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Neakasa S1 Pro: Improving home pet grooming and cleaning @ CES 2024



Neakasa S1 Pro pet grooming kitThe Neakasa S1 Pro grooming system, a popular product in the pet care industry, offers pet owners the ability to achieve professional-level grooming results at home. This premium home grooming system was developed by Minming Gu, co-founder of Neakasa.

Premium home grooming system

Neakasa, a name derived from the words “neat” and “casa” (home in Spanish), is designed to make home cleaning more efficient, particularly in dealing with pet hair. The system aims to help families maintain clean and tidy homes, a common challenge for many pet owners.

The Neakasa grooming system represents the fourth generation of pet grooming systems from the company. The first version launched approximately two and a half years ago, quickly gained popularity. It introduced a new category in the pet grooming industry and became a top seller on Amazon within six months.

The latest iteration, known as the Nikasa S1 Pro or “Donut,” is the most premium and professional home grooming system currently available. It includes eight different accessories: a clipper, brush, nozzle, daily brush, de-shatter, nail grinder, and a smaller clipper. These accessories provide pet owners with the versatility and precision needed for comprehensive pet grooming. For instance, the nail grinder is used for trimming and shaping a pet’s nails, while the smaller clipper is perfect for grooming hard-to-reach areas such as between the paws or around the ears and mouth.

The Neakasa grooming system also introduces two new accessories: the Rake and the D-Shader. The Rake is designed for double-coated dogs with heavy fur, while the D-Shader is more suitable for single-coated or less heavy fur. These practical accessories cater to different grooming needs.

It’s also great for cats

Also designed with feline needs in mind, the Neakasa S1 Pro is gentle and non-invasive, ensuring cats remain comfortable during grooming sessions. This cat-friendly design is a significant benefit for cat owners, as cats are known for their independent nature and can often resist grooming. However, the Neakasa S1 Pro allows owners to have a more positive and successful grooming experience, grooming their pets effectively and efficiently without causing unnecessary stress or discomfort.

Neakasa S1 Pro is quiet and pet-friendly

The Neakasa S1 Pro is renowned for its quiet operation, which offers a significant advantage to pet owners. Its near-silent operation is particularly beneficial for pets sensitive to loud noises, such as cats, which can often become anxious or stressed during grooming sessions. The Neakasa S1 Pro ensures a calm and comfortable grooming experience, making it easier for owners to groom their pets effectively without causing them distress.

Conclusion: Neakasa is a great pair for pet owners

Priced at $199, the Neakasa S1 Pro grooming system is a relatively affordable option compared to the average cost of professional pet grooming services. Moreover, grooming pets at home can be less stressful for the pets as they are in a familiar environment, and it can also foster trust between pets and their owners.

In summary, the Neakasa grooming system is a valuable investment for any pet owner. It offers a range of accessories and a user-friendly design that allows for easy and precise home grooming. Its affordability and stress-reducing benefits for both pets and owners underscore its value.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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SECURAM: From laser switches to biometric door locks @ CES 2024



SECURAM smarthome securitySECURAM, a leading company in the security industry, recently announced the launch of its new suite of smart switch products. The Director of Marketing, Steve Davidson, shared insights about the unique features of these products.

Smart security switch with beam

The suite includes three types of switches, each designed with a specific focus on security. One of the standout features is a laser sensor located on the front of the switch. This sensor, which is thin and measures no more than three millimeters, can detect motion up to 15 feet away in both dark and bright settings.

The laser sensor is designed to trigger alarms or turn on lights when motion is detected. It is positioned at a height that is unlikely to be triggered by pets or children, ensuring that any motion detected is intentional.

Added security for emergencies

One of the key features of the smart security switch is its ability to make phone calls in case of emergencies. This means that users can set it up to automatically call emergency services if they do not respond to a notification. While there is no information about whether this service will be subscription-based, the company is considering different options.

One of the standout features of the smart security switch is its ability to function even without an internet connection. While certain features may not be available without internet access, the switch can still communicate with other devices within the house. This is made possible through the switches’ ability to talk to each other, creating a network of communication within the home.

The smart security switch also has programmable features. Users can program the up and down buttons to control multiple switches in their home. This allows for convenient control of lights and other devices throughout the house.

Using the switches together

While it is not necessary to have multiple switches, SECURAM recommends grouping them for optimal security. The company offers a regular switch without the laser sensor, a dimmer switch, and a programmable version of the security switch. These switches can be used to secure common entry points for intruders, such as front and back doors or patio doors.

