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Holiday Tech 2017
     -- Smart Home for the Holidays

    by Douglas Dixon


Contents


Top


Smart Home - Home Automation


  • "Smart Home" - Smart Devices
    • Home Automation & Security
    • Consumer Electronics evolution - Living Room Set-top -> Portable Devices -> Smart Home Devices
  • Control and Automation of Home Devices
    • Convenience / Comfort - Lighting, heating (smart thermostats), ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC)
      • Randomize lighting while away
      • Monitor energy consumption
    • Entertainment - Smart TVs, speakers
    • Appliances - Washer/dryers, ovens or refrigerators/freezers
    • Security / Monitoring - Cameras & Sensors - leak / smoke detectors, pet care
  • Individual devices / Internet of Things (IoT)
    • Integrated -with portable devices and each other
    • Not locked in - Mix and match - Manufacturers or protocols
    • Actions - IFTTT - IF This Then That
      • Actions based on simple conditional statements (applets)
      • Applet = Services - that have Triggers ("This") and Actions ("That")
      • https://ifttt.com/
  • Issues
    • Security - Open to the Internet, weak security from vendor and consumer
    • Privacy - Monitoring in your home
    • Obsolescence - Proprietary, lock in to ecosystem
      • Market changes, standards changes, "Abandonware"
  • vs. Traditional "Home Automation"
    • Central hub ("gateway") - connected to switches and sensors
    • Controlled from wall panel, mobile apps, Web interface
    • Communicate locally with Wi-Fi, also Internet cloud services
    • Communications protocols-- Proprietary and incompatible

Amazon - Smart Home - Alexa Voice Control


Apple - HomeKit Platform


    HomeKit-enabled accessories: Alarms & Sensors, Heating & Cooling, Lights & Switches, Video Cameras + Apple TV


Google - Nest - "Thoughtful Home"

  • "Creating the thoughtful home:
    A home that takes care of the people inside it and the world around it."
  • "Simple, human, delightful things"
  • https://nest.com/

Nest Learning Thermostat - $249

    • Temperature, weather,  time; Energy saving home vs. away

Smoke + CO Alarm - $119

  • Voice + alarm, phone alerts, light - turn down thermostat if fire, capture video

Cameras (indoor / outdoor) - $119 - $349

  • Cloud video analysis
  • Nest Aware - Familiar face alerts

Video Doorbell (2018)

    • Ring or detect

Nest Secure Alarm System - $499

    • Nest Guard - Alarm / keypad / motion sensor (Remind Me on departure to arm from phone)
    • Nest Detect - Door/window/room sensor (motion, open/close), night light
    • Nest Tag - Arm & disarm (dog walker)
    • Nest app - Security alert, video (with cam)
    • Cellular backup - $5 a month
  • Works with Nest - Google Home, Wemo, Philips Hue lights, Chamberlain garage door

Find the Nest Learning Thermostat on Amazon.com

 


Belkin - WeMo - Home Automation

  • "The simple way to a smarter home."
  • "Control your lights appliances, or a whole room
    from your couch, coffee shop, or the Caribbean."
  • http://www.wemo.com/

 

 

 

 

Wemo Mini Smart Plug - $29

Wemo Insight Smart Plug - $49 - Monitor energy usage

Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Light Switch - $39

Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Dimmer - $79

NetCam HD+ Wi-Fi Camera - Night Vision - $99

Find the Wemo Smart Dimmer on Amazon.com


TP-Link - Smart Home

  • Smart Home - Smart Plugs, Switches, Bulbs, Cameras
  • Networking - Routers, Switches, Adapters
  • Accessories - USB, etc.
  • http://www.tp-link.com/us/

  • Control From Anywhere
  • Kaza app - Control with mobile devices (iOS, Android)
    • Monitor, control, schedule, group
  • Voice Control – Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
  • No Hub Required - Uses home Wi-Fi

 

 

TP-Link Wi-Fi Smart Plug - $29

Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini - $34

Smart Wi-Fi Plug with Energy Monitoring - $34

  • Analyze real-time and historical power consumption

Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch - $39

Find the TP-Link Smart Plug Mini on Amazon.com

 

 

TP-Link Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb with Dimmable Light - $19, $24

  • Monitor power, save energy
  • Away Mode - Switch lights on/off at different times

Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb with Tunable White Light - $34

  • Adjust - Soft white (2700k) to daylight (6500k)
  • Circadian Mode – Automatically matches light appearance to time of day

Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb with Color Changing Hue - $44, $49

Find the TP-Link Smart Bulb Color on Amazon.com

Top

 


Smart Cameras - Home Security


  • Live Streaming - Continuous
  • Motion Detection - Passive IR, video motion, sound ; Sensor sensitivity, zones; Schedules
  • Alerts - Text / app notifications
  • Video - SD, 720p / 108p HD
  • Audio - One-way mic, Two-way speaker
  • Storage - Local (SD card), Cloud servers
  • Access - Local network, Cloud storage, Web access to camera
  • Low-Light - LED illuminator, Night vision sensor
  • Sensors - Temperature
  • App - Live monitor, Manage / download recordings


    Blink Customer Videos


Blink for Home - Wireless Home Security Camera

 

 

Blink - Indoor Camera - $99

  • Low-Light Illumination - LED illuminator
  • ~ 2 3/4 x 1 1/3 in (70.8 x 30 mm)
  • 1 Camera w/ Sync Module $99, 2 Cams $169 ...

