Christmas gift tips for tech enthusiasts & smart homes

Homey Pro has received a lot of updates. Processor, memory, storage, Wifi, Bluetooth and Z-wave have all been upgraded.

New additions include Thread, Matter and and the ability to connect your Homey Pro wired to your network using an ethernet adapter for 349kr.

With Homey Pro, you get access to over 50,000 apps written both by enthusiasts and verified apps by manufacturers. With built-in antennas for most protocols, the Homey Pro becomes one of the most powerful controllers on the market. The possibilities for automating your home are endless. Homey Pro is for the most advanced users.

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Roborock's middle segment now consists of Q Revo. An extremely competent robot vacuum cleaner. It's a smart move by Roborock to first launch its flagship S8 Pro Ultra for about $6k more and now follow up with the Q Revo, which technically is almost up and running on the flagship. Although they differ slightly on the technical side, there is not as much difference when it comes to the result. If you add the difference in price to the equation, Q Revo becomes the clear winner.

Q Revo, of course, has all the subtleties that we recognize from Roborock's top models. Lidar, obstacle avoidance, automatic lifting mop, self-emptying, etc. The base unit itself is slightly higher but at the same time accommodates a full 5 liters of water. The mop cleaning is done with a new type of base plate that requires minimal maintenance and above all no need to change parts until difference from e.g. S8 Pro Ultra and S7 MaxV Ultra.

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Dreame L20 Ultra is an impressive robot vacuum cleaner that delivers high performance and intelligent features to keep your home clean and tidy.

One of the most notable features of the L20 Ultra is its powerful 7000Pa suction power, which allows it to handle different types of flooring. It has a rubber roller brush that prevents hair tangling and facilitates cleaning.

Another impressive feature is the unique bionic robotic arm, called MOPExtend™ Technology. This feature allows the L20 Ultra to reach corners and edges that would otherwise require manual finishing. With the patented Wipe technology, it also ensures a thorough cleaning of corners, eliminating dead spots.

The L20 Ultra also has a smart feature to remove the mops automatically before vacuuming thick carpets, preventing carpets from getting wet or dirty.

A dirt-sensing system measures the level of dirt after each wash. Too dirty mops are automatically washed again, providing a more efficient cleaning. In addition, it has advanced AI technology that recognizes rooms, furniture, floors and cleaning habits to create optimal cleaning plans based on dirty maps.

The L20 Ultra has an impressive ability to detect and avoid obstacles with its 3D structured lens and AI cameras. It clearly shows obstacles on the app's map and allows you to navigate smoothly, even in the dark with the help of Auto LED lights.

With an intelligent mop pitch of 10.5 mm, it avoids wetting carpets and brushes when detecting short carpets. One of the most innovative features is the ability to install a water and sewage module, which allows it to automatically replace clean water and discharge waste. The L20 Ultra has also been upgraded with remote photos, two-way calls and tracking capabilities, allowing you to interact with it remotely and even follow your dearest moments.

Finally, the L20 Ultra also offers comprehensive care and maintenance with features such as automatic detergent refilling, dust collection, water filling and draining, and drying the mop with hot air.

The Dreame L20 Ultra impresses to say the least. It is a great addition to the smart home and will definitely make cleaning easier and more efficient. For anyone looking for a reliable robot vacuum cleaner with advanced technology, the L20 Ultra is an excellent choice.

The Aqarq Presence Sensor FP2 belongs to a new generation of sensors that makes use of a mmWave technology. This allows for a significantly more advanced and accurate detection of movements. The sensor can sense movements as small as a person's breathing. It can also sense up to five people in the room and divide the room into up to 30 different zones. These zones, in turn, can be used to automate your home. For example, you can divide your kitchen into two zones, one at the dining table and one at the sink. When someone moves to the sink, the work light comes on.

The Aqarq Presence Sensor FP2 also has a light sensor (LUX) that can be used for automation. Using the sensor in the bedroom also adds some clever features as the sensor can sense if someone is lying in bed. Another smart feature is fall detection. If someone suddenly falls in the home, the sensor can trigger an automation, for example, to send a push notification to your phone.

In summary, the Aqarq Presence Sensor FP2 is a player in the market using a technology that we will see more of in the future. If you are willing to pay a slightly higher price, this may be for you. Keep in mind that the Aqarq Presence Sensor FP2 requires constant current.

Automower 430X NERA is an advanced robotic lawnmower that fixes a perfect result even on difficult lawns up to 3200 square meters. With the Automower® Connect app and Husqvarna EPOS Plug-in Kit, you can cut with virtual borders. With smart features such as intelligent object avoidance, slope management with up to 50% slope and GPS-assisted navigation, it is ideal in its design. With Automower® Zone Control, you can easily use your mobile to create temporary surfaces where the mower is not allowed to ride.