Davidson confirmed that the ideal setup would include a switch near each door, but the final decision depends on the individual’s home layout and needs.

The switches are controlled through the SecureAMGuard app, which allows users to group and manage all their switches in one place. The app offers various scenes, automations, and triggers that can be set. Users can even set up the switch to notify the police or a specific person if motion is detected.

Simple installation for everyone

The installation process for the smart security switch is straightforward and can be done by anyone who is comfortable installing a regular switch. The switch simply pinches the wires, making it easy to install. However, it is important to turn off the breaker before installation to ensure safety. The company provides an installation video on Amazon to guide users through the process.

Biometric door lock with app

Another security product in the family is the EOS lock. This is a biometric door lock that offers a high level of security. It features a fingerprint reader and a durable aluminum metal housing. Users can also enter a passcode to unlock the door. The EOS lock is available in both Wi-Fi and standalone models. The standalone model does not require an internet connection and operates mechanically.

The EOS lock can be connected to the Guard app, which allows users to remotely open and close the door. This feature is particularly useful for granting access to guests when the homeowner is not at home. The app also provides a history of when the door was opened and closed, as well as alerts for when the door is left open.

What sets the EOS apart?

While there are competitors in the market offering similar products, SECURAM differentiates itself through its extensive experience in the lock industry. With over 30 years of experience in the lock and safe lock industries, SECURAM has established a high standard of quality and reliability. This expertise gives users confidence in the security and durability of the EOS lock.

Overall, the biometric door lock with app offered by SECURAM provides a convenient and secure solution for enhancing home security. With its programmable features, remote access capabilities, and high-quality construction, it is a reliable choice for homeowners looking to protect their property.

Conclusion: Unique security in an expensive package

The pricing for the smart security switch is reasonable, with the regular switch priced at $24.95 and the dimmer switch priced at $59.95. This makes it an affordable option for enhancing home security. The MSRP for the smart EOS lock is $269.

In conclusion, SECURAM’s smart security switch with a beam is designed to enhance home security by detecting motion and triggering alarms or lights. It can be grouped with other switches and controlled through the SecureAMGuard app, which offers a range of customization options. The SECURAM smart lock is a reliable and convenient solution for enhancing home security. With its biometric capabilities, remote access features, and solid construction, it offers homeowners peace of mind and ease of use.

To learn more about SECURAM and its product offerings, check out their website or Amazon store.

Interview by Don Baine, The Gadget Professor.

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Revolution Cooking: The future of heating technology @ CES 2024



Revolution Cooking Macrowave OvenEverything is smart these days. Phones, watches, automobiles, and even refrigerators. So, what else is out there? Well, a few years ago Revolution Cooking answered that question with a toaster. That’s right a smart toaster. This year, the company has taken what they learned with the Revolution Toaster and applied it to something bigger: the Macrowave Smart Oven. We stopped in and had a chat with Tom Klaff with Revolution Cooking at CES Unveiled.

Revolution Cooking’s InstaGLO technology

Revolution Cooking’s InstaGLO technology is a groundbreaking innovation that aims to revolutionize the way we cook and heat food. The technology was developed by Tom Klaff, the co-founder and CEO of Revolution Cooking, who sought to address the common issues faced in traditional toasters, ovens, and microwaves.

The inspiration behind InstaGLO came from Klaff’s observation of the slow heating process in toasters and ovens, as well as the lackluster taste of microwave-cooked food. He identified the Calrod, which is a thick wire made of nichrome, as the culprit behind these problems. The Calrod takes a long time to heat up, resulting in prolonged toasting and preheating times, as well as subpar food quality in microwaves.

Creating the Revolution Toaster

To overcome these challenges, Revolution Cooking invented InstaGLO, a new heating system that offers faster and more efficient heat transfer to food. Unlike the Calrod, InstaGLO heats up rapidly, allowing for quicker toasting and cooking times. This core technology was first integrated into a toaster in 2019, resulting in the launch of the popular Revolution Toaster, which quickly became the number-one-selling toaster on Amazon.

The Revolution Toaster features a sleek design with a touchscreen interface, making it both visually appealing and user-friendly. Users have praised its ability to toast bread quickly and effectively, thanks to the InstaGLO technology.

