Category: Home

January 27, 2025
Portronics Power Plate 23 & 22: 2500W Extension Boards with USB
Portronics has recently introduced two new extension boards to the Indian market, known as the Power Plate 23 and Power Plate 22. These power strips come with various features that allow users to safely and effectively power several devices at the same time. Let’s take a look at the important specifications.
Portronics Power Plate 23
The Power Plate 23 boasts 8 universal sockets, making it perfect for homes and offices that use different types of devices. It includes a powerful 20W Type-C Power Delivery (PD) port, which enables fast and efficient charging for modern gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and other devices that support USB-C. Furthermore, it has three USB charging ports: one 18W fast-charging USB port and two 12W ports, allowing for the simultaneous charging of multiple devices.
With a sturdy power capacity of 2500 Watts, the Power Plate 23 is well-suited for handling high-power appliances safely. It comes with a 3-meter cord that provides flexibility and ease of placement in various setups. Additionally, it has wall mount holes for simple installation, helping to save space and improve organization.
Portronics Power Plate 22
For those with slightly fewer gadgets, the Power Plate 22 serves as a great alternative. This extension board features 5 universal sockets and retains the powerful 20W Type-C PD charging capability. Like its sibling, it also provides three USB charging ports, which include an 18W fast-charging USB port and two 12W ports, giving plenty of charging options for smaller setups.
The Power Plate 22 also delivers a power capacity of 2500 Watts, effectively supporting high-power devices. Its 3-meter-long cord enhances convenience, making it easy to place in various spots. Plus, the wall mount holes add to its space-saving design, making it ideal for compact areas.
Pricing and Availability
The Portronics Power Plate 23 is priced at Rs. 1,399 ($16), while the Power Plate 22 can be purchased for Rs. 1,249 ($14). Both models are currently available for sale on Portronics’ official website, as well as popular e-commerce sites like Amazon.in and Flipkart.com.
In other news, Portronics has also rolled out the Iron Beats III, a 200W party speaker that features RGB lights and wireless karaoke functionality. Additionally, the company has launched the Thunder 2.0 TWS speaker, which offers a 60W output and RGB lighting for a more engaging audio experience.
Tags: extension boards, Portronics Power Plate 22, Portronics Power Plate 23
January 25, 2025
Aqara Launches Touchscreen Dial V1 with Presence Sensor
The Aqara Touchscreen Dial V1 EU has officially arrived in Europe. This new wall switch was displayed at the IFA 2024 event in September and again at CES 2025, just like other recent smart home devices from the brand.
Features and Functionality
The Touchscreen Dial V1 features a rotary dial with haptic feedback and a 1.32 inch (~3.35 cm) LCD screen. This allows users to manage connected smart home gadgets either individually or as part of a larger scene. It comes equipped with two wired switches along with six additional wireless switches. Notably, it supports Matter over Bridge and Zigbee 3.0, making it compatible with popular smart home platforms such as Apple Home, Google Home, and Home Assistant.
Screen and Customization Options
Thanks to a built-in presence sensor, the screen will light up automatically. Users can not only control their smart devices via the display but also check their energy usage. Additionally, there are options to personalize the screensaver, allowing it to show the weather, time, or temperature. Users can also tailor aspects like button icons, text size, and colors to suit their preferences.
Pricing and Availability
Currently, the Aqara Touchscreen Dial V1 EU is available for £149.99/€149.99. Customers can buy it directly from the brand’s online shop, where some may be eligible for a 20% discount with a code shown on the product page banner. Alternatively, it can also be ordered through retailers like Amazon in the UK and Germany. However, the release date for the US version of this smart switch is still uncertain.
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Tags: Aqara Touchscreen Dial V1, Matter over Bridge, Smart Home
January 24, 2025
Roborock Saros 10R Robot Vacuum Pricing and Features Leaked
The Roborock Saros 10R robot vacuum has been seen on Amazon recently. This model is one of the newest from the brand and was showcased at CES 2025. While the price for the US market has been disclosed, this leak provides insight into what the smart home device will cost in Europe.
Pricing and Availability
As per a report by Appgefahren.de, the Saros 10R appeared on Amazon Germany for a brief period on January 24th. The listed price was €1,499. Although the listing now points to the Qrevo Slim, the image displayed is still of the Saros 10R. This model has also been spotted on Amazon France and Spain, and it seems to remain available on Amazon Netherlands, albeit at a higher price of €1,999. Many product details are missing on these pages, hinting that they might have gone live by mistake.
