Tag: Smart Home Integration

  • Govee Launches New Outdoor Clear Bulb String Lights in Europe

    Govee Launches New Outdoor Clear Bulb String Lights in Europe

    Key Takeaways

    1. Govee Outdoor Clear Bulb String Lights feature RGBWIC LED bulbs with over 16 million color options and a brightness of up to 1,200 lumens.
    2. The lights last approximately 20,000 hours and have over 100 preset scenes available in the Govee Home app.
    3. They are compatible with smart home systems and can be controlled via voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
    4. The bulbs have an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, while the power supply has an IP44 rating.
    5. Available for purchase in Europe, the single pack is priced at £89.99/€89.99 and the two-pack at £179.98/€179.98, with no confirmed US launch date yet.


    The Govee Outdoor Clear Bulb String Lights are now on sale in Europe. This item first showed up in the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) database around mid-March, but not many specifics were disclosed in the listing.

    Product Features

    These Outdoor Clear Bulb String Lights come with RGBWIC LED bulbs, providing more than 16 million color options. They can produce warm white light with a brightness of up to 1,200 lumens across 15 bulbs, and they are designed to last for about 20,000 hours. True to their name, the teardrop-shaped bulbs are clear, making them blend well with their environment when they’re not lit. Within the Govee Home app, users can pick from over 100 preset scenes, including various music modes, or create AI lighting effects using text or voice commands.

    Smart Home Compatibility

    Equipped with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Matter compatibility, these lights can seamlessly integrate with many smart home systems. Additionally, you can operate the smart bulbs using voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. These outdoor bulbs are rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, while the power supply has an IP44 rating. Buyers can select from a 1-Pack, which is a 15m string with 15 LEDs, or a 2-Pack, which offers 30m of lights with 30 LEDs. It’s important to note that you cannot connect multiple sets of these lights together.

    Where to Buy

    You can now purchase the Govee Outdoor Clear Bulb String Lights in Europe from the brand’s online shop or on Amazon. The single pack is priced at £89.99/€89.99, and the two-pack is available for £179.98/€179.98. It remains uncertain if or when this product will be launched in the US; however, alternative options like the Govee Outdoor String Lights 2 are available starting at $79.99 for the 48ft version (on Amazon).

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  • Xiaomi Unveils New Air Conditioner with Upward Airflow and Radar

    Xiaomi Unveils New Air Conditioner with Upward Airflow and Radar

    Key Takeaways

    1. Innovative Upward Airflow: The Mijia Air Conditioner Pro directs air upward for a more comfortable and ambient cooling experience, avoiding direct blasts of cold air.

    2. Human-Sensing Technology: Equipped with dual mmWave radars, the unit detects human presence and adjusts airflow direction for comfort, a feature typically found in high-end AC systems.

    3. Energy Efficiency: The air conditioner switches to low-power mode when no occupants are detected, potentially saving around 361 kWh annually, equating to about 216 yuan (~$30) on electricity bills.

    4. Smart Home Compatibility: It integrates with HyperOS Connect, Mi Home, and Xiao Ai voice assistant, allowing for personalized modes and over-the-air updates.

    5. Compact and Quiet Design: Weighing only 13kg and requiring minimal installation space, it operates quietly at just 18dB(A) in silent mode, making it ideal for various living environments.


    Last year, Xiaomi introduced an innovative concept in home cooling: an air conditioner that directs air upward rather than straight at you. This design offers a more comfortable and less intrusive airflow that gently fills the space, similar to ambient cooling but with a smarter approach. Now, Xiaomi has launched an enhanced model: the Mijia Air Conditioner Pro, featuring human-sensing upward airflow, priced at 3,999 yuan (~$550).

    Key Features of the Mijia Air Conditioner Pro

    This new unit, with a power of 1.5 horsepower, continues the “wall-hugging” airflow idea but incorporates a significant improvement: dual mmWave radars that monitor human presence in real-time. The system can identify your location within a room and can either direct cooling towards you for immediate comfort or redirect it to avoid an uncomfortable blast of cold air. This advanced technology is usually found in high-end central AC systems, now available in a consumer-friendly wall unit.

