Category Archives: Accessories

STM Goods makes traveling in style and security a snap @ CES 2023

February 3, 2023Accessories, CES 2023, Photography, Travelbackpack, ces2023, charger, gadgets, portable power, power, qiPLUGHITZ Live

STM Goods Simple Travel Supplies For the regular traveler, trying to find the right travel supplies can be a priority. Limiting the number of items, and finding the right travel bag is important. Luckily, STM Goods (short for Smarter Than Most) makes a line of bags and accessories for any traveler.

STM Goods’ bags and backpacks

STM makes a line of backpacks and bags for any traveler and outdoorsman. The bags allow you to carry your gear safely and securely while giving you easy access to your stuff. Whether you are backpacking in the great outdoors or fighting your way through the boardroom, STMbags have you covered.

STM Goods Dux bags

We got a close look at the Dux line of backpacks and bags. The backpack line comes in two sizes: 30 liters and 16 liters, so there is an option no matter how much you’re carrying, while the messenger bag comes in 16 liters. For the avid traveler, all three sizes are able to fit under the seat on a plane, or of course overhead, so it is a great travel companion.

Our favorite feature of the bags was the ability to access your gear from several angles. If you’ve got your bag on the ground, you can access all of the contents from the top or back, giving you access to everything in the bag. However, if you’ve got the bag on your back or over your shoulder, you can access the items through smaller zippered openings on the sides.

For example, this is a great feature for photographers and videographers. Imagine holding a digital SLR in one hand, with the strap around your neck. On your back, you’ve got your STM Goods Dux backpack. You want to transition from closeup photos to long-distance photos, so it’s time to swap lenses. Without having to put down the camera or the backpack, you can open the side pouch exposing only the lens you need access to. You can remove the lens, swap them on the camera, and put the first one back in the bag.

The 30-liter backpack is available for $250. The 16-liter backpack is available for $230. The 16-liter messenger bag is available for $250. All three bags are available in 4 color options.

STM Goods’ mobile accessories

In addition to a full lineup of bags, STM Goods also makes mobile accessories to enhance your travel experience. From phone rings and holders to stands and selfie sticks, the product line really has a lot of options.

ChargeTree Go

If you’re deep in the Apple mobile ecosystem, you’ve got a lot of devices to charge while traveling. This can mean bringing 3 chargers, plus probably a power strip to plug them all in. The ChargeTree Go, however, combines all of the normal charge points into a single device.

On the front is a Qi charger for your iPhone. On the side is a pop-out charging surface for an Apple Watch. On the back is a platform for AirPods. Using the one device, you can charge all three. The best part is that you can flatten the device so that it fits easily into your bag without getting damaged. The ChargeTree Go is available now for $120.

MagSafe

The MagSafe line offers a number of products that connect to an iPhone using the magnetic connector on the back of the phone. The MagLoop is a small ring that connects to the phone and gives you an easy way to hold the device, especially on long uses. It can also be flipped down to be used as a stand. It’s more flexible than other phone holders because it is removable without ruining the product. The MagLoop is available in 2 colors for $30.

The MagPod is a magnetic tripod stand that can hold your iPhone in nearly any position. This is because the ball joint on the head, which gives a nearly 180-degree range of motion. The legs on the stand can also be pulled in to turn it into a short selfie stick. The MagPod is available in two colors for $50.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Chipolo helps you track personal items that might get lost @ CES 2023

January 28, 2023Accessories, CES 2023, Gadgetsbluetooth, ces2023, gadgets, gps, trackingPLUGHITZ Live

Chipolo Simple Device Tracking Have you ever lost your keys or wallet? Of course you have! And it always happens at just the wrong time. You’re running late and headed out the door and your keys are nowhere to be found. Now you’ve got to spend time that you don’t have looking for your keys, making you even later for wherever you’re headed. Fortunately, there is an easy way to solve this problem thanks to the team at Chipolo.

What is Chipolo?

Chipolo is a company that produces a line of products to help you find what might get lost. The product works by attaching a small Bluetooth LE tracker to the item that you want to track. When you need to locate the item, simply open the corresponding app and, if you are within range, press a button to cause the tracker to make noise.

If you are outside of the transceiver’s range, you still have the ability to track it. By default, the app will show you the last place that it was encountered. If you are in a remote place, or in a private location, you will see a map showing where your device last encountered it. If the device is in a more public place, it can be tracked live through interactions with other phones and tablets within range.

Why Chipolo?

