Category: Home

December 23, 2024
Hisense Launches Smart Air Conditioners with Matter Support
The Hisense Smart UltraSlim Air Conditioner and the Smart Tower Portable Air Conditioner have been revealed. These two innovative smart home devices will be showcased at CES 2025, taking place from January 7th to 10th.
Details on Smart UltraSlim Air Conditioner
Designed to cool areas up to 550 ft² (~51 m²), the Smart UltraSlim Air Conditioner provides 12,000 BTU cooling. It claims to be “almost silent,” boasting a noise level that is 34% lower than other units; however, there are no specific decibel measurements to support this statement. The device includes features like sliding side curtains to enhance energy efficiency, and it can be controlled remotely through the ConnectLife app. Users can create schedules and monitor the unit from afar. Additionally, this air conditioner is Matter-compatible, meaning it can work with various smart home devices and systems. Hisense claims that setup can be completed in just 15 minutes.
Insights into Smart Tower Portable Air Conditioner
The Smart Tower Portable Air Conditioner has a lower cooling capacity of 8,000 BTU, making it suitable for smaller spaces up to 350 ft² (~33 m²). This model is also said to operate quietly and offers a fast installation process. While Hisense hasn’t shared specific smart features for this unit, it is possible that it includes similar remote app controls and smart home integration like the UltraSlim. Pricing and international launch dates for both the Smart UltraSlim and Smart Tower Portable Air Conditioners have not yet been disclosed by Hisense. More information is expected in January. These new models are anticipated to complement existing products such as the Hisense 10,000 BTU Smart Portable Inverter Air Conditioner, which is currently priced at $739.69 on Amazon.
Conclusion
As we await further details, Hisense continues to innovate in the smart home market with these upcoming air conditioning units. CES 2025 will likely provide more insights into these products and their capabilities.
Source: Link
Tags: CES 2025, Hisense Smart Tower Portable Air Conditioner, Hisense Smart UltraSlim Air Conditioner
December 23, 2024
Apple’s Smart Doorbell: Face ID to Unlock Your Home Soon
Apple is said to be developing a new device that aims to extend its smartphone security features into homes for enhanced safety. According to reports, the company’s upcoming innovation may be a smart doorbell that uses Face ID to unlock doors.
Details on Apple’s Smart Doorbell
Mark Gurman revealed these details in his Power On Newsletter. The tech giant from Cupertino is reportedly looking to incorporate its facial recognition technology from phones into its smart home products. The doorbell is expected to connect to smart deadbolts and might even work with current HomeKit-compatible third-party locks.
Possible Collaborations
It’s possible that Apple will team up with a lock manufacturer to create a more complete product instead of designing the doorbell entirely in-house. Since this is the first mention of the Apple smart doorbell, it’s probably still a long way from being released to the public. Gurman notes that the development of the smart doorbell featuring Face ID is in its early phases, suggesting that we might see it by the end of next year at the earliest.
Competition in the Smart Home Market
With this new device, Apple seems poised to enter the competition against Amazon’s Ring and Google’s Nest products. Plus, the smart doorbell won’t be the only new product in the pipeline. Apple appears to be working on several additional smart home devices, including a smart home hub, which is expected to be announced sometime next year along with other new gadgets. This is all the information available right now, so stay tuned for more details as they come out.
Tags: Apple Smart Doorbell, Face ID, HomeKit
December 22, 2024
Apple Smart Doorbell with Face ID in Development
The smart home has not been a big focus for Apple for a while. But now, after its first car didn’t succeed, Apple seems to be looking at easier projects, like competing with existing products such as the Arlo Video Doorbell 2K 2nd Generation, which is currently priced at $141.49 on Amazon.
New Services and Offerings
Reports suggest that Apple’s new interest in smart home tech is tied to the idea of selling more services, like iCloud storage for users to save their personal security videos. It’s likely that the company’s first smart doorbell will be sold along with Apple-branded indoor cameras and the HomePod Smart Home Display.
Development Stage
The new “homeOS” device is said to be in the very early phases of development and may end up like the Apple Car. Yet, it might have a chance as a product that could be licensed to other brands, similar to the next-gen CarPlay that’s being used in luxury cars.