    Energy Efficiency and Smart Control

    The integration of radar technology also contributes to energy efficiency. When the system detects no occupants, it switches to a low-power mode. When someone returns, it quietly increases its output. According to Xiaomi, this intelligent feature—driven by the Lingyun AI engine and supported by cloud-based scene recognition—can save around 361 kWh each year, which is about 216 yuan (~$30) on your electricity bill.

    The Mijia Pro utilizes a dual-cylinder inverter compressor with a double-row condenser and evaporator, ensuring effective heating and cooling even in extreme weather conditions, from -35°C in winter to a sizzling 65°C in summer. It boasts an APF rating of 5.65, making it eligible for China’s top energy efficiency category, “Super Level 1.”

    Smart Home Compatibility and Design

    Xiaomi hasn’t overlooked smart home features either. This unit is compatible with HyperOS Connect and works seamlessly with the Mi Home and Xiao Ai voice assistant. Additionally, it receives over-the-air updates for new capabilities in the future. Users can personalize their favorite modes or select preset scenes based on their activities or the time of day.

    Furthermore, it includes a self-cleaning cycle at 56°C for both indoor and outdoor units, along with an antibacterial filter that eliminates over 99% of common germs. It delivers impressive airflow at 830m³/h while maintaining a quiet operation level of just 18dB(A) in silent mode—quieter than most whispers.

    On the design front, it is sleek and compact. The indoor unit weighs only 13kg and requires just 35cm of vertical space and 2cm of top clearance, offering installers greater flexibility compared to traditional bulkier wall units.


  • Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 Update: Adds Matter Compatibility

    Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 Update: Adds Matter Compatibility

    Exciting developments are here for users or those curious about the Yale Linus Smart Lock L2: the brand is launching a firmware update that brings Matter compatibility to the device.

    Enhanced Interoperability

    This new firmware update greatly improves the Linus L2’s ability to work with other smart devices. Although the smart lock had already been able to connect with various smart home products, the addition of Matter compatibility opens up a much broader range of possibilities. Matter is a smart home standard that enables many devices and services to communicate seamlessly, which means the Yale Linus L2 can now work with an extensive variety of smart ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, and Samsung SmartThings. The company also assures users that setting up the smart lock will be a straightforward process.

    A Year in the Making

    Yale introduced the Linus Smart Lock L2 about a year ago. While Matter compatibility was initially announced at that time, it has finally arrived ten months later. One of the standout features of the Yale smart lock is its sleek design, among other key attributes. The brand indicates that it is compatible with most mechanical locks and cylinders, and it includes a built-in Wi-Fi bridge for added convenience.

    Easy Control Options

    There are multiple ways to manage the smart lock, such as using the Yale App, Yale Smart Keyboard, and Yale Dot. Additionally, the device can integrate with products from the Yale Smart Security Ecosystem, including the Smart Alarm, Smart Cameras, and Smart Video Doorbell. Thanks to the recent update, the variety of options for managing your security has significantly grown.

  • Razer Unveils Aether Light Bars with Chroma RGB at CES 2025

    Razer Unveils Aether Light Bars with Chroma RGB at CES 2025

    Razer has introduced new Aether Standing Light Bars at CES 2025, expanding its Aether lighting series. These lights are made to enhance the ‘gaming’ vibe in any setup. They offer a mix of versatility, vibrant colors, and compatibility with smart home systems all in one package.

    Dual Lighting Features

    The Aether Standing Light Bars come with dual lighting options – they provide both front-facing and rear-projection light. This makes them perfect for creating a fully immersive gaming space or serving as effective lighting for daily tasks. With Razer’s Chroma RGB technology, each light bar includes 30 LEDs and can showcase over 16.8 million colors. They offer various dynamic lighting effects and integrate smoothly into the Razer ecosystem. Plus, their reactive lighting function is quite impressive.

    Smart Home Syncing

    Another standout feature is the smart home integration, as these light bars are compatible with Matter, allowing them to sync easily with other devices. Using the Razer Gamer Room app, users can tweak settings, set up automated routines, and coordinate lighting across their smart home network.