The line is similar to some of the other brands you may have heard of, but with a variety of benefits that are lacking with others. Firstly, the most obvious difference is that Chipolo makes products that work with both Apple’s and Google’s ecosystems. So, no matter what type of phone you own, you still have the ability to use a Chipolo tracker.

Another benefit is that the trackers come in a variety of colors and styles. For example, if you are looking to put one in your wallet, the company offers a slim tracker that looks like a credit card called the CARD. For keys, backpacks, and other uses, there is a small round tracker with a mounting hole in it, called the ONE. Offering multiple styles with different purposes makes the product more versatile. Having one product that tries to do everything means that it doesn’t do anything great.

In addition, the ability to purchase in different colors allows you to really personalize your experience. You can also easily differentiate between two similar items because of the color of the Chipolo tag attached. For example, our team has several of the same camera bag, but we can differentiate between the team bags because of the color of the tracker.

Which Chipolo to choose

If you are securely in the Apple product family, the line you want to look at is the Spot. This family works with Apple’s Find My ecosystem, allowing all iPhones and iPads to help locate it. If you are in the Android camp, or you have a mixed collection, then the original family is for you.

Either way, both product families are available for purchase today. To learn more or to buy some for yourself, head over to the company’s website, or find the products on Amazon or Best Buy.

Interview by Marlo Anderson of The Tech Ranch.

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The future for BenjiLock is secure and brighter than ever @ CES 2023

January 27, 2023Accessories, CES 2023, Gadgets, Securitybenjilock, biometric, ces2023, gadgets, lock, securityPLUGHITZ Live

BenjiLock Biometric Security Since we first encountered BenjiLock in Eureka Park in 2017, the company has changed a lot. Those early days were at a tiny booth with a non-functioning prototype. Before we got to see them again, the company had been on Shark Tank and partnered with Mr. Wonderful Kevin O’Leary. O’Leary put together a partnership to help Founder Robbie Cabral bring the product to market with manufacturing, sales, and more. Today, the company is looking at its next phase in life, including helping to support other startups at CES.

What is BenjiLock?

BenjiLock is the world’s first biometric padlock with a traditional key. The importance of having a biometric padlock allows you to go to the gym without having to carry anything with you. We’ve all had a phone fall out of our pocket or had to go look for our keys later on. With the BenjiLock, you can safely leave your items in a locker without having to carry a key.

The importance of having a physical key allows for a backup. Batteries die – and always at inopportune times. With other smart padlocks, if the battery dies, you’re possibly out of luck. You’ll have to cut the expensive lock off and throw it away. However, with the physical key, you’ve got a way to open the lock in that situation.

BenjiLock also now offers a wider range of products. The line now includes a biometric deadbolt and biometric bike lock, offering the convenience of unlocking your door or bike without keys. BenjiLock hopes to revolutionize home security, bike safety, and more with its innovative technology. By expanding the ecosystem, more people in more situations can go about their days without the need to carry as many keys.

BenjiLock at CES 2023

This year, the company took a different approach to CES. Rather than having its large blue booth on the show floor, Robbie spent his time helping to bring awareness to other startups exhibiting at the show in Eureka Park. BenjiLock sponsored the startup pitch event on the CTA Stage with Canon, allowing BenjiLock to help new startups get their start by giving them a platform at CES. BenjiLock was able to use its resources and experience from standing out in Eureka Park just six years ago to give back and help other startups get their big break.

This event was in partnership with the CTA Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Consumer Technology Association, the organization that oversees CES. The event was intended to showcase the best startups and entrepreneurs in technology, giving BenjiLock a chance to help out where they originally got started. Their support of the CTA Foundation really shows how far they’ve come since their first appearance at CES in 2017.

BenjiLock has gone from a small startup with big dreams to an established company ready to give back. The company is continuing to innovate, bringing biometric technology to the masses in a way we’ve never seen before. Robbie Cabral looks forward to what the future holds as the brand continues to grow and expand their product line. BenjiLock has come a long way since 2017, and with its support of other startups through initiatives like this partnership with the CTA Foundation, the company is setting itself up for even more success in the years to come.

