Apple-certified accessory maker Griffin today at CES 2019 announced that it will be releasing a collection of USB-C to Lightning cables and power adapters for the latest Apple devices in the second quarter of 2019.
Griffin will offer basic USB-C to Lightning Cables in four-foot and six-foot sizes for $19.99 and $29.99 respectively in the United States, along with a five-foot option with a more premium braided aluminum design for $34.99. All three cables are pending certification under Apple's Made for iPhone program.
In tandem, Griffin will be releasing three new PowerBlock and PowerJolt power adapters: a wall charger with an 18W USB-C port for $39.99, a wall charger with an 18W USB-C port and 12W USB-A port for $49.99, and a car charger with an 18W USB-C port for $39.99. Each comes with a USB-C to Lightning cable.
USB-C to Lightning cables and power adapters can be used with the 2018 iPad Pro and to fast charge the iPhone 8 and newer.
Last month, Apple informed members of its Made for iPhone program that third-party Lightning to USB-C cables are now permitted to be manufactured, and we're now seeing the first options from Griffin and Belkin and likely others.
The cables and power adapters will be available on Griffin's website.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Griffin. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission, which helps us keep the site running.
Lutron Electronics today announced a new addition to its Caseta smart lighting system, this one focused on making most ceiling fans into "smart" ceiling fans with a new fan speed control switch. Lutron doesn't specifically mention HomeKit compatibility for the new fan controls, but the existing Caseta system does support HomeKit through a smart bridge.
Like it did for regular bulbs, the Caseta by Lutron fan speed control system connects to a user's existing ceiling fan to allow them to wirelessly control the fan from their smartphone, or the physical switch. The fan control doesn't require a canopy module and can be easily added to the Lutron app.
The company says the installation process is as fast as 15 minutes, resulting in four fan speeds and the ability to set a favorite speed setting. Users can call up Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control the fan via their voice, or purchase the added Pico Remote for $42 for manual controls.
The Caseta by Lutron fan speed control system will be available in March for $80. The control will be available in white, ivory, light almond, and black, and is compatible with a single 1.5A ceiling fan, and users will need a neutral wire for installation.
Following in the footsteps of Samsung and Vizio, LG today at CES 2019 announced that AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support is coming to its 2019 smart TVs.
AirPlay 2 support will allow users to stream videos, music, photos, and more directly from an iPhone, iPad, and Mac to new LG smart TVs, complete with lock screen controls. HomeKit support will enable users to easily control the TVs using the Home app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac or Siri voice commands.
LG's press release:
Users can use their own voice to get things done with Amazon Alexa, a new addition to LG's AI TV lineup in 2019, and the support of Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. With AirPlay 2, users can easily play videos directly from their Apple devices, iTunes and other video apps, music or photos to their LG SIGNATURE OLED TV R. With Apple HomeKit support, customers will be able to control their LG TV using the Home app or by asking Siri.
Harman Kardon has announced its latest series of smart home speakers, the "Citation Series," which combine various hardware designs with Google Assistant, an LCD touch screen, and Chromecast. Sometime in early 2019, the speakers will be updated with AirPlay 2 support, allowing users to wirelessly stream music from an iOS device, Apple TV, or HomePod by asking Siri.
Each speaker in the Citation Series has aluminum detailing paired with wool fabric that's available in Winter Grey or Classic Black color options. Customers can use the speakers individually or build a 5.1-channel surround sound system with multi-channel and multi-room abilities.
The Citation Series has Google Assistant built in, so users can stream music and ask questions by saying "Hey Google" nearby. This will also let them control Android-connected smart home products.
“Consumers increasingly look to their home entertainment systems to do more than just play music,” said Michael Mauser, President, Lifestyle Audio at HARMAN. “While features like voice control and multi-room streaming are becoming standard, the Harman Kardon Citation Series is anything but. The pairing of our unprecedented audio legacy and premium design with smart features and ease of use gives Citation the opportunity to truly transform the listening experience.”
