Tag Archives: light

Making Smart Homes Accessible: The Magic of the Lotus Ring

February 5, 2025Accessibility, CES 2025, Gadgetsaccessibility, ces2025, gadgets, light, ring, wearablePLUGHITZ Live

In an age where technology increasingly permeates our daily lives, the quest for accessibility has become paramount, particularly for individuals with physical disabilities. The recent introduction of the Lotus Ring, showcased at CES, epitomizes this movement by offering a revolutionary solution for controlling smart home devices without the need for internet connectivity. This innovation not only enhances the quality of life for users but also challenges the conventional paradigms of smart home technology.

Accessible Smart Home Control: A New Era of Independence Without Internet

The Lotus Ring is designed specifically for individuals with physical disabilities, allowing them to control various objects in their homes simply by pointing. Unlike traditional smart home systems that often rely on voice commands via devices like Alexa or Google Home, the Lotus Ring operates entirely offline. This distinctive feature eliminates the need for apps, rewiring, or a constant internet connection, making it an accessible option for a wider audience.

The operational simplicity of the Lotus Ring is one of its most compelling aspects. Users wear the ring on their pointer finger, which is equipped with a small button that activates a mechanism to control devices. To demonstrate its functionality, the presenter in the podcast explains a straightforward three-step process: first, the user dons the ring; second, they attach a small device magnetically to an existing wall switch; and third, they can point and click to operate the switch. This process transforms any standard wall switch into a smart control point, enabling users to manage their home environment effortlessly.

Designed for Simplicity and Mobility

The design of the Lotus Ring addresses a significant barrier faced by many smart home technologies: the need for extensive setup and compatibility checks. Traditional systems often require users to navigate complex pairing processes, which can be daunting for those with limited mobility or technical expertise. In contrast, the Lotus Ring requires no such pairing. This means that an apartment building with multiple residents can utilize the same technology without interference or the need for individual configurations, fostering an inclusive environment.

Moreover, the portability of the Lotus Ring adds another layer of convenience. Users can easily transport the device from one location to another, such as from their home to a hotel or Airbnb, without losing access to their smart home capabilities. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals who travel frequently or live in rental properties where permanent modifications to the home environment are not feasible.

The Lotus Ring’s approach to smart home control exemplifies a shift towards more inclusive technology. By prioritizing accessibility and ease of use, it empowers individuals with disabilities to take control of their living spaces without relying on complex systems that can often be exclusionary. This innovation not only enhances independence but also promotes a sense of agency, allowing users to engage with their environment on their own terms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Lotus Ring represents a significant advancement in the realm of accessible smart home technology. By eliminating the need for internet connectivity and complex setups, it opens the door for individuals with physical disabilities to enjoy the benefits of a smart home. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial that we prioritize inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that everyone can participate in and benefit from the conveniences of modern living. The Lotus Ring is a testament to this vision, providing a glimpse into a future where smart home control is truly within everyone’s reach.

Interview by Marlo Anderson of The Tech Ranch.

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Tewke’s Tap Light Switch Brings Energy Efficiency and Home Automation

February 5, 2025CES 2025, Gadgets, Homeces2025, connected home, gadgets, home, home automation, light, power, smarthomePLUGHITZ Live

In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, the concept of home automation has gained significant traction. One of the most fundamental yet often overlooked components of this transformation is the light switch. Traditionally, light switches have served a simple purpose: to turn lights on and off. However, with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced sensor technology, companies like Tewke are redefining what a light switch can do, paving the way for smarter, more efficient homes.

The Concept of the Smart Light Switch

The smart light switch, as envisioned by Tewke, is not merely a device for controlling lighting; it is a comprehensive home automation hub. The company’s flagship product, Tap, exemplifies this vision. Tap is a full touchscreen light switch that replaces traditional switches and integrates seamlessly with existing electrical systems. Unlike conventional switches, Tap features a beautiful OLED screen that provides users with an interactive experience. This innovation allows homeowners to control not only their lighting but also other aspects of their home environment, such as temperature and air quality.