Summary

The entirety of the BenjiLock product line is available now through the company’s website, as well as Amazon, Ace Hardware, and more.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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ALIA brings comfort to the world of high fashion shoes @ CES 2023

January 26, 2023Accessories, CES 2023, Healthartificial intelligence, ces2023, fashion, gadgets, shoesPLUGHITZ Live

ALIA Custom Fit Shoes If there is one truth in the fashion world, it is that there are two types of shows: comfortable and fashionable. It seems that no one has been able to combine the two categories into one. Either a woman wears sneakers or heels – and never the two shall cross. However, ALIA (Active Lift in Alignment), has a system that allows them to take incredibly accurate measurements and produce a shoe that is both fashionable and comfortable.

What is ALIA?

Dr. Taryn Rose, co-founder and CEO of ALIA, sums up the mission of the company in a straightforward way, saying, “Why can we get a man on the moon, but we can’t get a woman down the street comfortably?” It’s a solid question, as shoes are far from a new product category. With all of the time spent designing shoes, why does it seem that none of that work has ever produced a comfortable high heel?

Sure, the concept of the high heel is not necessarily one focused on comfort. In fact, it is all about accentuating certain parts of the body. But, Dr. Rose believed that there must be a way to do both at once. She decided to include technology in the process in order to produce comfortable and sexy heels for women, as well as comfortable dress shoes for men.

How does it work?

ALIA has includes various materials that are traditionally not found in shoes. For example, the surface area of the shoe that comes into contact with your feet is made out of carbon fiber. This produces a strong outer body that is able to hold the foot in place better and is more stable than just a fabric, while also being incredibly light weight.

In addition to the unconventional materials, ALIA also uses technology in an interesting way. There is an accompanying app that allows you to essentially take a 3D scan of your feet. This gives the company an incredibly accurate measurement of your feet. Using the scan, the company is able to view your foot in various modes.

With the measurements, ALIA is able to recommend or produce a perfectly fitted shoe just for you. Looming at the scan, they can recommend the right shoe for your foot, but also shows where the might be issues with the fit without alteration. For example, a pink highlight on the scan indicates that the area of the show should be enlarged in order to get a perfect fit. Implementing technology into the process allows the company to produce bespoke, made-to-measure shoes at scale, making them available for more people.

Summary

ALIA’s shoes, which sell under the brand name Enrico Cuini, are available to order today. The shoes are not inexpensive, but do fit comfortably into the designer shoe category. The shoes range from around $800 to $2000 for a pair. To learn more about the company, its products, or to order a pair for yourself, you can head over to the company’s brand website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Skyted is a noise isolation mask for calls and streaming @ CES 2023

January 25, 2023Accessories, CES 2023, Entertainment, Gadgetsces2023, gadgets, gaming, livestream, mobile, phone, smartphonePLUGHITZ Live

Skyted Noise Isolation Mask Too often these days, we are forced into places that are not conducive to conversation. This is exacerbated when you’re on the phone or computer. This happens because microphones, in general, do not discriminate between sounds. These microphones pick up whatever sound they hear and push it to the other side of the call. In a loud area, this means it’s nearly impossible for the person on the other side of the call to hear anything you say. This is the problem that Skyted is hoping to solve.

What is Skyted?

Skyted is a headset, of sorts, intended to improve sound quality while in a loud environment. At first sight, it might appear to be a little odd. However, the design is well-tested for years. That’s because the device is modeled after the systems used on fighter jets. The device fits over the mouth as a full mask, allowing for sound to be isolated and directed toward the microphone.

Skyted is different than other headsets because it is designed to block out background noise. This means that when you are in a loud environment, such as a game center, or simply talking on the phone in public, your sound will be isolated and clear for the people you’re speaking with.

Other headsets may attempt to filter out environmental sounds, but they are limited in what they can do. With the Skyted headset, you can be sure that your sound is clear and crisp even in a loud environment.

Who is Skyted for?

One of the great strengths of Skyted is its versatility. Because the mask microphone is designed to work with Bluetooth, it can be used for a variety of purposes. The original purpose is to allow for public phone calls – limiting the background noise, but also preventing people around you from having to listen.

In the past few years, however, other types of public calls have become commonplace. in particular, Teams and Zoom calls have become a regular part of doing business, especially while traveling. But, working in public has become a normal situation, even for those not traveling.

In addition, gaming in public has become more common. Gaming centers, like our friends at STRYKE eSports in Tampa, are popping up in more places. Online gaming is enhanced by live chat, which is equally difficult in public. But, with the Skyted system, you can chat with other players without having to hide in a pod and without disrupting the gamers around you.

