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Smart Home

13 Sep 2017

iRobot and the Smart Home

Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology. Find out what that mapping technology could mean for the future of the smart home.

The Roomba, that cute little robotic vacuum by iRobot, has been cleaning our floors since 2002. That makes it one of the elder statesmen of the modern smart home.

But did you know the company originally made bomb disposal robots? iRobot, founded in 1990, only sold off its military unit in 2016.

All robotic vacuum cleaners (robovacs) use short-range IR sensors to detect obstacles. That helps them avoid bumping into anything. Yet iRobot’s models from 2015 and onwards now feature cameras, super powered sensors, and new software.

This Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology means that the Roomba doesn’t just avoid obstacles. It now generates a map of the whole room. Measuring the spatial dimensions, it also includes the layout of furniture and other items that may block its path.

The SLAM tech is so sophisticated that the robovac can pause cleaning, go back to recharge in its dock, and then pick up where it left off. All of that with no input from you.

That’s a smart device.

But let’s find out what that mapping technology could mean for the future of the smart home.

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17 Aug 2017

Is Fiber Internet Connection the Future of Smart Home?

What will be the next solution to the crowded internet space as more people set up smart homes?

Since the days of dial-up access, the internet connection comes into the house at a single point. Back in those days, a length of telephone wire connected the family computer to the outside world. The switch to WiFi and broadband didn’t change much, except households now connect their wireless router to the outside world – still through a cable.

All your devices connect to the internet through that central hub. In a typical house, you might have a Roku box, a laptop or two, the family’s smartphones, and an Xbox hooked up to the router.

In a smart home? You’ll have a lot more devices than that. Think light switches, thermostats, smartphones, surveillance systems, media streamers, medical devices, smart kettles, and maybe a Roomba.

The more devices connected to the network – and ultimately the internet connection – the slower the speeds become for each device. Think of those annoying “video is buffering” messages. Or choppy music playback through wireless speakers. Some devices might not work at all.

The increasing number of WiFi networks in your neighborhood also make the problem worse. The radio bands get crowded, and interference causes its own issues.

That’s not something you want in a world where things like wearable medical devices will need a stable, reliable internet connection.

What’s the solution to this crowded internet space as more people set up smart homes?

Fiber internet. 

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02 Aug 2017

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as the New Standard

What is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and is it really the “New Standard”?

If you’ve ever used Bluetooth on a device, you’ll know how frustrating it can be sometimes. Your battery drains faster than usual. If you move mere inches out of range, your connection drops. And that’s if the devices will pair in the first place.

What may be an annoyance for you is a big problem for the Internet of Things (IoT) community. Bluetooth is a protocol available for connected devices – in other words, Bluetooth is a language devices can use to speak to one another. It’s also predicted to be used by 60% of all devices by 2021. Users won’t rely on systems if they can’t move freely while using devices, and if communication between devices is unpredictable.

The adoption of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE or Bluetooth LE) as the new standard looks set to fix many of the old issues of Bluetooth.

Originally marketed as Bluetooth Smart, BLE’s main aim is to operate at a lower cost and with drastically reduced power consumption. That’s not to say you’ll lose communication range. Far from it – BLE aims to offer four times the same range as Bluetooth 4.2.

BLE dates back to 2006, first introduced as Wibree by Nokia. Adopted into the Bluetooth standard as part of the 4.0 spec in 2010, BLE already appears in today’s mobile operating systems.

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21 Jun 2017

­How Has Lighting Changed Our Lives?

To celebrate Summer Solstice this year, let’s take a look at how lighting has changed our lives.

It’s June 21st – the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. After today, the days grow shorter as we roll through the fall and into winter.

If you stop and think about it, though, you’ll realize summer has barely started.

The thought of shorter days and losing sunlight can get you down in the dumps, but with the huge advances in lighting technology, we’re never truly in the dark.

With daylight on our minds, let’s take a look at how lighting has changed our lives.

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31 May 2017

A Guide to Using Kodi Safely

Thinking about using Kodi for streaming? Before you do, make sure to read this guide to stay safe.

