Home Blog Page 496

Google officially owns Fitbit

Andrew Allen
-
0

Back in 2019 Google and Fitbit announced plans to have the fitness company join Google’s tech family. The deal was agreed for a $2.1 billion dollar sale of Fitbit and its portfolio. Today, more than a year later, that is finally a reality. Google is now the owner of Fitbit.

Both Google Senior Vice President Rick Osterloh and Fitbit co-founder James Park made statements this morning. This gives Google a much-needed boost in wearables. Android Wear has struggled to find a foothold in the market and Fitbit brings a decade of brand recognition as well as 29 million active users.

Osterloh has also reiterated in his blog post that Fitbit’s user data and privacy are top priorities. Part of the agreement includes that health data and wellness history can’t be used by Google ads or be held on the same servers as ad data. Fitbit’s history of data must remain completely separate.

Each exec voiced a continued commitment to existing APIs and Fitbit’s strong history with 3rd party wellness apps. Park notes that Fitbit will move forward as an independent presence in fitness “putting your health and wellness at the center of everything we do and to offering a no-one-size-fits-all approach with choices that work across both Android and iOS.”

This move seems to be good for both parties but will be interesting to see how this plays out in the future. Google has a history of not really being successful in takeovers with the likes of Nest becoming somewhat stagnant. Despite this, Fitbit has already seen Google Assistant added in a recent update and is light years ahead in users and polish when compared to Android Wear.

Google needs Fitbit to have the brand to compete with Apple in wearables. Fitbit needed Google’s scale to continue to survive. This deal makes sense on paper and I hope it results in a great marriage for consumers.

Alarm.com offers up new touchless video doorbell and LTE sensor

AndroidGuys
-
0

Alarm.com has released its first video doorbell that rings without requiring any physical contact. Designed to reduce public health risks and keep homes safer for everyone, the Touchless Video Doorbell is activated when someone stands on a doormat.

As an integrated component in the growing Alarm.com ecosystem, the Touchless Video Doorbell can also automatically trigger other device activity through user-defined rules. For example, you can set it so that lights turn on when the doorbell detects a person. Speaking of which, the doorbell system is able to differentiate between animals, packages, and people.

Touchless Video Doorbell Features:

  • 150° vertical field of view that gives homeowners a full head-to-toe image of visitors and clear look at packages left on the doorstep
  • Optimized portrait viewing on mobile so there’s no need to rotate the mobile device
  • Full HD resolution, HDR, and infrared night vision
  • Onboard heater for low temperature operation
  • Live video and saved clip viewing using the Alarm.com mobile app or website

Flex IO Sensor

Alarm.com is also announcing its first cellular sensor with essentially zero range limitation for monitoring valuable property. Called the Flex IO, it’s a battery-powered and weatherproof device that connects to LTE networks for coverage.

The sensor can work on its own or be tied into an Alarm.com system; it can be set up in a matter of moments. Examples of possible usage cases include doors, gates, sheds, barns, detached garages, guest houses, storage units, and other access points.

AirPop announces Active+, the world’s first ‘smart Air Wearable’

AndroidGuys
-
0

Given that masks were a key part of our lives over the last year, it makes sense that various tech companies would tackle the space for 2021. Indeed, that is the case as AirPop this week announced its Active+ Smart Mask.

Essentially a mask with an app, the Active+ comes with replaceable, disposable filters designed to block 99% of particulate matter, including dust, allergens, and microbial particles. Using a built-in Halo sensor, the app will notify wearers when it is time to replace the filters.

The Active+ is washable, has is built with a medical-grade soft touch membrane with a 360 degree seal. A 3D dome structure not only makes for comfortable wearing, it helps keep the filter core off of the face. The app pulls in local air quality information so you can get a sense for the pollutants being blocked by the mask.

The AirPop Halo sensor isn’t just for keeping an eye on your filter; it can also work with the app to track metrics like breaths per minute, breaths per pace, and more.

The AirPop Active+ mask will retail for $149.99 when it goes on sale in January. Included in the box are four filters which should have a life expectancy of around 40 hours each.

HP reveals new Elite laptops, folios, and other gear

AndroidGuys
-
0

HP this week introduced a refreshed range of notebooks, folios, and other gadgets at the virtual event that is CES 2021. Among the new products are the Dragonfly Max, Dragonfly G2, Folio, and Wireless Earbuds, all of which fall under the Elite series.

Both the Elite Dragonfly G2 and HP Elite Dragonfly Max are convertible 2-in-1 notebooks with 13.3-inch displays. Each runs on the latest Intel 11th-gen Core processors with the new Intel Xe graphics and can be configured with up to 32GB RAM.