No matter what happens, the “Apple Doorbell” is said to be designed to work with Face ID or a similar technology, allowing users to unlock their front door just by looking at it. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman mentioned that it might also work with smart locks made by other brands, which could introduce potential risks to this new security system.
Source: Link
Tags: Apple, Arlo Video Doorbell 2K, homeOS
December 22, 2024
New Sharge CarbonBlade Lightweight Power Bank Now Available
Sharge has introduced the CarbonBlade portable power bank in various locations around the globe. This device was first revealed earlier this year and is one of three new carbon fiber products from the company, joining the CarbonMag (5K) and CarbonMag (10K).
Power and Features
The CarbonBlade is equipped with a 10,000mAh battery, enabling users to charge an iPhone 15 approximately 1.7 times or a Samsung Galaxy S24 roughly 1.5 times. It comes with two ports—USB-A and USB-C—that can deliver a fast charging output of up to 22.5W PD. Reports indicate it can charge an iPhone 15 to 71% in just 25 minutes. Additional features include a low current mode, support for other fast charging standards like QC3.0 and PPS, plus safety elements such as short-circuit protection and safeguards against extreme heat. Sharge claims the power bank is ultra-light and ultra-slim, with a weight of 165g (~0.36 lbs) and dimensions of 122 x 61 x 11.6 mm (~4.80 x 2.40 x 0.46 inches). This makes it lighter and slimmer than the Anker PowerCore 10000, which currently costs $25.99 on Amazon, weighing 180g (~0.40 lbs) and measuring 92 × 60 × 22 mm (~3.6 × 2.4 × 0.9 inches). However, it is thicker and heavier than the Nitecore NB1000, which has a thickness of 10.6 mm (~0.42 inches) and weighs 150g (~0.33 lbs).
Durability and Pricing
Along with being lighter, carbon fiber is known for its durability and smooth texture. The Sharge CarbonBlade power bank is listed at $69.90/£55.62/€69.90, but it is currently offered at a reduced price of $49.90/£39.70/€49.90.
Sharge has made a noteworthy step in the portable charging market with this innovative product.
Source: Link
Tags: CarbonBlade, Portable Power Bank, Sharge
December 22, 2024
US May Ban TP-Link Routers Over Security Issues
TP-Link is widely recognized for its routers, but its product line has expanded to encompass various smart home gadgets including smart plugs, lights, thermostats, and switches. However, recent reports suggest that the company’s router segment might face significant challenges, as the US government is contemplating a ban on TP-Link routers due to apprehensions about security.
Investigations Underway
According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, TP-Link is currently under investigation by multiple US departments, including Commerce, Defense, and Justice, because of its alleged connections to Chinese cyber attacks. Sources indicate that the Commerce Department has already issued a subpoena to TP-Link earlier this year.
Potential Impact on Sales
The report suggests that the government might impose a ban on the sale of TP-Link routers by 2025, which currently account for approximately 65% of router sales in the US market. These routers are not just prevalent in homes; they are also utilized by businesses and some federal agencies, including the Defense Department. Furthermore, a report released in 2023 by a US agency highlighted vulnerabilities in TP-Link routers that could potentially facilitate cyber attacks.
Political Pressure and Market Reactions
In a related piece from Reuters, it was noted that in August, two US lawmakers called for an investigation into TP-Link, raising alarms about the potential for its routers to be exploited in cyber attacks against the United States. The Chinese foreign ministry has responded by criticizing the US for what it views as an overreach regarding national security, claiming that the US is unfairly targeting companies from certain nations.
The speculation surrounding a possible ban on TP-Link has reportedly led to a surge in shares for its American competitor, Netgear, which saw an increase of more than 12% on Wednesday. Notably, routers from Netgear and Cisco were implicated in the Volt Typhoon hacking initiative, which is believed to be associated with the Chinese government.
Sources: Wall Street Journal, via Reuters, The Verge
Source: Link
Tags: Netgear, router ban, TP-LINK
December 22, 2024
Anker to Release Eufy Robotic Lawnmower in Spring 2025
There has been chatter for a while now, and a recent poll by Anker provided a solid hint. It’s now confirmed: Anker’s smart home division, Eufy, is set to introduce its first robotic lawnmower next year. The company has just launched a teaser website for this exciting new product.