Blink XT - Indoor / Outdoor Camera - $129

  • Weatherproof, IR night vision
  • ~ 2 3/4 x 1 1/3 in (71 mm x 34 mm)
  • 1 Camera system $129, 2 Cams $229 ...

Find the Blink Camera on Amazon.com

  • Live View - Streaming through Blink app - Up to 30 secs. - then continue
  • Motion Detection - Triggers video recording - 5 to 60 sec clips
    • Instant Alerts - Push notification w/ video link
    • Manually arm, or auto-arm on schedule, adjust sensitivity
    • PIR sensor - Passive infrared - Temperature in motion (not through glass)
  • 720p HD Video
    • One-way microphone - Listen live, record with video
  • Video recorded to Blink's secure servers - Can download and save
    • Free - Up to 7,200 total secs (1,440 5-sec events)
    • Clips 5 to 60 secs. - 750 KB / 5 secs
  • Temperature Sensor - Built-in monitoring
  • Sync Module required - Up to 10 cameras - up to 100 ft. away
  • Blink App - Live View, Manage / download recordings
    • Multi-System - Control multiple Blinks from app
  • Privacy Assurance - Hardware LED indicator when recording
  • Batteries - 2 AA Lithium - Last 2 years (4,000 5-sec events per year)
  • Voice Control with Amazon Alexa - Arm, disarm, system information

Blink Home Security - Coming

  • Smart Entry Keypad - Arm and disarm
  • Water sensors / Entry sensors
  • Siren - 105 decibels - Manual, or motion
  • 4G Cellular & Battery Back-up
  • Local 911 Alert / Multi-tier User Accounts / PIR & Advanced Cloud Based Motion Analytics
  • No Per Camera Fee - $9.99 / month
  • 24 x 7 Third-Party professional monitoring - $19.99 / month

Ring - Video Doorbells and Security Cameras

  • Video Doorbell at your door, Stick Up Cams and Floodlight Cams
    • plus solar panels and chimes
  • 1 million lifetime customers, 3 billion motion alerts or doorbell ring
  • Stream live HD video and two-way audio straight to your smartphone, tablet and PC,
  • Watch over your home and answer the door from anywhere
  • Sends instant alerts when visitors press doorbell or trigger built-in motion sensors
  • Ring app - See, hear and speak to people on your property from anywhere
  • https://ring.com/

Ring Protect Plans - Required for video storage and access

  • Cloud Storage - Store videos to Ring account - for up to 60 days
  • Video Review - If you miss an alert, review your videos at anytime
  • Video Sharing - Share videos with friends, family or local law enforcement
  • Protect Basic - $3 per month or $30 per year - per Camera
    Protect Plus - $10 per month or $100 per year - unlimited Cameras
  • Protect Base Station - Ring Response 24/7 professional monitoring / Cellular Backup

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ring Video Doorbell - $179

  • 720HD video, 180 degrees, two-way talk with noise cancellation
  • Motion-activated alerts, Custom motion zones, Infrared night vision
  • Battery or connect to existing doorbell wiring
  • 4.98 x 2.43. x .87 in. (12.65 x 6.17 x 2.21 cm)

Ring Video Doorbell 2 - $199

  • 1080p HD wide-angle video, 160 degree field of view, two-way audio
  • Improved night vision
  • 180-degree horizontal IR motion detection angle ~ 4 ft from ground
  • Adjustable motion sensor zones - 5 pie slices - Set sensitivity
  • Removable, rechargeable battery pack (charged through micro-USB port)
  • 5.05 x 2.50 x 1.08 in. (12.83 x 6.35 x 2.74 cm)

Ring Video Doorbell Pro - $249

  • Slim design with advanced security - Requires existing hardwired doorbell
  • 1080HD video, two-way talk, Custom motion zones
  • Works with Amazon Alexa

Find the Ring Video Doorbell 2 on Amazon.com

Ring Video Doorbell Elite - $499

  • Profession - 1080HD video, power over Ethernet, flush design

Ring Stick Up Cam - $179

  • Wire-free and weather-resistant security camera. mounts to any surface
  • 720p HD video, 80 degree field of view, Two-way talk
  • Motion-activated alerts, adjustable motion sensors

Ring Spotlight Cam - start at $199

  • Variants: Wired, Battery, Solar, Mount
  • 1080 HD video, 80 degree field of view, Two-way talk
  • Custom motion zones, LED spotlights, siren

Ring Floodlight Cam HD - $249

  • Security camera with built-in floodlights, siren alarm, two-way talk

Google Nest Cameras

  • 1080p HD, all-glass lens, 130° wide-angle view
  • Motion and sound alerts, Talk and listen, 3-hour snapshot history
  • Works with Amazon Alexa
  • IQ - Video and audio analysis in cloud
    • Person alerts; Supersight: 4K sensor, HDR, Close-up tracking view
  • https://nest.com/

Nest Aware Service - Required for recording (beyond 3 hours)

  • Store video history - 10 to 30 days
  • Activity zones - Mark in frame
  • Intelligent video and alerts - Person seen and person talking
  • IQ - Familiar face alerts
  • Basic - $10 per month, $100 per year - 10-day video history
  • Extended - $30 per month, $300 per year - 30-day video history

 

Nest Cam Indoor - $199

Nest Cam Outdoor - $199 - Night vision

Nest Cam IQ indoor - $299

Nest Cam IQ outdoor - $349

Find the Nest Cam Indoor on Amazon.com


D-Link Wi-Fi Cameras

  • Motion detection intelligence and video storage in the camera
    • No required cloud storage, no monthly fees
  • Remote live view with zoom, Camera-based motion detection and alerts, Scheduled recording
  • Some: 1080p HD, 180 degree wide angle, Two-way audio, Motion & sound detection, Night vision
  • Products for home surveillance (cameras, video recorders, baby monitors),
    smart home (smart plugs, smart motion / water sensors, sirens), and networking
  • http://us.dlink.com/