Features and Specifications
The Saros 10R stands out as a robust robot vacuum boasting a suction power of up to 19,000 Pa. It features a DuoDivide Main Brush, a FlexiArm Riser Side Brush, and dual spinning mops. Thanks to its new AdaptiLift Chassis technology, this robot can easily navigate over obstacles, such as thresholds up to 4 cm (1.6 inches) high. Additional features include the StarSight Autonomous System 2.0, which utilizes ToF sensors and RGB cameras for effective home navigation, as well as VertiBeam Lateral Obstacle Avoidance.
Additional Accessories
Consumers can buy the Saros 10R with the Multifunctional Dock 4.0. This dock provides hot water mop washing, rapid charging, and allows for mops to be detached prior to cleaning carpets. The robot vacuum is notably slim at 7.98 cm (approximately 3.1 inches) tall and is set to support Matter after a future OTA update; currently, it is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
At CES, Roborock indicated that the Saros 10R robot vacuum would be released in both North America and Europe in January. However, the specific launch date remains unannounced. Just as a reminder, the Saros 10R is projected to retail for $1,599.99 in the United States.
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Tags: CES 2025, Roborock Saros 10R, robot vacuum
January 23, 2025
Xiaomi Smart Tower Fan 2 Launches in More Countries Worldwide
The Xiaomi Smart Tower Fan 2 is now being launched globally and has just made its way to the EU market. The fan was first seen on the brand’s international website back in September and officially became available in the UK towards the end of last year. Currently, it’s up for grabs in Germany, with product listings on the Xiaomi online shop in countries like France and Spain suggesting that a release may happen there soon.
Features and Modes
This rotating Smart Tower Fan 2 boasts a ventilation reach of 10 meters (around 33 feet) and is designed to provide a natural breeze feeling over a 150° angle. Users have the option to select from three different modes: Direct mode for quick cooling, Sleep mode for quieter operation, and a Natural mode that mimics four types of breezes—lakeside, campsite, orchard, and terraced field.
Smart Adjustments & Controls
The fan’s speed can be adjusted automatically depending on the temperature read by a compatible smart device, such as the Mi Temperature and Humidity Monitor 3. Alternatively, users can manually change the speed with a continuous adjustment ranging from 1 to 100. The fan has buttons located on its top, and you can also control it through the Xiaomi Home app. Additionally, it works with Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
Design and Pricing
This model has a more sleek design, featuring a base that measures 290 mm (approximately 11.4 inches) in width. Xiaomi claims it’s an energy-saving gadget, stating that it consumes just 1 kWh over a period of 90 days when operated for eight hours each day. The Xiaomi Smart Tower Fan 2 is available for purchase in the UK for £64.99 and in Germany for €89.99. However, it’s still uncertain when it will make its debut in other nations like France and Spain.
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Tags: Energy Efficient, Smart Home, Xiaomi Smart Tower Fan 2
January 23, 2025
Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus: Premium Matter-Compatible Smart Hub Available
The Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus has made its way to Europe, where it is marketed as the Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus EU. This innovative smart home device was introduced at CES earlier this year, after its first appearance at IFA in September 2024.
Premium Smart Home Control
According to Aqara, the Panel Hub S1 Plus is a “premium smart home control panel.” It features two relay switches and six wireless switches, and it supports both Matter and Zigbee 3.0 protocols. This means the hub can connect to a broad array of smart home devices. Users have the ability to manage these connected devices through a 6.9-inch touch panel, which also allows them to keep track of their energy consumption through detailed reports. You can also create ten personalized dashboards using function-related cards to suit your specific requirements.
Video Streams and Communication
In addition, the panel lets you watch video feeds from compatible cameras or video doorbells on the display, while built-in microphones enable two-way chats with visitors. The device is equipped with a proximity sensor that turns on the screen when it detects motion from up to 2.5 m (~8.2 ft) away. Besides using the touch panel, you can also manage smart home devices linked to the hub through a smartphone app or popular voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant.
Availability and Pricing
You can purchase the Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus in several European nations, including the UK, the Netherlands, France, and Germany. The price is set at £289.99/€289.99, and it is available from the company’s online store or on Amazon. As for the US version of this product, which includes a speaker, there is no information yet on when it will be released in the United States.
