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  • New Anker Smart Video Door Lock with Vein Scanner & Matter Support

    New Anker Smart Video Door Lock with Vein Scanner & Matter Support

    The Anker eufy Security Video Smart Lock S3 Pro seems to be in the works. This innovative smart home gadget integrates a doorbell, security camera, and smart lock all in one. A sketch of the product and various details have been leaked on Reddit by the trustworthy user u/joshuadwx.

    Unlocking Your Door Made Easy

    The eufy Security Video Smart Lock S3 Pro, model T85V0, is expected to provide several methods for unlocking your door. You can use palm vein recognition, voice commands, app controls, a passcode, or even a physical key. Additionally, it features two-way audio, allowing you to talk with visitors. This device runs on four AA batteries along with a fifth rechargeable battery that charges through USB-C. You can also connect it to Wi-Fi, and since it is Matter-compatible, it should integrate smoothly with many smart home systems.

    Launch Date and Pricing Uncertain

    At this moment, it’s not clear when the Anker eufy Security Video Smart Lock S3 Pro will be released or how much it will cost. For reference, the comparable eufy Video Smart Lock S330, which utilizes fingerprint recognition instead of palm vein scanning, is listed on Amazon for $349.99. In other news, there are whispers about two additional Smart Locks, the E34 and E35, both featuring palm recognition, which have also been recently discussed.

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  • Xiaomi Launches Two New Magnetic USB-C Charging Cables

    Xiaomi Launches Two New Magnetic USB-C Charging Cables

    The Xiaomi Mi 6A magnetic self-storage fast charging data cables, measuring 1m, have recently been released in China. These cables come in two types: USB-C to USB-C and USB-A to USB-C. They are capable of charging various devices at a powerful rate of up to 120W, and they support Xiaomi’s HyperCharge technology. Additionally, they provide a data transfer speed of 480 Mbps.

    Design and Durability

    The Xiaomi Mi 6A USB-C 1m cable features a braided exterior and is offered in four color choices: gray, olive green, white, and dark brown. The magnetic design allows the cables to stick to themselves temporarily, making them more convenient for storage or travel. Moreover, Xiaomi claims these cables can endure 10,000 pulls and 20,000 bends, withstanding forces of up to 100N.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Xiaomi Mi 6A magnetic self-storage fast charging data cables 1m are now available for purchase in China, with both the USB-C to USB-C and USB-A to USB-C versions priced at CNY 59 (approximately $8). It’s still unknown if or when these accessories will be available in other regions, such as Europe. In countries like Germany, Xiaomi already offers products like the Xiaomi Power Bank 10000mAh Pocket Edition with cable, which is currently listed for €19.99 on Amazon.

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  • US Plans 50% Solar Import Tariff on Chinese Components by 2025

    US Plans 50% Solar Import Tariff on Chinese Components by 2025

    The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) plans to significantly increase tariffs on solar-grade polysilicon, wafers, and tungsten products from China to an astonishing 50 percent, effective January 1, 2025. This decision follows a comprehensive four-year review conducted by the Biden administration and marks a notable rise from the existing tariff levels.

    Aiming at Key Solar Materials

    These elevated tariffs target crucial materials essential for manufacturing solar panels, aiming to diminish China’s influence over the worldwide solar market. Ambassador Katherine Tai mentioned that this action would assist in "pushing back against the harmful policies and practices of the People’s Republic of China," while also supporting the administration’s objectives for clean energy development.

    Limited Impact on China?

    Nevertheless, some analysts believe that the effect on China might not be as substantial as expected. Research from Griffith University indicates that solar component exports to the U.S. constituted only 0.3 percent of China’s total exports last year, suggesting that the direct consequences could be minimal.

    Aligning with Broader U.S. Policies

    The increase in tariffs aligns with other U.S. initiatives, such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), yet there are ongoing worries about the potential for higher costs in solar projects. Increased import fees could lead to more expensive solar panels, possibly hindering the pace at which renewable energy is embraced.

    The Solar Energy Industries Association stresses the necessity of enhancing domestic manufacturing, particularly regarding upstream components such as polysilicon and wafers.