Beyond toasters: Introducing the Macrowave

Building on the success of the Revolution Toaster, Revolution Cooking has now introduced a new product called the Macrowave. The Macrowave combines the best qualities of a microwave, an air fryer, and a conventional oven into a single appliance. By retrofitting the core heating system of InstaGLO into a larger cavity, Revolution Cooking has created a versatile cooking appliance that can cook food faster, better, and tastier.

The Macrowave boasts a one cubic foot interior, making it comparable in size to a standard microwave. However, it offers much more functionality and cooking options. With its intuitive touchscreen interface, users can operate the Macrowave as a best-in-class microwave, air fryer, oven, baking system, rotisserie system, or even a pizza oven. The appliance also comes with preset recipes, allowing for easy and convenient cooking.

One of the key advantages of InstaGLO technology is its ability to heat and crisp food simultaneously. Unlike traditional ovens that require preheating, the Macrowave can achieve both heating and crisping without the need for preheating. This is made possible by the efficient heat transfer of InstaGLO, which utilizes standard 120 volt, 15 amp power commonly found in homes.

The Macrowave’s versatility and efficiency make it an ideal appliance for various cooking needs. It can handle complex recipes that require timed heating and crisping, such as puff pastry. With its smart oven capabilities, users can program their own recipes and even perform tasks that typically require both microwaving and oven preheating in a single step.

Revolution Cooking’s InstaGLO technology is a game-changing innovation that addresses the limitations of traditional toasters, ovens, and microwaves. By utilizing a new heating system that heats up rapidly and offers efficient heat transfer, Revolution Cooking has created appliances that can toast bread faster, cook food better, and provide a superior culinary experience. With the success of the Revolution Toaster and the upcoming launch of the Macrowave, Revolution Cooking is truly redefining the way we cook and heat our food.

Macrowave Smart Oven launching in Q4

While the Revolution Toaster is already available on the market and has gained significant popularity, the Macrowave is still in production. However, with its impressive features and capabilities, it is poised to be another game-changer in the cooking appliance industry.

Revolution Cooking is set to launch their new oven, the Macrowave Smart Oven, in the fourth quarter of this year. The company sees a natural fit for their product in the extended stay hotel market, where guests often need the ability to cook everyday food without relying on delivery services like DoorDash. The Macrowave Smart Oven is designed to take up very little space in a suite, making it an ideal option for hotels.

However, Revolution Cooking also recognizes the potential for their oven in other markets. They mention interest in the micro markets and commercial side, particularly in front of house settings. Additionally, they believe that people who use the oven in hotels will want to have it in their own homes as well. As a result, Revolution Cooking plans to market and sell the Macrowave in the residential market.

In terms of timing, Revolution Cooking expects both the consumer and commercial versions of the oven to be available by the end of the year. This suggests that the development and production processes for both versions are relatively similar.

In Conclusion

As for pricing, Revolution Cooking plans to crowdsource information in the next couple of weeks to gauge demand and determine the appropriate price point. They estimate that the oven will cost between $1,200 and $1,800, including all accessories and updates. The oven is a connected system, making it an evergreen product that can be continuously updated.

Overall, the Macrowave Smart Oven is making exciting advancements in heating technology. Revolution Cooking’s InstaGLO technology offers a rapid heating system with efficient heat transfer, addressing the limitations of the toasters, ovens, and microwaves that we currently use. With the success of their Revolution Toaster and the upcoming launch of the Macrowave Smart Oven, they are well on their way to revolutionizing the overall cooking process.

To stay updated on the launch and Kickstarter campaign, Revolution Cooking encourages interested individuals to visit their website. They plan to make an announcement about the Kickstarter soon and will provide updates on their website. If you’re interested in owning a smart toaster of your own, you can pick one up on Amazon.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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BeamO: The future of personal health monitoring unveiled @ CES 2024



Withings BeamO health monitorWithings has unveiled BeamO, a groundbreaking device that offers a thorough health assessment in just 60 seconds. This innovative gadget is equipped with four distinct sensors, each designed to evaluate different health parameters.

What is BeamO by Withings?

The device’s main objective is to empower users to take control of their health. BeamO synchronizes data to a user-friendly application, allowing individuals to track their health records, log symptoms, and monitor medication adherence. The data can be easily shared with healthcare professionals via PDF or a link, facilitating remote consultations and enhancing diagnostic capabilities.