    Easy Setup

    The Aether Standing Light Bars are powered by a single USB-C cable, making them easy to set up with a plug-and-play solution. Their reversible design is convenient for switching between direct light and ambient mood lighting.

    With a price tag of $99.99/€119.99, the Razer Aether Standing Light Bars will be available for pre-order starting January 7, 2025, on Razer.com. They are expected to hit Razer stores and authorized retailers in Q1 2025.


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  • Xiaomi’s New Ice Crystal White AC Launches July 19

    Xiaomi’s New Ice Crystal White AC Launches July 19

    Xiaomi has introduced a new hue for its Mijia Air Conditioner Fresh Air Pro Dual Outlet Floor-standing 3 HP model. The fresh "Ice Crystal White" edition now complements the existing "Starry Silver," giving consumers more options to suit their interior design preferences.

    The air conditioner will be officially presented during Lei Jun’s annual speech on July 19th at 7 pm (CST) and will continue to be priced at 7999 yuan (approximately $1120).

    Mijia Air Conditioner Fresh Air Pro Specifications

    This model comes packed with several cutting-edge features, such as Xiaomi’s Fresh Air Pro four-zone independent wind control system. This enables 180-degree wide-angle air distribution and dual circulation of fresh air.

    The unit has a water droplet design, a glass panel, and a suspended flowing water light effect, adding a sophisticated touch to any space.

    In terms of performance, the Mijia Conditioner Fresh Air Pro includes a dual-cylinder compressor and a dual-row condenser setup. This allows for rapid cooling in just 30 seconds and quick heating in 60 seconds.

    Additionally, the air conditioner includes Xiaomi’s ion purification technology, which effectively eliminates bacteria, viruses, pollen, and PM2.5 particles, ensuring a healthier atmosphere.

    Fresh Air Delivery and Energy Efficiency

    The air conditioner can supply 245m³/h of fresh air, refreshing the entire house’s air in only 22 minutes. This is made possible by Xiaomi’s proprietary dual circulation fresh air technology, which introduces fresh outdoor air while filtering out contaminants. The device also features super-grade energy efficiency with an APF value of 5.01, resulting in substantial energy savings.

    The air conditioner is fully integrated with Xiaomi’s smart home ecosystem. Users can operate it remotely via the Mi Home app and benefit from features like Xiaomi HyperOS Connect and Xiaomi Power Smart Connection. Furthermore, an intelligent cloud control engine helps maintain a stable and comfortable indoor climate by automatically choosing the best mode based on various factors.

  • Xiaomi Unveils 436L Mijia Refrigerator: Ultra-Thin Design, HypeOS

    Xiaomi Unveils 436L Mijia Refrigerator: Ultra-Thin Design, HypeOS

    Xiaomi has introduced its latest refrigerator, the Mijia Refrigerator Fresh Storage Cross 436L. This new model features a modern, ultra-thin design with a depth of just 60cm, making it ideal for contemporary kitchens with space constraints.

    Mijia Refrigerator Fresh Storage Cross 436L Specifications

    Despite its slim dimensions, the refrigerator provides a spacious 436L capacity. This is divided into a 257L refrigeration area, a 154L freezing section, and a specialized 25L compartment, perfect for baby food and other sensitive items.

    Achieving its sleek profile, the refrigerator incorporates advanced technologies, including a bottom heat dissipation system, which removes the need for side or rear vents, allowing it to fit seamlessly into cabinetry.

    Innovative Design and Functionality

    Moreover, the unique hinge design permits the door to open a full 90 degrees even when placed near a wall, optimizing space usage without compromising on functionality.

    Xiaomi has focused on food preservation in the Fresh Storage Cross 436L. The refrigerator uses a 360-degree air cooling circulation system to maintain consistent cooling throughout, preventing frost formation and eliminating the need for manual defrosting.

    Additionally, it features a quick freezing function that can reach low temperatures swiftly, helping to lock in the freshness and nutritional value of food items.

