MacRumors

At this year's Consumer Electronics Show, Grid Connect is debuting two HomeKit-enabled products, the ConnectSense Temperature & Humidity Sensor and the ConnectSense Smart Water Sensor. The two new products join Grid Connect's existing ConnectSense Smart Outlet, which came out in late 2015.

The ConnectSense Temperature & Humidity Sensor can be placed anywhere in the home to deliver accurate information on a room's temperature and humidity level. Grid Connect suggests its sensor will be useful in temperature-sensitive areas like wine cellars, greenhouses, collection rooms, cold storage, and more.

As the name suggests, the ConnectSense Smart Water Sensor is able to detect the first signs of a water leak, staving off significant water damage. It's useful for people who own fish tanks or for use in areas where water leaks are common, such as basements and laundry rooms.

Both of the new ConnectSense sensors operate using Bluetooth 4.0 and incorporate AAA batteries. They're able to connect to a user's HomeKit setup to interact with other HomeKit-enabled devices in Triggers and Scenes.

Passive sensors aren't as immediately useful as active HomeKit products like lights and smart plugs, but they can be useful as triggers. The Temperature & Humidity sensor, for example, could be set to turn a HomeKit-connected thermostat to a lower or higher temperature when a specific temperature threshold is reached, and a water sensor could perform a similar function.

The ConnectSense Smart Temperature & Humidity and Smart Water sensors will be available in the first half of 2016. Details on pricing are not yet available.

Incipio today announced several new ClamCase keyboard cases designed for the iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 4. All of the cases use ClamCase's signature clamshell design paired with a 360-degree hinge, turning an iPad into a MacBook-style device.

First up is the ClamCase+, the first ClamCase keyboard available for the iPad Pro. The ClamCase+, which is also available for the iPad Air 2, features a full-sized QWERTY keyboard, backlit keys, and auto sleep/wake functionality. On the iPad Pro version, there's a built-in slot that holds the Apple Pencil when it isn't in use.

The ClamCase+ will be available in Gray, Gold, and Silver to match each of Apple's iPads. The iPad Air 2 version will retail for $149.99, while the iPad Pro version will sell for $169.99.

Exclusive to the iPad Air 2 is a new ClamCase+ Power case, which is a standard ClamCase keyboard case that also includes a built-in 6,000 mAh battery and a 2.1A USB port that can be used for charging an iPhone or other iOS device. The ClamCase+ Power, which only comes in black, will be available in the second quarter of 2016 and will retail for $199.99.

The ClamCase Prompt, Incipio's most interesting offering, is also exclusively for the iPad Air 2. The ClamCase Prompt has a small built-in OLED screen on the lid that's able to provide visual alerts for non-disruptive smartphone notifications during class sessions or meetings. The ClamCase Prompt pairs to a smartphone via Bluetooth and is able to deliver alerts to the keyboard case.

The ClamCase Prompt, available in Silver/White, will begin shipping in the second quarter of 2016. Like the ClamCase+ Power, it will retail for $199.99.

For the iPad mini 4, Incipio is introducing the ClamCase Pro keyboard, which includes a 360-degree hinge that allows the iPad to be adjusted at a user's preferred angle for typing and viewing. The ClamCase Pro for iPad mini 4 comes in White/Silver and Smoke Gray, and will be available for purchase from the Incipio ClamCase website during the first quarter of 2016. It will retail for $129.99.

ClamCase was previously an independent company, but was acquired by Incipio in 2015. Incipio plans to continue producing new products under the ClamCase brand name.

A new test by the Electronic Frontier Foundation has found that T-Mobile's free video streaming program Binge On does in fact affect the streaming of all in-browser video content when the service is enabled. Although T-Mobile has stated Binge On works with just its 24 allied partners, some companies like YouTube have spoken out regarding the fact that the new program throttles all video and not just the content of its partners.

EFF recently composed a test to find out the truth behind the throttling claims, running similar smartphones on T-Mobile LTE connections in the same location and at the same time of day. Measuring the throughput between the video on the server and the smartphone running the content, the site in total performed four tests with Binge On enabled:

-Streaming a video embedded in a webpage using HTML5 (“Streaming in Browser”),
-Downloading a video file to the phone’s SD card (“Direct Download”),
-Downloading a video file to the phone’s SD card, but with the filename and the HTTP response headers changed to indicate it was not a video file (“Direct Download, Non-Video File Extension”), and
-Downloading a large non-video file for comparison (“Direct Non-Video Download”).