There are numerous speakers in the Citation Series, including multiple countertop speakers, a soundbar, a subwoofer, a tower speaker, and more. These speakers are available to purchase now on Harman Kardon's website, starting at a price of $199.95 for a countertop speaker and rising to $2,499.95 for a pair of tower speakers.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Harman Kardon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
First Alert today announced that it will be previewing a new model of its Safe & Sound smoke and carbon monoxide detector, which doubles as a speaker, at CES 2019 in Las Vegas. The new model will remain compatible with HomeKit, allowing it to be controlled in the Home app on iOS and macOS and with Siri voice commands.
The second-generation Safe & Sound features mesh Wi-Fi technology, delivering expanded and stronger Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the home, according to First Alert. And coming "soon" — that's been the case for awhile — the detector will support AirPlay 2, enabling streaming from Apple devices and multi-room audio.
The detector has a built-in speaker with noise-canceling microphones and is available with either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant built in. Alexa users, for example, can ask to stream music from Amazon Music or Spotify, read the news, check the weather, control other smart home devices, and so forth.
As for the detector itself, an alarm alerts homeowners on their smartphones in the event of a smoke or carbon monoxide emergency, whether home or away. With exclusive voice and location technology by First Alert, the Safe & Sound alerts users to the type of danger and its location within the home.
First Alert has not revealed pricing or availability for the new Safe & Sound. The original model is currently on sale for $199.99 on Amazon in the United States, down from $249.99 regularly.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission, which helps us keep the site running.
HomeKit support will allow for the smart plug to be controlled in the Home app on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac and with Siri voice commands. It will also be possible to add the smart plug to a HomeKit scene, which lets users control multiple accessories at the same time, such as when arriving home.
This smart plug features a compact design that takes up only one receptacle on a typical double-receptacle wall outlet. They cost $24.99 each or $64.99 for a three-pack on Amazon and at select retailers such as Best Buy in the United States.
TP-Link is introducing seven new Kasa smart home products at CES 2019 in Las Vegas, including a video doorbell, light switch, light strip, security cameras, and additional plugs, which can be controlled with the Kasa Smart app on the App Store, but HomeKit support was not specified for these accessories.
The entire Kasa lineup is, however, compatible with rival platforms Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana.
HomeKit-enabled smart plugs are quite common, with a wide variety of options available from brands such as Eve, iDevices, iHome, Wemo, and Koogeek. They can be used to conveniently turn on and off TVs, lamps, coffee machines, and other household objects with an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission, which helps us keep the site running.
Vizio today announced that its recent smart TVs will gain support for Apple's wireless streaming protocol AirPlay 2 and smart home platform HomeKit via a free SmartCast 3.0 over-the-air software update later this year.
AirPlay 2 support will allow users to stream videos, music, photos, and more directly from an iPhone, iPad, and Mac to SmartCast-enabled Vizio TVs, complete with lock screen controls. HomeKit support will enable users to easily control the TV using the Home app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac or Siri voice commands.
Vizio says the SmartCast 3.0 update with AirPlay 2 and HomeKit can be tested by registered beta members in the United States and Canada in the first quarter of 2019. The software will be publicly released in the second quarter of 2019 and will also be preinstalled on Vizio's entire 2019 lineup of smart TVs.
The upcoming SmartCast 3.0 update will also add expanded Google Assistant actions for eligible SmartCast TVs. Google Assistant users, for example, will have the ability to use simple voice commands to launch apps, select inputs as well as pause, resume, stop, fast-forward, rewind content, and more.
Amazon Alexa users can also control their TV, and coming later this year, launch apps without lifting a finger, according to Vizio.
Apple recently updated its website with information about how AirPlay 2 and HomeKit will be implemented on smart TVs from "leading TV manufacturers," including Samsung, which is also introducing an iTunes movies and TV shows app that does not appear will be available on Vizio smart TVs at this time.
