In conjunction with the launch of its new Nest Learning Thermostat, Google is launching an updated plugin to display and manage thermostat settings in its app. It turns out that this redesign also applies to older models.
The updated user interface for the Nest Learning Thermostat in Google Home more closely mirrors the appearance of the device in the Home app itself. The heating or cooling controls, current temperature, and humidity in the room will be displayed at the bottom.
In fact, one would assume that the new user interface would be available only for the new product, but it seems that this is not the case.
Android Police noticed that an updated plugin interface suddenly appeared in the Google Home app for the old generation of Nest Thermostat. They didn’t specify which thermostat they used, but it’s one of Nest’s legacy thermostats, and it’s not a 2020 model. In fact, based on the user interface, it was assumed that it was from the Nest Thermostat E.
Update
As we approach the debut of Google’s new Nest Learning Thermostat, the new user interface is becoming more common for users of older Nest thermostat models. Over the past few days, many more users have seen the updated design. Supported models include the 2020 Nest Thermostat and the Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd generation), so it looks like the updated user interface will be available for all thermostats.
It is noteworthy that the 2015 Nest Learning Thermostat shows temperature sensors in the Google Home app just like the updated model (see photo).
Smarty Ninja hasn’t had the opportunity to test Govee products yet, but the company’s range is constantly expanding. Like other Govee devices, the new Matter-enabled lamp uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi to work with the Matter protocol. This makes the lamp compatible with Apple Home. The lamp’s LEDs can display any of 16 million colors, as well as multiple colors simultaneously, including warm and cool shades of white.
One of the features of this lamp is the ability to create images in the Govee app, which are then displayed on the device itself. The app also offers many colorful animated presets.
The lamp is equipped with a manual control on the top, which allows you to adjust the brightness and intensity of the colors. In addition, you can switch between standard and animated effects. The light flux mainly comes from the main part of the body, but the lower part of the stand is also illuminated and has a stylish embossed design. The maximum brightness of the lamp is 500 lumens (probably when the cool white color is on), which is standard for a table lamp of this size.
At the moment, the lamp is only available on Amazon in Germany and the UK, but hopefully it will be available in other countries soon.
Most users access Google Home through their mobile or smart device, but the app is also available through a web browser. Google Home’s web interface isn’t the best way to access your smart devices, but that is gradually changing. Google adds occasional updates to the client – with the latest one adding new methods of accessing your Nest cameras.
So, what’s new?
Last weekend, Google started rolling out the update, and now, most users should get access to a better version of Google Home for the web. The main feature is access to Nest Cam history with the ability to upload clips. Before the update, you couldn’t view recorded clips through the web version, and users had to resort to the mobile version of Google Home.
Other updates include additions to the platform, like the ability to adjust clips, and access to public previews. Google states that the ability to manage videos will roll out in a few weeks and will support Nest Cam and Nest Doorbell devices.
If you can’t see the features
If you still don’t have access to the new features, you’ll have to wait a few days until your account gets the update.
If you like testing features before they are released, see Public Preview. Public Preview lets you test features before release, but you might face issues or errors. Now that the update is available for Google Home for Web, here are some features that you can get your hands on:
Event editor for Google Home automation
Garage door monitoring for Nest Aware subscribers
Added support for 1st Gen Nest Cams
Remember that you’ll need a Nest Aware subscription to access most of these features, priced at $8/mo. To check out the updated Google Home web platform, visit home.google.com
Wyze has updated its budget camera to the v4 version. Its resolution is now 2.5K. It also includes better night vision and a bigger optical sensor. Together, they create a clear image that compares to some of the best security cameras. Apart from that, the camera has a built-in siren and a projector. With this in mind, the Wyze v4 may become a successor to its previous counterpart, Wyze Cam v3, which was considered the best budget security camera.
Price compared to competitors
Wyze Cam v4 was introduced on 26th March 2024, priced at $35.98. And at the moment of writing this article, it was on sale, and it cost $29.99. However, even $35.98 is cheaper than its direct competitor, the Blink Mini 2 from Amazon, priced at $39. The Wyze Cam has more resolution and a built-in waterproof plug. So you won’t have to buy a separate power supply to power outside, unlike Blink.
