Hagop Kavafian
Contributing since January, 2019
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About Hagop Kavafian
Hagop is a tech-savvy guy, who's also into traveling, fitness, biking, food, and planes. He's heptalingual and has lived in 5 different countries, but has decided to settle in Paris for the time being.
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Hue products are known for their reliability, ease of use, and integration with third-party solutions. However, they typically require a Zigbee hub to function, which makes a Hue setup quite pricey if you're only looking at buying a couple of bulbs. The competition has long offered lights that connect directly to a Wi-Fi router or your phone over Bluetooth, and Philips is finally giving in by announcing a range of bulbs that don't need a hub to function — even though they can also work with one.Unlike traditional Hue Bulbs that rely on the Zigbee protocol to communicate with the Hue bridge, these bulbs can forego the hub entirely and connect directly to your handset using Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0. Additionally, they work with Alexa and Google Assistant, both on phones but also smart speakers. Indeed, just like the GE C-Life, they can be controlled directly by the entire Google Home and Nest Hub lineup, as well as third-generation Echo Dots, Echo Plus, and second-generation Echo Show products, so your phone doesn't need to be within range if you want to adjust them. Plus, if you're an Echo user and purchase the lights from Amazon using the same account associated with Alexa, the lights will automatically be paired with your speaker when they ship.
Amazon unveiled its 100W subwoofer last year to complement Echo speakers with augmented bass. As the Echo Sub needs to be paired with at least one Echo, the company is bundling its devices together to make them more affordable than when purchased separately. Until now, a pair of speakers and a subwoofer was selling for $250, but the price just dropped another $20, which is $100 less than when buying the three products separately.
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- While the previous version didn't support gestures, the latest alpha build (v4.10.6.1038-06251834) lets users swipe up anywhere on the home screen to bring up the app drawer, as shown in the video below. Even though this confirms the company's commitment to offering an app drawer, it's still an early version, as the menu options to activate the feature aren't translated yet.
One of the many reasons I don't like iOS is its lack of an app drawer. Indeed, I want things to be very organized, and dumping all icons on my homescreen just doesn't work for me. Xiaomi, however, preferred to mimic Apple and decided to go against Android standards by removing the app drawer in its MIUI launcher, which essentially meant all icons had to be on the home screen. However, the company appears to be opening up by letting users enable the drawer in MIUI.
If you're using Google Assistant to control your smart mop, you probably have to tell it something like "OK Google, ask X to start mopping" or "Hey Google, tell X to clean." Even though this isn't too bad, it means you have to remember exact phrases and give your appliance's service name every time you want to operate your robot cleaner. However, Assistant is now gaining support for mops, which will let you control them directly using more natural commands.
Although Samsung has been in the smart home game for a few years now with its SmartThings ecosystem, its lineup has mostly relied on being a central home automation hub that integrates with third-party devices like plugs and lights to automate your home. Until today, the majority of the brand's IoT products were sensors that would act as triggers, but the company is now expanding it with a smart camera, plug, and bulb, which give it a complete range of smart home products.
Nest products are known to be well designed, easy to use, and reliable. What they're not so popular for is their price, which tends to be quite high. When the brand launched its Secure starter kit, it priced is at $400, which was probably a bit too steep. However, its all-in-one alarm system is now available for $230-$250, making it far more affordable than before.The bundle includes the Guard base station, a pair of Detect sensors, as well as two RFID tags to disarm the system quickly. The hub features a built-in siren to deter intruders and connects to your network over Wi-Fi. It can be operated using your phone, the keypad or the included tags. The Detects are quite versatile, as they act as both motion and door or window sensors, depending on how you mount them. They're also designed to recognize your pet, so it doesn't inadvertently set off the alarm. Lastly, they can light up the path at night while you walk past them for added convenience. Of course, the kit can be extended to add more devices, with support for up to thirty Detects and ten tags, with the option to de-activate lost ones for extra security.