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  • Homey Energy Dongle: Smart Energy Monitoring for Better Efficiency

    Homey Energy Dongle: Smart Energy Monitoring for Better Efficiency

    Homey has launched a new item. The brand known for its smart home hub, also called Homey, has now expanded its offerings with the Homey Energy Dongle. This compact device is designed to help track electricity consumption in homes, aiming to reduce energy usage and lower costs.

    Pricing and Availability

    Customers can preorder the Homey Energy Dongle directly from the company for €39 (approximately US$41). At this moment, Homey is only taking orders from specific countries, including the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Lithuania, and Hungary. For those interested, it’s best to visit the official website to see if it’s available in your area.

    Installation and Compatibility

    The Homey Energy Dongle is meant to be connected to the P1 port of a smart meter. Homey states that this port is found only on smart meters in the mentioned countries. On their website, Homey provides a compatibility test. Even if your smart meter’s P1 port is already in use by another device (like a dongle from your energy supplier), you can still utilize the Homey Energy Dongle, thanks to its integrated splitter.

    Once it’s set up, the Homey Energy Dongle transmits data regarding your home’s energy use directly to the Smart Home system. One thing to note is that you will need a Homey Pro (from early 2023 or later, priced around US$350 on Amazon). This smart hub processes the incoming data, allowing users to see an analysis and summary of their electricity consumption. Moreover, there are plans to support dynamic electricity tariffs starting in early 2025.

    Smart Automation Features

    Using the data collected, various smart automations can be triggered. For example, homeowners with solar panels on their rooftops or balconies can automate the powering of devices, such as charging electric cars and bikes, whenever energy is being sent back to the grid. Additionally, Homey claims that the Energy Dongle can work alongside smart gas and water meters to monitor their usage effectively.

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  • Anker MagGo Qi2 Slim 5K: Discover Anker’s Slimmest Power Bank

    Anker MagGo Qi2 Slim 5K: Discover Anker’s Slimmest Power Bank

    The Anker MagGo Qi2 Slim 5K portable charger made its first appearance back in September this year, and now it seems the release is just around the corner. According to reliable leaker u/Joshuadwx on r/Anker, this new wireless power bank is set to be available in the Apple Store soon, with a reported price of $49.95.

    Early Access Insights

    Another user on the same subreddit, u/Rynalf, seems to have gotten an early look at the power bank. They shared some images that indicate the MagGo Qi2 Slim will be a lighter version of the 10K model. Specifically, u/Rynalf noted that the new 5K variant is 8.8mm thick, compared to the 14.7mm thickness of the 10K option.

    Travel-Friendly Design

    This thinner design will make the MagGo Qi2 Slim more suitable for travel than its thicker counterpart. However, it’s important to remember that you won’t have the same battery capacity, as the new version offers 5,000mAh instead of 10,000mAh. On the plus side, with the inclusion of the Qi2 standard, this power bank can handle up to 15W wireless charging, matching the capabilities of its predecessor (currently priced at $69.99 on Amazon).

    Charging Features

    Additionally, there is a USB-C port that supports fast charging at a maximum of 20W, and it’s a bidirectional port. It’s essential to take note that wired charging is capped at 12W, and when using the Qi2 wireless charging with two devices simultaneously, the output will be limited to 5W.

    One more point to keep in mind is that the Anker MagGo Qi2 Slim will likely be exclusive to the Apple Store for some time. It may become available through other retailers sometime next year.

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  • Kia Integrates myQ Garage Door Remote in 2024-2025 Vehicles

    Kia Integrates myQ Garage Door Remote in 2024-2025 Vehicles

    Kia has added the myQ Connected Garage feature to certain 2024-2025 Kia models, transforming them into smart remote controls for garage doors. This innovation allows drivers to avoid the tediousness of using traditional remotes, as geofencing technology automatically opens and shuts garage doors whenever the vehicles approach or depart. Additionally, if the automatic closing is interrupted, the geofencing can send notifications to drivers about open doors. Users can manage and monitor several garage doors across different locations.