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Design
The Wyze camera got quite a few updates. It’s now available in light gray or white. The rounded corners on the camera give it a more modern look. If one trusts Wyze, the camera’s body has a rating of IP65, which means it can withstand harsh and extreme weather conditions from -20°C to 50°C, along with rain.
Located on the front panel above the Wyze Cam v4 is a projector. The camera lens is at the center. A little below are the status LEDs and microphones from both sides. The back panel at the top part is where the acoustics are. The outdated Micro USB cable is at the center in the back. The user needs to plug the flat 180cm long power supply shipped with the camera. The cable might be hanging between the power supply and the camera.
The lower part of the camera is where the connect button and the microSD card slot are, along with a folding leg with a magnetic base. The Wyze camera can attach itself to the wall thanks to the leg mentioned. You can extend the leg from the bottom part for additional height or to change the camera angle relative to the wall. You can rotate or tilt the camera to create a precise viewing area. Wyze also includes adhesive 3M rings, which easily stick to the bricks or the siding and then attach the camera via the magnetic leg.
Image and sound quality
The Wyze cam has a resolution of 2560×1440 or 2.5K and high productivity in dark places, an advantage compared to its budget competitors. The optic sensor creates a bright and clear view during the day and night, thanks to the saturated colors during night vision. The camera shows a formidable view even with high-contrast lighting.
It isn’t uncommon for budget cameras with low-resolution overload at rapid lighting changes, causing them to flicker or lose their color balance. Since the Wyze camera focuses on the main view rather than background items, that issue doesn’t persist as much.
The Wyze cam, having 2.5K resolution, has more pixels than the average 1080p camera for clear video quality.
A new feature based on artificial intelligence is called Smart Focus. When enabled, the camera automatically zooms in and keeps people in its field of view. So, the built-in AI not only detects what object is visible (a person, a parcel, a vehicle, or an animal), but the AI also tracks it for a few moments.
Of course, one can disable Smart Focus to ensure a wild field of view without zooming in, but the camera detects events and focuses on details so well that I recommend keeping it on. The Wyze cam quickly detects motion and pushes a notification in less than two seconds when the object hits the camera’s point of view. If you don’t have Wyze’s subscription, you will only get a screenshot of what triggered the event, and you will have to wait five minutes to get an update. That long waiting period can be disheartening, especially if you were to miss an important notification.
But Wyze offers an alternative solution. The camera supports saving recordings locally on an SD card, which does not require a subscription.
The camera detects motion well at night since it has plausible IR vision. Also, you can use the built-in LED projector at 72 lumens to light the field of view with a bright white light, which warrants saturated-colored night vision with realistic shading. The colors on this camera are almost as saturated as professional models with HDR support.
Another advantage of this camera is the audio. Human language or even sounds like barking all sound natural, albeit slightly compressed during playback, since the camera is trying to clear background noise, such as cars or the wind. You can hear someone talking during a dual-sided conversation or understand what one said in video recordings.
Wyze Cam v4 and the mobile app
The Wyze app has a simple and comprehensive interface that displays all your cameras and recorded clips on a single screen. It also has versatile settings. The first thing to load is the main page, which shows miniature icons of all your Wyze cameras. The button for the routines tab at the top so that you can click on the “I’m away” button to control cameras with one click. Near the settings are helpful tips encouraging you to experiment with your Wyze devices. For example, you can turn on the lights if a camera detects motion or your phone connects to the home network.
Tap the camera icon to open its live feed almost instantly. From here, you can control its spotlight, microphone, siren, or record using the buttons. You can access advanced features using the settings icon. These include changing the resolution, setting up motion detection zones, or setting up sound triggers or even baby cries.