The site's big takeaway came from its HTML5 in-browser streaming test. It discovered that when Binge On is enabled on a T-Mobile smartphone, all HTML5 video streams are throttled to about 1.5Mbps, "even when the phone is capable of downloading at higher speeds, and regardless of whether or not the video provider enrolled in Binge On." The throttling speeds affected downloads as well, even when customers were downloading a browser video to watch later.

Video files with HTTP headers and filenames that indicate the content is not a video were also throttled during the tests, but T-Mobile assured the site that it has means to detect video-specific patterns that don't directly delve into a user's communications or "involve the examination of actual content."

Lastly, EFF found that Binge On's optimization claims may be mostly false regarding the enhancement of video quality on a smartphone using the program. The site found that the service "doesn't actually alter or enhance" video content when it is streamed from the network and onto a smartphone, and really only throttles it down to 1.5Mbps so that users can take advantage of the free streaming service.

Our last finding is that T-Mobile’s video “optimization” doesn’t actually alter or enhance the video stream for delivery to a mobile device over a mobile network in any way. 2 This means T-Mobile’s “optimization” consists entirely of throttling the video stream’s throughput down to 1.5Mbps.

If the video is more than 480p and the server sending the video doesn’t have a way to reduce or adapt the bitrate of the video as it’s being streamed, the result is stuttering and uneven streaming—exactly the opposite of the experience T-Mobile claims their “optimization” will have. In other words, our results show that T-Mobile is throttling video streams, plain and simple.

The drama surrounding Binge On began around the time that the FCC began scrutinizing free data programs like the T-Mobile service, with others including AT&T's Sponsored Data program and Comcast's Stream TV. Although not yet an official investigation, the FCC remains concerned over each service's abidance to the net neutrality rules, and as such has requested "relevant technical and business" representatives from each of the three companies to discuss the topic before January 15.

iDevices has announced four new connected home products at CES 2016 featuring Apple's HomeKit technology, including the iDevices Socket, Wall Switch, Dimmer Switch and Wall Outlet. The home automation accessories can be controlled with Siri and the free iDevices Connected app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

• iDevices Socket – This socket allows homeowners to control their standard light bulbs from anywhere using the iDevices Connected app. The iDevices Socket features dimming functionality and a customizable LED nightlight for changing the light color and adjusting the brightness. The iDevices Socket launches in Q1 2016.
  

• iDevices Wall Switch and Dimmer Switch – These connected wall switches enable users to control their home's lighting from anywhere using the iDevices Connected app. The accessory can function as both a standard on/off wall switch or as a dimmer switch, and each feature customizable LED night lights to locate them in the dark. The switches will be available in Q2 2016.
  

• iDevices Wall Outlet – The iDevices Wall Outlet is a hard-wired version of the iDevices Switch, and provides users the ability to control, monitor and schedule power to both outlets individually using the iDevices Connected app. The iDevices Wall Outlet will be released for sale in Q3 2016.
  

• iDevices Connected App – The free companion iDevices Connected app enables users to add iDevices products to their home network, securely pair them with their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, add them to a room, set dynamic schedules and add custom photos and names. The app also supports HomeKit-enabled products from other manufacturers like iGrill.

The new HomeKit accessories will be released throughout 2016, but pricing was not disclosed. iDevices will provide live demos of these new products during CES 2016 at The Sands Expo booth 71525.

Today at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, accessory manufacturer Actionproof announced the "Bozon" Apple Watch charging dock. The $39.99 cradle provides a secure resting place for the Apple Watch, with a premium silicone finish that continues Actionproof's tradition of highly protective third-party Apple accessories.

"Actionproof is excited to continue expanding its product line and offer its customers additional, high-end protection and accessories for their Apple products," said Ivo Guiliani, co-founder of Actionproof. "We're confident the Bozon has solved the many issues of the other Apple Watch charging docks currently on the market."

The Bozon charging dock, launching today on the company's website, can charge the Apple Watch both horizontally and vertically and functions with any of Apple's official open- and closed-loop bands. Actionproof does provide one caveat, however, in that the Link Bracelet is not recommended for use on the Bozon due to the stainless steel band's extra weight.