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Tags: Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus, Matter and Zigbee 3.0, smart home control panel
January 23, 2025
VoltaGo Max 5-in-1 Power Bank 27000mAh 223W Wireless Charging
The VoltaGo Max is a new device for charging and storing power that is currently being funded through a crowdfunding campaign. Backers can secure one for a starting pledge of $120. Worldwide shipping is available, with expected delivery set for April. As with any crowdfunding project, it’s important for interested consumers to be aware of the inherent risks involved.
Impressive Specifications
The VoltaGo Max boasts a substantial capacity and output, featuring 27,000 mAh and a powerful 223 watts. The 223 watts refers to the total maximum output that can be drawn from all four ports and the Qi2 wireless charging pad together; an individual USB-C1 port can provide up to 140 watts. This capacity allows the VoltaGo Max to charge five devices at once, which includes most laptops on the market.
Charging Options
In addition to the 140W USB-C port, there are two more USB-C ports that offer maximum outputs of 45 and 20 watts, while the USB-A port delivers up to 18 watts. The device is also compatible with wireless charging via Qi2, supporting up to 15 watts for compatible devices. The power bank measures 21 x 9.5 x 2.7 centimeters and weighs 625 grams. It can be recharged at a power of 100 watts in just 2.5 hours. Furthermore, it features an LCD screen that displays information like remaining battery capacity, input/output power, charging duration, and temperature.
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Tags: crowdfunding, Power Bank, VoltaGo Max
January 23, 2025
Philips Hue Lights Get Motion Detection with Free Update
Motion sensors like Eve Motion and the Philips Hue Motion Sensor have become common in many smart homes. These sensors are typically used for automatically turning lights on and off. However, a new technology called Sensify ambient sensing aims to change that by allowing nearby Zigbee devices to recognize when people are present, eliminating the need for extra sensors.
How Ambient Sensing Works
According to a video from the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), ambient sensing operates (in theory) when at least three compatible devices are within a certain range and create a zone. When someone moves within this area, the system can pick up slight variations in signal strength that occur due to the person’s presence.
The Launch of Sensify
Sensify has been under development since 2016, and its launch is said to be very close now. Although Ivani, the company behind this tech, hasn’t provided any details about possible partners, they claim that several well-known smart home product manufacturers are getting ready to implement the technology “very soon.” The CSA has informed The Verge that Sensify won’t be a permanent aspect of Zigbee, which means it will only be supported by a few select products, not every new Zigbee device hitting the market.
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Tags: Eve Motion, Philips Hue Motion Sensor, Sensify
January 23, 2025
Eufy E18: Anker’s Upcoming Boundary Wire-Free Robot Lawn Mower
At the close of last year, Anker confirmed its plans to introduce its inaugural robot mower for the gardening season of 2025. Initially, a teaser page only displayed an image of the device along with an in-depth look at its navigation and obstacle detection capabilities.
Exciting Developments at CES 2025
Earlier this year at CES 2025, Anker shared further details about its first robotic mower. Meanwhile, the Eufy US website offers a better view of the design for Anker’s first robotic lawnmower, which seems to be set for release under the name Eufy E18.
Design and Features
The fundamental design of Anker’s Eufy E18 robotic mower isn’t surprising. The firm previously mentioned that the model would utilize technology from TerraMow, whose S800/S1200 robotic mower performed well in our tests (in German only) and operates without boundary wires, RTK, or LiDAR. Instead, it relies on an array of cameras and sensors positioned at the front of the unit, as Anker has previously demonstrated and detailed.
Concerning color options, the Eufy E18 will be available in grey or black, setting it apart from the white color of the TerraMow. The overall design bears significant resemblance, although the Eufy E18 appears somewhat sleeker. On the top, there’s a display showing battery life, a control panel, and the usual stop button. Additionally, a handy carrying handle is located at the back. Anker highlights AI-supported navigation, obstacle detection, and multi-zone functionality in the software, mirroring the features of TerraMow.
What’s Next for the Eufy E18
More information about the Eufy E18 is anticipated at MWC 2025. Anker’s first robotic lawnmower is expected to launch in time for the 2025 gardening season, positioning itself to compete with both established brands and new startups. There are also several new robotic lawnmowers on the horizon, including models from Dreame, Ecovacs, Navimow, and Mammotion.
Tags: Anker Eufy E18, gardening season 2025, robotic mower
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