Security concerns and conclusion
Truth be told, Wyze has gotten into trouble quite a few times. For example, in 2022, hackers could get into Wyze Cam v1’s feed thanks to its vulnerabilities. Back then, the company stopped support for the camera and didn’t even warn clients about the vulnerabilities. And in February this year, Wyze said that its clients could see video from strangers’ cameras. This issue was covered by both Ukrainian and international media.
In conclusion, the security methods of this company are questionable at best, but some clients are already speaking out about it. They say that if you use the camera outside and save recordings to the SD card only, you wouldn’t find a better camera for the price. So, I assume many will appreciate the news that Wyze Cam v4 is now available for sale.
It’s still an open question whether Smart Focus or other AI-enabled features, like human motion recognition or object detection, will work if a customer has not purchased a cloud plan. I’ll keep you posted and add additional information to this review if I get more.
Arduino and Silicon Labs (SiLabs) have announced a development collaboration for both IoT enthusiasts and professionals that promises to revolutionize access to the Matter protocol. This initiative will unfold in two main phases and will open a new era of innovation.
CES 2024: a new era in IoT development begins
At CES 2024, Arduino and SiLabs presented the first part of their ambitious project. The first stage of the collaboration marks the release of the Arduino library, which will be created to support the Matter protocol in the Arduino core for SiLabs microcontrollers. In the Arduino IDE, such integration is a significant step forward that will make IoT development more accessible than ever.
“Our partnership with Arduino provides simplicity and ease of programming for Silicon Labs developers and the 40 million Arduino users. By integrating Matter with the Arduino ecosystem, we’re opening up a universe of possibilities for developers,” said Rob Shane, Vice President of Global Mass Markets at Silicon Labs.
This isn’t just an announcement about new tools, it’s a statement of intent to make IoT technology more accessible to a wider range of users.
Get started now, use your existing devices in Matter
In expectation of the next phase of collaboration, the Arduino community can start experimenting with the Matter protocol on existing boards. SparkFun has created a great platform for this and users will benefit from exploring the potential of Matter with Arduino. You can download the new kernel to start experimenting with SiLabs xG24 Explorer Kit and SparkFun Thing Plus Matter.
“We are excited to implement Matter to support IoT applications. Bringing Matter to Arduino is a massive undertaking and will make Matter even more accessible to engineers and innovators around the world. This is another important step forward in compatibility and improving our interaction with devices.” – Glen Samala, CEO of SparkFun
The next stage is the release of a revolutionary board for developers in time for Arduino Day celebrations
The second phase, planned for Arduino Day in March 2024, will culminate in the release of an addition to the Nano family of boards based on the SiLabs MGM240SD22VNA. This board is expected to be a game-changer in IoT, offering unparalleled ease of use and new capabilities.
What this means for the Arduino community
The collaboration between Arduino and SiLabs that led to these releases is an important step in making IoT technologies more accessible. Combining the easy-to-use Arduino interface with the powerful capabilities of SiLabs technology and the versatility of the Matter protocol is a great recipe for such innovation.
A look into the future
We are looking forward to these releases and the anticipation among the Arduino community is already palpable. After all, this cooperation concerns not only new products; it’s about empowering a whole generation of developers and breaking barriers and opening new horizons in the world of IoT.
Echo and Echo dot 4th Gen speakers from Amazon will soon act as mesh hotspots for Eero Wi-Fi routers.
There are already a lot of Echo and Echo Dot smart speakers with Alexa in smart homes and apartments. Recently, Amazon-owned Eero plans to use these speakers as mesh Wi-Fi amplifiers.
The new feature was announced at Amazon’s fall conference.
This opportunity was announced at Amazon’s fall event where many of the company’s new products were also presented. The feature will arrive on October 20th as a free software update for the fourth-generation Amazon Echo and the just-announced fifth-generation Echo. Soon, the update will also roll out to the Echo Dot and Echo Dot fourth-generation watch.
Once you’ve installed the Eero app, you’ll need to link your home network to your Amazon account and enable this built-in Eero feature. Now your smart speakers can relay the Wi-Fi signal from any Eero mesh router at speeds up to 100 Mbps, which effectively turns the speaker into a Wi-Fi signal booster.