Launch Timeline
The upcoming Eufy robotic lawnmower is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2025. The company intends to present the device at CES early in the year. The teaser site offers an initial look at the product, which appears quite familiar and closely resembles the TerraMow that was on Kickstarter last year; reviews of it can be found here at Notebookcheck (in German, but users can have the page translated automatically if their browser allows it).
Features and Technology
S800/S1200 robotic mower Eufy robotic mower will be wireless and packed with cutting-edge features, including AI and a sophisticated camera system for smart navigation. Additionally, an easy-to-use app and interface are promised to enhance user experience.
Anticipated Innovations
It’s uncertain how much of Anker’s inaugural Eufy robotic mower will stem from its own innovations. However, drawing inspiration from the TerraMow model appears to be a smart move, as it performed admirably in various aspects during our assessment.
As we look towards 2025, it seems to be an exhilarating time for gardening enthusiasts with numerous new robotic mowers on the horizon. Brands like Gardena, Navimow, and Husqvarna have already divulged their upcoming models. Now, Anker, a key player with significant expertise in the smart home and robotic vacuum markets through its Eufy label, is joining this trend.
Source: Link
Tags: Eufy, robotic lawnmower, TerraMow
December 19, 2024
Biomethane: Turning Ammonia Production Carbon Neutral
According to recent studies, biomethane is starting to revolutionize how ammonia is produced. It provides a method to transform what is usually a significant source of carbon emissions into a process that is carbon-neutral.
A Closer Look at the Research
In a research published in One Earth, environmental engineer Aurelian Istrate demonstrates that integrating biomethane into ammonia production can significantly lessen its environmental footprint. This is crucial since ammonia is a primary component in synthetic fertilizers, which are essential for feeding billions of individuals across the globe.
The Traditional Ammonia Process
Ammonia is conventionally produced by obtaining hydrogen from natural gas, resulting in considerable carbon emissions. Although renewable energy for electrolysis is a possible solution, it’s costly and lacks widespread use.
Istrate proposes the use of biomethane derived from food waste and agricultural byproducts. This renewable gas shares chemical similarities with natural gas (CH4). However, the crucial difference is that it follows a closed carbon cycle. The CO2 emitted during production was originally captured during photosynthesis as the plants grew, making the process much more sustainable.
Comparing Production Methods
The study investigates three ammonia production techniques: traditional, electrolysis, and biomethane-based. Findings indicate that merging biomethane with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology could yield carbon-neutral ammonia. Even a blend of 44 percent biomethane and 56 percent natural gas, when paired with CCS, has the potential to achieve carbon neutrality.
What’s particularly fascinating is that this approach can be implemented without the need for new technologies. CO2 separation is already a component of both biomethane and ammonia production, meaning the required infrastructure is already established. This makes biomethane a viable solution for cutting emissions in agriculture without affecting the supply of fertilizers.
Source: Link
Tags: Ammonia Production, Biomethane, Carbon neutrality
December 19, 2024
HEC Launches First 660MW Ultra-Supercritical CFB Power Unit
Harbin Electric Corporation (HEC) has reached an important milestone by testing the world’s first 660MW ultra-supercritical circulating fluidized bed (CFB) power generation unit at the Binchang facility in Shaanxi, China. After successfully finishing a full-load trial that lasted 168 hours, this unit has set new benchmarks in power generation technology.
Innovative Specifications
This domestically developed system operates at a main steam pressure of 29.3 MPa, with steam and reheat temperatures achieving 605°C and 623°C (1121°F and 1153.4°F), respectively. The boiler boasts an impressive 95 percent desulfurization efficiency, proving that large-scale CFB technology can provide cleaner energy on a major scale.
A Proud Achievement
HEC expresses great pride in this accomplishment. “The successful operation of the 660 MW ultra-supercritical CFB boiler not only fills a significant gap in global technology but also solidifies Harbin Electric Corporation’s leading role in high-capacity, high-parameter CFB technology. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era for ultra-supercritical parameters in CFB boilers globally,” said the company.