Harnessing AI for Energy Management

One of the most compelling features of Tewke’s Tap is its ability to optimize energy consumption through AI automation. By utilizing advanced algorithms and data from multiple sensors, Tap can learn user behaviors and preferences, making real-time adjustments to improve energy efficiency. For instance, the device can automatically turn off lights in unoccupied rooms or adjust heating settings when no one is home. Such capabilities are not only convenient but also contribute to significant energy savings. Reports from the UK indicate that users can save nearly 50% on their energy consumption simply by allowing Tap to manage their home environment.

Tap goes beyond basic lighting control by incorporating a suite of sensors that monitor various environmental factors. These include Doppler radar for presence detection, microphones for voice commands, temperature sensors, and volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors. By analyzing this data, Tap can provide insights into the overall health of the home environment. For example, if elevated VOC levels are detected, the device can suggest practical actions, such as opening a window or using an exhaust fan. This proactive approach to home management empowers users to maintain a healthier living space without needing to sift through complex data.

User-Centric Design and Accessibility

The design philosophy behind Tap emphasizes user experience and accessibility. The touchscreen interface allows for intuitive interaction, making it easy for anyone in the household to engage with the device. Moreover, Tewke is exploring subscription models that would enable continuous software updates, ensuring that users benefit from new features and improvements over time. This approach not only enhances the longevity of the product but also fosters a sense of community among users who can share insights and experiences.

Addressing Practical Concerns

While the technological advancements presented by Tap are impressive, practical considerations also play a crucial role in its adoption. The initial cost of approximately $300 per unit may be a barrier for some consumers. However, the potential for long-term savings on energy bills and the convenience of enhanced home automation may justify the investment. Additionally, Tewke is developing more affordable versions of its product, such as capacitive touch modules without screens, to cater to various needs and budgets.

Conclusion

The reinvention of the light switch through AI technology represents a significant leap forward in home automation. By transforming a simple device into a smart home hub, companies like Tewke are not only enhancing user experience but also promoting energy efficiency and environmental health. As the demand for smart home solutions continues to grow, the integration of AI in everyday devices like light switches will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our living spaces. The journey toward smarter homes has just begun, and innovations like Tap are leading the way.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Blacklyte: From home decor to smart gaming accessories @ CES 2024

February 21, 2024CES 2024, Gadgets, Toys & Gamingces2024, chair, desk, gadgets, gaming, led, lightPLUGHITZ Live

Blacklyte gaming chairs and desks Blacklyte, a brand that initially started as a home decor company, has broadened its product line to include gaming peripherals such as gaming desks, gaming chairs, and lighting. The company stands out from traditional furniture companies by developing its own software and algorithms to interpret in-game data, synchronize it, and convert it into light signals displayed on the desk.

Smart gaming desk with customizable lighting

The Blacklyte Atlas Desk is versatile, catering to various uses including gaming competitions, education, streaming, music, and other forms of entertainment. The company’s experience in the home decor industry inspired the creation of this product. To cater to their specific needs, Blacklyte designed their table from scratch. After a year and a half of testing, they developed a patented layered sandwich design that maximizes strength, lightweight, and magnetic capabilities. The table is magnetizable, allowing for easy attachment of accessories, extendables, cable management, and corner lights.

As they developed their products, they encountered challenges with synchronizing games and music with traditional LED lights. This led them to devise algorithms that go beyond merely reacting to voice commands. They analyzed games and created a graphic algorithm to read and interpret game data, which is then translated into lighting effects on the desk.

A unique aspect of Blacklyte’s Atlas Desk is its software, which reads the game being played and interacts with the lights accordingly. While the company keeps the details of their algorithms confidential, they have collaborated with pro gamers and universities to test and refine their product. Feedback and customization suggestions from these testers have helped Blacklyte optimize the lighting effects. They have also worked with psychology majors from the University of Toronto to design lighting that enhances performance and improves daily use. For instance, the desk can be set to a morning mode with energizing blue hues to wake up the user or a rest mode with warmer tones to facilitate sleep.