To work, link the Eero Network to an Amazon account through the Eero app, and Eero will automatically detect compatible Echo devices. Then, in the Eero app, you can manage the functions separately for each device. Reportedly, if you have two Echo Dots used as a stereo pair, they cannot be Wi-Fi hotspots. This technology uses the same radio frequencies as access point technology. Therefore, you will have to choose which function to use.
Weaver says Echo hotspots have some latency (ping) because the access point is a network node. But he notes that the delay should be minimal — “a couple of milliseconds.”
“A lot of users have outdoor surveillance cameras or maybe a chromecast that hides behind the TV box and tries to catch a better signal,” said Nick Weaver, co-founder, and CEO of Eero. Such devices can help fill in blind spots.
At the same time, Weaver said that users shouldn’t expect the same speed as an Eero repeater.
Echo devices can add up to 90 square meters of coverage per device to an existing network at speeds of up to 100 Mbps. That’s more than enough for 4K video or HD video calls.
“You will always have better productivity from a specially made network device”, – said Weaver.
You’ll be able to set up Eero Internet Backup in the Eero app and decide which devices will use the backup network during a failure.
Eero Built-In isn’t the only new software update that Eero users should know. There’s also Eero Internet Backup, a new premium feature that allows homes with Eero routers to share a separate Wi-Fi hotspot with their home network.
If you lose internet, the hotspot will connect, and your home devices will stay online. Once the failure is over, the access point will deactivate, and your traffic will return to the Eero network you use. The feature will work with any hotspot or backup Wi-Fi network, including mobile hotspots and 4G (5G) hotspots.
In addition to Eero Internet Backup, the $10/month Eero Plus subscription gives you additional features, including advanced parental controls and network statistics, as well as subscriptions to 1Password, Malwarebytes antivirus, and Encrypt.me VPN service.
One of the features of Google’s flagship display is that it can extend the effective range of some devices, such as, for example, Nest Detect or Nest Yale smart lock. The fact is that these devices do not connect to the network via Wi-Fi, and they use “bridges,” namely Nest Connect, Nest Guard, or Nest Hub Max.
Google recommends repositioning your connected Nest devices to keep them connected after the update is released if you are using Nest Hub Max as a bridge/repeater. However, Google offers some users a free Nest Connect if it isn’t possible to move devices for their families.
Back in June, Google reported they would drop the range extender feature in future updates to the Nest Hub Max. At the time, Google called it the “Thread-Matter update.” The technical support page notes that the Matter update will have the tag “F7” in the name, and now the current stable update is “F6”. The “F” in the code stands for Fuchsia, the name of the operating system for smart devices.
Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max in the preview program will soon receive F7 updates – 7.20220419.2.166 and 7.20220419.2.164.
Apart from the disappearance of the bridge (or range extender) features, we don’t expect any significant changes with the F7 update for Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max.
Google also said that while the update would add support for Matter devices, it won’t make Matter available on your home network. That will roll out later this year with Matter support on Android devices.
The news reports that some Android users have started receiving system updates, and Matter device controls have appeared in the interface. These controls appeared in the new Matter devices & services item in the Devices & sharing section of the Google account settings and allow you to connect new devices. There is now a toggle to show notifications if there is an available unconnected Matter device nearby. These controls are currently unavailable to the public, but we expect them to become available in the coming weeks.
This router is not the company’s first router. Back in 2018, Synology released its MR2200ac Wi-Fi 5 Mesh router. Now, four years later, the world saw the RT6600ax. It is clear from the name that the router can provide a total data transfer speed over a wireless connection of up to 6.6 Gbps.
The router’s productivity and its software
As I said, the router can work at 6.6 Gbps, but this is only possible if the client supports tri-band Wi-Fi. Such indicators are thanks to the 4×4 Wi-Fi 6 formula. The device’s six external antennas help maintain a stable connection. The RT6600ax uses 80 and 160 MHz channels in the newly licensed 5.9 GHz spectrum to achieve higher bandwidth.