Another aspect of public speech where the Skyted can really be a benefit is streaming. Obviously, if you’re streaming a game in a game center, the benefits are clear. However, there’s a lot of In Real Life (IRL) streaming, where people stream their experiences with games outside of a studio. This applies to games like Pokémon GO, where you have to be in the wild to play. Once again, this device will help you isolate yourself from the people around you while streaming.

Summary

Skyted is planning to be made available through pre-orders starting in March 2023. To learn more about Skyted or to pre-order one for yourself, you can go to the company’s website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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LapLok protects your laptop when you work on-the-go @ CES 2023

January 25, 2023Accessories, CES 2023, Computers, Securityces2023, gadgets, laptop, security, travel, workspacePLUGHITZ Live

LapLok Tech Security If you travel as often as our team does, you know there are a number of issues that pop up regularly. For example, one day you could be working in a hotel office and the next you’re sitting at a table in a coffee bar. But, one thing always remains the same – how do you secure your computer? There are Kensington-style locks, but so many laptops today don’t have a lock port (including the one I’m using to write this). This is the space that LapLok is looking to fill.

What is LapLok?

LapLok is a near pocket-sized security system for anyone who uses their laptop out in public. This could be writers who need to be seen writing at Starbucks or travelers trying to get work done at the airport. Wherever you are, so long as you’ve got a flat surface, you can secure your laptop.

The device works fairly simply. You attach a mounting bracket to the back of your laptop, ideally before you go out. The bracket goes on with a strong 3M adhesive that will hold it in place in nearly all situations. Then, when you’re ready to lock the computer, you attach the base to the bracket and clamp it to the table. Once locked in place, it will only open with the PIN you’ve programmed.

In addition to the base locking system, there are other security accessories that can be added. The most prominent add-on that we saw was to also secure your purse or laptop bag to the underside of the table. Now, with a single device, you can deter the casual grab-and-go thief.

But, what happens if someone does grab the laptop and tries to get away? The LapLok has a built-in alarm that sounds. The alarm is loud and annoying enough that they didn’t want to demonstrate it at the show. Obviously, the idea of the alarm is to deter the theft, but also to alert everyone around in the event it happens.

Who is LapLok for?

With the increase in work-from-home and work-from-anywhere mentality, many people are working while out of the office. Because of this, companies have been issuing laptops to employees who previously may not have had one. So, with working from anywhere growing in popularity, the LapLok is really for anyone.

The most common use case is for people who travel a lot. Travelers often find themselves working in strange places. But, these days, many of us do. Even around town, I find myself working from restaurants and coffee shops – even gaming centers. Being able to secure your laptop to go to the bathroom is a great ability, but securing it while you’re sitting there is just as important – possibly more important.

Summary

LapLok is in a late prototype phase and TechLok, the company behind the product, is taking pre-orders now. The expected retail price of the device is $80, but in pre-order, you can get the whole productivity bundle for $7, though quantities are limited. To learn more or pre-order your own, head to the company’s website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Toniebox makes story and music time easier for young kids @ CES 2023

January 24, 2023Accessories, CES 2023, Entertainment, Gadgetsces2023, gadgets, kids, media, music, Speaker, storytellingPLUGHITZ Live

tonies kids' smart speaker Children enjoy music and stories, but younger kids need help. Things like CDs or even streaming services require too much interaction and knowledge – plus they usually require a screen. This is where the Toniebox comes in, producing a smart speaker that allows kids to listen to music and stories on their own in a safe and easy way.

What is the Toniebox?

It’s an innovative audio system designed specifically for little listeners. With its soft, rugged construction and low-maintenance charging, Toniebox is the perfect companion for your child’s music adventures. It also comes with a select compilation of traditional children’s songs preloaded, so there’s no need to search through endless libraries of music!

Just turn it on and pop a Tonie on top, and your child can be off to explore the audio world! With its long-lasting battery life of up to 7 hours, you can be sure that Toniebox will keep kids entertained all day long. So, set your little ones free with this speaker – they’ll love it!

The Toniebox is a fantastic way to introduce children to music, stories, and sound effects in an interactive and engaging format. Get your kids’ imagination running wild with this fun and an easy-to-use audio system!

How does the Toniebox work?

Simply turn on the Toniebox and pop a Tonie on top. The device then automatically starts playing audio content from the chosen Tonie. If this is the first time that the Tonie has been placed on the box, it will go out to the internet and download the associated audio file. This means that you’ll need to be connected to the internet the first time you use a new Tonie. After that, the audio is stored on the Toniebox for future listening. In fact, the speaker has the ability to hold around 100 audio files and has an algorithm to determine what to remove based on how frequently and recently a Tonie has been used.