Light therapy for various applications

Ambient lighting in airplanes changes to help passengers sleep or wake up. This concept is similar to how the Atlas Desk by Blacklyte uses light therapy to create different moods and enhance the gaming experience. The company is working with psychologists to extend their system of light therapy for to increase a player’s abilities, both in-game and in the real world.

The importance of light and color in our everyday lives, affecting our mood and energy levels, is a key focus of Blacklyte’s Atlas Desk. It takes the concept of sunrise alarm clocks a step further by integrating light cues into the workspace. This customizable lighting can serve as a gentle reminder to adjust one’s activities and help maintain a healthy sleep schedule.

In conclusion, Blacklyte’s Atlas Desk offers a unique and customizable lighting experience for gamers and other entertainment enthusiasts. By developing their own software and algorithms, the company has created a desk that syncs with games, music, and other forms of entertainment. The desk’s design, including its layered sandwich construction and magnetic capabilities, adds functionality and customization options.

With the collaboration of pro gamers and psychology experts, Blacklyte has optimized the lighting effects to enhance performance and daily use. This innovative product demonstrates the potential of integrating technology and design to create a more immersive and personalized gaming experience.

The Blacklyte Atlas Desk is not yet available, but is coming soon. The desk will retail for $1,099 and will be available from the company’s website, as well as their retail partners. To learn more about the Blacklyte Atlas Desk or any of their other products, check out their website.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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Neewer illuminates content creation with lighting and sound @ CES 2024

January 29, 2024Audio, CES 2024, Photography, Videoces2024, gadgets, led, light, microphone, podcasting, youtubePLUGHITZ Live

Neewer lighting and audio equipment Cost-effective lighting and audio equipment are essential for content creation, be it for YouTube streaming, podcasting, or other types of media production. Brandon Wolfe, the director of public relations for Neewer, shares the company’s commitment to offering budget-friendly lighting solutions. These products empower creators to display their skills and creativity to a global audience.

Affordable lighting gear

Neewer offers a range of lighting products that are not only affordable but also powerful enough for content creation. One notable feature of their lights is their full RGB capability, which allows for a wide range of colors and lighting effects. Additionally, these lights have both hot and cold options, providing flexibility for different lighting needs. The lights also come with cold shoe mounts, allowing users to easily snap them together to create a larger lighting setup.

What sets Neewer apart is its innovative approach to lighting. They have designed their lights to be modular, similar to Lego blocks, enabling users to build and customize their lighting grids according to their specific requirements. This flexibility is especially useful in situations where the lighting conditions are challenging or when more powerful lighting is needed.

Furthermore, Neewer has also taken into consideration the convenience of its users. For instance, their small stick lights are not only mountable but also magnetic, allowing them to be easily attached to metal surfaces. This feature makes them ideal for on-the-go situations, as they can be separated and stored in pockets when not in use.

New audio equipment for creators

In addition to lighting gear, Neewer has also ventured into the audio department with their new Lavalier microphones. The dual microphone set offers two mics with standard and magnetic clips, allowing you to attach them to any clothing. They each offer the ability to connect a wired microphone to them, allowing for a more versatile experience.

The receiver can connect to nearly any device in a variety of ways. It can connect to a phone via USB-C or Lightning, or to a camera using the line-out connection. Being able to swap the receiver between devices with ease means being able to use it for different styles and scales of production. You can also monitor the receiver with headphones.

As with other mics in this category, Neewer is working on accessories to allow you to repurpose the mics. For example, other products in the category offer the ability to turn it into a handheld microphone. These products are not yet on the market, but are in development.