 

Day & Night Wi-Fi Camera - $69

  • Wi-Fi Extender – Expand home’s wireless network
  • Motion & sound detection
  • Night vision to 16 ft

Full HD 180-Degree Wi-Fi Cameras - $139 - $159

  • 720p / 1080p HD, 180 degree wide angle

Pan & Tilt Wi-Fi Cameras - $99 - $149

Night vision16 to 26 ft, Two way audio, Sound/motion detection

HD Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera - $179

  • Weather-proof, night vision to 15 ft

Find the D-Link Day/Night Camera on Amazon.com

Top

 


Smart TV - Bridge Set-top to Online


Roku - Streaming TV & Media Player

  • Channels - Access 500,000 movie & TV episodes from 5,000+ streaming channels (some subscription)
    • Free and paid programming, broadcast channels, subscription services
    • Movies, Live TV and sports, Cable channels with original content, movies, TV shows
  • Free channels - Roku Channel, ABC, CW, PBS, CBSN, YouTube
  • Subscription channels - Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV, PlayStation Vue, WatchESPN, CBS All Access, HBO NOW, Starz, SHOWTIME
  • Cable and satellite (current subscription) - TV Everywhere - ABC, NBC, FOX NOW, Watch HGTV, USA NOW, HBO GO
  • Rent or buy channels - Amazon Video, Fandango Now, Google Play, VUDU
  • Music services - Pandora, Spotify, and Sirius XM
  • Roku Channel - Access all your favorite free content in one place
  • Roku Feed - Updates on content availability and price changes
  • Roku mobile app - Control and voice search, private listening
  • Cast - Display personal media to your TV
  • Screen Mirroring - for Android and Windows devices
  • https://www.roku.com/

 

Roku Express - HD streaming - $29

Roku Express+ - Composite - $39

  • Composite connection to older TVs

Roku Streaming Stick - Powerful & portable - $49

  • Adds voice search via Roku remote

Roku Streaming Stick+ - 4K HDR - $69

Roku Ultra - 4K HDR - $99

  • Adds Ethernet, microSD & USB storage expansion
  • Remote finder; Remote with jack for private listening

Find the Roku Ultra on Amazon.com


Apple TV

  • Brings home the magic of cinema with 4K and HDR
  • Four software platforms - iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS - provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices
  • https://www.apple.com/tv/

Apple TV 4K - HDR - $179 / $199 (32 / 64 GB)

Apple TV (4th gen) - $149 (32 GB)

  • Stream live - Sports (NBA, MLB) and news (Bloomberg, CNN)
  • Apple TV app - Browse content from over 60 video services
    • Content from iTunes and apps like Netflix, Hulu, ESPN
  • Siri Remote - Voice search by movie, show, genre, actor, song
  • Accessories - Game controllers, speakers, headphones
  • Photo Library - Show photos and videos
    • from iCloud Lib or shared albums
  • Apple Music - Play on your home theater
  • AirPlay - Visitors share photos, presentations, websites 
  • Home app - Control HomeKit accessories

Amazon - FireTV - Streaming Media Player

  • Play streaming content and live TV
  • Over 500,000 TV episodes and movies
    • from Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ
  • Tens of thousands of channels, apps, and Alexa skills
  • Voice control with Alexa Voice Remote, or pair with Echo device
  • https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Fire-TV-Family...

Fire TV Stick - $39

  • with Alexa Voice Remote- 3.4 x 1.2 x 0.5 in., 1.1 oz.

Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD - $69

  • and Remote- 2.6 x 0.6 in., 3.1 oz.
  • 4K Ultra HD, 60 fps, HDR ( High Dynamic Range), Dolby Atmos audio

Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD + HD Antenna - $74

Find the Fire TV Ultra on Amazon.com

  • Play streaming content
    • Access to Netflix, Hulu, HBO NOW, YouTube, Prime Video
    • Favorites and recommendations based on your viewing habits
    • Universal search - Suggestions from over 190 channels and apps
  • Live TV - Subscription services including Sling TV and DIRECTV NOW
    • Access ESPN, AMC, HGTV, Comedy Central, CNN
    • Free live, over-the-air HD broadcasts with an indoor HD antenna
  • Music - Pandora, Prime Music, and iHeartRadio,
  • Games - Hundreds of games from Mojang, EA, and Disney; Fitness apps
  • Prime membership - Thousands of movies and TV episodes
    • Ad-free listening to millions of songs with Prime Music
  • Alexa Voice Remote included - Voice control
    • Find movies by actor or genre, play party playlist, pause / fast forward content, launch apps
    • 10,000 Alexa skills including Uber, Domino's, Yelp
    • Control smart home devices - Dim lights, set thermostat, view nursery camera
  • Pair with Echo devices - Control Fire TV with Alexa
  • Plug into HDTV’s HDMI port
  • Connect to internet via Wi-Fi or optional Amazon Ethernet Adapter

Google - Chromecast (2nd gen) - HDMI Streaming Media Player

  • Over 200,000 TV shows and movies, 30 million songs
  • Click icon in app to "Cast" - from smartphones and tablets, laptops
  • Pair with Google Home devices - Stream video with voice commands