The versatility of BeamO is important, as it can be used by individuals, families, and those with chronic diseases. The device allows for the creation of multiple profiles, enabling users to track the health of their loved ones and provide longitudinal data to healthcare professionals. This proactive approach to health management aims to detect changes in baseline health and alert doctors to any concerning developments.

The BeamO device is designed to be user-friendly, with the app guiding the different positions for cardiac and lung sounds. This ensures that users can associate their recordings with the correct position, providing doctors with all the necessary information for diagnosis. The device can be used to measure heart sounds on the front of the chest and lung sounds on both the front and back.

BeamO: A revolutionary health checkup device

The first sensor is a one-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) that allows users to measure their heart activity. With an integrated algorithm, BeamO can detect atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder. This feature provides users with valuable insights into their cardiac health.

The second sensor is a pulse oximeter, which measures respiratory health. It assesses the efficiency of the lungs in transferring oxygen to the blood. This information can be crucial in monitoring lung function and detecting any potential respiratory issues.

The third sensor is a digital stethoscope, enabling users to listen to their heart and lung sounds. This feature is particularly useful when assisted by a doctor, as they can identify any abnormal sounds that may indicate underlying health conditions. Users can either listen directly with headphones or live stream the sounds to their doctor, enhancing remote diagnostic capabilities.

The final sensor is a contactless temperature sensor. By scanning the forehead, users can obtain their body temperature within a few seconds. This feature is especially relevant in the current global health environment, as monitoring body temperature is a crucial step in identifying potential illnesses.

BeamO versus a fitness watch

One of the initial questions is regarding the difference between BeamO and an Apple Watch. While both devices utilize similar technology for detecting atrial fibrillation, BeamO offers additional features such as the integrated stethoscope, pulse oximeter, and temperature sensor. These features make BeamO an all-in-one health monitoring device, providing a more comprehensive health assessment compared to an Apple Watch.

Another important question revolves around the quality and regulatory approvals of BeamO. Withings are in the process of obtaining FDA approval and a CE mark for the European market. These regulatory steps ensure the device meets safety and efficacy standards. These approvals do not put it on the same level as a medical-grade device but do put it into a category of high-quality home health monitoring.

The BeamO device is being developed with input from doctors to ensure that it meets clinical standards. Doctors are reportedly happy to see a solution that can assist with telemedicine visits and improve the quality of stethoscope auscultation. The teams working on the BeamO device in Paris are striving to make it of clinical-level quality.

Conclusion: BeamO will be a great home health monitor

In conclusion, the BeamO health checkup device by Withings is a revolutionary product that aims to provide users with a comprehensive understanding of their health. By incorporating multiple sensors and a user-friendly application, BeamO empowers individuals to take control of their health and enhance remote diagnostic capabilities.

At this time, BeamO is still in the prototype stage. Withings is awaiting regulatory approvals before launching the device on the market, though is expected to be released in six to eight months and is poised to be another cool product from Withings. The estimated retail price at launch is $250, with no additional monthly fees for the accompanying application.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Shower Power Buddies make shower time fun for kids @ CES 2023



Ampere Shower Power BuddiesDo you remember bath time as a kid? You got to be mostly alone in the bathtub with bubbles and toys. It was a great time for pretend – instead of just holding a boat in the bath, you can pretend that you are the captain of the boat. But, as we grow up, that bath time ends and is replaced by a shower, because we need a better cleansing process. But, the fun gets lost along with bath time. However, Ampere wants to bring that fun from the bath to the shower with the Shower Power Buddies.

What is the Shower Power?

The Shower Power line is a line of products for the shower. These devices fit behind your showerhead and function as Bluetooth speakers. The speaker is powered entirely by the water flowing through the device, meaning that you’ll have full sound while taking a shower.

Some models improve on this concept in several ways. The Shower Power Pro, for example, adds lighting to the speaker. So, in addition to the music or podcasts, you can also get a light show as part of your shower experience. The company’s line of shower products is definitely intended to focus on bringing a fun atmosphere to a normal, boring shower.

What makes Shower Power Buddies different?

Shower Power Buddies are an evolution of the company’s previous Shower Power products. They expand on the concept of making a shower more fun while placing a bigger emphasis on kids. In addition to the lights and Bluetooth speaker, these new products add fun characters to the mix.

The goal, of course, is to try to bring some of the playtime fun from bath time into the shower. Trying to get kids to transition from baths to showers can be a real challenge, as kids prefer the simpler and more fun bath. But, it’s important to get kids to make the change, and have a way to continue the fun.