These microphones have received positive feedback from reviewers and influencers for their exceptional performance. Despite their high quality, Neewer has managed to keep the price point of these microphones at an affordable $129, which is significantly lower than competing brands in the market.

The affordability of Neewer’s lighting and audio gear is a significant differentiator for the company. While other brands may offer similar products, they often come with a much higher price tag. Neewer aims to eliminate the barrier of entry for creators by providing high-quality gear at an accessible price point. They believe that showcasing one’s talents should not be limited by the size of their wallet.

Conclusion: Neewer helps creators with affordable lighting and audio gear

In conclusion, affordable lighting and audio gear, such as those offered by Neewer, are essential tools for content creators. These products not only provide the necessary illumination and sound quality but also offer flexibility, convenience, and affordability. Neewer’s commitment to offering high-quality gear at accessible prices allows creators to focus on their craft without worrying about breaking the bank. With Neewer’s lighting and audio solutions, creators can confidently showcase their talents and creativity to the world.

The lighting products shown range from $26 to $200 and the CM28 microphone costs $129. To pick up your own Neewer products, head to their website or Amazon store.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Monster Smart Illuminessence is bringing color to light @ CES 2022

February 11, 2022CES 2022, Gadgets, Homeces2022, gadgets, illuminessence, led, light, monsterPLUGHITZ Live

Monster Smart Illuminessence home lighting It’s no secret that the world is getting brighter and more color, thanks in part to companies like Xtreme Cables and the Monster Smart Illumenessence line of LED products. Unline most major rands, the Illuminessence product line is designed to be fun, durable, and inexpensive. In fact, when compared against other major brands. the Illuminessence products regularly come in under their competitors. Plus, the lineup has a number of unique products and partnerships.

Individual LED pixels

All of the new products coming out in the Monster Smart Illuminessence are designed with individual LED pixels. This means that, unlike most LED products that can only produce a single color across the entire body, the new products can target each LED with its own color. This OC-controlled LED design means that advanced patterns, similar to what can be found on the Prism and Digit, are now possible across the Illuminessence family.

New Products

Neon Flux+

The Neon Flux+ is an upgrade to the previous Neon light strip. The original Neon is unique because it has a diffuser along its body making it so that you cannot see the individual LED pixels. Instead, it appears as one single light strip. With the new Neon Flux+, you get all of the benefits of the Neon with two big additions: memory wire and individual LED pixels.

The memory wire gives you the ability to use the strip to create all kinds of things, from a Christmas tree to writing. The concept was born when Jennifer Garrett, the Director of Design, tried to write something on her wall with an original Neon. The experience wasn’t ideal because it required a ton of individual holes to spell out “Design.” She wanted a better experience, and so was born the Neon Flux+.

Bistro Lights

The Bistro Lights are designed to be used outdoors. In the summer, they can be used as lighting around your pool or patio, while during the holidays, can be turned into your Christmas lights without having to take them down and put them up. Like all of the new items, each light can be controlled independently, giving you the ability to create some truly spectacular party effects.

Razer Chroma integration

This is, by far, the most exciting addition to the ecosystem for the year. The Monster Smart app is coming to PC, and it will work in conjunction with the Razer Chroma system. With this integration, you’ll be able to extend your gaming and entertainment experience beyond your screen. All of the Smart Illuminessence products will be compatible with the system, allowing you to even extend the lighting into other rooms.

The most exciting ability, of course, is the option to map out your lighting so that the colors on your screen can be mirrored externally. In the example in the booth, Jennifer was showing a Prism, Light Bar, and Arc all working together to replicate the colors from the screen onto the wall and desk.