Chromecast - $35

  • 1080p - 2.04 x 0.53 in., 1.37 oz

Chromecast Ultra - $69

  • 4K Ultra HD - 2.29 x 0.53 in., 1.6 oz
  • Built-in Ethernet adapter

Chromecast Audio - $35

  • 3.5 mm to speakers- 2.04 x 0.53 in., 1.08 oz
  • Play from Android and iOS smartphones and tablets
    • Play from supported apps, select Cast button
    • Don't drain device battery (play directly from cloud)
    • Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, Hulu, HBO GO, ESPN, Google Play
    • Google Home app to finds new apps, offers, features
  • Display from laptops - Google Chrome browser (Mac, Win, Chromebook)
    • Cast from browser tab, or entire desktop
    • Cast from Chromecast-enabled websites
      • YouTube, Netflix, Google Play Movies, Google Play Music
  • Display Backdrop - Google Photos, Facebook, headline news
  • Mirror Android screen - Stream what you see on your Android device
  • Mirror website - from laptop’s Chrome browser
  • Pair with Google Home devices - Stream video with voice commands
  • Plugs directly into HDMI port on TV
    • USB power - wall adapter or USB port

Top

 


Smart Home Wireless - Bluetooth to Wi-Fi


Bluetooth - Wireless data exchange over short distances

  • Point to point - Typically 1-to-1 "paired" connections
  • Input (mouse, keyboard), Print, Transfer, Voice / Music (headset, speakers)

Wi-Fi - Wireless Local Area Networking

  • Wireless access point (hotspot) - WLAN to connect Wi-Fi compatible devices to Internet
  • PC, video-game consoles, phones & tablets, digital cameras, smart TVs, digital audio players, printers


    Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom, VT

 

 

  • v 2.0 + EDR (2004) - Speed to 3 Mbps - Range 10 m (33 ft)
  • v 3.0 + HS (2009) - Speed to 25 Mbps - Range 10 m (33 ft)
  • v 4.0+ LE (2010) - Speed to 25 Mbps - Range 60 m (200 ft)
  • v 5 (2016) - Speed to 50 Mbps - Range 240 m (800 ft)
  • EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) - Continuous connection
  • LE (Low Energy) - Short burst connections
  • Bluetooth Special Interest Group - www.bluetooth.com

 

  • Access point range about 20 meters (66 ft) indoors and greater outdoors
  • 802.11a (1999) - Speed to 54 Mbps - Range 20 m (66 ft)
  • 802.11b (1999) - Speed to 11 Mbps - Range 35 m (115 ft) (original Wi-Fi)
  • 802.11g (2003) - Speed to 54 Mbps - Range 38 m (125 ft)
  • 802.11n (2009) - Speed to 600 Mbps - Range 70 m (230 ft)
  • aX (2013 - 2021) - 1 - 10 - 100 Gbps - 100 m
  • Wi-Fi Alliance - www.wi-fi.org

TP-Link - Range Extenders

  • Extend Wi-Fi signal into "dead zones" - Strengthen and expand signal, reduce signal interference
  • Boost Wi-Fi coverage up to 10,000 sq ft
  • Wi-Fi Extender - Extend existing Wi-Fi signal to hard-to-reach locations
  • Wireless adapter - Plug into gigabit network cable and extend wireless network
  • Work with any Wi-Fi router or wireless access point
  • http://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/network-extenders/range-extenders

TP-Link Wi-Fi Range Extender AC1750 / RE450 - $89

  • 802.11AC Wi-Fi - 3X faster than 802.11n
  • Expanded 450Mbps on 2.4GHz + 1300Mbps on 5GHz
  • Total dual band Wi-Fi to 1750 Mbps (split send / receive)
  • Three adjustable external antennas for better coverage
  • Gigabit Ethernet port acts as a wireless adapter
  • Easy installation - WPS button
  • Quick positioning - Signal strength light for best coverage
  • http://www.tp-link.com/us/products/details...

Find the TP-Link Wi-Fi Range Extender on Amazon.com


Verizon JetPack MiFi - Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots

Verizon JetPack MiFi 7730L - $199

  • 2.4 in. color touchscreen - Onscreen info and data usage,
    manage passwords and settings
  • 4G LTE Advanced network, and 3G
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi, plus guest network, blocked devices
  • Runs up to 24 hours on one charge
  • MiFi Share - File share from mass storage on USB C port
  • 2.64 x 4.29 x 0.7 in., 5.38 oz.
  • https://www.verizonwireless.com/internet-devices/verizon-jetpack-mifi-7730l
  • $199.99, 2-year contract $49.99

Find the JetPack MiFi 7730L on Amazon

Verizon Wireless Data Plans
  • Any data only device, including MiFis, provide 15 GB of 4G LTE data. After that, connection reduces to 600 Kbps
    • Best for mobile internet & email -- not streaming
  • Data Only Plans - 2GB $20/month, 4 GB $30, 6 GB $40, ... 10 GB $60, ... 20 GB $110, ... 100 GB $710
  • 4 GB = 12,000 webpages or 52,000 emails or 12 hrs streaming video or 800 hrs turn-by-turn navigation
    • HD movie can be 2 GB / hour
  • https://www.verizonwireless.com/plans/data-only-plan/
4G LTE wireless broadband speeds vs. home network

Top

 


Smart Digital Assistants - Smartphones


  • Intelligent Personal Assistant - Uses Web services
    • Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana
  • Hands-Free Voice Assistance
    • Information, operate applications, entertainment, travel, smart home, in-car
  • Natural Language User Interface
    • Answer questions, make recommendations, perform actions