We've all received a spam email telling us we've won millions of dollars or need to reset our online banking password. Although these are widespread, most messaging platforms and even browsers have learned to recognize them for our protection. Because of this, attackers are finding more sophisticated means to be more attractive: Besides using Google Docs to trick users, scammers have turned to Google Calendar and are relying on its automatic event creation setting to take advantage of people.
Earlier this month we reported Samsung was offering $100 off on most of the S10 lineup. Unfortunately, this deal wasn't available on the least expensive 128GB variants, which meant the 128GB S10e was the same price as the 256GB version at some retailers. However, the brand just extended the markdown to all handsets, and other retailers are even adding some discounts of their own, letting you save up to $300 on a new unlocked phone.
Power banks have become much more affordable these past few years, and many of them now come with built-in wireless charging for added convenience. B&H is currently selling one of the cheapest wireless ones around for just $17, instead of its original $30 MSRP.
Safety has often been one of Chrome's selling points, thanks to the Google Safe Browsing extensive database of potentially harmful websites. You've probably faced a deceptive site alert at least once when trying to download illegal content watch pony videos, thanks to the browser's built-in ability to detect potentially dangerous pages. Back in January, we reported Chrome would extend its warning system to let you know when you're accessing a deceptive URL such as androldpoice.com instead of androidpolice.com. The new feature is now rolling out to all users starting today, together with an extension that lets you report sites that deliberately try to confuse people.
When investing in a security camera, you usually have to pick whether you'll use it indoors or outdoors, mostly because the latter are weatherproof and built to be more durable. Unfortunately, when you move out or decide your security device would have made more sense in another location, you end up having to purchase a new one — or end up with a bulky camera in your house if you went for the outdoor model. Thankfully, Canary's Flex cameras are, as their name might suggest, quite versatile as they work both indoors and outdoors while remaining discreet and resistant to harsh weather conditions. The bundle with two cameras just dropped to $250 on Amazon, instead of its original $380 MSRP.The Flex have a 1080p HD sensor with a 116° wide-angle lens, night vision, pan, and zoom. They connect directly to your router over Wi-Fi and don't require an additional hub. Their setup is also easy, and the cameras can operate using either corded power or run off their built-in 6,700mAh rechargeable battery. As mentioned above, they're discreet but also designed to withstand harsh weather conditions between -4°F and 113°F.
When the US added Huawei to the Entity List last month, it sparked a series of troubles for the Chinese manufacturer that are beginning to have significant consequences on its shipments and revenue. Indeed, the company has been banned from doing business with US organizations, which means it had to stop its working relationships with chip manufacturers and even Google.
Whether it's for added peace of mind or to keep an eye on your pet, an indoor security camera can be a smart purchase. Such products are usually quite expensive, though, but Canary's all-in-one indoor security camera's price has dropped to just $50, making home security much more affordable.The product features a 1080p HD sensor with a 147-degree lens, night-vision, and a built-in siren. It can also monitor climate data such as temperature, humidity, and air quality. In terms of connectivity, it links to your network using Wi-Fi or through an Ethernet cable.
The Bose QC35 II headphones get all the attention when it comes to being the best active noise canceling product on the market, but there are other contenders worth considering, especially when the price is part of your buying criteria. The Surface headphones are a good alternative, but their MSRP was too similar to the QC35 for them to fiercely compete, as both were worth about $350. Nevertheless, Microsoft's product is receiving a $100 price cut, which makes them a very interesting competitor to the most popular ANC headphones aroundThe Surface headphones are comparable in almost every aspect to the Bose ones: They both offer superior sound quality, active noise cancelation, extended battery life, Bluetooth and 3.5mm input, and even a built-in digital voice assistant. Of course, you won't find Alexa or Assistant on the Surface, but Microsoft's in-house Cortana helper, which should be more than capable of controlling your music.An interesting feature the Surface has is the ability to adjust the noise cancelation level, which avoids having to take them off when someone tries to talk to you. They also offer tap controls to change tracks, which is a nice "touch," although I personally prefer physical buttons to interact with my headphones. Another thing I like about them is their ability to pause your music when you take them off. Our very own Taylor has used them for a while and he's been happy with them.With the Surface headphones, Microsoft built a strong competitor to the Bose QC35 (II), and their new price makes them more than worth considering if you're looking for good ANC headphones. Head over to one of the links below to get yours today.Buy: Amazon, NewEgg, BuyDig, Microsoft
When I want to set up a nice atmosphere in my living room, I rely on my Philips Hue Iris bulbs to create a cosy setting with relaxing colors. What I enjoy even more is how simple it is to control them using my Google Home and how easily they integrate with routines. If you want to extend this nice ambiance to your garden, you can save a few bucks when buying three outdoor Lily spots lights for $232 plus $12 for shipping. This is about $36 less than what they sell for on Amazon.