Sphero, the company behind the now-discountinued Star Wars droid toys, has launched a device called "Specdrums," a wearable ring that plays different music based on the color you tap it against. The Colorado-based startup Specdrums had previously debuted the music-enabled rings a few years ago, but the rings will now be sold under the Sphero brand following an acquisition by Sphero last summer.
The rings work by connecting to an iOS or Android app, and when the user taps Specdrums against a certain color, the app will play a musical note. The company says that this will empower kids of all ages and skill levels to play music on nearly any surface in the world around them.
“Sphero recognizes Specdrums as an opportunity to engage kids at the intersection of arts, math, science and technology, building a parallel framework between coding and music composition,” said Paul Berberian, CEO, Sphero.
“By seeing the world around them as a canvas, kids are able to use Specdrums to create their own songs using coding, which is really exciting for them, their parents and their teachers. Meanwhile, the creative pattern-making of loops and sounds strengthens their math and problem-solving skills.”
The Specdrums Mix app includes customizable sounds so that users can explore musical instruments like drums, a keyboard, and over 100 other instruments. The rings themselves are made from silicon and include motion and light sensors to turn surrounding colors into sound.
Specdrums also come with a multi-color playpad to tap the rings on, but the company encourages users to simply use anything in their vicinity to get started with Specdrums. Specdrums will cost $64.99 for one ring and $99.99 for two rings, and is available to purchase starting today. The first devices will begin shipping the week of January 15, and select retail stores will begin selling the rings in the spring.
Mophie, a popular Apple-certified accessory maker, has today announced that all-new Juice Pack Access battery cases for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR will be available in the first quarter of 2019.
The juice packs extend the battery life of the iPhone XS by up to 25 hours, and the iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR by up to 31 hours, according to Mophie. The cases can be charged with an included USB-C cable or wirelessly on any Qi-certified mat. With pass-through charging, the iPhone charges first, then the case.
The cases have battery capacities of 2,000 mAh for the iPhone XS, 2,200 mAh for the iPhone XS Max, and 2,000 mAh for the iPhone XR. Four LEDs on the back of each case indicate the charged level of the battery pack.
Each case features an impact-resistant polycarbonate exterior with a soft-touch finish, while raised corners provide added protection against scratching and cracking the display. The open-bottom design provides full access to the Lightning connector on each iPhone for normal use of headphones and other accessories.
Mophie says built-in protection circuitry prevents overcharging and overheating, and each juice pack is very likely certified by Apple under its Made for iPhone program, but we're reaching out to the company for confirmation.
The new Juice Pack Access cases for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR will each retail for $119.95 in the United States on Mophie's website, where customers can sign up to be notified when orders begin. The cases will be available in a variety of colors, including black, gold, navy, and red.
Mophie is showcasing the new Juice Pack Access lineup at CES 2019 in Las Vegas. The iPhone XS version is also compatible with the iPhone X.
Tile, known for its range of Bluetooth trackers for finding lost items, today announced partnerships with several major Bluetooth companies that will see the integration of Tile technology onto Bluetooth chips.
Product manufacturers who are interested in using Tile's tracking functionality for various Bluetooth-enabled products will be able to integrate it during production.
"Through BLE chip partnerships, Tile will quickly become a foundational building block for BLE-enabled product manufacturers in a variety of verticals, from audio and cameras, to laptops and wearables," said CJ Prober, CEO of Tile. "With over 20 billion BLE devices forecasted to ship in the next four years, 'Find with Tile' will soon be a key everyday feature in consumer products."
Tile has inked deals with multiple companies that produce Bluetooth chips, including Qualcomm, Dialog Semiconductor, Silicon Labs, and Toshiba. According to Tile, its agreements with these companies will see integrated Tile reference designs and increased platform compatibilities.