Hands-Free Voice Assistance

  • Operate apps, get information, access entertainment, travel assistance
  • Smart home control - Apple HomeKit
  • In-car - Make calls, read texts/email, play music
  • Launch phrase / wake word - Optional, or press button
  • One Assistant - Across multiple devices
  • Quick interactions, Off-load, Personal - Learn about you - proactive (family, home, schedule)
  • Visual interaction - Siri waveforms, Google dots, Cortana animated circles
  • Get Information (Web) - Time, News, Weather, Stocks, Sports scores, Movie times, Search Web,
          Conversions, Tips/Math, Translate, Spell, Define/synonym
  • Access entertainment - Search / play music, Movie information, Read book
  • Travel assistance - Address, Directions, Navigation, Stores nearby, Hours open
  • Actions / Operate Apps - Call, FaceTime, Launch, Read Text/Email, Where is/Directions, Set Alarm, Settings
  • Fun - Joke / Knock knock, Trivia, Bark, Simon Says, Easter Eggs

Apple Siri

 

Amazon Alexa

  • "Alexa" (lex-ah)
  • Supported in Amazon Echo products (2014)
  • Use wake-word or press button to start
    • Voice request sent to cloud as streaming audio
    • Alexa Voice Service recognizes and responds to request
  • Adapts to your speech patterns, vocabulary, and personal preferences
  • Third party developers - over 3,000 "skills" available
    • Order pizza from Domino's, request ride from Uber, track fitness with Fitbit, order flowers from 1-800-Flowers,
      read Audiobooks with Audible, find flight information with Kayak
  • Commands - www.cnet.com/how-to/the-complete-list-of-alexa-commands
  • https://www.amazon.com/echo
  • Echo Dot best-selling item on all of Amazon.com in 2016 holiday season
  • 6 million Amazon Echo devices sold by the end of 2016 (Forrester research)

 

Google Assistant (Google Now)

 

Microsoft Cortana

 


Smartphones - iPhone / Siri, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana / Amazon Fire Tablets

    


Verizon - Google - Pixel 2 / Pixel 2 XL - Google Assistant

 

  • Aluminum metal unibody, Gorilla Glass
    • Water & dust resistant
  • Always-on display
    • Pixel 2 - 5", 1920 x 1080, 441ppi
    • Pixel 2 XL - 6", 2880 x 1440
  • Stereo front-firing speakers, headphone jack
  • Rear camera: 12.2 MP, f/1.8, Autofocus w/ laser
    • 1080p to 120 fps, 720p to 240 fps
  • Front camera: 8 MP, to 1080p, f 2.4, fixed focus
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor
  • 64 & 128 GB Storage
  • Unlimited online storage for photos and videos through 2020
  • USB-C 3.1 port; Wi-Fi 2.4G, Bluetooth 5.0
  • Back-mounted fingerprint sensor
  • Up to 7 hours of battery on 15 minutes of charging
  • Pixel 2: 5.7 x 2.7 x 0.3 in, 5.01 oz
  • Pixel 2 XL: 6.2 x 3.0 x 0.3 in, 6.2 oz
  • Verizon/Unlocked 128G - Pixel 2 $749, XL $949

Apple - iPhone X - Siri

  • Immersive - Entirely screen, All-glass and stainless steel design
  • Intelligent - Respond to a tap, your voice, and even a glance
  • Face ID - Face is password to unlock, authenticate, and pay; secure and private
  • TrueDepth camera - Projects and analyzes 30,000 invisible dots to create precise depth map of face
  • Animoji - Captures and analyzes over 50 different facial muscle movements to bring emoji to life
  • https://www.apple.com/iphone-x/

  • Super Retina HD display, 5.8" all-screen OLED Multi-Touch
  • 2436 x 1125, 458 ppi, HDR
  • 12 MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras, f/1.8 - f/2.4
    • 4K video up to 60 fps, Slo‑mo 1080p to 240 fps
    • Dual optical image stabilization
  • 7 MP TrueDepth camera, Portrait Lighting, to 1080p
  • 5.65 x 2.79 x 0.30 in. (7.7 mm), 6.14 oz (174 g)
  • Battery up to 2 hours longer than iPhone 7
  • Talk up to 21 hrs., Internet to 12 hrs.
  • Up to 50% charge in 30 min., wireless charging
  • Verizon, etc.: 64 GB $999, 256 GB $1149

Top

 


Smart Voice Control - Wi-Fi Speakers


Amazon Echo - Hands-Free Speakers with Alexa Voice Control

  • Hands-free speakers - Control with your voice
  • Works even in noisy environments or while playing music
  • Say "Alexa" to wake - Lights up, streams audio to cloud
  • Alexa Voice Service - Play music, set alarms and timers, ask questions, control smart home devices
  • Play streaming music - Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn
  • Read audiobooks, play radio stations, listen to news briefs
  • Play multiple devices in different rooms
  • Free audio calls - to US, Mexico, and Canada
  • Smart home control - compatible connected devices
    • Lights, fans, switches,, thermostats, garage doors, sprinklers
    • Philips Hue, TP-Link, ecobee, WeMo, Samsung SmartThings, Insteon, Lutron, Nest, Wink, Honeywell
  • Play on built-in speaker - or external speakers or headphones - Bluetooth or 3.5 mm cable
  • Alexa App (Fire OS, Android, iOS, desktop browsers) - Setup and manage - services and devices
  • www.amazon.com/echo

 