When your child is done listening, just take off the Tonie and the Toniebox will power down automatically. With its easy-on, easy-off charging system, you can be sure that your Toniebox is always ready for those long listening sessions. This makes it easy for the kid to use the box and not have to worry so much about charging.

What audio is available?

There are some great options available, including children’s songs, stories, and sound effects – so there’s something for everyone! The company produces a variety of Tonies based on existing and original characters. These characters include everything from Sesame Street to Disney to Peter Rabbit. Some of these Tonies have licensed content that already exists, while others have original content.

For example, the company has worked directly with the voice actors for several Sesame Street voice actors in order to create exclusive stories within the Sesame Street experience. The company also has its own characters available. This allows them to expand the offering beyond just licensing.

Summary

The Toniebox is currently available in several various markets. The starter sets run $100 which includes the Toniebox and a variety of Tonies depending on the set. Additional Tonies are available generally running at $15. Some of the more unique Tonies, such as the nightlight, cost more. To learn more about Tonies and the Toniebox, head over to the company’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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ION3 makes entertainment more real through scent technology @ CES 2023

January 22, 2023Accessories, CES 2023, Entertainment, Gadgetsces2023, gadgets, media, scent, VRPLUGHITZ Live

ION3 Virtual Scents We’ve all seen movies where someone smells something, and it transports them to another time or place. Whether it’s the smell of freshly baked cookies that takes you back to your childhood or the smell of a summer rainstorm that reminds you of a romantic moment, scent can be a powerful trigger for memories. Now, thanks to OVR Technology‘s ION3, we can experience smell through our entertainment.

What is OVR Technology and how does it work?

OVR Technology’s ION3 merges the virtual reality experience with actual reality through scent. Using an ION3, users can attach scent capsules to their existing virtual reality headsets. When the user is in a particular environment or playing a game, the scent capsule will activate and release the chosen scent. This makes for a more immersive experience as you can smell and sense what’s happening around you like never before.

Imagine being in a cooking game, and while cooking, the game was able to produce scents to represent the virtual food being cooked. Or, in a game like Left 4 Dead, you can smell the environment around you. This would allow you to know when a zombie has approached you based on the strength of the scent. Or you can identify Special Infected because of a change in scent around you. Of course, the smell would not be pleasant, but it would be effective.

How does OVR Technology’s ION3 work?

The system uses a scent cartridge, similar to a printer cartridge. In this cartridge are what the company describes as the eight “core scent profiles.” From these 8 scents, a developer can create a large variety of scents in various strengths. The technology can be integrated into nearly any type of media type, including games and movies, enhancing the experience.

The scents are programmatically created, meaning that the application or media property must be involved in the creation of these scents. This means that developers, directors, and producers are going to have to buy into the concept in order to see this concept gain momentum.

Fortunately, the concept has a long history in entertainment – especially in live entertainment. If you’ve ever been to a theme park, you might have been on one of the 4D experiences. While the majority of the experience is based around a 3D movie, the enhancements come from air, water, and smell. These experiences are scripted and controlled under the constraints of the movie experience, making the technology a little easier.

However, OVR Technology’s ION3 has managed to take the concept and make it universally applicable outside of the controlled environment. In addition, they have made the technology small enough that it can be included into a home rig, but powerful enough to be included into professional experiences.

Summary

The ION3 from OVR Technology is currently planned to be launched publicly during 2023, though plans can always change. To learn more about the company, the ION3, and how this technology might fit into your life, you can head over to the company’s website.

Interview by Don Baine, The Gadget Professor.

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Waverly Labs: Translation solutions for professionals @ CES 2022

February 28, 2022Accessories, CES 2022, Gadgets, Mobileces2022, gadgets, language, translationPLUGHITZ Live

Waverly Labs language translation When traveling internationally, one of the biggest challenges is the language barrier. But, in modern business, interacting with people in other languages has become a normal part of the process. So, how do you communicate with someone who does not speak the same language as you? That’s where the Ambassador Interpreter from Waverly Labs comes in.

Who is Waverly Labs?

In 2014, Waverly Labs was founded by Andrew Ochoa and Sergio Del Río with a mission to make the world more open and connected. Since then, they have introduced the world’s first translation earbuds, Pilot Smart Earbuds and Ambassador Interpreter, establishing the category and shipping over 50,000 units worldwide. As experts in speech translation, Waverly Labs is now introducing a suite of voice and translation solutions to meet the needs of professionals across various industries including hospitality, conferences & events, and remote work.