Similar to Griffin's line of Apple-related charging accessories, the Bozon also gives users an opportunity for hidden cable management in its circular body. The new product lets users shorten or lengthen the Apple Watch's 2 meter charging cable to suit their own cord management needs. So if the dock sits close to a charging outlet, users can wind up the cord into the accessory for a more organized, clean look on a bedside table or desk.

Resting on four small legs made out of the same premium silicone as the rest of the body, the company promises that the Bozon will protect the Apple Watch from spills and being knocked over while sitting on the dock. Like most docking systems, it'll also let users fully interact with their watchOS notifications and apps even as it gets charged on the Bozon.

Those interested can order Actionproof's Bozon charging dock beginning today through the company's official website, with orders getting fulfilled through Amazon. The Bozon is Actionproof's featured product during CES this year, but the company also plans to provide some spotlight on its existing Apple accessories at the show, like The Bumper for the Apple Watch and SP-06 iPhone case line.

Apple has updated its Apple Pay participating issuers list with 58 additional banks, credit unions and financial institutions supporting the contactless payment service in the United States. Apple Pay now has over 900 participating issuers nationwide, and several more plan to support the NFC-based mobile payment service in the future.

The newly added Apple Pay participating issuers are reflected below, although it's worth noting that some banks, credit unions and financial institutions listed may have already had support for the contactless payments service and are only now being reflected on Apple's website.

The full list of new Apple Pay participating issuers:

• Air Academy Federal Credit Union
  

• Ballston Spa National Bank
  

• Bank of Commerce
  

• BankFive
  

• BNA Bank
  

• Capital Area Federal Credit Union
  

• Citizens National Bank
  

• Comenity Bank
  

• CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union
  

• Community Business Bank
  

• Community State Bank
  

• CoreFirst Bank & Trust
  

• Damascus Community Bank
  

• Denison Bank
  

• Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union
  

• Electrical Federal Credit Union
  

• Financial Center First Credit Union
  

• First State Bank of Arcadia
  

• Florence Savings Bank
  

• "FNB Bank, N.A."
  

• Fox Communities Credit Union
  

• Franklin Synergy Bank
  

• Fulton Bank of New Jersey
  

• "Fulton Bank, N.A."
  

• Hercules Credit Union
  

• HFS Federal Credit Union
  

• Iberville Bank
  

• Inspirus Credit Union
  

• Isabella Community Credit Union
  

• Lafayette Ambassador Bank
  

• Landmark Bank
  

• Latino Community Credit Union
  

• Linn Area Credit Union
  

• Machias Savings Bank
  

• Maps Credit Union
  

• McCoy Federal Credit Union
  

• Mercantile Bank
  

• Nicolet National Bank
  

• Ontario-Montclair School Employees Federal Credit Union
  

• Pacific Marine Credit Union
  

• Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union
  

• Pen Air Federal Credit Union
  

• Platinum Bank
  

• Red Rocks Credit Union
  

• Rockland Trust
  

• Saginaw Medical Federal Credit Union
  

• Simmons Bank
  

• StonehamBank
  

• Swineford National Bank
  

• Texas Bank and Trust
  

• The Columbia Bank
  

• The Evangeline Bank & Trust Co
  

• The First National Bank of Mount Dora
  

• The National Bank of Indianapolis
  

• Valliance Bank
  

• Wauchula State Bank
  

• West Central Bank
  

• Westmark Credit Union
  

Apple is committed to an international expansion of Apple Pay, having launched the mobile payments service in Australia and Canada in November in partnership with American Express. Apple Pay is also coming to Hong Kong, Singapore and Spain this year, and the service is rumored to launch in China by February.

Apple Pay gained support for BJ's Wholesale Club private label credit cards and 66 new U.S. issuers on December 15. On the merchant side, Cinnabon, Chili's, Domino's, KFC and Starbucks will support Apple Pay in the U.S. starting this year.

Password management app LastPass was today updated to version 4.0, introducing an entirely new design and a range of new features across the company's Mac/PC apps, mobile apps, and browser extensions.

The new LastPass 4.0 update introduces a revamped user interface that focuses on a more intuitive layout and a streamlined look and feel across multiple platforms. There's a redesigned password vault, web vault, and new browser extension menus, all of which include more prominent website icons, improved navigation, and bolder color schemes.

