Tech

Tech resolution for 2023 is to smarten up my home

Published

2 years ago

January 1, 2023

Calvin Wankhede / Android Authority

While I’ve found many of these smart home devices helpful in their own stead, I still haven’t managed to create a working smart home the likes of which tech companies advertise. You know, where my alarm talks to the coffee machine, kickstarts my robot vacuum cleaner, opens up the blinds, turns on the lights, etc. I admit I’ve been lazy about home automation, but I blame my lack of enthusiasm for building a smart home on the fragmentation in the space.

I blame my lack of enthusiasm on the fragmentation in the smart home space.

There are multiple ecosystems to navigate, including Google’s (Nest/Google Assistant), Apple’s (HomeKit), and Amazon’s (Alexa/Echo). There are smart home devices that work directly with Wi-Fi and a simple companion app, but also those that connect to a proprietary hub and work on different wireless protocols like Zigbee and Z-Wave. Another big barrier between my home and automation is the lack of many key smart home brands in India. Devices from the likes of Nest, Ring, Arlo, or Ecobee, are either unavailable where I live or super expensive to import. But coming next year, I resolve to cross all these hurdles to smarten up my home.

My current (sort of) smart home setup

Adamya Sharma / Android Authority

At present, my barely smart, smart home setup does the absolute minimum. Nothing talks to each other except my Alexa speakers, thanks to a single Amazon account we use at home. I don’t get much out of what I have other than the fact that the devices serve their primary purpose independently. They can do so much more but currently live in a not-so-smart home setup.

I have a few Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) smart speakers scattered around the house to play my music in different rooms. I even have one Echo Dot in the shower. But apart from remote-playing music and asking Alexa for general information, I pretty much don’t do anything else with them.

An Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) sits in our living room and assists with music playback, package delivery notifications, reminders, timers, and occasional YouTube videos. I find the built-in camera of the Echo Show 10 really handy. I use it when I am not home to keep an eye on the house and check up on my babies — a human one and a Beagle. The two-way communication allows me to talk to them or just sneakily drop in for a bit of mommy spying.

An Alexa-enabled Yamaha YAS-209 sound bar completes my setup. This lightweight soundbar sounds absolutely fantastic and comes with Alexa baked in. It can help control connected Alexa-enabled smart home devices, but I only use it for music playback.

For my TVs, I went for the LG B9 and LG G2 smart OLED TVs. Both come with built-in Google Assistant, which helps a lot in things like navigation, playing movies and TV shows on streaming services, and switching on things like the connected sound bar and PlayStation 5.

I use two Realme 360-degree indoor home security cameras for monitoring my home while I’m away. They have their own ad-heavy app, but since they are Alexa-enabled, I can also view their feed in the Alexa app. The problem is I can only watch a static feed there; I can’t use any of the camera’s other functions. There’s literally no other advantage of having this Alexa integration.

I have supplemented these with a cheap local CCTV camera for outdoor watching. This thing was super affordable, works on Wi-Fi, and has its own app that can help play clips. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work with any smart assistant and isn’t compatible with any smart home protocol.

What I want my future smart home to look like

So as you can see, I have multiple smart devices that can control or be controlled by others or with my phone. Clearly, I am not doing much to create the smart home of my dreams. I do, however, have some home automation tasks and devices on my wishlist.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not looking to go all in on home automation like my colleague Calvin Wankhede. I just want a more intelligent home where I can set up some routines, create subsets of devices based on each room in the house, control the lights, and so on. Here’s what I plan to do in the next couple of months.

First, I want to smarten up my lights, fans, and other appliances. I wanted to get on the Philips Hue bandwagon, but unfortunately, I have recessed lights in my house. A good friend recommended I get a single switch relay, one like this from Sonoff, that essentially automates any switch. It also has an app that lets you create groups of devices to control. The best part is these Wi-Fi switches work with both Google Assistant and Alexa for voice commands and are super cheap, so I can buy a bunch of them to spread around the house for controlling everything from lights to fans and even my coffee machine.

A smart home needs to run independently.

Next, I should set up some Alexa routines. Given the plethora of Alexa speakers in my house, it’s high time I started using Alexa routines. Especially since I’ll be automating several switches around the house. A smart home needs to run independently, and that’s where Alexa routines come in. I plan on using routines to automate how the lights and other appliances come on in the house or what music plays when my baby sits down at the dinner table.

I’d also like to get some Nest goodies. I know I said Nest devices aren’t easy to come by in India, but there are a few I am eyeing. I want to diversify my smart home a bit and not be entirely dependent on Amazon’s platform. So yes, the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is on my list, and so is the battery-powered Nest Cam. Fortunately, these two are available in India. The cherry on the cake is that Google’s Nest Hubs are or will be updated with Matter and Thread support, meaning they will all be able to talk to many more smart devices more efficiently in the future.

Matter-enabled purchases will ensure I am ready for the future of the smart home.

I’ll do all of this while keeping Matter on my mind. The new protocol may not be supported by many devices just yet, but it will be in the years to come. The biggest advantage of Matter-enabled devices is that they can work across all major platforms. So I’ll be able to tell Siri on my iPhone to switch on the bedroom lights, and someone else in the house can use the Google Home app on their Android phone to turn on the same lights. Some functions should not even require the internet or a dedicated hub. That’s why I’ll certainly consider buying more Matter-enabled devices as I expand my smart home. Even if the idea of controlling everything in my house with a single app of my choice is still some time away, future-proofing these purchases will ensure I am ready for the next few years and don’t need to start from scratch.

For all of the above, I am currently not looking to spend more than about a $1,000 — less if possible. I’m not saying that would be sufficient to get a fully automated home, but it would surely be a good enough start. I’ll be following up on how my endeavors go in the next six months! So here’s hoping my smart home journey is not a tough one. Got any advice for me? Hit me up in the comments section.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.

Tech

Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 9 Lineup Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Release

Published

1 month ago

August 13, 2024

Harry Miller

Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.

The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.

Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.

The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.

In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.

To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.

Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.

The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.

In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.

Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.

Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.