Category: Home

January 23, 2025
Google Fiber Launches New Plans and Expands to Las Vegas
Google Fiber is known for its impressive download and upload speeds that many users desire, but its limited reach can be a hassle. The good news is that the service is gradually extending its presence in more areas. Currently, construction is taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada, and customers are anticipated to gain access to this internet service later this year. Additionally, Google Fiber has revealed that it is updating three of its plans and introducing new benefits in various regions of the United States.
Focus on Major Cities
Since its debut in 2012, Google’s internet service has mainly targeted large urban centers. While it has had a hard time matching the coverage of rivals like Verizon Fios and AT&T Fiber, the speed tests from Google Fiber are exceptional. Rather than offering low-cost, slower plans, the provider aims at those who need high bandwidth for their homes and businesses. The company also claims that its monthly fees remain constant and are uniform across the nation.
Expansion in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a hotspot for tech fans, and many are often surprised to find that Google Fiber isn’t yet available there. Last week, the GFiber blog confirmed partnerships with local authorities in the city and the surrounding Clark County. Google even shared images from the construction site and assured residents that traffic disruptions would be minimal.
New Plans and Features
The latest Google Fiber internet offerings, which maintain the existing price range of $70-$150, are named Core 1 Gig, Home 3 Gig, and Edge 8 Gig. Customers can look forward to upgraded equipment featuring WiFi 6E, along with a renewed app that simplifies home network management. However, these new plans are currently only available in a few states, including Tennessee, Alabama, Arizona, and North Carolina.
Google Fiber is rolling out new lifestyle internet products to cater to the unique needs of customers. These products include Core 1 Gig, Home 3 Gig, and Edge 8 Gig, which have been tested in Tennessee and Alabama over the past months. They are now being launched for customers in Arizona and North Carolina, with plans for additional cities soon.
Meeting Modern Demands
Founded on the belief that affordable symmetrical 1 Gig internet is essential, Google Fiber recognizes that the internet plays a pivotal role in daily life. It affects how individuals work, study, shop, and maintain connections with others. As the need for bandwidth continues to rise, internet services must adapt to fulfill customers’ online requirements. Google Fiber remains dedicated to constructing the internet that users need, with products that align with the shifting digital landscape.
These lifestyle products not only provide symmetrical speeds and excellent service, but also great value, with prices unchanged since 2012. Among the features included are:
– Customizable wired connections for tailored home networks.
– An upgrade to WiFi 6E technology for improved speeds and latency, especially for homes with numerous connected devices.
– An app that offers a personalized network health score and aids in optimizing performance.
– A robust router that ensures Wi-Fi coverage throughout the home, along with battery backup to keep everything operational during power outages.
– An Uptime Guarantee, among other benefits.
Tailored Internet Options
With the new offerings, customers can pick the internet service that best suits their needs. Core 1 Gig is a high-quality option at a reasonable price that requires minimal management. Home 3 Gig is designed for the typical household where multiple users are working, learning, streaming, and engaging in other activities simultaneously. Meanwhile, Edge 8 Gig provides advanced technology features at under 2 cents per Mbps. It’s not just about getting more; it’s about making the right choice that fits each customer’s situation.
The introduction of these lifestyle-oriented products showcases Google Fiber’s dedication to providing fast, dependable, and fairly priced internet access. To discover more about the Core 1 Gig, Home 3 Gig, and Edge 8 Gig plans in Tennessee, Alabama, Arizona, and North Carolina, refer to Liz Hsu’s latest post on Connect: The GFiber Blog.
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Tags: Core 1 Gig, Edge 8 Gig, Google Fiber
January 23, 2025
Xiaomi Launches Smart Ceiling Light with Radar Presence Detection
The Xiaomi Smart Ceiling Light D20 has made its debut on the brand’s international website. This light is promoted as a smart lighting solution that activates with your presence. This feature is enabled by a built-in radar sensor that can sense when someone enters or leaves the room.