Summary

Many of the Monster Smart Illuminessence products are available now, with more coming this year. The Monster Smart desktop app with Razer Chroma support is expected to launch in May 2022. To learn more about the products or purchase one for yourself, you can head to the company’s website or to Walmart.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Kawantech is moving smart technology to the streets @ CES 2021

February 24, 2021CES 2021, Gadgetsces2021, connected city, gadgets, lightPLUGHITZ Live

Kawantech smart public lighting We live in a world of “Smart” everything. Smartphones put the world in our hands. Smartwatches put an entire computer on our wrists. Smart cars can direct, park and even drive us. We have even done interviews for companies that have come up with smart clothing. And although we here at PLUGHITZ love it all (ok, most of it), it’s getting to the point where new ideas for smart technology are beginning to get mocked and seen as a bit of an overreach by some. So, we have probably hit that point where there’s really nothing else to smarten up, right? Well… No. Some engineers are actually so insightful that they are able to see amazing potential in even the most common items. And Kawantech is one of the companies that share in this ingenuity.

In fact, they are a company that has been created by skilled entrepreneurs that have experience in connected vehicles and infrastructure. And while we are all aware of the strides that have been made in automobile electronics and technology, most people don’t even think about making the actual infrastructure smart. But Kawantech believes that cities actually need digital infrastructure, as well. This will help to get a whole new generation of public services that are based around mobility. A modern city with new technologies can bring added safety and also improve daily life. But creating all new components to add to the current infrastructure would be cumbersome, costly, and possibly bad for the environment. But what they have created is actually a great idea that, in concept, will save money, resources, and even lives.

Their concept is smart public lighting, specifically streetlights. By adding a brain (KARA) inside of streetlights, cities will have the ability to regulate energy, keep the streets safer and even help to alleviate traffic jams. What a great idea! Taking an existing, and useful, object and modifying it to be even more useful. Their concept adds sensors that can be enabled to do things like monitor and report traffic conditions to existing map apps that will add another layer to help commuters better navigate their routes. And uses/features can continue to be upgraded as time goes on and be better adapted to the needs of the users. As for the light itself, it is engineered to be extremely energy efficient. For starters, they will only light up when needed. They will also have the ability to be brighter on the sidewalks and crosswalks than in the streets, to make sure that pedestrians are always well lit and can easily be seen by drivers. Overall, this will allow for energy savings of up to 70% for the cities while keeping the citizens safer and happier.

To find out more, make sure to watch the full interview and visit the Kawantech website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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CL360 is a bright lighting idea for 360 photos and videos @ CES 2021

February 5, 2021Camera, Cameras, CES 2021, Gadgetscameras, ces2021, gadgets, lightPLUGHITZ Live

CL360 Camera Light One of the growing trends in digital photography and videography is 360. There are a lot of ways to take advantage of this medium, but it also produces a number of unique challenges. The biggest issue has been in lighting. You can’t set up a whole big room or yard full of lighting in order to light your photos correctly, so what do you do? The CL360 Camera Light is the solution to this problem.

If you have used a 360 camera, you know that they generally sit on a tripod or monopod. They then produce their 360 photos or videos, editing out the very bottom of the frame, thus eliminating the majority of the mounting hardware. That is exactly where the CL360 Camera Light finds itself – under the camera. It takes its place between the camera and the mounting solution and produces a very bright wash light in all directions. It can be used as an always-on solution for video, or as a flash for still photos.

The idea here, of course, is to make the quality of your projects better. There is nothing worse than a photo or video that is too dark to be seen. It is even worse when the media is being used in a professional or production setting. For example, anyone who has looked to purchase a house has seen a 360 photo of the rooms in the home that are absolutely dreadful. Besides being placed in the wrong positions, which can only be fixed by training, they are also dark. It makes sense since the houses usually have no power, but adding proper lighting can make the experience better. The same holds true when looking at videos in VR that are produced in a darker environment, such as outside at night.