    Requirements for myQ Integration

    To use the myQ Connected Garage feature, a compatible 2024-2025 Kia with a ccNC head unit, active Kia Connect and myQ accounts, as well as an ongoing LTE data connection in the car, are necessary. Furthermore, the myQ garage doors need an active Wi-Fi connection to be accessible from the Kia vehicles. This means that drivers can supervise and operate their garage doors from virtually anywhere in the world, as long as their vehicles are connected to the internet.

    About Chamberlain Group

    Chamberlain Group is the owner of well-known garage door brands like Liftmaster and the myQ smart home accessory brand. The myQ feature is built into many of Chamberlain’s garage door openers, allowing for remote access to the doors via cars or smartphones.

    For those curious about using myQ for their garage doors, they can either install a new myQ-compatible smart garage door opener or add a Smart Garage Control with myQ to their current garage door openers.

    This announcement comes from the Chamberlain Group, highlighting the collaboration between myQ and Kia America to enhance in-vehicle smart access options.

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  • Xiaomi Mijia Smart Safe 30cm: Sturdy, 6 Unlocking Methods, App Control

    Xiaomi Mijia Smart Safe 30cm: Sturdy, 6 Unlocking Methods, App Control

    Xiaomi has launched a new product in China’s market: the Mijia Smart Safe 30cm. This compact, smart safe is designed for contemporary homes and is priced at 649 yuan ($89). You can find it available for purchase on JD.com. Let’s take a look at its main features.

    Specifications of the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Safe 30cm

    The Xiaomi Mijia Smart Safe Box 30cm has a chic and compact design, measuring 300mm x 400mm x 300mm. This size makes it ideal for different living spaces. It features a C-grade high-security lock cylinder and 19mm solid locking bolts, meeting high safety standards to provide better protection. The safe’s door is made of triple-layered steel constructed from Q235 solid steel, ensuring it can withstand external forces and enhance durability.

    Advanced Security Features

    This safe includes cutting-edge AI 3D fingerprint recognition technology that uses the Swedish PB fingerprint detection algorithm, boasting a remarkable 99.2% accuracy and an unlocking speed of just 0.5 seconds. The intelligent system is capable of learning and improving its performance over time. Users can unlock the safe in six different ways: fingerprint, password, one-time password, dual authentication (fingerprint + password), Bluetooth, and a physical key, catering to a variety of preferences.

    User-Friendly Design and Connectivity

    The smart safe comes with a built-in Mijia security chip that ensures financial-grade EAL4+ encryption, securing data transmission between the device and the user’s smartphone. Through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it allows for remote monitoring and alerts, enabling users to check the safe’s status, unlocking history, and receive notifications via the Mijia app.

    Its automatic door mechanism opens the safe upon successful authentication and locks it with just a light push. Additionally, it has several alarm features, including alerts for unauthorized access, notifications for when the door is left open, and an emergency fingerprint alarm that alerts a preset contact. The interior is spacious, with a removable shelf that can hold laptops up to 12 inches, A4-sized papers, and other valuables. It also has Type-C emergency power support and enjoys a 12-month long battery life powered by four AA batteries.

    Thoughtful Interior and Additional Products

    With a soft velvet lining, it protects delicate items from scratches. Weighing 14kg, it offers sturdy installation options and blends seamlessly with modern home decor. Earlier this year, Xiaomi also unveiled a mini washing machine with a 1kg capacity, smart dosing, and sterilization features, along with the Mijia floor scrubber that boasts 15,000Pa suction, triple anti-hair technology, and a runtime of 30 minutes.

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  • New Anker 12-in-1 Power Strip Set to Launch Soon

    New Anker 12-in-1 Power Strip Set to Launch Soon

    Anker is reportedly developing a new 12-in-1 charging station specifically for the European market. A tipster on Reddit, known as u/joshuadwx, has recently shared some insights regarding this upcoming power strip. Along with the details, there’s also a product sketch that looks to be official.

    Specifications of the Charging Station

    The new charging tower, identified by the model number A9185, features eight AC outlets, with two located on each side. On the top part of the station, there are four USB ports, consisting of two 12W USB-A ports, one 20W USB-C, and another 15W USB-C. When all four ports are utilized, the total power of 15W gets distributed across them. The device is designed to handle an AC input of up to 4,000W and comes with a built-in cable measuring 2m (about 6.6 ft). Additionally, it claims to provide 300J of surge protection.

