Las Vegas, International Consumer Electronics Show-Smart Home Marketplace
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| at the show-Lowe had an entire home set-up to demonstrate Iris® functionalities in each room-above the bedroom with window motion sensor and smart thermostat |
LOWE- Iris® Home Kits, MUZZLEY, BOSCH Home Connect System, LG TWIN WASH + STYLER , PANASONIC MICROWAVE+BREADMAKER, OCTANE FITNESS-ZERO RUNNER
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| easy to "get" display---time options for all those settings |
Controlling lights, alarms, appliances via an app and push notification services/controls (some free, some not) on a screen (smartphone, tablet) and a hub---is becoming accessible and more consumer common-as broadband and wifi become ubiquitous and prices of 'smart kits' come down…PLUS get distributed at the big box stores…promising do-it-yourself ease of set-up.
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| Iris® smart kit $299 comprehensive kit with Iris® hub, contact sensors, motion sensor, keypad, smart plug, smat thermostat, range extender, window decal $299 |
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| Iris® Safe&Secure $179 Iris® hub, contact sensors, motion sensor, window decal |
From Lowe's =IRIS® is packaged as "…the affordable, customizable home security and home management system…" that offers the ability (flexibility) to lock doors, control thermostats, set-up in home motions detectors, etc.-with three kits-two pictured above (Smart Kit, Safe&Secure Kit…and Comfort & Control Kit $179). The system works with many different products from manufacturers such as GE, Sylvania, First Alert alarms -all with the logo "Works WIth Iris®" on the packaging.
Cost wise note--it may not stop there…because although Iris® connection-push notification/app/service is contract free- there are
four different service packages -from the free Basic (basic control of Iris® devices, email text, or voice alerts if alarm triggered)…to a Premium service ($) with add-on options Care Service and backup Cellular connectivity when wifi or broadband is/are not available.
There were
many home monitoring systems at the show-all working via wifi, Bluetooth or we assume ZigBee connectivity-offering simple to very VERY sophisticated functions---that were dazzling…and that raise a lot of questions.
Including --- questions about privacy, data security (as smartphones get hacked), and total costs---after all, with no contracts- and no price guarantees either =means increases once committed/invested to one system (?-a fair one)…and the inability of different devices/appliances from different companies not interchangeable with all digital home systems-not top topic discussions-yet---but maybe all satisfying answers could be impetus to widespread adaptation by folks.
MUZZLEY---was one answer to the aforementioned-what is expected by consumers=the ability to connect/control different devices from different manufacturers---and so far the list includes popularly known NEST thermostats, Tractive GPS device (
review), Philips Hue lightbulbs, WeMo™ and Belkin light switches (
list),
Kudos- to SyFy network's series"12 Monkeys"+ Philips Hue bulbs tie-in-download the app (iOS/Android) and the bulbs' hue will synch in time with the show via Hue Bridge. WOW. FYI 12 Monkeys -Terry Gilliam's directed 1995 movie (based on a short 60's French film) with a young Brad Pitt in crazy contact lenses.
Smart appliances by several companies were truly
stunning---stealing admiring glances from all those 4k TVs...including
Bosch that showed an entire suite of
eco smart-energy saving appliances encased in custom cabinetry…demonstrating its
HOME CONNECT System-that offers control of multiple household appliances by
partner European manufacturers that sell appliances in the USA- including Bosch+Siemens (monitoring/remote control/time settings)- via an app on a smartphone or tablet-and a wifi connection.
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| built in wall oven…can turn on/off remotely |
NICE: register with valid e-mail address-and data exchanged between app-household appliances using the
Home Connect protocol and dedicated server-is stored, if necessary-
anonymously to protect consumer privacy. Given its a German company-with
higher Euro standards for consumer privacy rules -we like how Bosch markets that as a priority.