If you’ve looked into media streamers lately, then you’ve probably come across Kodi. Maybe you’re not entirely sure what it is, but it sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?

Access to network television, pay-per-view sports events, and movies that are still in theaters… for free?

That’s what Kodi offers you. It has its problems, but in this post, we’ll look at what it is, how to use it with other devices, and how to use it safely.

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24 May 2017

Smart TV Buyer’s Guide

Buying a new smart TV can be a confusing experience. With all of the technical specifications and unfamiliar features, how do you choose the right TV for you?

We’re here with this helpful guide to help you buy your first smart TV.

Remember that a smart TV can’t replicate the internet browsing experience of a tablet or a computer, and nearly any media streamer can turn a regular TV into somewhat of a smart TV.

With that being said, having the apps already installed saves you needing to buy yet another device.

Many TVs out there in homes already have smart functionality built in – even if the features aren’t being put to use by their owners –  so don’t use that as your sole benchmark for choosing a new TV. Instead, think about 4K resolution if you want a TV that will take you into the next generation of broadcasting.

A 120Hz refresh rate is also beneficial, though you can generally ignore things like contrast-ratio specifications. You’re better off testing actual TVs in person to see which style you prefer – even if you end up buying the television online.

And whichever model you choose, avoid curved TVs unless you’re specifically seeking out this feature. Reports indicate that the curve detracts from the image quality, rather than enhancing it.

So which smart TVs are worth further investigation?

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17 May 2017

The First Remote Control Platform For The IoT

SURE Universal Builds on Universal Remote Success With First OCF-Compliant Platform for Universal IoT Device Management

Tel Aviv, May 17, 2017 — SURE Universal Ltd., creators of next-generation control solutions for home electronics and appliances, has announced a groundbreaking extension of its top-rated SURE Universal remote control solution. The new SURE Universal Platform incorporates a smart software device server that can model all electronics inside the home, regardless of which enabling technology they use, and also includes cloud connectivity to control and monitor them from anywhere. Together with the SURE Universal remote application, the SURE Universal Platform comprises a complete software solution for smart appliance manufacturers and vendors.

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17 May 2017

Roku User Guide

Wondering how to set up your new Roku? This Roku user guide will walk you through the process and give tips to get the most out of your new media streamer.

The year is 2017, and “cutting the cord” (cancelling your cable service) has never been more popular.

But everybody still likes to sit down and enjoy their favorite show or movie, don’t they?

Luckily, there are several streaming devices available on the market, from the Apple TV to the Amazon Fire TV to the Roku, and more. Each device comes with their own pros and cons, and you can check out our recent media streaming buyer’s guide for more information.

But if you’ve already chosen the Roku for its wide range of channels and ease of use, you might wonder how you’ll set it up. While there are different models available, and even some televisions with built in Roku operating systems, they all follow the same basic procedure.

We’re here to walk you through that process. And we’ll share tips to get the best out of your new media streamer.

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03 May 2017

10 IoT Terms and Phrases You Should Know

IoT is everywhere now, but do you understand it yet? It is time to get on board and learn these 10 must know IoT terms and phrases.

Any new form of technology brings with it unfamiliar phrases or terminology. But most new terms are easy to learn, and they’ll help you get the most out of your devices.

Smartphones brought us new terms such as apps, mobile data and retina display – as well as the word smartphone itself.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is no different. And with a predicted 26 billion IoT devices in use by 2020, it’s a good idea to get familiar with the terms now.

Here’s our guide to 10 popular technology and IoT words that you’ll be hearing a lot more often in the future.

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26 Apr 2017

The Ultimate Guide to Tech Gifts for Graduates

Graduation is just around the corner – still unsure what to buy? These tech gifts for graduates will be a sure hit with the scholar in your life.

There are a lot of fantastic gadgets to choose from, and gifts are available to suit every budget.

We’ve compiled the following recommendations for gifts that are fun, useful, or just plain awesome.

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