Echo Dot (2nd Gen) - Compact - $49

  • Compact - 0.6" speaker
  • 1.3" x 3.3" x 3.3", 5.7oz (32 x 84 x 84 mm, 163 g)

Echo (2nd Gen) - Fill room - $99

  • Dual speakers - 2.5” downward-firing woofer and 0.6” tweeter
  • Fill room with 360° omnidirectional audio, Dolby processing
  • Hears even when music playing - seven microphones, beamforming technology, and noise cancellation
  • Six styles including fabrics and wood veneers
  • 5.9" x 3.5" x 3.5", 29.0 oz. (148 x 88 x 88 mm, 821 g)

Echo Plus - Smart home hub - $149

  • Includes built-in smart home hub; 2.5" woofer and 0.8" tweeter
  • 9.3" x 3.3" x 3.3", 33.6 oz. (235 mm x 84 x 84 , 954 g)

Echo Spot - Compact Video - $129

  • Compact, with 2.5" Screen - Plays video; 1.4" speaker
  • 4.1" x 3.8" x 3.6", 14.8 oz. (104 x 97 x 91 mm, 419 g)

Echo Show - Video - $229

  • 7" Screen, Dual 2.0" stereo speakers; No line-out with 3.5 mm cable
  • Watch video flash briefings, Amazon Video content, see music lyrics,
    security cameras, photos, weather forecasts, to-do and shopping lists
  • Make video calls to family and friends with an Echo Spot, Show, or Alexa App -
  • Drop In - Instantly connect video call
  • 4.1" x 3.8" x 3.6", 14.8 oz. (104 x 97 x 91 mm, 419 g)

Echo Tap - Tap to speak - $129

Find the Amazon Echo on Amazon.com

 

Echo Look - Camera and Style Assistant- $199

  • Using just your voice, easily take full-length photos and short videos
    of your daily look and build your own personal lookbook
  • Hands-free camera - with built-in LED lighting and depth-sensing
  • Echo Look App (Android and iOS)
  • See yourself from every angle -Take full-length photos or short videos
    so you can see a 360-degree view of your outfit.
  • Create a personal lookbook, browse and compare your outfits,
    see a calendar of what you've worn over time, keep notes on your outfits,
    select your favorites, and share with friends
  • Discover new brands and styles, and see what colors you wear most often.
  • Style Check - Get a second opinion on which of two outfits looks best on you. Combines machine learning algorithms with advice from fashion specialists
  • Image editing tool - Create sharable photos by blurring the background
    and to make your outfits pop
  • 5MP camera, Intel RealSense SR300 depth-sensing technology, 1.6 watt speaker
  • 6.3” x 2.4” x 2.4”

Find the Echo Look on Amazon.com


Google Home - Voice-Activated Speakers with Google Assistant

  • Voice-activated speakers powered by Google Assistant
  • Get answers, play songs, tackle your day, enjoy your entertainment, control your smart home with just your voice
  • "OK, Google" - Ask questions, tell it to do things
  • Personalized - Get personalized help with your schedule, reminders, calls, news and more
  • Play music, podcasts or radio - from services including Google Play Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora, TuneIn
  • Plays with Chromecast - Stream shows, movies and music on TV or speakers
  • Get answers - Weather, traffic, finance, sports, local business
  • Get personal - Set alarms and timers, traffic home, flight info
  • Family fun - Learning activities and quizzes, games and trivia, classic stories and original tales (Kids Family Link account)
  • Control smart devices - Chromecast, Nest, Philips Hue
  • https://store.google.com/product/google_home

 

 

Google Home Mini - $49

  • 360 sound with 40mm driver
  • 1.65 x 3.86 in (98 x 42 mm), 6.10 oz (173 g)

Google Home - $129

  • 2” driver + dual 2” passive radiators
  • 5.62 x 3.79 in (142.8 x 96.4 mm), 1.05 lbs (477 g)

Google Home Max - $399

  • Built for sound, inside and out
  • Dual 4.5" woofers for deep, balanced bass, two 0.7 in (18 mm) custom tweeters
  • 13.2 x 7.4 x 6.0 in,11.7 lbs (5300 g)

Microsoft Cortana - Harman Kardon INVOKE - Home Speaker

Harman Kardon INVOKE - $199

  • Powerful 360° sound from 3 x 1.75" woofers, 3 x 0.5" tweeters, 2 passive radiators
  • Play favorite music with the sound of your voice
  • Get answers to questions, manage schedule, set reminders, read emails
  • Make and receive hands-free calls with Skype
  • Free Skype calling from the US to US, Canada and Mexico
  • Voice-control smart home devices
  • Adding other third-party services and smart home companies
  • 4.2 x 9.5 in (107 x 242 mm), 2.3 lbs (1 kg)

Apple - HomePod Speaker

Apple HomePod - $349 (Dec)

  • Senses where in the room it’s placed
  • Automatically analyzes the acoustics, adjusts the sound based on speaker’s location, steers the music in the optimal direction
  • Put another HomePod in the same room,
    automatically detect and balance each other
  • Seven beamforming tweeters -
    focus the sound, from very narrow beams to 360º audio
  • High-excursion woofer -
    custom amplifier to play wide range of deep, rich bass
  • 6.8 x 5.6 in (172 x 142 mm, 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)
  • Siri natural voice interaction - Search, filter, and find what you want
  • Apple Music - Access 40 million songs, from over two million artists
    • "Shared Up Next” - so everyone can control
  • Home assistant - for everyday household questions and tasks
    • Timers. Clocks. Measurements. Translations. News. Sports. Weather. Traffic
  • HomeKit smart home hub - for controlling smart home accessories
    • “Hey Siri, turn on the lights” or “cool the room” or “lower the shades”