Tile is also partnering up with Sennheiser, Sol Republic, Plantronics, and Soundcore by Anker, with all four of these companies set to release Tile-enabled products in 2019. These Tile integrations will allow products to be found using built-in Tile technology if lost.
Tile already has partnerships with companies that include Bose and Skullcandy.
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Arlo Technologies today announced its new Arlo Ultra 4K wire-free HDR security camera and Arlo Security System, the latter of which is being billed as a comprehensive security solution for the home or business.
The HomeKit-compatible Arlo Ultra 4K HDR video camera features both color and black and white night vision via an LED integrated spotlight, a 180-degree panoramic field-of-view lens, and two-way audio with advanced noise cancelation.
The Arlo Ultra ships with the Arlo SmartHub, which will also become Zigbee and Z-Wave compatible in the second half of 2019, allowing users to control a wide range of "Works with Arlo" certified third-party smart home devices via the Arlo app.
As part of the Arlo ecosystem, the SmartHub will also support the newly announced Arlo Security System, which consists of the Arlo Multi-Sensor, Arlo Siren and Arlo Remote, to form a comprehensive security solution.
The Arlo Multi-Sensor detects windows and doors opening and closing, motion, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, water leaks, temperature changes and more.
The battery-operated Arlo Siren features a loud siren accompanied by a red strobe light to deter intruders. Users can also enable presence simulation to emit audio sounds, such as dog barking or TV audio. In addition, a built-in melody can be activated to notify users of specific events, such as the Multi-Sensor detecting a door opening.
Meanwhile, the Arlo Remote lets owners arm and disarm the system without using the Arlo mobile app. It also features two customizable buttons that can be programed to perform specific actions, such as turning on compatible third-party lights or activating the Arlo Siren in a panic situation.
Pricing starts at $399.99 for the Arlo Ultra single-camera system, which is available now and includes a one-year subscription to Arlo's Smart Premier 30-day video history cloud storage plan. The Arlo Security System will be available in the second half of 2019.
Arlo says that support for Apple HomeKit will be available as an automatic firmware update for Arlo Ultra and Pro 2 camera systems later this quarter.
Smart home tech company Brilliant will be adding HomeKit support to its Brilliant Home Control light switch in spring 2019, Brilliant told MacRumors today.
Introduced in September 2018, Brilliant Control is designed to replace any existing light switch in your home, adding touch and voice control capabilities for a number of smart home platforms.
At launch, Brilliant supported smart home devices from Amazon, Google, Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell, Ring, August, Philips Hue, Sonos, and Wemo, but HomeKit support was left out. That's going to be rectified later this year, with Brilliant announcing the news just ahead of this year's Consumer Electronics Show.
Brilliant Control offers a number of features when paired with other smart home devices. With Sonos, for example, the light switch is able to act as a hub for music playback. With a Ring doorbell, you can view the video feed on the Brilliant Control, and with a Nest, you can adjust temperature through the device without having to access the Nest itself.
Multiple Brilliant Control devices can be paired up to serve as a speaker system and video intercom for house-wide communication purposes, and the display can be used as a picture frame, displaying family photos and other art.
The three grooves on the Brilliant Control serve as sliders for adjusting lighting for the lights attached to the switch the Brilliant Control replaced.
With HomeKit support, HomeKit-enabled devices will be able to be controlled via the voice and touch integrations on the Brilliant Control.
"Brilliant unifies control of smart home devices in a way that is seamless, simple and accessible throughout the home," said Aaron Emigh, CEO and co-founder of Brilliant. "This new integration with HomeKit will soon give Brilliant owners who have invested in the Apple ecosystem even more functionality and convenience."
Brilliant Control is available in six colors and is priced starting at $299 for a one light switch panel. Pricing goes up to $349 for a two switch panel, $399 for a three switch panel, and $449 for a four switch panel.
The HomeKit update will be delivered as an over-the-air firmware update to all Brilliant Control owners in the spring of 2019.