The Shower Power Buddies will launch with a selection of characters, including a narwhal, a fish, and a rubber ducky. There is an obvious theme here, as all of the launch characters are water themed. The connection is clear and purposeful since the product is supposed to be a transitional item from bath to shower. In the bath, the kids are used to toys, such as a rubber ducky.

In addition to the characters, the Shower Power Buddies also separate themselves from the rest of the line by being a completely integrated showerhead. This is so that the shower toy, which is the product, will be in the kid’s hands as they take their shower if they remove it from the wall. It’s a more fun experience and a better way to get clean.

Summary

The existing line of Shower Power products, including the Shower Power and Shower Power Pro are available now. The Shower Power is available for $99. The Shower Power Pro is available for $149. The newest entry in the line, the Shower Power Buddies, will be available in the second quarter of 2023 and will retail for around $149. To learn more about the company and its full product line, check out their website.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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TWT Audio: affordable, powerful and customizable headphones @ CES 2023



TWT Audio gaming headphonesWe all know that there are many choices out there when it comes to the headphone market, but few companies try to be as customizable as possible or try to balance affordability with high-quality audio. You’re usually going to get quality sound with a decent design and a high price tag, or an affordable price with stale audio and LED lights to distract you from its flaws. TWT Audio wants to change up the formula with their current line of headphones.

Modularized parts are one of the key focuses for this line. Detachable ear cups, not just the cousin mind you, are available across the board. They have different styles of earcups, different colors, and earcups made of materials designed to deal with moisture from working out. This can especially appeal to gamers and streamers who are also fitness buffs. You’d have the ability to move from your streaming rig right to your workout area and swap to your sweat-resistant ear cups for a worry-free workout stream.

The audio cable is also modularized. The input device is swappable: you can go from a USB-C connection to a USB-A connection to a 3.5mm connection or even a 1/4 inch connection into an amplifier if you wanted. Seems to be just a quick screw removal from under the ear cup, and simply swapping the part and you’re good to go. TWT Audio is making sure that the customization aspect is as easy as possible.

Audio Quality is an aspect they want to emphasize in their gaming model, the Victory 250XG model. Not seen in the interview, I got a good demonstration with a Fortnite match. Projectile paths, sounds of vehicles, and footsteps were all coming from their precise directions. Along with that, the proper volume of sounds depending on their proximity to your character. Sounds were crisp and clear and it’s hard to believe how close these headphones come to the higher-end, more expensive headphones on the market.

Comfort level is always important and these do not fall short of other quality headphones. The ear cups are cushioned as well as the band over your head. It’s adjustable enough to fit over my large head and hair. Many headphones in the affordability classes cut costs in these areas in particular, so I think it’s important to note that TWT Audio seems to have found a sweet spot with these products.

Notable aspects of each model: the Victory 250XG gaming headset has an omnidirectional “silicon flex” mic, come with mesh ear cups and the ear cups’ angle can be adjusted for comfort options. The Revo headset has the boom-lift activated mute feature and stealth release changeable cable and ear customization options. Ultra Durable Pro doesn’t have the customization options but it has the same functionality and audio quality that TWT Audio is becoming known for. Lastly, the Ultra Ergo is perfect for your work-at-home or office settings.

TWT Audio is taking the market by storm and with their plans for partnerships with educational programs and esports organizations, I’m sure this will be a brand for many to know and love. The 4 product names I mentioned above are all currently available on Amazon via the links below. Also, the Audiophile and Gaming Pro headsets should be available sometime in the near future.

The current line of headphones are available now: The Victory 250XG retail for $39.99, the Ultra Durable Pro retail for $31.99, and the Ultra Ergo retail for $20.99. There is also the REVO headsets run $36.99 and are available for volume purchase.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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Task Complete: Aiper keeps your pool clean without cords @ CES 2023



Aiper Pool Cleaning RobotIf you own a pool, you know that maintaining the pool can be a pain. Between keeping the pH balance correct, a garage full of various chemicals, a constant fight against leaves, plus keeping the bottom clean, there is always something to do. There have been machines to help with the process, like filters and vacuums, but even that isn’t perfect. However, Aiper has a line of underwater robots to make maintaining your pool easier.

What is Aiper?

Aiper is a robotics company that makes an entirely cordless robotic pool cleaner. This machine is able to maneuver itself around the bottom of your pool without any obstructions and keep the surface of the pool clean. Because of its design, it is also able to come out of the water slightly in order to clean the ring around the pool above the water surface and below the deck.