The CL360 Camera Light is currently in final testing and is hoped to be on the market by mid 2021. For more information and to get updates on production, check out the company website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Monster Smart Illuminessence brings the color to your home @ CES 2021

January 27, 2021Accessories, CES 2021, Gadgets, Homeces2021, gadgets, led, light, monsterPLUGHITZ Live

Monster Smart Illuminessence LED decoration One of the companies that have been a consistent guest for us at CES has been Monster. We’ve talked about headphones, earbuds, speakers, and more. Last year, we had the opportunity to speak about one of the newer additions to the Monster family – Monster Smart Illuminessence. This new line of LED products has become incredibly popular, with Jennifer Garrett’s reveal of the products being our top viewed interview of 2020. So, of course, we had to have her back to show us what’s new for 2021.

In the totally new category, Monster Smart Illuminessence has a couple of really cool products. First, we’ve got The V – a clear acrylic tent with fully controllable LEDs embedded. It is able to do all of the cool swirling animations of its bigger cousins, Prism and Digit. It will come in a pack of six with a charging base. Because it is acrylic, you can use it to write on with dry-erase markers for place settings, table decorations, and more.

Next is the Arc, another device featuring the swirling LED animation capabilities. The Arc, however, is designed to be a combination lamp and headphone stand. It also includes a 10-watt Qi-certified wireless charger. In addition to the multicolor LED capability, the Arc is able to be used in warm white and reading light modes, making it a great companion for a nightstand or desk. Following along is the Studio, a ring light with similar capabilities to the Arc. It will also add the ability to be used as a clock.

2021 will also see upgrades to some of the existing product lines. Jennifer showed us a Midnight Edition of both the Digit and Prism. These devices look and function like their original counterparts, but with a dark body. The darker body mutes the lighting to an extent, but also allows it to fit into a mare natural or darker environment than the current white body.

The biggest upgrade comes to the Neon, which is an indoor/outdoor LED strip with a diffuser. The current version of the Neon can do a single color at a time but the second edition, dubbed the Neon Flow, will implement the same kind of animation as the other products in the lineup.

The company is hoping to launch these products in the Summer of 2021. For more information on the current Monster Smart Illuminessence product line and follow the journey of future products, check out their website, and for help with setting up these products, check out our How To videos.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Wakka Wakka: Solar Power and Emergency Lighting When Needed

January 14, 2014CES 2014, Gadgets2014, CES, charger, light, solar, wakka wakkaJeffrey Powers

Solar powered chargers and lights are not new, but when you do something valuable and helpful — that gets you noticed. That is what I liked about Wakka Wakka: the company is making solar products that help you along with helping people in 3rd world countries get power as well.

Wakka Wakka has on one end a solar panel that can charge the battery inside and give you over 40 hours of light. It can also charge devices if you need emergency power.

The device charges within 8 hours itself and is a perfect item for you boat, house or anywhere you need emergency power. The stand has a hole in it so you can set the charger on a bottle. That way you lift it off the window sill and get the solar device powered even faster.

Wakka Wakka also is helping in 3rd world countries that do not have a standard power grid. By powering these devices in the sun, they can charge their systems to make the day go faster. They also have lights for nighttime travel.

Best part is they are developing a full home emergency kit. The device is not released yet — you’ll have to watch the video for more information. In the meantime, go to www.getwakawaka.com for product lines.

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Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine

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Fitness Technology Underwater Mini Cameras, Lights at 3,000 Lumens

February 21, 2012CES 2012, Gadgets3000 lumens, camera, CES, fitness technologies, lightJeffrey Powers

Fitness Technologies has been making waterproof MP3 players since 1996. This year, Fitness Technologies introduced a new line of waterproof video cameras designed for rugged outdoor use.

The first is a helmet-mountable cameras and lamps – up to 3,000 lumens. That is a bright light, no different than a headlight. The light has an interesting look, because they contain a heat-sink to keep the light’s heat down.

Fitness Technologies have mini cameras that fit into a waterproof case.

FitnesstechUSA cameras retail for $200 to $250 and are available now.

You can see all three cameras in the video below, plus you can get a look at a pair of tiny waterproof MP3 player and a new line of diving flashlights. You can find more about these and other products by visiting Fitness Tech USA.

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine and Andy Smith of Geocaching World

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