Project Impact
The Binchang Project, supported by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Energy Administration, aims to manage approximately 2 million tons of low-calorific coal and low-grade fuels annually. Additionally, the project will recycle 2 million tons of mine water and supply 6 million GJ of heat to local industries and households.
HEC collaborated closely with top Chinese universities, such as Tsinghua and Xi’an Jiaotong, to face the challenging engineering issues related to scaling up CFB boiler technology. This advancement aligns perfectly with China’s objectives for cleaner energy and sustainable power generation.
Source: Link
Tags: Binchang Project, Harbin Electric Corporation, ultra-supercritical CFB boiler
December 18, 2024
Orvibo Mixpad M5: New Matter-Compatible Smart Home Hub
Orvibo has introduced the Mixpad M5, a fresh smart home hub designed for Southeast Asia and the Middle East. This innovative device boasts a four-channel switch control, enabling it to connect with numerous products at the same time.
All-in-One Smart Hub
The Mixpad M5 serves as an all-encompassing smart hub that includes a built-in speaker and supports a variety of music streaming services. It features a touchscreen that allows users to manage connected devices such as smart lights, curtains, and air conditioning units. Additionally, the display provides useful information like weather updates and alarm settings. It can be synced with Orvibo, Apple Home, or Google Home apps, and also comes with the Amazon Alexa voice assistant for hands-free commands. Notably, the hub is compatible with Zigbee 3.0 gateways and supports Matter, making it versatile for different smart home setups.
Compact Design and Pricing
This square-shaped hub has dimensions of 3.39 inches (~86 mm) on all sides, offering flexible mounting options whether on a wall or a flat surface. The exact price of the Orvibo Mixpad M5 remains unknown. It has been announced for several Asian and Middle Eastern countries, yet it was spotted at a third-party retailer in Mexico retailing for $349. There is still uncertainty about its release in other markets, such as the US. Orvibo already provides products in this region, including the Smart Dimmer Switch with Touchscreen, currently listed at $79 on Amazon.
Orvibo via PR Newswire
Source: Link
Tags: Mixpad M5, Orvibo, Smart Home Hub
December 18, 2024
Massive Natural Hydrogen Deposits Found: 200 Years of Energy
When discussing hydrogen, the situation is very straightforward: these small molecules can even seep out of large steel tanks, and they are naturally found in the earth’s crust but are released directly into the air. This process occurs uniformly across the globe, making direct use of it impractical.
New Findings on Natural Hydrogen
Recent discoveries of significant natural hydrogen deposits in Mali, Oman, and Germany have led to a reevaluation of the presence of these concentrated, almost pure H2 reserves. A new study published in Science Advances reveals that prior beliefs regarding the capacity for natural hydrogen production have underestimated the actual reality significantly.
Global Demand vs. Natural Supply
Currently, the world needs about 500 million tons of hydrogen each year to eliminate fossil fuels completely. Earlier studies estimated that only 20 to 50 million tons are produced and escape into the atmosphere annually. However, if hydrogen can accumulate in appropriate underground reservoirs—an idea that is now gaining traction—the total global supply could be around 5.6 trillion tons. This quantity would allow us to live without fossil fuels for thousands of years.
Researchers believe that a limited amount of this hydrogen is located in areas accessible with existing drilling technology. Given this, they estimate that the available hydrogen would last approximately 200 years.
Future of Renewable Energy
This provides ample time to develop renewable energy resources. Meanwhile, another type of fuel can be utilized that, while still being a fossil fuel, does not emit CO2 or other harmful byproducts during its use.
The study highlights that this approach could temporarily address the hydrogen storage issue. The adaptable fuel can be extracted as needed while leaving the remainder in suitable geological formations.
Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge one more consideration: there is a significant margin of error in these calculations. The estimated supply ranges from 1 billion to 9 trillion tons, with the most likely figure being around 5.6 trillion tons. Even a fraction of that could lead to groundbreaking changes in energy production.
Source: Link
Tags: Hydrogen Production, Natural Hydrogen Deposits, renewable energy