Signify is rumoured to be expanding its Philips Hue range to include designer filament bulbs. As well as a smart plug that will be controllable from the Philips Hue app. The plug will be their first move into other products outside lighting.  

The news comes from a leak via Dutch tech website iCulture.

The funky bulbs will apparently be available in sizes: E27, ST19 and G93 with prices starting from £17.99. Based on the price we assume these will not be colour changing bulbs.

The leak also stated the bulbs would support Bluetooth, an interesting move and expansion on the current ZigBee support.  This would remove the reliance on the Philips Hue hub.

It also contained a full line up of product coming this year, highlighting Bluetooth coming to updated versions of existing products:

• Hue White Filament with Bluetooth: € 19.95 / ~£17.99
• Hue White Filament Edison with Bluetooth: € 24.95 / ~£21.99
• Hue White Filament Globe with Bluetooth: € 29.95 / ~£26.49
  
• GU10 (white) new design with Bluetooth: € 19.95 / ~£17.99
• GU10 (white ambiance) with Bluetooth: € 29.95  / ~£26.49
• GU10 (white & colour) with Bluetooth: € 59.95 / ~£52.99
  
• Candle E14 with Bluetooth: € 19.95 / ~£17.99
• Hue GO V2 with Bluetooth: € 79.95 ~£17.99
  
• Fugato spot (multiple configurations): from € 89.95 / ~£79.99
• Argenta spot (multiple configurations): from € 89.95 / ~£79.99
• Centura recessed spot (multiple configurations): from € 64.95 / ~£57.99
  
• Adore mirror lamp (multiple configurations): from € 149.95 / ~£132.99
• Adore bathroom spot (multiple configurations): from € 49.95 / ~£44.99
  
• Smart Plug: € 29.95 / ~£26.99

Signify normally release their new products at the IFA 2019 Trade show in September. We look forward to seeing what is announced!

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In a very surprise move Google has today announced ending the works with Nest program. The program will be replaced with the Works with Google framework. This is because Nest is merging back into the Google brand and company, rather than being a separate spin off.

The Works with Nest program was designed to allow tech to connect to Nest. As Google said:

“All you need is a Nest Thermostat, Nest Protect or Nest Cam. Add another product, like a light bulb, and they’ll start to notice each other, learn from one another and help you out – all on their own”

Google

The new program will still allow integrations but will require much stricter vetting and testing, not necessarily a bad thing! Google claim this has been done to address privacy fears.

However, the bad news is this will break all existing integrations powered by the existing program. This includes the much loved IFTTT as well as Amazon Alexa. Although we remain optimistic Google will find a way to integrate Alexa directly.

Works with Nest will be fully shut down on August 31 2019. We wait to see what updates we receive from IFTTT and Alexa.

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UNO: The first cross device type-C USB cable now fully funded on Kickstarter.

We know what you are thinking… this is not the first type-C USB magnetic cable. What makes UNO different is it has adapters for Lightning, Micro USB and Type-C. All connected via powerful neodymium magnets that are strong enough to hold an iPad Air!

Unlike existing magnetic charger cables, UNO claim the magnets have been positioned to allow easy connection. Even if the tip is flipped 180°.

The cable supports QC4.0 and Apple fast charge allowing you to quickly charge your smart tech. As well as full USB 2.0 data transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps.

To overcome the frustrating fray issue most cable owners are familiar with the cable is wrapped in anti-fray material.

ASAP Technologies are so confident in their cable they offer a full 10-year warranty! Longer than most people have their smart phone.

The cable is available now with guaranteed July shipping. Pledges, not prices as Kickstarter, start at £16.

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Sure Petcare release their exciting new innovation a smart microchip pet feeder!

The smart pet feeder connects to their existing Smart petcare app via the already released hub. As part of their expansion into the smart space and joining the Smart Cat flap. (Read our review of their Smart Cat flap here)

The pet feeder goes further than any pet feeder before, allowing total control over which animal can eat what food – automatically.  All done via the microchip inside your pet or RFID collar tag. The feeder closes over the feed only opening for the chosen pet, this also keeps the food fresher for longer.

It weighs the food, making it easier to not over feed your pet and monitors if your pet is not eating and when they are how much. Very smart!

The Microchip Pet Feeder Connect is available now direct from Sure Petcare. Price depends on configuration.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook so you can see when we have reviewed the smart pet feeder! We can’t wait to get our paws on it. ff

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Since Amazon bought Ring they have been rapidly expanding. One such expansion was the announcement of a Smart Lighting solution that fully integrated with Ring. This will be using their recent acquisition of LED light company Mr Beam.