Following its recent acquisition by Legrand, French company Netatmo has announced an Apple HomeKit compatible smart doorbell at CES 2019.
The Smart Video Doorbell features a typical design that includes a 1080p camera at the top with 160-degree lens and built-in motion sensor, two-way communication via built-in speaker and microphone, and a button at the bottom for visitors to ring.
The HomeKit support means that users can receive an instant iOS notification when someone rings the doorbell which enables them to jump straight into the Home app to see who's at the door.
The Apple HomeKit integration also extends to automation rules, so users can set up trigger actions like turning on outdoor smart lights when motion is detected. Other smart services like IFTTT are also supported.
The Netatmo Smart Doorbell stores video on an onboard microSD card and doesn't need a subscription like some other doorbell security systems. Owners can also choose to automatically save videos in a personal Dropbox or FTP server.
On the other hand, Netatmo's product is designed to be a straight doorbell replacement, so a wired connection is required to get it up and running. Pricing information has yet to be disclosed but product availability is expected in the second half of 2019.
French consumer electronics company Withings has announced a trio of new wearable products at CES, including a three-in-one health monitor and two smartwatches, one with electrocardiogram (ECG) capability.
The health monitor is an upper arm cuff called the BPM Core that can take blood pressure, valvular health, and ECG readings, the latter of which can identify atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeat in users.
The cuff inflates to take the blood pressure readings and heart-rate measurements, and displays them on the built-in LED matrix display, which includes instant traffic-light feedback showing normal, moderate, and high blood pressure readings.
To use the ECG function, the wearer has to place the hand of their other arm on the stainless steel sensor for 20 seconds, while the digital stethoscope involves placing a sensor on the user's chest for 20 seconds. In-depth results are sent wirelessly to the Withings Health Mate app.
Withings says its BPM Core is currently awaiting FDA clearance but that the cuff should go on sale for $249 in the second quarter of this year.
The company's two new analog-face fitness trackers come under the Move moniker and both track activity and sleep, with the Move ECG also able to take electrocardiogram readings when users touch both sides of the bezel.
The watches can recognize activities including running, walking, and swimming, feature water resistance up to 50 meters and up to 12 months of battery life.
The Move will initially be available in five color options priced at $70, with pre-orders now open and shipping expected to begin on February 5. The Move ECG comes in white and black, costing $130, and will be available in the second quarter of 2019. See the Withings website for more information.
At this year's Consumer Electronics Show, which takes place this week, popular iPhone accessory maker Belkin is introducing a number of new products, including new cables, chargers, and power banks.
Cables
Belkin is introducing several new Boost Charge cables in various lengths including 4ft, 6ft, and 10ft. All of the cables come equipped with a leather strap for organization purposes, putting an end to tangles, and there's a new speckled design available in black and white.
Cables are priced between $24.99 and $34.99, and will be available from the Belkin website in spring 2019. Belkin plans to offer USB-A to Lightning cables, USB-A to USB-C cables, and USB-C to Lightning cables. Belkin will be one of the first third-party companies to come out with a USB-C to Lightning cable, as Apple only recently began allowing accessory companies to offer them.
Chargers
Belkin is introducing both a USB-C Car Charger and a USB-C Home Charger, both of which come equipped with included 4ft USB-C cables. The USB-C chargers are ideal for charging the iPad Pro, MacBook, or iPhones with a USB-C to USB-A cable.
Belkin says the chargers are compatible with all QuickCharge and Power Delivery Devices up to 27W. The Car Charger and Home Charger will be priced from $39.99 to $44.99 and will be available in spring 2019 from the Belkin website.
Power Bank
Along with new cables and charger options, Belkin is debuting a Boost Charge Power Bank USB-C 20K, a 20,000mAh charger able to fast charge the 11-inch iPad Pro and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro through an included USB-C cable.