    Smart Integration and Hygiene Features

    This smart refrigerator integrates effortlessly with Xiaomi’s smart home ecosystem. Users can connect it to the Mi Home App to control temperature settings and modes remotely. It is also compatible with HyperOS Connect and the Xiao Ai voice assistant.

    To ensure a hygienic environment, the Fresh Storage Cross 436L is equipped with an Ag+ ion antibacterial deodorization module, which boasts a 99.99% antibacterial rate, effectively removing odors. The refrigerator also includes a detachable door seal for easy cleaning, preventing mold growth and maintaining optimal hygiene.

    Energy efficiency is a priority for this model, which boasts a first-level energy efficiency rating. It consumes approximately 0.84 kWh per day, making it both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The refrigerator operates quietly at 35dB, ensuring it won’t disturb your sleep.

    Availability and Pricing

    The Mijia Refrigerator Fresh Storage Cross 436L is available for pre-order in China starting July 10th, with a starting price of 2499 yuan (around $343).


  • Xiaomi Mijia Air Purifier Ultra Enhanced with HyperOS Launches

    Xiaomi Mijia Air Purifier Ultra Enhanced with HyperOS Launches

    Xiaomi recently introduced the Mijia All-Effect Air Purifier Ultra Enhanced Edition, featuring a comprehensive 10-level composite purification system designed to eliminate 95 types of air pollutants. This advanced purifier is now available in China at a price of 5799 Yuan ($797). Here are its main specifications.

    Mijia All-Effect Air Purifier Ultra Enhanced Specifications:

    The purifier is engineered to address four key indoor pollution scenarios typical in Chinese homes: removing formaldehyde from new homes, alleviating health concerns, purifying air for mothers and babies, and eliminating odors.

    Advanced Purification System

    At its core, the purifier employs a 10-level composite deep purification system. This system includes a unique oxygen dissolution layer that breaks down pollutants into harmless substances. Additionally, a high-precision PM1 filter layer captures ultrafine particles as minuscule as 0.08-0.09 microns.

    The purifier features a next-generation “formaldehyde decomposition” technology. This uses a catalytic formaldehyde decomposition filter core to convert formaldehyde into water and carbon dioxide, reducing the need for frequent filter changes. Moreover, a specialized oxygen dissolution layer effectively neutralizes secondhand smoke, kitchen odors, and other unpleasant smells.

    Germ and Allergen Elimination

    The Mijia Ultra Enhanced Air Purifier focuses on germ elimination with a full-frame light curtain and a UV ultraviolet module that continuously destroys bacteria and viruses. This keeps the filter core clean and enhances overall air quality.

    For pet owners, the purifier includes a “pet-specific filter layer” that removes pet dander allergens and pet odors. This filter layer works in tandem with the overall purification system to ensure a cleaner living environment for pet owners.

    Smart Home Integration

    The air purifier integrates smoothly with Xiaomi’s smart home ecosystem. Users can use the Mi Home app to monitor air quality data, customize purification modes, and connect the purifier to other smart home devices for automated scenarios via HyperOS Connect. It also supports voice control through the Xiao Ai voice assistant.

    Designed for long-term use, the purifier features a highly durable filter group with ultra-low attenuation and an extended lifespan. The full-effect composite filter has a lifespan of 24 months, while the carbon array filter lasts for 36 months, reducing the need for frequent replacements. The estimated daily cost is around 0.68 yuan for the full-effect composite filter and 0.46 yuan for the carbon array filter.


  • Xiaomi Unveils Mijia Air Conditioner 3HP with Fast Cooling

    Xiaomi Unveils Mijia Air Conditioner 3HP with Fast Cooling

    Xiaomi has introduced a new member to its Mijia air conditioner series – the Giant Power Saving 3HP Wall-mounted model. This air conditioner emphasizes energy efficiency and offers features for quick cooling, robust heating, and smart home compatibility.

