Smart Home

Continuing the line of affordable home surveillance and security devices, the Wyze Cam Outdoor is packed with features for the $50 price point. With motion detection, two weeks of free cloud storage, continuous recording with a micro SD card, and super-easy setup, there’s a lot to check out. Head below to watch the video and see it in action.
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When it comes to more affordable smart home accessories, meross is routinely one of the more eye-catching brands we feature here at 9to5. With HomeKit control entering on a variety of its accessories, the latest of its Siri-enabled devices is now available for purchase. And it’s already on sale, too. The new meross HomeKit Garage Opener Remote brings smart home control to an existing garage door with support for all three major voice assistants. Head below for all of the details on the new release, and for more on locking in the launch pricing.

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Today Anker’s eufy sub-brand is unveiling its latest smartphone accessory, and it’s unlike anything they’ve ever done before. The new eufy Drop is a smart camera drop box for your packages, valuables, and more that’s designed to sit on your front porch and monitor activity. It’s designed to work in tandem with the brand’s line of smart cameras and other accessories, which have also seen notable growth in recent years. However, you won’t be finding HomeKit support here just yet, like Anker’s other smart cameras, but there’s still plenty of smart tech packed into this box. Full details on pricing, availability, and more can be found below.

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It was July of last year when Wyze announced it would bring free person detection to its suite of budget-focused smart home cameras. But then, earlier this year, Apple purchased the low-power AI startup, Xnor.ai, which was behind Wyze’s on-device person detection.

Wyze told its customers that it would roll out an in-house person detection service, and it would remain free — but after finishing up the feature, Wyze has found that it’ll cost them more than they initially thought. On the bright side, Wyze plans to test a “pay what you want” program allowing customers to pay $0 or however much they think person detection is worth, but there are a few caveats.

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Anker’s smart home brand, eufy, just released an all-new 2K security camera dubbed the eufyCam 2 Pro. It packs 2K recording and free local video storage plus much more, including 365-day battery life and on-device human detection software. Priced from $150, these cameras will ensure that your home is properly secured, allowing you to easily view your home from afar, even when it’s dark out, thanks to built-in color night vision. The best part about these cameras is compatible with Alexa, Assistant, and even Apple’s HomeKit.

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Wyze, a fan-favorite (and 9to5Toys favorite) is back again with another new product launch, this time with the company’s most-anticipated release: Wyze Cam Outdoor. That’s right, our favorite budget-focused smart home company is at it again, this time tackling the outdoor camera market. Wyze Cam Outdoor sports an IP65 weather-resistant rating can function entirely offline, and sports up to 6-month battery life. Wyze didn’t stop there though, so keep reading to learn everything about what Wyze Cam Outdoor brings to the table.

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Upgrading your smart home to Zigbee comes with plenty of perks like quicker response times, higher reliability, and increased range compared to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Aqara’s platform encompasses all of those while bringing HomeKit support and more into the mix. That feature pairing recently caught my eye. Now, after using Aqara’s system for a few weeks, I’m sold on what the brand has to offer. Head below for a closer look.

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The smart home space is getting better all the time. The new Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera has debuted and it aims to satisfy indoor and outdoor security needs alike. It connects directly to a Wi-Fi network, ditching the need for a hub and has features ranging from color night vision to a built-in siren. Its wire-free design is powered by rechargeable batteries, ensuring you won’t need to keep AAs or something similar on-hand. Continue reading to learn more.

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Today smart home security company Kangaroo is unveiling its latest devices with an emphasis on monitoring who’s at the front door. The new Kangaroo Smart Doorbell takes on recent unveils from Ring with motion alerts and other expected features, but in an affordable $20 package. Head below for a closer look at the company’s latest release, including availability details and more.

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Wyze is probably one of the most well-known names in the budget-focused home security market. After making an entrance a few years ago, they’ve launched several products to expand their offering, including a smart lock, a camera that pans, bulbs, and even plugs. But, the latest partnership that the company has undertaken is with Noonlight, which offers the ability to dispatch emergency services to your home with the tap of a button, no need to call 911.