The Ring light range includes:

• Ring Spotlight
• Ring Floodlight
• Ring Pathlight
• Ring Steplight

Ring Smart Lighting – Spotlight, Battery-Powered, Outdoor Motion-Sensor Security Light

Ring Smart Lighting – Floodlight, Battery-Powered, Outdoor Motion-Sensor Security Light

Ring Smart Lighting – Pathlight, Battery-Powered, Outdoor Motion-Sensor Security Light

Ring Smart Lighting – Steplight, Battery-Powered, Outdoor Motion-Sensor Security Light

They require a hub, in the same way market leader Philips Hue does.

All controlled from the Ring App and integrating with Alexa.

The new smart lights were supposed to be shipping this month to USA customers who had pre-ordered.

Today Ring sent an email to these customers pushing back shipping to May 2019. Offering the option of cancelling or keeping their order.

It appears Ring is still squashing final bugs, although good to see this is being done before release!

It will be interesting to see how these lights compare with market leader, Philips Hue new outdoor range.

For more information on Ring Smart Lighting visit Ring.com

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If you are looking for an inexpensive way to control your gates and garage door new startup Remootio might be what you are after!

Remootio is a smart box that takes control of your electronic gates or garage door allowing smart control them via your phone (iOS and Android). Using 256 bit end-to-end encryption .          

Where the box is different is it comes with Bluetooth as well as 2.4Ghz – meaning you do not need a strong Wi-Fi signal at your gates or door for it to work. It also has no monthly fees!

The app allows you to manage virtual keys with 20 set keys and unlimited guest keys.

Remootio works with Alexa allowing you to use your voice to open your gates or close your garage door. Google integration is planned.

The manufactures claim install is easy and it supports most gates and door, working with 6-25V AC or 6-36V DC and has a normally open relay output. As well as 3 ports for accessories: doorbell, manual open button and gate status sensor.

Remootio is live now on Indiegogo, raising over 250% of their target. They have plans to go on general sale May 2019.

Keep your eyes peeled for a review here in the, hopefully not so distant future!

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Lightwave, the UK Smart tech company, this week announced their expansion into Europe.

Lightwave’s fully integrated smart plugs, sockets and light switches will now be available across Europe. This includes Germany, where a recent survey found 43% of people said they would consider investing in smart home tech.

Lightwave’s smart power sockets and smart dimmer switches come complete with intelligent energy monitoring. As well as two-way communication. Allowing you to know if there is an unexpected power surge when you are out. As well as having a lock function, allowing you to lock switches and power sockets – perfect for parents! They also worked closely with Apple for the European expansion to ensure the new models are HomeKit compatible.

“We are incredibly excited to be expanding into Europe. With more than 10 years of growth under our belts in the UK, we’re confident we are bringing to market the smartest socket available in Europe.
“Spearheading our European expansion through Apple retail and online stores means we’ll get in front of our target customers from day one. Following the launch, we’ll be continuing to consider the needs of our new customers across Europe and ensure we’re providing them with a complete, integrated, smart home solution to meet the needs of the modern homeowner.”

CEO of Lightwave, Jason Elliott

Lightwave’s European model will be available online. Via Apple’s online store, Lightwave’s website and Amazon. They will also be available in 57 Apple retail stores, with plans to expand into selected APRs (Apple Premium Resellers).

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Stringify, the Smart Home connectivity tool, emailed users today informing they will be closing. The app will be immediately removed from App Stores, whilst existing users will keep functionality till June.

We brought you the news in September 2017 they were acquired by Comcast. (STRINGIFY HAS BEEN ACQUIRED).

Unfortunately this is the reason it has been closed, commenting in their email to users:

“This isn’t a decision we made lightly, but as our focus increasingly shifts to developing new connected-home experiences at Comcast, we made a strategic decision to step back from developing the app. “

Stringify

The email went on to recommend other tools, however none are as advanced as Stringify. The best option now, without hardware is IFTTT.

This is a shame, however not unsurprising as Comcast want to keep functionality for its users. Rather than paying to service a free tool.

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Casper have branched out from mattresses to try to improve the sleep environment by releasing a smart bedside light, that they claim helps you go to sleep! Glow Light.

To create Glow Light, they created ‘Casper Labs’ in San Francisco to research into one of the most important factors in sleep – light!

Light normally keeps us awake but Casper claim this light helps us get to sleep, creating positive sleep patterns. This is done by gradually dimming for sunset and slowly lighting for sun rise.

The light comes with an app, IOS and android, to setup as well as customise features. However, the control of the light is deliberately simple, using an in-built accelerometer and gyroscope.

• Flip it to turn it on
• Twist to adjust brightness
• Wiggle for low light

Using Bluetooth up to 6 lights can be connected together to work in sync.

“We believe in the power of a more well-rested world. Glow raises the bar on sleep innovation while bringing joy back to bedtime.”

Neil Parikh, Casper co-founder

We are big fans of anything that claims to help you sleep, so will keep you posted once we manage to review one!

Glow Light is available now, direct from Casper, priced – £86 for one or £169 for two.

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