Eve Systems and Coulisse announced that MotionBlinds, the smart technology for window coverings, will add Eve MotionBlinds motors.
Smart Bulbs vs. Smart Light Switches, Digital IDs, with Jeff Gamet - ACM 555
Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet dive back into smarthome tech, with a focus on using smart light switches instead of smart light bulbs. This includes Jeff’s recommendation for a smart light switch. They also discuss digital IDs and the perils and promise they offer.
Plume Manages Over One Billion Client Devices, as COVID-19 Inspires Huge Smart Home Growth
Over one billion unique client devices globally have been managed by Plume’s cloud controllers following huge growth in smart home devices.
Apple Supports Alliance to Unify Smart Home Devices
Apple, Amazon, and Google are supporting an industry alliance to make it easier for smart home devices from different brands work together.
Bryan and Jeff Peek into the Future of Smarthomes and AI - ACM 546
Bryan Chaffin is joined by Jeff Gamet to speculate about the future of smarthomes and artificial intelligence, looking towards a future when these technologies work smoothly and have a real impact on how we live.
An iCloud Issue, Home Automation, NFC Tags, and a Smart Home Friction Point, with Jeff Gamet - ACM 545
Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet dig deep into smart home tech and home automation, starting with an iCloud account issue Jeff had with a new HomePod mini. They also discuss NFC tags, a home automation friction point Bryan has experienced, and other aspects of smart homes.
If This Then Bob – TMO Daily Observations 2021-03-04
Today Kelly is joined by Bob “Dr Mac” LeVitus to discuss If This Then That, and some of the ways you can use the service to automate your life.
CES 2021: New Masks, Smart Home Gear – TMO Daily Observations 2021-01-14
John F Braun joins host Kelly Guimont to discuss CES coverage, including some new variations on masks and announced smart home gear.
Flic Smart Button System with Flic 2, Flic Hub LR and HomeKit Support
Flic Smart Button System now features the Flic 2 smart button, support for the Flic Hub LR, and support for Apple’s HomeKit.
‘Eve for HomeKit’ 4.4 Update Adds Smart Schedule Suspension
Eve for HomeKit updated to 4.4 recently and a major feature added is called Smart Schedule Suspension for Eve Aqua. This lets you pause your watering schedules if the weather forecast calls for rain so your plants won’t be overwatered. This is enabled by a built-in Siri Shortcut within the app. You can use from Siri, the Shortcuts app, the widget in Today View, or as an automation. Eve has more information in its blog post. App Store: Free
Repairing iCloud Syncing — Mac Geek Gab 825
Should you update? That’s always the question, isn’t it, regardless of whether it’s hardware or software or both. This week John and Dave answer your questions about both, specifically when it comes to Apple’s offerings. That’s not all, of course. Your two favorite geeks roar through a tour of your questions, tips, and Cool Stuff Found, including segments on repairing iCloud syncing, backing up your music the right way, diagnosing CPU spikes, and more. Press play, and enjoy learning at least five new things, all while remaining perfectly socially-distanced!
Security Friday, News+ Audio – TMO Daily Observations 2020-05-15
Andrew Orr and Bryan Chaffin join host Kelly Guimont for Security Friday, and a chat about Apple’s News+ articles in an audio format.
Wink Terminates Partnership With Chamberlain, Customers Left Helpless
In the latest development of the Wink saga, Chamberlain is ending its partnership with Wink, which will render Wink + MyQ integrations useless.
Wink Subscription Deadline Has Been Extended by One Week
Wink wants customers to sign up for its monthly subscription. The deadline—which was today—has been extended by one week to May 20.
Wink: Give Us $5 Monthly Or Lose Access to Your Devices
Wink is a company that makes smart home devices, and it recently announced it will force customers to pay a US$5/month subscription or they will lose access to device functionality.
In order to provide for development and continued growth, we are transitioning to a $4.99 monthly subscription, starting on May 13, 2020. This fee is designed to be as modest as possible […] Should you choose not to sign up for a subscription you will no longer be able to access your Wink devices from the app, with voice control or through the API, and your automations will be disabled on May 13. Your device connections, settings and automations can be reactivated if you decide to subscribe at a later date.
1: I think that’s called extortion, or fraud at the very least. 2: Apparently Wink is owned by will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas, and has trouble paying its employees. Not that it’s relevant, I just haven’t heard either of those names in years.
I Made a Loop – Mac Geek Gab 808
Are your fans blazing during those Zoom calls? Is your laptop plugged in more frequently now? Have an issue printing? How about choosing between NAS vs. USB-C drives? You’re in luck! These are just a sample of the questions your two favorite geeks answer during this week’s show. John and Dave then share some Cool Stuff Found, some tips, and more. Press play and enjoy learning at least five new things!
iBaby Monitors Can be Exploited by Hackers
Parents using an iBaby Monitor M6S should be aware it has multiple security problems that open it up to hackers.
That means any ne’er-do-well can purchase an iBaby monitor and use it to access files from every iBaby monitor. Unbelievable? Believe it. For legal reasons, the Bitdefender researchers did not access data belonging to other real-world users. Instead, they set up a second test device and verified access.
Abode Smart Security Kit adds HomeKit Support
Abode is adding HomeKit support to its Smart Security kit, a DIY home security system featuring a gateway, motion sensor, and more.
Turn Your Phone Into a Universal Remote and Control Multiple Smart Home Devices: $19.95
We have a deal on Hombli, a smart IR remote control that turns your iPhone or Android device into a universal remote for multiple smarthome devices. The Hombli acts as a hub, and you control it with a companion app. With it, you can access over 80,000 devices from popular brands including Samsung, Sony, and Philips, and you can use hands-free voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This device is $19.95 through our deal.
RoomMe is a Smart Home Device to Person-Specific Automation
RoomMe is a occupancy automation sensor for your home. This means when a person walks into a room, it detects your phone via Bluetooth to enable person-specific automation. A spokesperson told me it uses localized technology called Presence Sensing Technology. It stores your automation rules on your smartphone and doesn’t accept external automation triggers or manual operation. Meaning, the device commands your other devices and doesn’t accept commands from other devices. However, according to its privacy policy the app does contain Google analytics and “behavioral remarketing services” to show you ads outside of the app. But you can enable Limit Ad Tracking in iOS settings. You can pick up a single RoomMe sensor for US$69.99, or buy combo packs. It supports various smart home protocols including HomeKit.
