash Joule heating.” This latter technique, which involves rapidly heating carbon-based materials with a surge of electricity, closely resembles how Edison’s light bulb functions.

    Edison’s Innovative Filament

    Edison’s bulbs utilized carbonized bamboo or cotton as the filament. As electrical current moves through this resistor, it heats up to a glowing state. The current research indicates that this heating process, under appropriate conditions, can transform the amorphous carbon in the filament into turbostratic graphene. In this configuration, the graphene layers twist against one another, which can actually enhance the electronic characteristics of the material, since the interactions between the layers are weaker compared to those in ordered graphite.

    The researchers carried out their analysis using advanced spectroscopic techniques, including Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, on the replicas. The characteristics of the samples they measured matched those of graphene and were distinctly different from pure graphite. At the time, Edison lacked the technology to identify or isolate this material, even though he did notice the darkening of the glass bulb as an annoying side effect.

    The Importance of Historical Research

    This finding emphasizes the significance of studying history in the field of natural sciences. Past experiments and documentation can lead to new discoveries when viewed through the lens of contemporary knowledge and measurement techniques. Although Edison’s main goal was to create light, the physical processes occurring in his lamps foreshadowed modern nanotechnology, which the scientific community of the 19th century could not have anticipated.

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  • Shelly Launches Matter-Compatible Dimmer Gen4 in the US

    Shelly Launches Matter-Compatible Dimmer Gen4 in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Shelly Dimmer Gen4 has launched in the U.S. and will be available in Europe in November 2025.
    2. It supports Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, and is compatible with Matter for integration with various smart home platforms.
    3. The device can operate with or without a neutral wire and supports multiple types of lights, including dimmable LEDs and incandescent bulbs.
    4. It is designed to fit behind a standard switch, with dimensions of 38.5 x 43.5 x 17.0 mm.
    5. The retail price for the Dimmer Gen4 is $49.99, available at the Shelly online store in the U.S.

    Shelly has finally launched the Dimmer Gen4 in the United States. Set to hit Europe in November 2025, this device transforms standard lights into smart lights. Users can control their lighting remotely through apps like Shelly Smart Control or by using their preferred voice assistant.

    Enhanced Features of Dimmer Gen4

    As the name suggests, the Shelly Dimmer Gen4 is a more advanced iteration of the Dimmer Gen3. It now supports three different protocols, incorporating Zigbee alongside the already available Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Additionally, this new model is compatible with Matter, allowing it to seamlessly work with numerous smart home platforms, including Apple Home, Google Home, and Home Assistant.

    Compatibility and Specifications

    The Shelly Dimmer Gen4 is crafted to fit behind a standard switch and can operate with or without a neutral wire. It supports various types of lights, such as dimmable LED lamps up to 150W, incandescent bulbs up to 200W, and halogen lamps also up to 200W. This smart home device features a green casing, which is meant to be hidden inside the switch, with dimensions of 38.5 x 43.5 x 17.0 mm (~1.52 x 1.71 x 0.67 inches).

    You can purchase the Dimmer Gen4 for $49.99 at the Shelly online store in the US. Recently, the brand has also introduced the Shelly ⁠Ecowitt WS90 Weather Station and the ⁠Shelly BLU H&T Display ZB in this region.

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  • Starlink Shifts $10/month Plan Users to $5 Standby Mode

    Starlink Shifts $10/month Plan Users to $5 Standby Mode

    Key Takeaways

    1. The $10/month Starlink Roam plan is being eliminated, which offered 100 Mbps download speed and 10 GB of full-speed data.
    2. Users of the $10 plan will be switched to a new $5 Standby Mode, which offers unlimited low-speed Internet at 1 Mbps.
    3. The Standby Mode previously was a free feature, but has now been changed to a paid service.
    4. Starlink has also removed the $40/month plan and shifted it to the Roam category for select users before eliminating it entirely.
    5. The new least expensive Starlink plan will be the $50/month basic roaming plan, offering 100 GB of data and unlimited low-speed Internet thereafter.

