Tag: Smart Home Integration

May 23, 2025
Govee Gaming Light Bars Pro with Matter Now Available for Sale
Key Takeaways
1. Govee has launched the Gaming Light Bars Pro, designed to enhance gaming experiences with RGBIC lighting.
2. The light bars can sync in real-time with visuals on screens using the Govee Desktop app and offer 60 preset scenes.
3. They feature multiple lamp beads for varied lighting effects and support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Razer Chroma connectivity.
4. The light bars are compatible with voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and they work with smart home setups through Matter compatibility.
5. The Gaming Light Bars Pro are suitable for monitors sized 24 to 34 inches and are priced at $119.99/£109.99/€109.99, available in select regions.
Govee has introduced the Gaming Light Bars Pro globally. Earlier in 2025, this innovative lighting device was found in the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) database, though not much information was disclosed back then.
Features for Enhanced Gaming
These Gaming Light Bars Pro aim to enhance your gaming sessions with RGBIC lighting. They can automatically sync in real-time with the visuals on your TV or monitor when you use the Govee Desktop app on Windows. Alternatively, you can pick a color of your liking or choose from 60 preset scenes, with some of them being able to sync with music as well.
Design and Connectivity
The light bars are equipped with lamp beads at the front, base, and back, with the rear ones providing a soft wash of color on the wall behind. The Light Bars Pro support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and are compatible with Razer Chroma. You can manage the lighting through the Govee app or use voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Additionally, Matter compatibility enables them to work with a variety of smart home setups.
Size and Availability
These lights are suited for monitors ranging from 24 to 34 inches, standing at 15.7 inches (~39.9 cm) tall, with a base width of 3.1 inches (~7.9 cm). The Govee Gaming Light Bars Pro can be purchased in the US, UK, and other European nations like the Netherlands for $119.99/£109.99/€109.99. You can find them at the brand’s online platform or on Amazon.
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Tags: Govee Gaming Light Bars Pro, RGBIC Lighting, Smart Home Integration
May 22, 2025
SwitchBot Hub 3 Launches: Smart Home Hub with Matter & IR Blaster
Key Takeaways
1. The SwitchBot Hub 3 is priced at $119 and connects multiple devices for smart home integration.
2. It features internal sensors for temperature, humidity, motion, and light, allowing for automated scene activation.
3. The compact design (4.9 x 3.7 x 1.5 inches) includes a display and a rotary knob for easy control of devices.
4. It supports connections through 2.4GHz WiFi, Bluetooth LE, and infrared, with a range of up to 650 feet in open spaces.
5. The hub is compatible with SwitchBot devices and the Matter standard, allowing mapping of up to 30 Matter buttons.
The SwitchBot Hub 3 is now offered at a price of $119, allowing users to connect numerous devices into their smart home system. In addition to its integration capabilities, it functions as a sensor and includes a display along with various control methods. This hub is equipped with internal sensors that measure temperature and humidity, helping users figure out their comfort levels. It also has built-in motion and light sensors that can activate scenes based on detected movement or specific lighting conditions. For instance, you can set up a hallway light to turn on when someone walks by. There’s a USB-C port included for connecting external sensors, and another USB-C port provides power up to 10 watts.
Compact Design
Measuring approximately 4.9 x 3.7 x 1.5 inches, this smart home hub is quite small but still comes with a display and several input options, such as a rotary knob. This knob can be handy for dimming lights, setting the desired temperature for an air conditioner, or adjusting media device volumes. Moreover, you can activate scenes with just a single button press. The Hub 3 supports both 2.4GHz WiFi and Bluetooth LE, primarily serving to unify various devices into a network.
Versatile Control Options
Older air conditioning units and other gadgets can be managed through infrared, and it is compatible with SwitchBot devices along with the Matter standard. You can map up to 30 Matter buttons. In open spaces, it claims to have a range of up to 650 feet, and the Hub 3 can act as a gateway to enhance the signal range. Finally, the infrared feature mentioned earlier has a reach of up to 98 feet.
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Tags: Smart Home Integration, SwitchBot Hub 3, temperature and motion sensors
April 15, 2025
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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Tags: Govee Outdoor Clear Bulb String Lights, RGBWIC LED, Smart Home Integration
April 14, 2025
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.
Tags: Energy Efficiency, Smart Home Integration, Xiaomi Mijia Air Conditioner Pro
January 13, 2025
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.
Tags: Matter compatibility, Smart Home Integration, Yale Linus Smart Lock L2
January 7, 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.
Tags: Chroma RGB, Razer Aether Standing Light Bars, Smart Home Integration
July 17, 2024
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.
Tags: Fresh Air Pro, Smart Home Integration, Xiaomi Mijia Air Conditioner Pro 1.5 HP
July 10, 2024
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).
Tags: Energy Efficient AC, Mijia Refrigerator Fresh Storage Cross 436L, Smart Home Integration
July 10, 2024
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.
Tags: Advanced Filtration System, Smart Home Integration, Xiaomi Mijia Air Purifier
June 25, 2024
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).
Tags: Energy Efficient Air Conditioner, Smart Home Integration, Xiaomi