If you’ve had an indoor robotic vacuum, you generally understand the concept. The machine goes into the water and travels around the surface to keep it clean. The system maps out the surface of the pool ahead of time, which helps it to ensure that a complete cleaning is accomplished. The robot is also battery-powered and easily rechargeable. In fact, it only takes 90 minutes for a complete charge. To keep the robot itself clean, simply remove the filter, empty it out, and put it back in.

Why choose Aiper?

We’ve all seen pool cleaners that live under the water. Traditionally, these machines have a very long shop vac pipe that pulls behind them. Using that tube, the machine is able to essentially vacuum the bottom of the pool, with the suction coming from the other end of the tube. This design is functional, but also creates a lot of problems.

The tubes often get tied up in knots as the cleaner goes under them. This prevents the machine from completing its cleaning path and can also cause damage to the tube itself. If the cleaner doesn’t get under the tube, it might just get caught and stopped, once again ending the cleaning cycle whether or not the pool is clean. in either case, you’re going to have to get involved, often inside of the pool, and resolve the issue.

This is where the biggest win comes in for Aiper. Since the Aiper robotic cleaners are battery-powered with their vacuums built into the machine, there are no tubes. This means that there is no chance that it gets caught up in itself. All of this prevents interaction from the owner and significantly reduces the chances of damage to the machine or other items, including toys, in the pool.

Summary

Several models of the Aiper robotic pool vacuums are available now. The newest model, the Aiper Seagull Pro, will release on March 20, 2023. You can purchase the existing models or pre-order the new model at the company’s store. To learn more about the company and the full line of products, you can go to the company’s website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Smarter FridgeCam helps to prevent spoiled and wasted food @ CES 2023



Smarter FridgeCam prevent food wasteNo one likes to find spoiled food in the fridge, especially when you are expecting to prepare a meal. Food waste these days is not something that should happen, especially for families with several children, as the price of groceries seems to be increasing on a daily basis. However, it can be a challenge to remember when you bought certain items, and certain to know how long each item lasts. This is where the Smarter FridgeCam and Smarter FoodCam come in.

What is Smarter FridgeCam?

The Smarter FridgeCam is a camera that goes either on the fridge door or the door shelf. It takes pictures every time you open or close the fridge door. Using those photos, FridgeCam will tell you what’s in there and if it needs to be tossed.

The camera then pairs with the app that works with deep learning algorithms that detect what is there and when
it was added. Using that information, the system can determine the freshness of each item and whether or not it’s time to use it up or throw it away. This is great for managing easily spoiled items, such as yogurt and milk, but also veggies that get lost in the back of the fridge.

What is Smarter FoodCam?

The FoodCam is a smart item that goes in your cupboards to help keep track of non-perishable food items. The camera is the smaller sibling to the FridgeCam, but is designed to go into your cupboards, rather than the refrigerator. Because of the warmer environment, the camera uses a smaller battery, since rechargeable batteries lose power in cold environments.

The camera adds to your kitchen management, allowing you to keep track of items such as soups, bread, cereals, and more. These can often be the forgotten parts of our kitchens since they are more hidden away from us than even the items in the fridge. People try to use them well past their expiration date because they simply don’t know when they bought them or when they go bad.

How can you use the data?

One of the connected aspects of the system is Kitchen Sync. This feature allows you to connect various inputs, including the data from your cameras, but also smart speakers, like Alexa. In addition to knowing when it’s time to buy milk because of the expiration date, you can also enter data using Alexa, saying, “Alexa, I need milk” and she will add it to your shopping list.

This feature is great for when you are going to be using more than usual, such as around the holidays. It’s also helpful if you’re about to get into baking, where you would need more eggs, milk, etc.

In addition, the system integrates with Chefling, which Smarter recently acquired. Chefling is an app that helps you find and execute recipes. When integrated with Smarter and KitchenSync, it helps you to use up your food by suggesting recipes with what’s available so your food doesn’t spoil and go to waste.

Summary

It will be available for pre-order soon. The cost is $99.00 for the FridgeCam and $69.00 for the FoodCam. For more information go to the company’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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ADT pairs the power of Google Nest and monitored security @ CES 2023



ADT Smart Home SecurityHome security is a top focus for a lot of people. The problem is that creating a safe and secure home can be challenging. You can buy pre-fabbed kits with connected sensors, but you end up locked into their ecosystem, but you’re required to monitor and respond to the alerts yourself. The other option is to go with an installed and monitored system, but you’re usually locked into their proprietary hardware, so if you ever want to change, you’re pretty much out of luck. Luckily, ADT has found an excellent middle-ground for consumers.