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| washer with raindrop structured drum for powerful but gentle wash-and all clothes get evenly rotated during washing process (yay!) -compact dryer---can be installed side to side, under counter or stacked |
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| built-in refrigerator/freezer-built in camera-Optiflex Hinge open up and away from cabinetry-allows doors mounted flush-+open fully w/o touch surrounding cabinets…rep is showing off the interior via her tablet. |
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| known to be quiet while on-this recessed handle dishwasher with full color TFT display-easy to read+navigate-w/ info on cycle status+maintenance |
LG new TWIN WASH™ SYSTEM-with a mini-me washer- pull-out, drawer style. AND TurboSteam™(speed boost for dryer)and TurboWash™= VERY COOL.
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| obsessed with this…washer dryer EVEN A slob could love-monitor it all via smartphone app |
Connect options-wifi and NFC -including compatible with LGs HomeChat™ messaging system-via built in SmartThinQ™technology.
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| dryer-on right-SmartThinQ™-send alert when finished-Heat Pump technology recycles heat energy efficient |
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| FEATURES+lots of smart features-LG new ergonomic design with TurboWash™ technology---techy cycles… |
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| Dryer-is loaded up with smart tech too…. |
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| world's first mini-compact washer in an efficient hide away design-stacked with front loader front loader with a 5.6 cu Mega Capacity-very ergo design can run both same time fyi |
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| full touch display-mini washer...great for delicates, hand washables---with warm water, extra rinse options |
This substitute for pricey dry-cleaning…LG Styler-is a second generation compact clothing refresher system….and imo fit NYC apartments. We know people who have the original one-and LOVE IT!!!
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| two Styler's-side by side---shows doors can open to the left or the right |
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| Odor Removal feature, Quick Refresh function, Moving Hanger Action gently shakes clothes after steaming remove wrinkles capacity 4 pieces |
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| sleek-Smart Diagnosis™and NFC Tag On-on LG Styler- alerts user via smartphone, downloads special cycles-tap upload to Styler |
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| built in heat pump prevents shrinking, and TrueSteam™hot steam spray technology-eliminates 99.9% germs and bacteria-for clothes including babies and their stuffed animal toys. Ease Pants Crease Care feature on the door section gets rid of creases formed at back of knees-maintains perfect pleats up front. NIFTY. Water for steam feature-on bottom-pulls right out to fill... |
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| pull out---filter and where water for steam function goes... |
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what it does…
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| filter-can be cleaned |
Panasonic---what a neat company to work for---and get all those employee discounts!!!!
Over at the convention center-a tricked out kitchen contained this induction cooking top that lights up to show what's on what.
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| we love our Panasonic microwave-but this new Cyclonic Microwave Oven in 2 sizes with 16.5 or 15 inch turntables radiates energy gently+evenly in 3 D circular pattern-so no cold spots-20 programmable sensor cook+reheat options+turbo defrost mode. |
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| Panasonic picture-raisin +nut dispenser---visible |
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| Cool with an eta September 2015 delivery -Gluten Free --- Panasonic Breadmaker----how timely---via a dedicated mode, an external temperature sensor-measures ambient temps throughout baking process (handy)-16 baking modes in all, yeast dispenser with optional timing, +washable nut/raisin dispenser distributes ingredients evenly and at ideal time. We bet we could even turn out perfect French bread, pizza dough or plain ole' white bread. |
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| Founders Dennis Lee and Tim Porth ---running strides are very unique+ personal-depending on a lot of factors including a gazelle or more of a glider kind of stride. Zero Runner supposed accommodates both so we were told--we're gliders low impact fast cad---the Zero Runner comes equipped with mechanical hip+knee joints that imitate human biomechanics…and independent pedals duplicate natural running motion. We tried-and since we can't use treadmills-even the pricey Woodway ones without staining a muscles because our natural stride gets thrown off-is def better indoor alternative... |
Fitness---well -ya have to burn off those calories -we tried out this indoor
ZERO RUNNER ($3299) by Octane Fitness---which has a tricked out, advanced console with various fitness data including running gait (nice not to have to use a smartphone to get the 411 via SmartLink™ app)… heart rate can be measured in 2 ways-Polar, ANT+ and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless---or via HR sensor on the stationary handlebars.
The independent pedals are akin to an elliptical machine-but the motion reminded us of how we run---rolling hills…without the impact, of course.