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Last night, Wink announced that it would be introducing a new mandatory subscription for its popular home automation hub. With only 1-week until the company threatens to turn out the lights on smart home owners, many are looking to jump ship to a into another system without having to leave accessories behind. To help with the migration, we’ve highlighted the best Wink alternatives including SmartThings, Alexa, and how to build your own system. Hit the jump for all the details.

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Warmer weather is upon us and with more time at home, you may be thinking about how to upgrade your outdoor setup. Chances are, you’re also thinking about integrated smart home control into the mix. However, putting it all together into a dependable (and affordable) build can be a tricky proposition. We’ve put together a guide below that walks you through putting together a voice-controlled lighting system this summer for HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant users. If you’re not ready to hand over control just yet, there’s something for you too. Hit the jump to get started.

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While there’s a somewhat-overwhelming amount of smart light switches on the market, only a small number of them support Apple HomeKit. The new Aqara Smart Wall Switch helps bridge this gap with four variants ready to be controlled by Apple devices when paired with a hub. If you’re wondering why there are four variants, the answer is to provide one and two button options that will be compatible in both new and old homes alike. As we’ve come to expect from most HomeKit-ready devices, these switches also works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making them platform-agnostic options ready to serve almost any smart home.

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Shortly after we covered Anker’s upcoming eufy Indoor Cam 2K, we now have details regarding the company’s soon-to-be-released smart lock. It’s called Eufy Smart Lock Touch and the design found here mimics much of what we’ve seen in the company’s Wireless Video Doorbell (hands-on review here). Some of the top features in Eufy’s new smart lock include 1-year battery life and sensors for both a fingerprint and detecting when the door is closed. Continue reading to learn more.
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After spending nearly 2-years on the market, the first-generation Ring Alarm is being refreshed with a redesigned model. The keypad looks quite a bit different and now houses dedicated one-touch buttons to request police, fire, or medical assistance. Each of these buttons need to be pressed and held for several seconds before anything is triggered. On top of the changed keypad, Ring Alarm sensors have also been redesigned to take up less space. Continue reading to learn more.

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Less than one month after Ring Video Doorbell 3 debuted, a leaked image leads us to believe that the company has yet another smart home accessory up its sleeve. The source responsible for sharing the leaked image also has unfurled a name, and at this point it is called Ring Doorbox. The device can be locked or unlocked remotely, shedding light on its supposed utility which would could be in-line with a key lock box. Continue reading to learn more.
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Wyze, a fan-favorite around here when it comes to budget-friendly smart home products, just announced its two latest products: the Wyze Scale and Wyze Band. The Scale, bring the more budget-friendly offering here, comes in at $19.99 plus shipping. The Wyze Band clock in at $24.99 plus shipping. The Scale connects with the Wyze App, as well as Apple Health and Google Fit, with Fitbit and Samsung Health integrations around the corner. The Band connects to your smartphone over Bluetooth and gives you smart home control to the next level thanks to its Alexa integration. Keep reading to find out more about these budget-friendly smart home products

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We’ve long been fans of Kangaroo and its roster of smart security products here at 9to5Toys, and its latest looks to continue that trend. Today the company is officially releasing its very first security camera, which touts 1080p recording capabilities as well as a unique focus on privacy that’s clearly front and center in the design. Touting a patented Privacy Shield and affordable price tag, the camera stands out from other competitors. Head below for a closer look the new Kangaroo Privacy Camera.

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Kangaroo, a well-known company for those in the market for budget-focused home security, just announced its latest product, a smart water and climate sensor. This wireless sensor is perfect for hooking up to your existing Kangaroo smart home and it’ll keep tabs on things like extreme temperature changes, leaky washers, and more. These are things that plague different parts of the world year-round, so keep reading to see why this might be a great option for you.

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LG just announced that Alexa will be built into its CineBeam AI ThinQ 4K projector lineup. This means that both the LED HU70LA and HU85LA projectors from LG will receive a free upgrade to have Alexa’s services built-into them. Owners won’t have to do anything but update the software once they connect the projector to the internet. How will this change your experience? Keep reading to learn more.