    Starting off, the $10/month option for Starlink’s full-speed satellite Internet plan is being eliminated. This plan is the most affordable way to access Starlink, offering a top download speed of 100 Mbps while roaming.

    Introduction of the $10/month Plan

    The Starlink Roam plan, priced at $10 per month, was launched less than a year ago. It was initially designed to assist Mini dish users who needed satellite Internet intermittently as a backup in areas lacking cellular service. This plan includes 10 GB of full-speed data, and after that, users would pay $2 per GB. Many users found this to be sufficient, so they chose not to upgrade to the more expensive $50/month Roam tier.

    Changes to User Plans

    Starlink is now alerting users of the $10 plan that they will be transferred to the $5 Standby Mode. This change is based on their usage patterns, suggesting this new option would meet their needs.

    The Standby Mode isn’t a real plan, however. It was previously a free service where Starlink users had no data limit but could pause and resume their service after the end of their contract. Now, Starlink has transformed the free Pause feature into a $5/month Standby Mode, claiming it will provide unlimited low-speed data during this period.

    Limitations of the New Standby Mode

    Unfortunately, the low-speed Internet offered during Standby Mode is quite slow, with download speeds at just 1 Mbps and upload speeds at 0.5 Mbps. This speed is only adequate for checking emails occasionally. Starlink will combine the $10/month Roam plan with its 10 GB of full-speed data into the $5 Standby Mode, which will offer unlimited 1 Mbps data. This change will take place 30 days after the subscribers are notified.

    Additionally, Starlink has also recently removed the $40/month plan, which was its least expensive Residential option, and shifted it to the Roam category but only for select users. Eventually, this plan was eliminated altogether, and Starlink has doubled the basic data allowance for the $50/month roaming plan while reducing the Mini dish price by 20% as compensation.

    In any event, within the next month, the least expensive Starlink satellite Internet plan will no longer be the $10 Roam option that includes 10 GB of full-speed data. Instead, it will be the $50/month basic roaming plan that provides 100 GB and unlimited low-speed Internet thereafter.

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  • Shelly Smart Temperature and Humidity Sensor Now in the US

    Shelly Smart Temperature and Humidity Sensor Now in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Shelly BLU H&T ZB sensor is now available in the US, priced at $22.99, after being launched in Europe.
    2. It measures temperature from -20 °C to 60 °C and humidity from 0% to 100% RH, making it suitable for home climate management and greenhouses.
    3. The sensor supports Bluetooth and Zigbee connections for integration with smart home devices and requires a compatible gateway for remote control.
    4. It has a battery life of about three years on a CR2032 battery and is IP54-rated for dust and water resistance.
    5. The sensor is compact (37 x 37 x 10 mm) and comes in three colors, with limited stock available (around 300 units).

    Shelly has introduced the BLU H&T ZB sensor in the United States. This advanced humidity and temperature sensor has already been made available in European nations such as Germany (currently priced at €20.76 on Amazon Marketplace).

    Applications of the Sensor

    The Shelly BLU H&T ZB sensor can be used for managing climate in your home, helping to stop mold and mildew, or improving conditions in your greenhouse. According to the product specifications, it operates within a temperature range of -20 °C to 60 °C (~-5 °F to 140 °F) and can measure humidity levels from 0% to 100% RH. Like many other products from the brand, this device supports both Bluetooth and Zigbee connections, enabling it to integrate with various smart home devices.

    Important Customer Information

    Potential buyers should be aware that to control the BLU H&T ZB remotely using the Shelly Smart Control app, it must connect to a compatible gateway, such as the Shelly BLU Gateway. This device is powered by a battery, lasting for about three years on a CR2032 battery, and is advertised as being IP54-rated, meaning it is resistant to dust and water. This small gadget has dimensions of 37 x 37 x 10 mm (~1.46 x 1.46 x 0.39 inches) and weighs in at 13 g (~0.44 oz).

    Purchase Details

    You can now purchase the Shelly BLU H&T ZB in the US for $22.99 via the brand’s online shop. While three color choices are provided – Mocha, Black, and Ivory – currently only the Black and Ivory versions are in stock. It’s also important to mention that inventory is limited, with only around 300 units available; it is uncertain when more stock will come in.