Sonos Wireless Speakers

  • Sonos Wireless HiFi System - Fill your home with music
  • Stream your entire music library - iTunes Library, Amazon Music
  • Play direct from 50 popular music services, Internet radio
    • Apple Music, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Pandora, iHeart Radio, SirusXM, Spotify, Google Play
  • Works over home Wi-Fi network, Simple wireless set-up
  • Supports multiple devices -- Start with one, add more over time; Stereo pair, play different music in each room or synchronize
  • Control from anywhere - with smartphone, tablet, or PC/Mac
  • Sonos Controller App - for Android or iOS
  • Sonos Desktop Controller software - for Mac or PC
  • http://www.sonos.com/

Sonos One - with Amazon Alexa - $199

  • The smart speaker for music lovers
  • Hands-free Alexa voice control
    • Play music, adjust volume, pause, resume, skip (Not voice calling)
  • Moisture resistant - for bathrooms and outdoor patios
  • Privacy - Hard-wired LED indicator light when microphone is active
  • Two Class-D digital amplifiers tuned to match speaker drivers
  • One tweeter creates a crisp and clear high-frequency response
  • One mid-woofer for faithful playback of mid-range vocal frequencies
    plus deep, rich bass.
  • http://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/one.html

Find the Sonos One Speaker on Amazon.com

 

 

Sonos PLAY:1 - Compact Wireless Speaker - $199

  • 3.5" mid-woofer, tweeter, 2 drivers with dedicated amplifiers
  • Volume and Play/Pause (double-tap to skip) buttons
  • Humidity resistant (bathroom with running shower)
  • Pair two for stereo, or as part of 5.1 system
  • 6.36 x 4.69 x 4.69 in. (161.45 x 119.7 x 119.7 mm), 4.08 lb (1.85 kg)

Sonos PLAY:3 - Room-Filling Wireless Speaker - $299

  • Three driver speaker system - 1 tweeter, 2 mid-range drivers, 1 bass radiator,
  • 5.2 x 10.6 x 6.3 in. (132 x 268 x 160 mm), 5.71 lb (2.6 kg)

Sonos PLAY:5 - Bigger Sound Wireless Speaker - $499

  • Five driver speaker system - 2 tweeters, 2 3” mid-range drivers, 1 3.5” woofer
  • 8.50 x 14.40 x 4.80 in. (217 x 365 x 123 mm), 9.15 lb (4.15 kg)

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Better Watch Out - Security & Privacy


Digital Assistant - "Sees You When You're Sleeping, ... Knows When You're Awake" ...

  • Security - IoT devices open to the Internet, Cloud storage on the Internet
  • Hear you - Voice-controlled speakers upload audio clips
  • See you - Wi-Fi cameras upload video clips
  • Watch you - Nursery camera

Amazon Echo Show - Drop In - Instantly connect video call


Amazon: Echo audio mic and Echo Show video camera shown in the bedroom

Google Nest Aware service - Continually streams and analyzes live video and audio

  • Facial recognition - Same FaceNet technology used by Google photos to identify and organize faces found in images
  • Not available in Illinois - Stricter laws governing collection of biometric data


Google: Nest IQ and Nest Aware video cameras shown in the bathroom and bedroom

 


Digital Companion - "Knows If You've Been Bad or Good"

  • Digital Childcare - "Nurture and Enrich Kids"

Mattel Aristotle for Kids - Child Nanny and Companion

  • Voice-controlled “smart hub”for child's room - baby monitor to children's assistant, $299
  • Infant - Detect baby crying and soothes to sleep with lullaby
  • Toddler - Answers questions, reads books, plays guessing games, hosts sing-alongs
    • Teaches ABCs, teaches manners (say please)
  • School - Helps with homework, gives foreign-language lessons

  • Fully functioning Amazon Alexa assistant
  • Can answer same adult questions and has same smart-home capabilities
  • Say "Aristotle" to talk to different voice assistant designed to interact with kids
  • Wireless camera streams 256-bit encrypted video to phone
  • 2015 - “Hello Barbie” talking doll recorded kids’ conversations and transmitted them to third parties
  • 2015 - Wi-Fi-enabled Barbie was found to be easy to hack into, allowing access to the doll’s system information,
    account information, stored audio files and direct access to the microphone
  • "Will Help Nurture and Enrich Kids as They Grow While Assisting Families with Their Ever-Changing Needs"
  • Help to soothe a crying babyreinforce good manners in kids, and even help kids learn a foreign language
  • Interact extensively with young children - Answer questions, play games, do singalongs, and teach the ABCs
  • Automatically recognizes baby wakes up, soothes to sleep with lullaby, white noise, favorite song, night-light
  • Logs wet diapers and feedings via voice commands or phone app
  • Automatically orders more diapers or formula from Target, Babies R Us and other participating retailers.
  • Automatically looks for deals and coupons on consumable baby supplies.
  • Actually recognizes and answers young kids' questions after a brief voice recognition training session
  • Answers questions until your child falls asleep.
  • Plays guessing games with kids based on animal noises (say the name of the animal)
    or shapes held up to the camera (say the name of the shape), then lights up with the correct answer.
  • Reads aloud from a selection of dozens of children's books, accompanied with sound and light effects that match the stories
  • Hosts sing-alongs and teaches ABCs and 1-2-3s.
  • Recognizes specially designed kids' toys with embedded NFC chips, or with its camera,
    and provides sound effects when kids play with them ( Hot Wheels racetrack)
  • Optionally requires kids to say "Please" when they ask for things, to help teach manners
  • Helps kids with homework
  • Gives foreign-language lessons
  • https://www.cnet.com/products/aristotle-by-nabi/preview/

Digital Childcare


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NBm1YVbVGE
  • Morning to night - Put the child to bed at night, chat with them in the morning
  • Displace essential parenting functions - like soothing a crying baby or reading a bedtime story ("faux nurturing")
  • Children could form an attachment - and build brand loyalty
  • Collect information - Collect from child in bedroom - and upload to cloud

 


Mobile Companion - "Knows When You've Been Bad or Good" ...

