Looking for a new smart lock that is smaller and Wifi enable? August who was one of the first companies to offer a smart lock. With this Wi-Fi Smart Lock by August ($TBA), they've finally perfected the formula. It has a Yves Behar design, yet it is 45% smaller and 20% slimmer than the prior Smart Lock Pro. Built-in Wifi lets it interface with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri without the need for the Connect bridge, while also letting you manage access from anywhere with just the Internet. DoorSense technology makes sure that the door is securely closed and locked, and it installs over most single-cylinder deadbolts in about 10 minutes.
Google has just combined its Nest and Home divisions, creating Google Nest that encompasses all the company's smart home efforts. It does makes sense that their first new product would be a combination of both Google and Nest. The Google Nest Home Max Smart Display ($229) combines elements of the Google Home Max speaker, Google Home Hub display, and Nest Camera into a single package. It has a 10" HD display, a 6.5-megapixel camera, stereo speakers with a dedicated sub-woofer, and Google Assistant built in. Thus it can act as a controller for other smart devices in the house, a video chat station, a speaker, and if you want, a mini TV. Shipping later this summer 2019. Check out more info on Google.
Everything seems to be smart these days from speakers, switches, plugs and more. So why not ceiling fans? A ceiling fan might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to the smart home, but there are perks to an automated fan. Adding voice controls, schedules and even IFTTT recipes to a ceiling fan creates a more convenient smart home and a more comfortable living environment.
The Bond($100) device is the flagship product for its parent company, Olibra. The Bond smartens ceiling fans by acquiring the signal from the device's original infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF)
The Bond works with Amazon Alexa devices and Google so you can ask your voice assistant of choice to control your ceiling fan. The Bond app is available for iOS and Android devices, but the Bond itself doesn't work with HomeKit or Siri. In the future, they're looking to make it work for Windows AC's, Garage Doors and Motorized shades.