The Dragonfly Max will only be offered with a 1920 x 1080 display, but the Dragonfly G2 can be found in HD and 4K panels. The Dragonfly Max has a 5-megapixel webcam while the G2 has a 1.2-megapixel camera.

Both models will include 5G options, with support for both AT&T and T-Mobile networks in the US. Pricing and exact availability has not been revealed but we ought to expect them later this month.

The Elite Folio is a new convertible laptop with a 13.5-inch 1920 x 1080 display at 3:2 aspect ratio. Its design lets users pull the screen forward to rest between the keys and trackpad or lie flat for a more tablet-like usage.

Other features include a webcam with a 76-degree field of view and built-in privacy shutter, dual microphone array, and high-definition Bang & Olufsen speakers. The Elite Folio comes with a Slim Active Pen for markup, notes, and more. Pricing and availability is unclear at this point.

HP also introduced its Elite Wireless Earbuds which it says are “the world’s most advanced earbuds for a collaboration”. Details here include personalized audio tuning, adjustable noise cancellation, and presets for sound situations.

Designed with collaboration in mind, the earbuds seamlessly switch from a PC conference call to music on a phone using a dedicated app. Look for these in April.

To learn more about these products and others being revealed at CES, check out the landing page at HP’s website.

GE Lighting rebrands C by GE to Cync, expands portfolio

AndroidGuys
-
0

Savant Systems, who now owns GE Lighting, has started providing a look at what is in store for the smart lighting brand for 2021.

First things first, the weird C by GE branding is being left behind in favor of a new Cync name. The overall move will be a transition over a few months; the mobile app will get a rebrand in March.

Looking ahead, Cync will expand beyond lights and will ultimately cover a whole range of smart home gadgets, for both indoors and outdoors.

The first product, the Cync Outdoor Smart Plug, lets users remotely control two outlets using the mobile app or through voice such as Google Assistant. It’s the sort of outlet you’d use for holiday lights, pathway lights, fountains, and pools. Weather resistant, the plug includes support for both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Pricing has yet to be announced.

The Cync Indoor Camera promises more control over a user’s data and privacy than rival cameras. For instance, the privacy shutter covers the lens and mutes audio when you’d prefer not to capture any footage. Additionally, it will be possible to record footage to microSD cards in the event users may not be comfortable with using a cloud for storing video. Set to arrive in May, it’s not clear what price we might expect.

A new Cync Fan Speed Smart Switch expands the brand’s line of smart switches and allows for simple control of ceiling fans. With four speeds, scheduled on/off times, and the ability to control via app or voice assistant, it works without need of a hub. The Smart Switch is scheduled to launch in June.

Kohler kicks off 2021 with smart toilet, touchless faucet, and $16,000 bathtub

AndroidGuys
-
0

The coronavirus may have turned CES into a virtual event for 2021 but that doesn’t mean that companies are sitting on the sidelines. Indeed, many are still introducing new products and showcasing things to come over the coming year.

Kohler this week offered up a sneak peek for some of its newest product, including a host of new smart products for the bathroom and kitchen. Among them are a $16,000 bathtub, a touchless bathroom faucet, and smart toilets.

Kohler will have its own digital Kohler@Home event on February 2-3 where it is expected to showcase some 80 products and innovations.

Stillness Bath

With pricing that reportedly ranges from $6,100-$16,000, the tub starts by filling up from the bottom  and then overflows into the Hinoki wood moat to create a soothing sound.

A full spectrum of lighting wraps the bath and helps create the mood, while fog then envelopes the surface bath. Essential oils can be added to the experience tower which emit “invigorating aromas to stimulate the senses and promote focus”.

The Stillness Bath is expected to arrive in 2021.

Innate Intelligent Toilet

The Innate isn’t smart in the ways one might expect; it doesn’t tie to your phone or work with Google Home, but it’s got some intelligence under the hood — or is it tank?  The toilet features a heated seat, automatic opening and closing, intuitive remote, and a bidet function. Look for it to arrive later this summer for about $3,100.

Touchless Residential Bathroom Faucet

The touchless bathroom faucet arrives not a moment too soon, providing users with hands-free activation for washing hands, brushing teeth, and other tasks. Offered in two models, one has a built-in sensor while the other is activated by a remote puck.

Belkin debuts SOUNDFORM Freedom True Wireless Earbuds

AndroidGuys
-
0

Belkin this week introduced the SOUNDFORM Freedom True Wireless Earbuds as part of its CES 2021 product announcements. Set to arrive in March and April across Belkin and global retailers, they’ll be available in black and white options.

Per Belkin, these earbuds will offer up to eight hours of play time per charge. The carrying case, which can be charged wirelessly or via USB-C, provides another 20 hours of playback. According to Belkin, just 15 minutes on the charger will result in two additional hours of playback.