The enclosure features 2.5 GbE WAN and LAN ports that users can use to set up a Multi-gig connection for maximum performance when using NAS.
With the release of the RT6600ax, the company also updated Synology Router Manager (SRM) to v1.3, the latest version of the operating system on routers. With an easy-to-use user interface, SRM shows users what’s happening on the network and helps protect connected devices from potential threats.
Users will be able to create up to five separate networks. You can map each network to three wireless SSIDs, providing a higher degree of control for the user and the security control panel. If you have IoT equipment that rarely receives updates, you can configure a separate network for these devices or add separate firewall rules. That will increase the level of security of your network.
Synology RT6600AX makes it easy to split smart home traffic with up to 5 separate Wi-Fi networks.
The router also has advanced parental controls for rule-based network access.
Another cool feature is a full-fledged app store for the router. Synology has made some extensions to the functionality of the router optional. You can use the app store to download the ones you need. That is much better than most routers because they have slower updates. In addition, it allows Synology to update individual applications when security holes are discovered or to add even newer features.
Features of the Synology RT6600ax router
It is the world’s first router that supports the 5.9 GHz band. Wi-Fi 6e operates in the 6 GHz band, which significantly increases speed, but dramatically reduces the distance to clients. A frequency of 5.9 GHz and a channel width of 160 MHz allows maintaining balance between the transmission speed and the distance from the router to the consumer. But the list of devices that can work at 5.9 GHz is small now.
Smart Connect combines different frequencies into one SSID, but Smart Connect doesn’t support the 5.9 GHz frequency range.
The RT6600AX operates on three different Wi-Fi bands: one 2.4GHz and two separate 5GHz, one of the 5GHz radios being the one that can transmit on 5.9GHz. Most users should use the Smart Connect feature, which links the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands into one SSID and automatically switches between the frequencies. Even if your equipment does not use the 5.9 GHz band, Smart Connect will allow you to reach connection speeds of up to 4804 Mbps.
Main Hardware Specifications of Synology RT6600ax Router
Comes with updated Synology Router Manager 1.3
Quad-core processor Qualcomm 1.8 GHz
1 GB DDR3 Memory
Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 with support for 6600 Mbps Bandwidth potential:
2.4 GHz: up to 600 Mbps
5 GHz-1: up to 4800 Mbps
5 GHz-2: up to 1200 Mbps
Six adjustable antennas (4×4 MIMO)
Support of 5.9 GHz / 160 MHz channels
4 IGbE (Gigabit Eithernet) ports (1x WAN 3x LAN)
1 LAN/WAN 2,5 GbE port
Mesh support with future devices via 5GHz Backhaul
USB 3.2 Gen 1 port
Conclusion
The Synology RT6600ax is a very, VERY good router. As Wi-Fi 6 continues to grow in popularity and more 802.11ax-enabled client equipment appears, this device could be a great buy. That said, while the hardware of the RT6600ax is a leap from the previous RT2600ac, the software here is a little less ambitious. Considering that SRM 1.2 would probably be updated to 1.3 on already outdated devices, the Synology RT6600ax looks less attractive. After all, if it’s your first time using a Synology router, you can’t blame the software. Add to that the increased bandwidth potential of 5.9 GHz and greater support for 160 MHz, and you have an incredibly promising product.
However, if you already own an RT2600ac, you may find that the recent improvements in virtual networks and SSID generation are not it to justify the purchase. The RT6600ax is the most powerful router Synology has ever made, and it comes with great software to boot.
People don’t often mourn recently lost technology, but Chromecast Audio is one of the few examples when this technological idea was almost perfect. However, it was quickly buried in “Google’s hardware graveyard.” It’s been three years since then, but there are still no reliable alternatives to this small device to transfer audio from Google.
The Chromecast Audio’s launch wasn’t a flashy event since it was introduced alongside Chromecast (video) 2nd Gen in 2015. The thing that killed Chromecast Audio was the same price as a regular Chromecast with video support. That’s the reason why the production of devices stopped in 2019.