  • Mobile Companion - Entertains, learns, shoots video - Personality

Kuri - Intelligent Home Robot - $799 (Spring 2018)

  • Kuri - "Adorable home robot with a cheerful personality"
    • "Designed with personality, awareness, and mobility"
    • "Brings a spark of life to your home by creating a joyful and inspiring sense of personality"
  • Personality and mood - Expressive eyes, friendly robot language of beeps & bloops, multi-color chest light
  • Mobile - Follows you around the home, explores your home
  • Entertains - Plays music, reads the kids a bedtime story, follow you around playing podcasts
  • Personal videographer - Automatically capture short videos of your life
    • "Preserves the best rare candid moments of your life at home"
    • Capture moments you might have missed - pets daytime antics, kids playing while you’re making dinner
  • Learns - Home's floor plan, which room belongs to whom; Rhythm of household - wake for work, greet you when return at night
  • Video & data stored in the cloud; Can invite others to watch with camera
  • Mayfield Robotics - https://www.heykuri.com

 

  • Processing / intelligence - Facial and speech recognition, mapping and entertainment
  • React to voice commands or noises; face recognition, pet detection
  • Knows where is - Sensors for mapping, detecting edges and objects
  • Moves around home - Avoids obstacles, handles carpets and thresholds
  • Smart home connectivity - Programmable tasks & IFTTT
  • Kuri Vision in 1080p HD camera
  • Microphone array, dual speakers, Wi-Fi + Bluetooth connectivity
  • Capacitive touch sensors in head, camera as one eye,
    microphones around neck, speakers in hips, and depth lasers in belly
  • iOS / Android app - Remote operation, task programming, review videos/photos
  • 2+ hrs active battery life, returns to charging dock for nap, recharge 1 - 1/12 hrs
  • 20” tall, 12” wide, 14 lbs.

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Digital Decorations - Video Vignettes


AtmosFX - Digital Decorations

  • Video vignettes to display indoors or outside
  • View on monitor, project on surfaces
  • Founders are former MTV animators
  • Holiday themes - Halloween, Christmas, Easter, New Year's, Valentine's Day, Fourth of July
  • Also - Birthdays, Football
  • Halloween - Witches, ghosts, skeletons, zombies, movie monsters, creepy crawlies
    • Singing pumpkins; skeletons that dance, play music and perform silly slapstick
  • Collections ~ $19.99, $29.99, $39.99 ~ 3 to 11 clips
  • Individual scenes - $9.99, $7.99, $5.99 ~ Under 1 min. to 2:30
  • Digital Download, some DVD, SD card $49.99
  • www.atmosfx.com

Display Modes

  • Clips designed for different display modes
  • Full color and silhouette / shadow - Project onto curtains or wall
  • Vertical mode - Project on window, Monitor on wall as portrait (set of 3)

  • TV/Monitor - Hang on a wall, or position in a window to play outside.
    • Great for animated portraits, or overlay the display with window panes so that it looks like a window to another room.
  • Wall - Project directly on surfaces including walls, ceilings, doors, or floors.
    • Great for creepy crawlies or zombies that appear to burst out of the surface.
    • Project animated faces onto uncarved pumpkins - Jackolatern Jamboree.

  • Window - Rear project onto translucent material for viewing outside.
    • Great for short vignettes with silhouettes of monsters in the house.
    • Project at least 1800 lumens onto translucent material - bedsheet or shower liner.
    • Project shadow effects directly on curtains.
    • Fit center of image, or use vertical mode clips.
  • Hollusion - Project onto semi-transparent material for the illusion of characters that hover in mid-air,
    • Show in doorway, archway or yard.
    • Semi-transparent mesh material (bridal mesh, fine gauze, mosquito netting, scrim).
    • Great for ghosts and other spectral creatures.

  • Prop - Project a character video onto a draped human form, so the body comes alive, including hand gestures.
    • AtmosGEAR 3DFX Form
  • Doorway - Project onto a closed door or open doorway to create the illusion that something is going to appear.

Setup

  • Play clips from computer, DVD player, projector that plays from a SD or USB , or portable device
  • Some collections have buffer clips with black or background lighting, set scene and build tension before action starts
  • Build playlist of multiple clips that loop and repeat

Also

  • Window Projection Material - white semi-translucent nylon sheet ($24.99)
  • Premium Window Projection Material - 3 x 5 ft. ($39.99)
    • Reusable flexible vinyl, sticks to windows through static cling
    • Frosted look, Designed for rear and front projection
  • Hollusion Projection Material - 5.5 x 9 ft ($49.99)
  • 3DFX Form - for Prop display mode ($59.99)
    • Human-shaped inflatable vinyl form, 68 feet tall, fabric shroud
  • AtmosFX Media Player - with motion detection, SD / USB ($69.99)

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