The Belkin earbuds are IPX5 rated against sweat and splashes and feature support for Apple’s Find My network. This means that the crowdsourced network can help users locate any lost or stolen earbuds.

  • Belkin signature sound features custom drivers that provide powerful bass and exceptional clarity while minimizing harmonic distortion
  • Up to 8 hours of battery life in each earbud with an additional 20 hours of battery life from the case
  • Apple Find My integration so you always know where your earbuds are
  • Advanced Environmental Noise Cancellation reduces call background noise
  • Improved call and audio quality with aptX low latency
  • Qi wireless charging makes staying powered easy

You can learn more about the earbuds at Belkin’s website where they are currently listed as “coming soon”. Pricing looks to be about $100 for the FREEDOM Freedom True Wireless Earbuds.

V-MODA unwraps M-200 ANC for 2021

AndroidGuys
-
0

Premium audio brand V-MODA has unveiled its newest headphones, the M-200 ANC, offering them up for immediate pre-order.

The V-MODA M-200 ANC are the company’s first Bluetooth headphones to feature active noise cancelling, and build on previous models in the portfolio. If you’ve ever seen a pair of its headphones, you’ll recognize the distinct, if not harsh, design aesthetic is present for the new unit.

Like others in the V-MODA lineup, the M-200 ANC can be custom designed with decorative shields and six color choices. Moreover, they can be laser engraved or color printed with a logo or design.

While soft to the touch with a 100% premium PU leather exterior, the M-200 ANC is also extremely durable thanks to a metal-build core and flexible headband.

The V-MODA M-200 ANC pair over Bluetooth 5.0 and provide up to 20 hours of wireless playback (with ANC on) per charge. According to V-MODA it should take about 10 minutes to add 90 minutes of playback.

Key Features

  • Driver Size: 40mm (Neodymium magnets with copper-clad aluminum wire coils)
  • Bluetooth Audio Codecs: Qualcomm aptX HD, AAC, SBC
  • Mobile App for customizing sound through different EQ profiles and to adjust noise
    cancelling level
  • Battery Life: 20 hours of wireless playback on one charge with ANC activated
  • Voice Assistants: Google Assistant or Siri
  • Frequency Response: 10 – 40,000Hz (Hi-Res Audio certified in wired mode) – able to
    reproduce the deepest bass to the same standard as the sharpest highs

Availability

You can learn more about the V-MODA M-200 ANC at the brand’s website where you can also place an order for your own pair. The headphones, which start at $499, come with an “Exoskeleton” carry case with a carabiner clip. Look for them to ship sometime in the first quarter of the year (Q1 2021).

Jabra Elite 85t picks up four new color options

AndroidGuys
-
0

Jabra hasn’t introduced any new products for the start of 2021 but that doesn’t mean it’s not doing altogether. Indeed, it has something minor up its sleeve for the virtual event that is CES 2021.

Its most recent earphones, the Elite 85t noise-canceling true-wireless earbuds, now come in four new color options. Set to hit retailers in the coming weeks, the earbuds will be offered in gold/beige, copper/black, black, and gray. These colors join the titanium/black version that launched back in October.

The Elite 85t typically sell for about $230, but have occasionally dropped to about $180 on Amazon and other retailers.

Key features for the Jabra Elite 85t:

  • Six microphones
  • Adjustable ANC
  • Dust and rain resistance (IPX4)
  • 25 hours battery life including case
  • Qi wireless charging for earbud case
  • 12mm speakers

Ampere expands its reach with hydro-powered Shower Power speaker

AndroidGuys
-
0

After starting out with products centered around mobile and wireless charging, Ampere has begun stretching its arms a bit. Its new Shower Power speaker, set to ship in the first quarter of the year (Q1 2021), is a Bluetooth speaker designed specifically for the bathroom.

The Shower Power promises to fit all showerheads and will be powered by the water that passes through it. In essence, it will have a continuous battery life and will not need to be removed for charging.

The Shower Power is constructed from 100% recycled ocean plastic so it’s not only cool tech, but environmentally conscious, too.

The speaker automatically turns on when the water is turned on and stores enough power to keep playing after your shower is over too. With the water running, Shower Power always generates enough power to play and charge the battery at the same time. With a fully charged battery, Shower Power boasts over 20 hours of listening time with the shower off.

The Shower Power was the fourth successful Kickstarter campaign from the Ampere brand, raising some $224,000 on the crowdfunding site.

This week, Ampere also announced that it will release an LED light version called the  Shower Power Shine. The speaker will provide a light show to the shower speaker, even synchronizing with the audio.

The Shower Power speaker will start at $99.95 when it begins shipping later this quarter.

1...495496497...1,316Page 496 of 1,316