It can also fast charge an iPhone when used with a USB-C to Lightning cable, and there's an additional 12W USB-A port for charging USB-A devices. Belkin says the power bank supports most USB-C devices, including the MacBook and Nintendo Switch.
Belkin plans to begin offering the Boost Charge Power in spring 2019 from the Belkin website.
Lightning Headphones
Belkin's final Belkin-branded product debuting at CES is a set of Rockstar Lightning headphones, ideal for all devices that no longer feature a headphone jack.
The headphones feature silicone ear tips for enhanced fit and seal for noise isolation, and they're sweat and water resistant. Belkin says they've been designed for comfort and quality performance, with enhanced durability that prevents cable strain.
The Rockstar Headphones with Lightning connector will be available in summer 2019, with Belkin also planning to launch headphones with a USB-C connector later this year.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Belkin. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Belkin is adding to its lineup of HomeKit-compatible Wemo-branded smart devices with the upcoming launch of two new Wemo Light Switches that are set to come out in 2019.
The Light Switches will work with HomeKit, joining the Wemo Mini Smart Plug and the Wemo Dimmer, devices that offer full HomeKit compatibility without the need for the Wemo Smart Bridge.
Other Wemo products, such as the Insight Smart Plug, Motion Sensor, and existing Light Switch connect to HomeKit setups through the Wemo Smart Bridge. The newest Wemo products are much more convenient, offering a HomeKit connection without the use of the bridge.
Priced at $39.99 for single-pole and $49.99 for 3-way, the Wemo Light Switches feature an updated design that blends in well with a home's decor.
The new Wemo Light Switch options will be available in spring/summer 2019 from the Wemo website.
With Apple having discontinued its AirPort lineup last year and mesh Wi-Fi becoming more and more popular due to its robust coverage and performance, the company's users are increasingly looking to third-party networking options. Belkin-owned Linksys has been one of the leaders in the mesh Wi-Fi market with its Velop lineup, and it's the only brand of Wi-Fi system Apple now carries in its stores and online.
While the Velop systems have been popular for their performance and unobtrusive design, some users have been looking for something a bit more traditional that offers wired ports, and that's why Linksys today is announcing the MR8300 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi router. It's a standalone Wi-Fi router that offers many of the features power users are accustomed to, including three radios (one 2.4 GHz 802.11n and two 5 GHz 802.11ac), four adjustable antennas with beamforming to deliver maximum signal coverage, and 4 gigabit LAN ports for wired connectivity. There's also a USB 3.0 port for connecting peripherals such as shared network storage.
If that sounds pretty much like a traditional router, it is, but the MR8300 also includes built-in mesh technology that integrates with the Velop systems, so you can use it as a hub to build your mesh network around. The integration helps you evolve your network over time if your needs change such as moving from a small apartment where a single router is sufficient to a larger home where you can benefit from a mesh setup.
I've had the MR8300 in my house for a couple of weeks, using it both in place of and integrated with my existing tri-band Velop nodes, and it's offered solid coverage and performance for my home.
Unlike the Velop nodes or Apple's AirPort products, the MR8300 doesn't have a sleek design, instead prioritizing performance with its large adjustable antennas. It's not unusual for Wi-Fi router design, but if you're coming from something like the AirPort lineup it can be a little bit of a visual shock that might give you pause when considering just how visible you want your Wi-Fi router to be.
The MR8300 isn't the most powerful Wi-Fi router you can buy, with Linksys itself offering some higher-end options like the EA9500 with eight antennas, eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, and faster transfer speeds, for example, but the MR8300 offers a nice balance of performance, price, and mesh expandability.
For nearly a year, I've been using a three-node tri-band Velop system in my 1850 square foot, two-story home, with the primary node located in first-floor family room at one end of the house. My office is located at the exact opposite end of the house and up a floor, and while I get decent Wi-Fi speeds in my office, it feels like I do need to be careful with the placement of my Velop nodes to ensure a good signal, as the node in the center of my home has occasionally complained about a weak connection to the primary node.