*New model to be released soon*

Ecovacs, the Chinese company known for its robotic vacuum cleaners, has now launched the Goat G1 lawnmower. The machine can cut up to 1600 square meters without the need for a buried wire. To use it, one needs a base station and navigation beacons that can be purchased separately. The Goat G1 uses different sensors and has smart features to avoid obstacles. It can also be used as a surveillance camera. The concept of the beacons is not optimal and the cut quality at edges and obstacles is not perfect.

Not available in th UK.

One of the later additions for smart locks is Nimly formerly called Easyaccess. The Norwegian company has entered the Swedish market and impresses with its feature-packed smart locks specially developed and designed for the Scandinavian conditions.

Nimly Touch Pro Black is one of the latest additions where you can use your fingerprint to unlock your door, unlike their other Lock Touch which lacks this feature.

The lock also has touch panel for code entry and the ability to use one of the three RFID code tags included to unlock the lock. Three physical keys are also included for added security.

If you want to control your lock via their app and be able to automate your lock with Homey, Homely or Futurehome, you can purchase a gateway and a ZigBee module that you can easily install yourself.

The lock comes in black and silver.

One of the most requested features by Homey users is a dashboard where one can control their devices. smpl mini display will probably not be enough to satisfy that hunger, but that does not mean that it does not fulfill any function. On the contrary, it fills a void. The smpl mini display is a wireless and energy-efficient e-ink display designed specifically for Homey. In smpl's own app for Homey, you can easily create your own layouts based on the data you have in your Homey. It can be downloaded from existing sensors and devices, Logic variables or other apps such as SMHI. smpl mini display supports multiple layouts that you can easily switch between and can be mounted both in portrait or landscape mode. For your data, you can choose a suitable icon from the library included in the app and write your own descriptive text.

So if you want to display the current values in your home on a small display, this is the smpl mini display to buy.

SwitchBot has recently launched a new version of their electronic curtain control SwitchBot Curtain 3. This is the third release of electronic curtain control that SwitchBot is launching. The biggest improvements are that it is quieter and can move a full 16kg curtain which is a big improvement. The battery life has also been extended, it lasts a full 8 months, and that you can buy a solar panel that only needs three hours of sun to be fully charged. Now Curtain 3 works with Matter if you own a SwitchBot Hub 2.

With SwitchBot Curtain 3, you can remotely control and motor your curtains. It is a simple installation that only takes a few minutes to complete. With SwitchBot curtain 3, you can voice control with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri Shortcuts, IFTTT and SmartThings (SwitchBot Hub required). You can choose whether to control the curtains if necessary, make a schedule according to the time or let the sun decide when to adjust the curtains.

SwitchBot Curtain 3 has mounts for u-bar, i-rod and round curtain rod, which is incredibly good. SwitchBot has launched the mount to the u-bar and round bar but the mount to the i-rod will be launched later. Since the circumference of your round curtain rod can vary, they have developed the product so that it can withstand a curtain rod that is between 15mm to about 40mm in diameter the circumference can be between 48mm and 125mm. It can also handle a curtain rod that can be extended as long as it does not separate more than 3.5mm in thickness on the bars, which it usually does not.

For a sound-sensitive person, this motor is perfect. SwitchBot chose to have a quiet operation mode for this model. This means that the noise of the engine reaches only up to 25dB, which is equivalent to an ordinary whisper.

You can control your curtains with SwitchBot Curtain 3 through seven different ways.

• Via your smart watch
• SwitchBot Remote
• Voice control
• Manually adjust the curtains by hand
• Timed Commands
• Adjust the curtains via light sensor
• Aplicas

With these features, SwitchBot Curtain 3 is an impressive solution for automating and remotely controlling your curtains, while offering versatile compatibility and easy installation with different curtain rods and types.

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Aqara Curtain Driver E1 is a solution for upgrading traditional curtains with automated motors and HomeKit functionality. There are two variants of the device, one for curtain rods and a track version for U-rail and I-rail. To connect the device to the network, open the Aqara app, select E1 from the list of accessories and follow the on-screen instructions to set open and close positions.

If you have two Curtain Driver E1 devices, you can pair them in the app so they work in sync. The device supports heavy curtains up to 12 kg, but it is worth checking exactly what type of curtain and rod you have against the compatibility requirements of Aqara. For example, curtain rods must be between 25 mm and 32 mm in diameter and must not be telescopic.