Who is ADT?

ADT is one of the biggest names in monitored home security. The company helps people to protect their homes without having to worry about installation, monitoring, or managing a home security system. The biggest advantage of one of the company’s systems is that emergency response is 8 times faster when managed by ADT as opposed to other competitors or even self-monitoring.

For those who are interested in their own installation, either for privacy reasons or a DIY spirit, ADT offers self-setup systems. Even if you install a system yourself, you had the ability to use the company’s monitoring services to improve peace of mind.

ADT’s connected home

In the spirit of self-installation and expanded options, ADT has begun offering connected home options. The company’s monitoring system can now be integrated with Google’s Nest product line. This means that Nest Cams, Nest Doorbells, Nest Thermostats, and even Nest Wi-Fi can be connected to ADT monitoring. In fact, you can use these connected devices while also having professional setup from the company’s installers.

One of the benefits of using consumer smart devices as part of your professional security setup is that you get all of the benefits of a smarthome while also getting all of the benefits of an ADT system. Using the Nest product line means that you can connect to your cameras, thermostat, and more while you are away. So, if someone rings your doorbell, you can see who is at the door even if you are on vacation. But, if there is a problem, an agent is able to respond and call the authorities if needed.

In addition, by using regular consumer hardware, you have the ability to make a change to your setup if needed. A change in life circumstances might mean you need to discontinue active monitoring. In that event, you are able to still access your Nest devices on your own and maintain security for your home on your own. This gives some flexibility in the hardware you have installed, as opposed to being stuck installing hardware that only works with the service provider that installed it. This gives owners more choices and reduces electronic waste in the event of a change.

Summary

ADT’s traditional security hardware and Google Nest integration are available for professional and self installation now. For more information about the company’s product and service offerings, you can head to their website or call (800) 750-0372.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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GE Profile Smart Mixer will make you a PRO in the kitchen @ CES 2023



GE Profile Smart MixerAnyone who has tried to do any baking or any kind of food preparation for that matter knows that it is a complicated process. Baking, especially, is a science, and everything has to be precise and well-timed or the results could be disastrous, costly, or even a mess. When Grandma was in the kitchen, she seemed like a professional, with all the skills and time to do what was needed to make a seemingly hard job look effortless. While our time today is much more limited, we are lucky that GE has released the GE Profile Smart Mixer to make our lives easier and time in the kitchen much more pleasant and productive.

About the GE Profile Smart Mixer

This mixer, the GE Profile Smart Mixer, would have your grandmother doing her favorite happy dance! It is intelligent, innovative, and foolproof for mistakes. Gone are the floppy meringues, or limp whipped cream, and the under-beaten batters because of the smart features this product has. You don’t have to stand there and watch the clock for the correct timing for the proper results.

Why choose the Smart Mixer?

One of the best features of this mixer is the automatic sensor. This smart feature tells the machine when the contents of the bowl have changed resistance, meaning it is getting close to the finished time. You simply have to download the smart app to any modern Android or iOS device, such as phones, tablets, etc. This feature is especially helpful if there are children demanding your attention and distracting you. It can also be of help if you are producing a large batch and need to work on more than one step at a time. It will bring out the inner baker or chef in you!

It is especially helpful that there are several attachments that come with it. There is a redesigned whisk that’s very effective, a spade for proper mixing, and a dough hook that will make getting through even the stickiest dough a breeze. It is all completely dishwasher-safe, except of course for the base itself! The unit features an easy lift and lock loading for these attachments, an improvement over the standard loading.

There is also an integrated scale for totally accurate measurements so there is no guessing or estimating. Another innovative feature is the guided recipes that interface with it to help you as you go along. This includes measuring and timing so that your results equal the results found in their kitchens. This takes away a lot of the stress that novice bakers feel when trying to produce professional results in their home kitchens, thereby helping them to become better chefs or bakers.

The GE Profile Smart Mixer is now available from Crate & Barrel and retails for $999. It’s important to note that, since the product went up for pre-order in December, interest has been high. This means you might have to wait for a couple of weeks before your order will be fulfilled. To learn more about the product you can head to the company’s website.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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