Google hasn’t given a reason why they killed Chromecast Audio, but it doesn’t take a genius to figure that out. There isn’t anything special about this USB device when the Google Nest Mini speaker exists for the same price. Since 2019, Google has focused on smart speakers. At the same time, the Nest speaker line was better positioned to promote its Google Assistant voice assistant. Of course, the two products catered to very different users, but it was clear that Google would push in the market with its smart speaker.
Then, Google had a patent dispute with Sonos over streaming patents. The patents have certainly impacted Google’s range, but Chromecast Audio had a huge influence particularly. In addition, the patent disputes have already been resolved, and if the rumors are true, it’s time for Chromecast Audio to make its return.
Smart speakers can’t compete in the world of high-definition streaming.
Smart speakers have a long life cycle. Combined with low prices and frequent sales, most users had already bought them. With the release of updated speakers, there are also no obvious benefits, so why should the user upgrade?
Music streaming is considered the best use case for smart speakers. High-resolution audio is becoming commonplace in music services. However, some brands imagine it differently.
Echo Studio from Amazon was made to service the audiophile market, but it’s far from the most popular product in the Alexa line. Apple also ditched the full-sized HomePod and replaced it with the Mini. Google Home Max was the leader in the high-quality audio segment, but it couldn’t gain popularity due to its high price.
There is one thing in common for these devices – the high price. Audiophiles understand the value of good speakers for high-quality sound, but to achieve that, it’s better to spend money on regular high-end speakers.
Chromecast Audio combines the convenience of streaming audio with the sound quality of your own speakers.
Chromecast Audio was and still is the perfect solution for users who want to combine the convenience of audio transfer with the quality of their high-end equipment. For the user, the device already offers optical output for connecting your high-quality DAC, but if Google wants to improve the device more, they could consider more modern formats such as MQA. This simple and cheap USB device is perfect for streaming Hi-Fi audio.
The Cast protocol is almost perfect for streaming
Apart from hardware, Chromecast Audio was also perfect thanks to the Cast protocol, which conveniently combines local media and streaming services. For audiophiles who have a massive music library, the protocol makes streaming to one or more speakers easy. It also nicely integrates with Android apps. Whether it’s your favorite podcast app or streaming radio service, most will have support for streaming.
The Google Cast protocol supports local and online content. Amazon and Apple can’t compete with that.
Alternatives like Alexa speakers just can’t do that. Instead, you need to enable “skills” for each service. Local music playback is also incredibly frustrating on the Echo speakers. And Homepod is not allowed to be used for anything outside the Apple ecosystem.
Once the patent lawsuit is settled, Chromecast Audio could be the perfect home audio product for those who want higher sound quality than smart speakers and the complete freedom to stream audio content from any source.
In my opinion, the updated Chromecast Audio will become the perfect solution for transferring sound across the home.
If people are ready to pay three times the original price to buy Chromecast Audio, then the market exists for it.
It’s been three years since Google stopped production of Chromecast Audio, but demand for the product hasn’t dropped. Resale prices have been steadily increasing and reached nearly $120 on eBay, which is three times the original price. Of course, you can’t take eBay prices as an indicator of demand, but it’s pretty clear that if people are willing to spend that much, there are reasons for Chromecast Audio to come back.
The owners of Mac computers can now not only control Philips Hue lighting by using voice commands or apps on their iPhones. There’s a new way now since the famous Hue Essentials, which launched onto Windows earlier, is now also available for Mac users.
You can download the app from the App Store for free though some features will be missing in the free version. You need to buy “premium” to get access to all features. The price of “premium” features is $6.12. Buying additional lighting scenes or support for multiple connected hubs at a time is also possible.
However, if you were using Hue Essentials earlier on an Apple device and made in-app purchases, you can restore them on a Mac since it is a universal app for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and now Mac.
Controlling from the app should be the same as using an iPad. The UI is identical, excluding the side panel.
For now, I can’t tell you about my personal experience with the Mac version since Hue Essentials keeps crashing after launching without any errors. Since this also happens on another Mac, we’re assuming this is a common bug that will hopefully get fixed soon.