With the built-in light sensor, you can automate your curtains so you keep out the sun without having to close and open the curtains manually. If you pull the curtain a little, the engine will activate and do the rest of the work for you.

The Curtain Driver E1 has a good build quality, but the device is heavy due to its large battery which, incidentally, has a battery life of a full year. However, you can place the device behind your curtain so it is not visible so the design is not a determining factor. It's also easy to disconnect the device from your curtain and charge it via USB-C.

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Update: Slide has decided to close its operations for the time being

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Slide is a smart curtain engine that can make your existing curtains smart and electric. With Slide, you can control your curtains from anywhere in the world using the app. Slide has several features, including timer routines, sunrise and sunset routines, manual operation, Touch&Go, and SpeedControl. In addition, you can use Slide to wake up naturally using the alarm function or save on your heating bill by using the insulating power of the curtains. Slide works on all straight rails up to 6 meters and can be used for single or double curtains.

Slide comes in three different designs, Slide Light, Slide Comfort and Slide Pro. Here you can read more about what features are included in the different products.

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Discover peace of mind and convenience with Owlet Cam - an ultimate baby surveillance camera.

Owlet cam ushered in a new level of parenting peace and security. With this advanced camera, you can have complete control and monitoring of your child's well-being, giving you peace and security around the clock.

Owlet Cam offers a good HD video that allows you to see your baby in real time. Whether you're at work, in the kitchen or in another room, you can easily monitor your child by using the Owlet app on your smartphone or tablet.

The built-in night vision provides a clear picture even in the dark, allowing you to continue monitoring your baby even when it's time for sleep. The two-way audio function allows you to communicate with your child and comfort him remotely.

With Owlet Cam's motion sensors and sound detection, you get instant notifications if unusual movements or noises occur in your child's room. You can rest assured that you will be informed quickly if something is not right. In addition, if you are interested in monitoring your child's oxygen level and heart rate, you can easily integrate the Owlet Cam with the Owlet Smart Sock, giving you even more comprehensive monitoring.

Safety and simplicity are key factors in Owlet Cam. It is easy to install and use and has multiple security features that keep your child's privacy protected. With Owlet Cam, you can focus on creating memories and enjoying time with your child, while at the same time having complete control and supervision.

Owlet Cam is not just a baby surveillance camera, it is an investment in the safety of your child and your own mind. Give yourself that gift of peace and security with the Owlet Cam.

This GPS watch is the latest of the premium models for Xplora. The predecessor was the Xplora X5. A very good update in our opinion is that the battery life has improved slightly. The Xplora X5 Play had an 800 mAh battery and the Xplora X6Play has an 880mAh battery. This watch has the best battery in the whole test which is a big plus and makes it easier since you don't have to charge it as often. Of course, it can vary depending on how much you use the camera, as it uses a lot of battery.

One major upgrade that has been made is the camera. The X6 Play has a full 5 megapixel, which is a big upgrade when its predecessor had 2 megapixels.

The Xplora X6 has improved GPS positioning accuracy since before. However, it still distinguishes several meters in distance, so you do not get a precise positioning on the exact meter but the position has been optimized more than the previous model. As before, you can also open a directions to Apple map or Google maps if desired.

The look of the watch is basically completely black, but there are additional straps to wear around the dial of the watch as well as loops in pink and green if you want a more colorful design.

The Aqara Camera Hub G3 offers a combination of monitoring and integration with other smart home products. The camera supports 2K video resolution, which provides high-quality image reproduction. With a viewing angle of 110° and the possibility of pan and tilt control (340° horizontal and 45° vertical), it offers comprehensive coverage of the area it is aimed at, even with night vision.

You can easily automate flows and scenarios with other Aqara devices. With its NPU processor, the camera can recognize faces, pets and gestures. These can then be used for various automations. For example, you can set your TV to silent by holding your hand up, partly thanks to the device's built-in IR lamp.

Installation and configuration of the Aqara Camera Hub G3 is relatively simple. The app interface is user-friendly, and allows users to remotely control the camera, view live streams and review recordings.

The Aqara Camera Hub G3 can store its recordings in more ways. With Aqara's proprietary cloud storage, you get 30 days of 2K resolution encrypted video storage and no storage limitation. With Apple Secure Video, you store your movies in iCloud. You can also store your movies on a microSD card in the camera (up to 128gb).

The Aqara Camera Hub G3 is a versatile and powerful smart home camera that offers high-quality monitoring and integration with the Aqara ecosystem. While its features and performance are impressive, you should consider the ecosystem compatibility and total cost before purchasing.