    Specifications of Xiaomi Mijia Giant Power Saving Air Conditioner 3HP

    Designed for medium to large areas, this air conditioner can effectively cover spaces between 30 to 40 square meters. With a 3HP capacity, it is perfect for large bedrooms, open floor plans, and even small living rooms. Compared to similar power floor-standing units, its wall-mounted design saves precious floor space, providing more flexibility for home decoration.

    The unit features an elegant design that fits modern home aesthetics. It comes with a flush design, a matte white finish, and a circular LED display screen.

    It offers 40-second rapid cooling and 80-second rapid heating, ensuring swift achievement of the desired temperature. This efficiency is due to a combination of advanced technologies, including Coupled Optimization Control and a highly efficient low-noise air duct system.

    Advanced Features

    Equipped with reliable inverter drive control technology, this air conditioner operates effectively in a wide temperature range, from -35°C to 60°C.

    For noise-sensitive users, the unit features a self-developed air duct system that ensures quieter operation, with noise levels between 30 to 40 dB(A). Additionally, it has a smart light-sensing function that automatically adjusts the display brightness for a more restful night’s sleep.

    Prioritizing user health, the air conditioner includes self-cleaning technology for both indoor and outdoor units. The indoor unit uses high-temperature drying technology to eliminate bacteria, while the outdoor unit rinses condensate water to remove dust from the heat exchanger, enhancing efficiency and maintaining optimal performance.

    Energy Efficiency and Smart Integration

    The Mijia air conditioner boasts an impressive APF (Annual Performance Factor) of 4.55, surpassing China’s new Grade 1 energy efficiency standard of 4.20. This results in an estimated saving of 578 kWh of electricity per year when compared to new Grade 3 models.

    This air conditioner integrates seamlessly with Xiaomi’s smart home ecosystem. It supports Xiao Ai voice control, allowing users to manage not just the air conditioner, but also lighting, robotic vacuum cleaners, and other compatible smart devices using voice commands. Moreover, the Mijia app enables remote control and operation, allowing users to adjust settings and monitor the air conditioner’s status from anywhere.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Xiaomi Mijia Giant Power Saving Air Conditioner 3HP Wall-mounted model is now available for pre-sale on Xiaomi Youpin in China for 4299 Yuan (approximately $592).


  • Xiaomi BE5000 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router Launches at 279 Yuan ($40)

    Xiaomi BE5000 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router Launches at 279 Yuan ($40)

    A few days ago, Xiaomi, the renowned Chinese tech company, introduced the BE5000 router in its domestic market. Now, the Xiaomi BE5000 router, which supports mesh networking and Wi-Fi 7 protocols, is available for purchase in China. The Xiaomi Router BE5000 boasts an impressive data transfer rate of 5,011 Mbps and operates on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands.

    Enhanced Performance and Connectivity

    Equipped with five antennas, the BE5000 router’s compatibility with Wi-Fi 7 offers throughput and speed improvements of 68% and 48%, respectively, over Wi-Fi 6. The router features Multi-Link Operation (MLO), enabling simultaneous connections to its two frequency bands. MLO Dual-Channel integration allows parallel transmission on both links, enhancing stability and reducing latency, even over longer distances. Additionally, the router incorporates Xrange 2.0 technology, which further improves coverage and minimizes latency. The BE5000 has a signal coverage range of 4.5 meters.

    Ports and Antenna Design

    The router includes four ports: a 2.5Gbps high-speed WAN/LAN network port and three 1Gbps WAN/LAN ports. Its external antennas, combined with Beamforming technology, ensure stronger and more reliable connections with minimal interference. The BE5000 router is powered by a 6nm high-performance dual wireless chip, capable of supporting up to 128 devices simultaneously.

    Smart Home Integration and Availability

    The Xiaomi Router BE5000 also features HyperOS Connect for seamless smart home integration and includes a built-in game accelerator. The router’s dimensions are 271.9 x 40.9 x 220.8 mm. Priced at 279 yuan ($40), the router is currently available for purchase in China via JD.com. While Xiaomi offers various router models in markets such as Europe and Asia, there is no information yet on when the Router BE5000 will be available in other regions.


    Xiaomi BE5000 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router Launches at 279 Yuan ()