Brightness and Connectivity Features
The Smart Ceiling Light D20 is claimed to deliver a brightness of up to 900 lumens at a color temperature of 4,000K. Users can adjust the color temperature within a range of 2,700K to 5,700K. This smart ceiling light integrates HyperOS Connect, allowing for remote operation through the Xiaomi Home app. Additionally, it supports voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Xiaomi highlights its sleek design, featuring a custom lens that’s just 6 cm (approximately 2.4 inches) thick. The D20 stands as the largest in its range, with dimensions of 250 x 60 mm (around 9.8 x 2.4 inches).
Availability and Pricing Concerns
It should be mentioned that the Xiaomi Smart Ceiling Light D Series is intended for use with concrete ceilings. There’s currently no information on when the Xiaomi Smart Ceiling Light D20 will be officially released, nor which countries will get it or what the pricing will be. Nonetheless, Xiaomi already has other smart lighting options in regions like Europe; for instance, the Mi Motion-Activated Night Light 2 Bluetooth is up for grabs on Amazon Germany for €19.38.
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Tags: HyperOS Connect, Smart Lighting, Xiaomi Smart Ceiling Light D20
January 22, 2025
Compact and Stylish Sharge Pouch Mini for Easy Charging
Sharge has decided to emphasize built-in cables in their newest stylish products. For those seeking this feature in a uniquely designed power bank, the new Pouch Mini is a great option.
Design and Features
Just like the previous model, the cable is red and sports a shiny metallic dust cover. It’s physically linked to the new double-barrel design of the 10,000mAh device and can also be connected into its own USB-C port, serving as a “sturdy, wear-resistant” handle for carrying it around.
Charging Capabilities
The Pouch Mini comes with a USB type-A port, allowing it to charge up to three devices simultaneously. However, contrary to the new Retractable 65, it has a maximum output of only 30 watts (W).
Safety and Availability
This innovative power bank is notably more compact than its OnePlus-branded predecessor. It is approved for airline travel and includes protections against temperature fluctuations, overcharging, short circuits, and over-voltage to ensure user safety.
The Pouch Mini can be found on Amazon for its suggested retail price of $49.99, but if you buy it directly from Sharge, you can snag it for just $39.90 at the moment.
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Tags: Pouch Mini, Power Bank, Sharge
January 22, 2025
Sharge Retractable 65: Power Brick with Built-In USB-C Cable
Sharge has announced it’s time to “Get Your Groove On” with their new product, the Retractable 65. This innovative charger features a spool that neatly houses its USB-C cable, which is visible through the stylish transparent design of the power brick.
Fast and Efficient Charging
This charger offers a convenient solution for storage, as the cable is designed to snap back into the accessory. When you need to connect it, just pull it out, and it delivers up to 65W power delivery (PD) thanks to an “Advanced GaN” chip, which provides “greater energy efficiency.”
Perfect for New Devices
The global version of the S4 could be a great match for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 series smartphones. Sharge claims that it can significantly reduce charging times for some 15-inch MacBook Airs by as much as 45%.
Dual Charging Capability
Additionally, the power brick includes a second USB-C port, allowing you to charge two devices simultaneously, even if the built-in cable is in use.
The Retractable 65 comes in a choice of black or white spools and is available with US, EU, or UK plugs. Priced at $39.90, it is $10 less than its regular price, and can be purchased exclusively from sharge.com.
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Tags: Retractable 65, Samsung Galaxy S25, Sharge
January 21, 2025
New TCL K7G Plus Smart Door Lock with Facial Recognition Released
TCL has introduced a new smart door lock called the K7G Plus Bronze Brown in China. This innovative lock offers several unlocking methods, including facial recognition technology. TCL claims that their 3D structured light technology enables the lock to identify your face in less than a second.