With the new user interface, it's possible to switch between a "Grid" view or a "List view" for managing data, and there's a new "Add" menu for quickly adding new sites, Secue Notes, Form Fill Profiles, or Folders. There are also new hover menus with options for quickly launching, editing, sharing, and deleting items stored in the app. For users who do not care for the new look, LastPass is implementing a toggle option that will let people switch between the old interface and the new design for the next several months.

Along with the redesigned interface, LastPass has new sharing features. An Emergency Access feature gives users the ability to give trusted friends or family members access to a password vault in case of emergency. An optional waiting period ensures Emergency Access is only granted to trusted users in the case of a true emergency, with all access requests declinable by the primary user.

The new LastPass Sharing Center lets users manage and share passwords for accounts in a secure, encrypted way, useful if two or more people need access to the same website via a single account. The Sharing Center allows multiple people to access login and password information, keeping passwords in sync for all users.

"As today's digital consumers are tasked with a growing number of online accounts and passwords, the negative consequences of unsafe password behaviors grow too, from how we create and remember passwords to how we share accounts with colleagues and family," said Joe Siegrist, CEO and co-founder of LastPass. "With LastPass 4.0, we set out to design an intuitive password management experience that could help both first-time users and long-time LastPass customers - personal accounts, teams and entire businesses - to more effortlessly follow and embrace password best practices while maintaining a secure digital identity."

LastPass can be used for free on a single device, including a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, but using LastPass on more than one device with syncing capabilities and family sharing requires a premium subscription, priced at $12 per year. There's also an enterprise option priced at $24 per user per year.

LastPass for iOS can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

LastPass for Mac can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Today at CES LifeFuel debuted its first product, an iPhone-connected water bottle that can dispense both supplements and flavors while tracking water and supplement intake. The bottle also contains a small display and buttons that allow users to dispense the supplements or flavors.

The Smart Nutrition Bottle is similar to a protein shake shaker, but can instead load five separate 1-ounce "FuelPods" that can hold as many as 30 servings per ounce. LifeFuel says the bottle has "all-day" battery life and that it charges wirelessly. The FuelPods can either contain vitamins, like calcium, zinc or iron, water flavor enhancements, like coffee or coconut, or supplements, like pre-workouts, protein and sleep aids. The FuelPods are created in collaboration with partners like Complete Nutrition, Trace Minerals, SweetLeaf and Christopher Bean.

The FuelPods can be released via the bottle's attached screen or they can be released via the LifeFuel mobile app, which connects to an iPhone over a Bluetooth connection. The app not only tracks water intake and hydration via the bottle, but vitamin and supplement intake as well. It can also pair to apps like Apple Health, MyFitnessPal and Fitbit to share its metrics. The app can use this data to make tailored recommendations to users, suggesting what supplements they need. However, all supplements and flavors must be purchased via LifeFuel because of the proprietary FuelPods.

LifeFuel has sold out its first run of pre-orders, but it's currently taking orders for its second run. The 18-ounce Smart Nutrition Bottle comes in four colors and is priced at $195, with LifeFuel aiming for a wide release in late 2016, according to Engadget.

Parrot announced at CES 2016 today that its Bluetooth-enabled robotic plant pot will launch for $99 in the first quarter of 2016. The aptly-named "Parrot Pot" is equipped with sensors that help keep your plant alive by measuring soil moisture and temperature, fertilizer, room temperature and light intensity (via TechCrunch).

Parrot Pot, first unveiled as a prototype at CES 2015, holds just over a half gallon (2 liters) of water, which is about a week of water for the average plant. The intelligent pot records data about the plant and also has a water-saving mode that can help keep it alive for up to three or four weeks depending on the circumstances.

Parrot has a "Flower Power" app for iOS that enables users to select which house plant they have from a database of about 8,000 plants. The company will also upload data about the plant to its cloud-based servers every 15 minutes, so long as the pot is connected to a compatible smartphone.

TechCrunch has also provided a closer look at the company's latest drone, the 700-gram Parrot Disco, which can fly up to 45 minutes and reach speeds of just under 50 mph. The Wi-Fi-controlled drone resembles a fixed-wing model airplane and features a 1080p 14-megapixel camera, accelerometer, gyroscope, pitot tube and more.

Parrot said the Disco remains a prototype, but the company plans to launch the drone by the end of 2016. The drone's price was not disclosed.