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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
January 16, 2025
Xiaomi Launches 33W Power Bank 10000 with Integrated Cable Globally
The Xiaomi 33W Power Bank 10000 (Integrated Cable) has recently become accessible in several European nations. This portable device was launched in China back in September and is now making its way around the world, together with the new 165W Power Bank 10000 (Integrated Cable).
Charging Capability
The 33W Power Bank 10000 includes both USB-C and USB-A ports, along with an integrated USB-C cable, which enables charging up to three devices at once. As the name suggests, it has a maximum output of 33W across all three ports. When only one USB-C port is utilized, it can deliver up to 30W of power. Xiaomi claims that this allows the new Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G to reach 35% battery in just 30 minutes. It also supports fast charging technologies such as PD 3.0 and QC 3.0, and it features temperature regulation to prevent overheating.
Design and Availability
This power bank is designed to be compact, with dimensions of 80.9 x 65.9 x 26.0 mm (~3.2 x 2.6 x 1.0 inches), and potential buyers can select from a dark blue or a beige color option. The 33W Power Bank 10000 (Integrated Cable) is being offered by Xiaomi on its online store in countries like France and Spain for a price of €24.99. There’s also a similar device with a larger 20,000mAh capacity that is more widely available, currently priced at €29.99 on Amazon Germany.
Conclusion
In summary, the Xiaomi 33W Power Bank 10000 (Integrated Cable) is a convenient charging solution that has recently hit the European market. With its various ports and compact design, it offers a practical way to keep multiple devices charged on the go.
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Tags: fast charging, USB-C, Xiaomi 33W Power Bank 10000
January 16, 2025
Xiaomi 165W Power Bank 10000 with Cable Now Available in Europe
The Xiaomi 165W Power Bank 10000 (Integrated Cable) is now available in Europe. This device was first introduced in China last year, and it was hinted to be released globally during the launch event of the Redmi Note 14 smartphone earlier this month.
Charging Capabilities
This power bank can charge two devices at once, thanks to its built-in USB-C cable and an additional USB-C port. As the name indicates, it has a peak output of 165W, with 120W coming from the integrated cable and 45W from the second port. According to Xiaomi, the 120W output is capable of charging the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G in just 23 minutes.
Battery Performance
Moreover, Xiaomi claims that its 10,000mAh battery can recharge an iPhone 15 Pro approximately 1.75 times or a MacBook Pro 14 (2021) about 0.45 times. The power bank can recharge to 75% in just 15 minutes when using a 90W USB-C input. Additional features include temperature protection and an integrated color display that provides details like the remaining battery level and charging status.
Pricing and Availability
Currently, you can purchase the Xiaomi 165W Power Bank 10000 (Integrated Cable) in countries such as France and Spain for €49.99. It remains uncertain when this model will be available in other European nations or if it will be launched in markets like North America. If it does, it will compete against products like the Anker Prime 12000mAh Power Bank (130W), which is priced at $75.99 on Amazon.
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Tags: Redmi Note 14, USB-C Charging, Xiaomi 165W Power Bank 10000
January 16, 2025
Free Oda Slim Card Holder with Global Shipping: Unique Marketing Strategy
The Oda Slim Card Holder is available at no cost through the manufacturer’s website, and shipping is also free across the globe. There’s no need to provide any payment information for this item, as all they require is a delivery address to send the product.
Color Options and Models
Customers can select from an orange or dark gray version of the card holder. Oda provides two different models: one that can hold eight microSD cards and another that accommodates two SD cards and two microSD cards. Oda claims that they are offering the Slim Card Holder for free to cut down on high advertising expenses, aiming to showcase the quality of their products in hopes that customers will return and purchase another memory card holder for $4.95 or explore Oda’s upcoming products.
Future Launches
The company has plans to introduce more “Everyday Carry” items soon. Each individual is limited to receiving just one free product. Weighing in at 2.8 grams and measuring just 1 millimeter in thickness, the Oda Slim Card Holder is designed to fit in most standard wallets that hold credit cards. However, it’s important for buyers to note that the card holder may become a bit bulkier when memory cards are inserted, which could cause issues with ultra-slim wallets. The microfiber surface helps prevent scratches on both the memory cards and the wallet.
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Tags: Everyday Carry, Free Shipping, Oda Slim Card Holder