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  • IKEA Launches Smart LED Table Lamp for Modern Homes

    IKEA Launches Smart LED Table Lamp for Modern Homes

    Key Takeaways

    1. The IKEA Grejsimojs LED table lamp is designed to look like a dog and is marketed as a “child-safe friend” for day and night use.
    2. It features a long-lasting replaceable LED light source that can last approximately 25,000 hours, equivalent to about 20 years with daily use.
    3. The lamp provides up to 100 lumens of brightness with a comfortable color temperature of 2,700K.
    4. Users can dim the lamp easily using a button on the dog’s head, and it has a smart memory function that remembers the last brightness setting.
    5. The lamp is currently available in the US, UK, and Sweden for prices ranging from $39.99 to SEK 299, with broader EU availability expected on January 31st.

    The IKEA Grejsimojs LED table lamp, which is dimmable and comes in a dog blue color, is now being sold in many countries around the globe. The company calls it a “child-safe friend that’s there both day and night.” This charming light is designed to look like a dog sitting.

    Long-lasting Brightness

    The Grejsimojs LED table lamp features a replaceable light source that can last about 25,000 hours. This is roughly 20 years if used for three hours a day. The lamp’s white LED provides up to 100 lumens of brightness and has a color temperature of 2,700K, ensuring a comfortable light experience.

    User-friendly Dimming

    This lamp is also dimmable, allowing users to change the brightness using a button located on the dog’s head. An added smart memory function makes sure that the lamp remembers the last brightness setting when turned back on. It has a blue plastic body that measures 27 x 30 x 18 cm (approximately 10.6 x 11.8 x 7.1 inches) and includes a power cord that is 2.0 m (around 6.6 ft) in length.

    Currently, you can purchase the IKEA Grejsimojs LED table lamp in countries such as the US, UK, and Sweden for $39.99, £19.00, or SEK 299. It is anticipated to be available more broadly in the EU starting January 31st.

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  • Shelly Launches New Smart Sensor with Display in the US

    Shelly Launches New Smart Sensor with Display in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Shelly BLU H&T Display ZB is the thinnest display sensor globally, now available in the US after its European launch in 2025.
    2. It features an e-paper graphic screen that shows temperature, humidity, light levels, and time, helping to prevent energy waste and mold growth.
    3. The device supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Zigbee 3.0, allowing integration with various smart home devices like thermostats and dehumidifiers.
    4. Users can manage the device remotely via the Shelly Smart Control app and it is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings.
    5. Priced at $24.99, the device is available in black and white, with a limited stock of only 300 units currently.

    The Shelly BLU H&T Display ZB has launched in the US. Initially introduced in Europe in 2025, this smart gadget allows users to keep track of various environmental aspects in their homes. The manufacturer boasts that it is the thinnest display sensor available globally.

    Features of the Device

    The Shelly BLU H&T Display ZB is equipped with an e-paper graphic screen that displays important information like temperature, humidity, and light levels, in addition to the current time. This information can help avoid energy waste due to overheating and lower the chance of mold growth. Users have the option to select between a standard mode (white background) and an inverse mode (black background). The device operates on two protocols, Bluetooth 5.0 and Zigbee 3.0, allowing it to integrate with a variety of other smart home devices. For instance, it can be utilized to manage a compatible smart thermostat or dehumidifier effectively.

    Connectivity and Management

    Management of the BLU H&T Display ZB can be done remotely through the Shelly Smart Control app. It also works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings for added convenience. This device runs on batteries and can be mounted on the wall or placed on a table or shelf using its included stand. Its small dimensions are 65 x 65 x 9 mm (~2.56 x 2.56 x 0.35 inches).

    You can purchase the Shelly BLU H&T Display ZB from the company’s online shop in the US for $24.99. Customers have the choice between black and white colors. However, it’s important to mention that there are only 300 units available at the moment, and the company hasn’t provided information on when more stock might be released.