I'm the kind of guy that likes to rely on technology to get things done, especially if it can do a better job than me. When I park somewhere, I usually don't bother trying to remember my way back, but instead, memorize what venues are around to get there using Maps. Of course, being the forgetful person that I am, there are times when I simply can't recall where I left my car, but thankfully, I can use its app to navigate back to it. Unfortunately, not all vehicles have such a functionality, including the rental I had last month... Fortunately, I remembered to save my parking location in Maps before walking away; but even though this is an effortless task, you still need to think about doing it. Thankfully, Google Assistant can now do this for you by automatically displaying where you parked without requiring any action.
Flagships tend to sell for a lot less shortly after they're released. Indeed, we've seen the example of the Galaxy S10's price plummeting in the months following its announcement, and the G8 is no exception. Indeed, LG's device became available in the US just two months ago, but B&H is offering a $200 markdown until tomorrow night.
We've all received a text in the middle of a critical task we can't interrupt, but most of us often forget to reply to that message when we're finally able to. Google Messages might soon make it easier to remember you had to respond to your friend, thanks to an option right in the notification card.
When I set up my smart home infrastructure a couple of years ago, I had to break the bank to buy a smart speaker, connected bulbs, and intelligent plugs. Even though we often share deals that let you save a few bucks on such products, this one is particularly interesting. Indeed, Amazon is throwing in a free Echo Dot speaker and a Philipe Hue bulb with the purchase of an Echo Show smart display. The three products together would cost $295 if purchased separately, but with this offer, you'll only have to pay the Echo Show's price for the whole bundle.This kit is a great way to get you started if you were thinking of making your home more intelligent, or simply extend your existing installation. If you're not very familiar with Amazon's smart display, it features a 10.1" HD display combined with built-in speakers. It's a great companion when cooking, but it can also make video calls and play videos and TV shows. Like any Alexa-enabled device, it's also there to help you set reminders, manage your shopping list, play music, control your smart home, and answer questions you might have.
Smart doorbells are a convenient way of adding an extra layer of security to your household, but they can be quite pricey and often require an additional monthly subscription. Of course, there are a few inexpensive options, but their resolution is usually limited to 1080p, which is decent, but not on par with new 4K standards. Eufy's approach offers a good compromise with great value for money, thanks to its 2K image quality at a reasonable price and with no monthly fees. The intelligent doorbell normally costs $160, but you can get it for just $112 thanks to this promo code.The doorbell has a bunch of neat features: For starters, it doesn't need a monthly subscription, it comes with a built-in 4GB storage to save video footage locally, which is automatically encrypted for extra privacy. It also features a predictive functionality that can automatically alert you if someone you know is at your door before they even ring the bell. To avoid unnecessary notifications, it uses human detection and won't bother you if an animal is standing in front of it.The product also lets you save pre-recorded responses, which are particularly convenient if you're not at home or want to save time. In case you'd rather talk to your visitor, you can use two-way audio thanks to the built-in microphone and speaker. For extra safety, the camera will start pre-recording video when it detects motion to let you see the previous three seconds before the actual alert. Lastly, unlike its competitors, the Eufy doorbell uses 4:3 images, which offer a more significant viewable area.