Multiple Unlocking Options
In addition to facial recognition, the TCL K7G Plus offers a variety of other unlocking options, such as a fingerprint scanner, password input, NFC, Bluetooth, and a traditional key. It also comes equipped with a built-in camera that lets you see who is at your door, displaying images on the 4.5-inch IPS screen within the unit. Additional features include infrared night vision, automatic locking, and a child lock function. The smart lock is powered by a 4,200mAh battery, which TCL states can last up to six months on a single charge.
Pricing and Availability
The TCL K7G Plus smart door lock is currently available for purchase in China at a price of CNY 1,699 (approximately $232). At this time, it remains uncertain if or when this product will be available in other regions, such as the US, where models like the TCL D1 Pro Palm Vein Smart Lock are already on sale for $149.99 on Amazon.
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Tags: facial recognition, smart door lock, TCL K7G Plus
January 21, 2025
$0.20 USB-Powered Lights Receive Excellent Reviews
Every now and then, Aliexpress has offers that are hard to overlook. This seems to be true for the Phlanp USB lights (US link | Europe link), which were recently evaluated by a member of the MySKU forum.
Product Details
Each light weighs about 6 g. There are two color temperatures to choose from: one at 3000K and the other at 6500K.
Considerations to Note
There are two important things to keep in mind. First, the shipping times for Aliexpress purchases can be quite erratic, with delivery typically taking from 10 to 30 days. Secondly, although this product appears to be a good deal, the reviewer mentioned that it consists of rather cheap materials and parts that might not last long.
Performance Insights
On a brighter note, the lights are actually bright enough to be functional, which is impressive given the price. The forum user known as “bdos” expressed that he/she was ready to find at least one of the five lights defective upon arrival, so it was a pleasant surprise when none were. The measurements (see image below) also showed results that exceeded expectations.
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Tags: Aliexpress deals, MySKU review, Phlanp USB lights
January 20, 2025
Aqara Launches New Dual Connectivity Smart Bulbs Soon
Aqara has shared hints about two upcoming smart light bulbs on social media. The images in these posts on X are believed to showcase the Smart LED Bulb T2 in both E27 and GU10 formats. These new smart home items are set to follow the LED Bulb T1, which was launched a few years back.
Details on E27 Bulbs
The initial post on X seems to feature a hazy image of the anticipated Smart LED Bulb T2 E27, which can be found on the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) website. There are expected to be two versions of the E27 bulbs: one that emits white light and another that is an RGB model for both white and colored lighting. The CSA site mentions that these bulbs offer “ultra-low idle power consumption” and promise “seamless integration with your smart home ecosystem.”
GU10 Variant Insights
In another post on X, the brand seems to hint at a GU10 version of the Smart LED Bulb T2. This product is labeled as “energy efficient,” and the visual displays colored lighting options. Moreover, text across the images mentions that the bulbs feature dual connectivity. According to information on the CSA website, these are likely to be Matter over Thread devices, which also have Bluetooth support.
Launch Date and Pricing Information
Aqara is set to launch these new products, including the Smart LED Bulb T2 E27 and GU10, on January 23rd. However, the company has not yet revealed the pricing for these gadgets or specified which countries they will be sold in.
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Tags: Aqara, E27 GU10, Smart LED Bulb T2
January 20, 2025
Xiaomi Launches Slimmer Mijia Central Air Conditioner 3 HP
Xiaomi has introduced the Mijia Central Air Conditioning Duct Machine 3 HP in China. This advanced smart device is ideal for areas between 30 to 40 m² (323 to 431 ft²). The manufacturer highlights that it features a notably slim design, with the indoor unit measuring only 198 mm (about 7.8 inches) tall.
Energy Efficiency and Features
The Mijia Central Air Conditioning Duct Machine 3 HP boasts an impressive energy efficiency rating of APF4.30 in China. As per the product details, it can cool a room in just 30 seconds and can start heating in 60 seconds. It includes a wired Smart Air Management Panel that allows users to choose from seven different wind speeds. Thanks to HyperOS Connect, users can control the device remotely using the Xiaomi Home app or by giving voice commands with Xiao AI. Additionally, there’s a self-cleaning feature, and the indoor unit operates with a minimal noise level of 22dB(A).