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  • New Philips Hue Smart Lamp Upgrade Coming Soon

    New Philips Hue Smart Lamp Upgrade Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. The upgraded Philips Hue Flourish table lamp features enhanced brightness, increasing from 800 lumens to 1,100 lumens.
    2. It includes smart capabilities such as dimmable lighting, remote control via the app, voice command functionality, and compatibility with the Matter smart home protocol.
    3. A new MotionAware function allows for motion-triggered lighting when connected to a Hue Bridge Pro.
    4. The lamp has a dome shape, dimensions of 261 x 175 mm, and comes in a white finish.
    5. The pricing remains the same as the previous model at €149.99, but it is currently listed as “Temporarily out of stock” on Amazon.

    An improved version of the Philips Hue Flourish table light is on its way. The first model of this smart lamp debuted in 2018, along with other items in the same range like the Flourish pendant light.

    New Features and Brightness

    At its Amazon store in various countries including Spain, France, and Germany, Philips Hue seems to have put up a listing for this upgraded smart light, as noticed by Hueblog. The new model boasts one significant benefit compared to the older version: enhanced brightness. While the original lamp could produce 800 lumens at a color temperature of 4,000K, the updated version is expected to feature an A160 LED bulb that provides up to 1,100 lumens.

    Smart Capabilities

    The Philips Hue Flourish table lamp delivers dimmable white and color lighting effects, which can be controlled remotely using the brand’s app. A new addition is its compatibility with the Matter smart home protocol, allowing it to work well with other smart home systems. Users can also operate it through voice commands. Furthermore, there’s a MotionAware function that enables motion-triggered lighting when linked with a Hue Bridge Pro. This dome-shaped lamp has dimensions of 261 x 175 mm (approximately 10.3 x 6.9 inches) and comes in a white finish.

    Pricing and Availability

    The updated Philips Hue Flourish table lamp is priced at €149.99, which is the same as the previous version. However, on Amazon, the product is currently labeled as “Temporarily out of stock,” and there’s no information on when it might be available again in this market.

    Philips Hue via Amazon, Hueblog.com

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  • New Shelly Compact Sensor Accessory “The Pill” Now in the US

    New Shelly Compact Sensor Accessory “The Pill” Now in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Pill by Shelly is now available for purchase in the US after its December 2025 launch in Europe.
    2. The device supports various sensors and can monitor environmental data like temperature and humidity.
    3. It features three customizable digital inputs/outputs and can measure DC voltages up to 30V with an add-on.
    4. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MQTT, WebSocket, and HTTP, along with a built-in Bluetooth Gateway.
    5. The Pill costs $10.49, with limited stock available (around 250 units) at the brand’s online shop.

    The Pill by Shelly is now purchasable in the US after its initial launch in Europe in December 2025. This small device is intended to work with standard sensors and low-voltage peripherals, which enables them to function as smart gadgets. For instance, it can be utilized to check the water temperature in an aquarium, monitor the climate in a greenhouse, or track the voltage of a battery system.

    Compatibility and Features

    Shelly’s The Pill supports a variety of input/output configurations, including three customizable digital inputs or outputs. It has the capability to measure DC voltages up to 30V when paired with an external add-on. Additionally, this device can gather temperature, humidity, and environmental information from DS18B20 and DHT22 sensors, with options for cloud logging. Users can also hook up 0-5V analog sensors to gather data on aspects like light intensity or soil moisture levels.

    Connectivity Options

    The Pill incorporates Shelly Gen3 features and can connect through MQTT, WebSocket, and HTTP. It supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, and includes a built-in Bluetooth Gateway that enables communication with nearby gadgets. This white device is powered using USB-C, measuring 26.0 x 19.95 x 8.5 mm (around 1.02 x 0.79 x 0.34 inches) and weighs just 3 g (approximately 0.11 oz).

    You can now grab The Pill by Shelly in the US for $10.49. There’s a limited stock available, with around 250 units currently offered at the brand’s online shop. It remains uncertain when it will be more broadly available.

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