The MR8300 isn't able to fully cover my entire house on its own from its peripheral location, managing an average of only 27 Mbps down and 11 Mbps up from my 100/100 Google Fiber service when connecting from my office at the opposite end of the house, but that's not surprising considering my previous experience with Wi-Fi routers in my house. If you have a smaller home or are able to locate the router in a more central location, coverage should be just fine. Moving close to the router yielded speeds of around 95 Mbps up and down.
While my router's location in my house isn't ideal for full Wi-Fi coverage on its own, it is in my family room with an Xbox and an Apple TV, so the ability to use stable wired connections for those devices is a plus.
So if your setup is like mine and you find your router can't give you adequate coverage on its own, that's where the MR8300's Velop technology comes in. You can easily add one or more Linksys Velop nodes to the MR8300, letting your network grow with you while giving you the benefits of both fast gigabit wired connections and mesh Wi-Fi technology.
The Linksys iOS app makes it easy to set up and manage the company's routers, and it takes only a few minutes to get the MR8300 up and running, with plenty of customization options available in the app. And if you want to add Velop nodes to the network, the app makes it easy to do so. It takes a few minutes for each node to start up and configure itself, but the process is extremely simple. And once everything is up and running, the app lets you check on the status of each node and see at a glance which nodes and Wi-Fi bands your devices are connected to.
Once I had my Velop nodes added to the MR8300, I was able to achieve speeds in excess of 92 Mbps up and down throughout my home.
The Linksys MR8300 is scheduled to be priced at $199.99, although Linksys is currently listing it at $179.99 in the company's online store. The MR8300 is launching today and will also be available through Best Buy and Amazon.
That's the same price as a single tri-band Velop node, but it offers a bit more in the way of features such as the wired ports. The MR8300 is also nearly identical to the EA8300 router from Linksys priced at $139.99, so you're essentially paying $60 for the new Velop compatibility.
Velop Tri-Band users may also be interested in new Linksys Shield subscription services launching this year to help protect your network on an ongoing basis. First up next month is a Parental Control Subscription priced at $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year that offers filtering for adult, violent, or other types of content at the router level to help keep kids safe online. A separate Network Security Subscription priced at $1.99 per month or $19.99 per year will be launching later in 2019 to help protect against threats from malicious sites by checking your traffic against a database of known threats.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Linksys, Best Buy, and Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Moen today announced that its U by Moen smart shower system is receiving several upgrades for compatibility with voice assistants, making it easy to turn on and adjust your shower simply by speaking.
The most notable addition for Apple users is HomeKit support, which will reportedly come to U by Moen this quarter, to be followed by Google Assistant integration. U by Moen is already compatible with Amazon Alexa, but Moen is announcing improved integration as a Smart Home Skill, unlocking more intuitive commands.
To activate U by Moen shower, users can ask their voice assistant to remotely start, stop and pause the shower with the sound of their voice. Once they have created personalized presets in the U by Moen app, homeowners simply state the name of the preset or specify a specific water temperature for the shower within the command. [...]
- Apple HomeKit: Users can ask Siri to remotely start the shower, saying "Siri, turn on my shower," or "Siri, start preset 'Post-Workout Shower.'"
U by Moen was initially shown off at CES 2017, with the smart capabilities managed through smartphone apps. CES 2018 saw the announcement of Alexa and Siri support for the "first half of 2018," but Siri integration obviously didn't arrive in that timeframe, so here's hoping this year's announced timing is a bit more on target.
U by Moen is available at an MSRP of $1,225 for a two-outlet version or $2,265 for a four-outlet version, and that doesn't include any shower heads or installation by a plumbing professional, so it doesn't come cheaply. But for those who might already be considering a bathroom remodel and want the ultimate in smart home technology, U by Moen might be worth a look.