Pricing and Availability
Currently, the Xiaomi Mijia Central Air Conditioning Duct Machine 3 HP is available in China at a promotional price of CNY 5,999 (approximately $820), down from its original retail price of CNY 6,999 (around $957). However, the company has not yet launched its air conditioning units in Europe, where it continues to offer other smart home products, including the Mi Temperature and Humidity Monitor 2, which is currently priced at €9.13 on Amazon Germany.
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Tags: Energy Efficient Air Conditioner, smart home device, Xiaomi Mijia Central Air Conditioning
January 18, 2025
Nest Protect Now Integrated with Google Home App
Google is nearly finished with its shift from Nest to Google Home. The Nest Protect smoke and CO alarm, the final device that was solely part of Nest, has successfully transitioned to Google Home. This change means users no longer need to switch between different apps to get alerts or manage their connected devices. Smart home enthusiasts can now operate all their Nest devices along with compatible third-party gadgets entirely through the Google Home app.
Android Users First
Currently, only Android users who are part of the Public Preview program for Google Home can take advantage of the Nest Protect’s features. Support for iOS is anticipated to arrive soon. According to a blog post from Google’s Nest team, those who migrate their Nest Protect smoke alarms will have access to status alerts and emergency notifications. They can perform safety checks, conduct automatic sound tests, and view their live camera feed if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected. Additionally, Nest Aware subscribers in the US can use the Google Home app to contact local emergency services.
Expanding Smart Lock Features
Google is also broadening the feature set for Matter-compatible smart locks within the Google Home app. For instance, password management is now more comprehensive, allowing homeowners to control access, modify passcodes, and set up guest profiles with clear labels like “dog walker” or “landscaper.” Public preview participants now have several new settings to customize their smart locks, such as one-tap lock and unlock, along with a timed automatic relock feature. There is also a new “Vacation mode” in the Home app, which effectively turns off the touchpad, preventing code entry. Just like the Nest Protect update, these enhancements are currently available for Android users in the Public Preview, but Google has promised support for iOS by “early 2025.”
Limited Availability
Not all Matter-compatible smart locks will be able to access these new features, but Google has specifically mentioned the Nest × Yale lock as an eligible option. You can purchase it now for 10% off on Amazon.
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Tags: Google Home, Matter-compatible smart locks, Nest Protect
January 18, 2025
LG ThinQ Devices Integrated into Homey’s Ecosystem
Thursday saw the launch of the ThinQ app for Homey, marking the official connection between LG’s ThinQ smart home devices and the Homey system. After LG purchased Athom, the company behind Homey, for $61 million last July, there was no clear information on how ThinQ devices would integrate with Homey. However, LG’s recent release of the ThinQ APIs makes it clear that Homey is the first to benefit from this development.
Expanded Compatibility
Now, LG’s ThinQ appliances are part of the Homey ecosystem, which also includes various other smart home brands like Philips Hue, Aqara, Eufy, and many more. Users accessing Homey Cloud can easily download the apps for their smart devices via the Homey app store. This allows them to manage, monitor, or set up automations within the Homey app. With the newly available ThinQ APIs, the capabilities of Homey Cloud and Homey Pro are enhanced to include around 30 different devices from the ThinQ range.
Future Developments
This announcement is just the start of LG’s strategy in the smart home market following their acquisition of Homey. The integrations are expected to become more seamless as LG moves towards its vision of “Affectionate Intelligence” in smart homes. Additionally, with the introduction of an open ThinQ API, LG’s smart refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners will be able to connect with a broader audience, regardless of the platform. For LG, this partnership with Homey is likely just the first step.
Conclusion
In conclusion, LG’s ThinQ app for Homey not only opens new doors for device compatibility but also sets the stage for future innovations in the smart home arena. With this integration, users can look forward to a more connected and efficient home experience.
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Tags: Homey, Smart Home, ThinQ