    More Information Yet to Come

    As for other specifics—like the dimensions and color of the charging unit—those details have not been disclosed yet. There’s also uncertainty regarding the pricing of this Anker 12-in-1 power strip, its release date in Europe, and which countries will see its launch. In the United States, Anker already sells a similar USB Power Strip (12-in-1, 35W) that features 8 AC outlets and four USB ports. This variant is currently listed on Amazon for $29.99.

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  • Xiaomi Launches New Ultra Slim Power Bank in Two Countries

    Xiaomi Launches New Ultra Slim Power Bank in Two Countries

    The Xiaomi Ultra Slim Power Bank 5000mAh is now being introduced in several countries. This device was first showcased on the brand’s global website in November. Recently, it has appeared on the Xiaomi online store in Hong Kong, and crowdfunding in India is set to begin soon.

    Lightweight Design

    Weighing only 93g (about 3.3 oz) and measuring 10mm (around 0.4 inches) thick, the Ultra Slim Power Bank has a sleek metallic finish. It features a single USB-C port that offers a maximum output of 20W. According to Xiaomi, this power bank can charge a Xiaomi 14 Ultra to 37% in just 30 minutes. It recharges through an 18W USB-C input, with a total charging time of approximately 1.75 hours. Additionally, it includes safety features to protect against problems like overheating and short circuits.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Ultra Slim Power Bank 5000mAh will be available in Hong Kong for HK$149 (around $19) starting December 12th. In India, a crowdfunding campaign for this product will kick off on December 13th, with supporters asked to contribute ₹1,499 (approximately $18). The expected shipping date for backers is January 20th. However, it’s still uncertain whether or when this power bank will be available in other regions, such as the US, where it would face competition from products like the Anker 621 Magnetic Battery (MagGo), which is currently priced at $29.74 on Amazon.

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  • Solar Reactor Advances Clean Hydrogen Production Efficiency

    Solar Reactor Advances Clean Hydrogen Production Efficiency

    Researchers from Shinshu University have created a new reactor system that generates hydrogen fuel from sunlight and water. This innovation could significantly advance the sustainable production of hydrogen, eliminating the need for fossil fuels. The reactor, which spans 1,076 square feet, employs photocatalytic panels in a two-step method to divide water into hydrogen and oxygen.

    Two-Step Process Advantage

    Unlike conventional one-step methods, this system separates hydrogen and oxygen production into two distinct stages. This innovative approach results in improved solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiencies compared to traditional systems, which often rely on natural gas for hydrogen refinement.

    Real-World Testing Benefits

    During testing under natural sunlight, the reactor displayed unexpected advantages. It achieved roughly 50% higher solar energy conversion efficiency in real-world scenarios than it did in controlled lab conditions. Professor Kazunari Domen, the lead author of the study published in Frontiers in Science, suggests that this enhancement is likely due to variations in the components of the solar spectrum in different regions.

    Efficiency Challenges Ahead

    Nonetheless, despite these encouraging findings, the system’s efficiency must improve to meet commercial standards. Currently, it converts about 1% of sunlight into hydrogen fuel under typical conditions. Experts assert that a minimum of 5% efficiency is essential for large-scale viability. The research team highlights that achieving this goal will necessitate the creation of superior photocatalysts and the expansion of their reactor systems.

    Safety Measures in Design

    The technology also addresses safety concerns related to hydrogen production. The researchers have implemented design features aimed at minimizing explosion risks when handling oxyhydrogen, such as using narrow compartments and soft PVC plastics for safe containment.

    Future of Hydrogen Fuel Production

    Professor Domen emphasizes that enhancing the efficiency of solar energy conversion into chemical energy could accelerate the advancement of mass production technologies, gas separation methods, and larger facilities.

    The successful operation of this proof-of-concept reactor over three years signifies a major step toward making hydrogen fuel production more sustainable. If further advancements can be made in this technology, it could lead to a transition away from fossil fuels in hydrogen production.

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