What is the Ambassador Interpreter?

The Ambassador Interpreter is Waverly Labs’ latest translation solution designed for professionals who need to communicate across languages in real-time. The device is a wearable translator that attaches to your clothing and pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth. The app uses Waverly Labs’ proprietary neural network technology, Deep Neural Machine Translation (DNMT), to provide accurate translations in over 30 languages.

To use the Ambassador Interpreter, simply open the app and select the language you want to translate. Then, speak into the device and it will translate your speech into the selected language. The person you’re speaking to can then respond in their native language and the Ambassador Interpreter will translate their speech into your language.

If you’re traveling internationally or need to communicate with someone in a foreign language, the Ambassador Interpreter from Waverly Labs is the perfect solution. It’s easy to use and provides accurate translations in over 30 languages. So, don’t let the language barrier hold you back, order your Ambassador Interpreter today!

What are Subtitles?

Subtitles are Waverly Labs’ solution for those who need to communicate across languages but don’t want to wear the Ambassador Interpreter. Subtitles is an app that translates speech in real-time and displays subtitles in your native language on your smartphone or tablet.

To use Subtitles, simply open the app and select the language you want to translate. Then, start speaking into your phone or tablet and the app will translate your speech into subtitles in your native language. The person you’re speaking to can then respond in their own language and Subtitles will translate their speech into subtitles in your language.

The same technology can be used at a conference or presentation, allowing an entire audience to receive instant translations from the presenter on their phones. Wavery Labs calls this feature Audience. If you don’t want to wear the Ambassador Interpreter but still need a translation solution, Subtitles is the perfect app for you. It’s easy to use and provides translations in over 30 languages.

Summary

To learn more about Wavery Labs, the Ambassador Interpreter earbuds, or the Subtitles text feature, head over to the website or pick up your own pair on Amazon.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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Homey: Control all of your devices from anywhere with Flow @ CES 2022

January 21, 2022Accessories, CES 2022, Homeces2022, connected device, connected home, gadgets, smarthomePLUGHITZ Live

Homey connected home companion Connected homes have become a normal part of our lives, but they can be more frustrating than helpful. This is because not all of our devices work together. Unless you go out of your way, every item you add to your home uses a different app and runs on a different platform. You might get lucky and have access to them through a service like Alexa or Google Assistant, but that’s not guaranteed. Luckily, Homey is here to help literally bridge that gap.

What is Homey?

Homey is the one-stop-shop for all your smart home needs. With this system, you can control all your devices from one central place, no matter where in the world you are. Homey also allows you to automate just about anything with its powerful Flow feature. Flows are simple to create and use and allow you to automate your entire home with ease.

This is all accomplished with a small spherical device that looks like it’s on wheels (though it’s not). It features a colored LED ring around its center to indicate power and activity. This unassuming little device is part of a system that is able to take all of the many connected products on various platforms and give you a single entry point for all of them.

How does Homey help?

If you have a connected home, you know that the disconnected platforms make things incredibly difficult. You’re incapable of combining a light bulb from one company with a speaker from another into a single routine – everything has to be in one system. Homey bridges the gap between these different platforms, allowing you to combine devices into a single scene.

Take, for example, wanting to trigger a Monster Smart Illuminessence Prism to change to green and an Amazon Echo to play a particular sound every time someone subscribes to your Twitch channel. For the Monster Prism, you would have to use the Razer Chroma platform and the Echo speaker would require an Alexa integration. But assuming there are connectors for both platforms and an app for Twitch, you would be able to create a single routine to trigger everything at once.

Expanding the Homey system

The Homey App Store also provides access to a wide range of apps that can be installed on your device, making it even more versatile and customizable. There are tons of apps at your disposal, and you can install those applications similarly to how you install apps on your smartphone. With over 750 apps available, finding the app to pair with the brand of your devices shouldn’t be a problem.

Not only that, but you can also find apps for other familiar services like Twitter and Discord. So, this experience can be broader than one would imagine initially. These applications pair with your devices for the purpose of teaching Homey how to control your device. Once your Homey understands, set up those Flow Cards for easy access to your preferences.

Summary

Whether you’re looking to control your lights, thermostat, or any other devices, Homey has you covered! To learn more about the product or get one for yourself, check out the company’s website.

Interview by Marlo Anderson of The Tech Ranch.

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