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Today Amazon is expanding its stable of Ring smart home security products with two new video doorbells as well as some updated accessories. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 and 3 Plus enter with a new feature set like pre-roll recording, enhanced motion detection, and 1080p feeds, all in a battery-powered design. Head below for a closer look at what the latest from Ring entails, as well as pricing and availability details.

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Leviton seems to have opened the floodgates with new smart devices rolling out left and right. Just last month it took the wraps off both a light switch with Alexa inside and its 4-speed ceiling fan controller. The new Leviton 4-Button Controller is the latest offering to join the Decora Smart line-up. As you’d expect, it seamlessly ties in with other Leviton products, but the real magic comes with IFTTT-compatibility.
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Control4 and SnapAV are back with another new smart home solution dubbed Essential Lighting. This entry-level module further expands the Control4 Wireless Lighting Lineup and offers a dimmer, switch auxiliary keypad, and two plug-in models allowing you to enjoy ease of use when it comes to controlling your smart home.

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Whenever a product category gains traction, it often becomes flooded with competition. Early adopters may get to experience the technology sooner than everyone else, but products that follow tend to bring new features that one-up their other challengers. The new Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro is a perfect example of this as it takes package protection to the next level. This new contender can detect deliveries, keep an eye on them, then identify potential thieves and let them know they’re being recorded. Continue reading to find a marketing which shows an example of this technology in action.
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Last year we took a look at the Pan Cam from Wyze, and we’ve been blown away by the features for the price. Since then, Wyze has been aiming to get more into the smart home market. Coming in at $90 and compatible with existing single-cylinder deadbolts, the Wyze Lock is a very easy way to get some smart control in your house. Be sure to check out the video below to check it out in action. 
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If the wide variety of smart home cameras currently on the market haven’t been to your liking, today there will be yet another option to consider. The folks at Kami, YI Technology’s smart home division, have unveiled a new a wire-free, weather-resistant smart home security camera. The Kami Outdoor Battery Camera hopes to take on the competition with a list of compelling features at an affordable price tag. Head below for a closer look at its feature set.

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Having dove into the Alexa ecosystem over a year ago, one might think that I would have largely discovered its compatible smart home gear. While I have certainly found several products, it seems I have only scratched the surface of what’s currently available and yet to come. In this guide, I’ll shine light on Alexa smart home devices that have caught my attention and clock in at under $50.
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Arlo first unveiled its Pro 3 camera system back in September with a friendly price tag and promises of eventual HomeKit support. While Apple’s ecosystem has yet to be integrated, there’s still a lot to love about the latest from Arlo. A truly wireless design, various DVR options, and easy installs make it one of the best options on the market in 2020.

However, slow response times and quirky settings provide some challenging steps along the way to securing your home. Our Arlo Pro 3 review dives into all of the best features and notes a few areas of improvement that we hope to see this year.

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Face it, for better or worse we are inundated with what seems like an overwhelming list of smart home gear solutions. This alone makes it difficult for companies to differentiate themselves from the competition, but Leviton has done so today with the official release of its Smart Voice Dimmer. This smart light switch sets itself apart from most by giving you yet another place to fire up Alexa. Leviton has also released its Smart Wi-Fi 4-Speed Fan Controller, which works with IFTTT, Alexa, Google Assistant, and more. Continue reading for further details.

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If you’re in the market for a smart lock, they come in all shapes and sizes. From just deadbolts to entire setups, ones that have no user-facing buttons to ones that have a plethora of buttons. It’s rare that we see a lock with four ways to unlock it, but that’s what the Ultraloq Lever brings to the table. Through fingerprint identification, remote access with a bridge, a touchscreen, and more, this lock is designed for the modern home.

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When it comes to outfitting Siri, Alexa, or Assistant with new devices around the house to control, smart plugs are an easy recommendation for those just getting started or home automation veterans. With versatile designs, affordable price points, and effortless installations, there’s a lot to love about the form-factor. With an over-abundance of options to choose from at Amazon, which is the right model for your smart home? All you’ll need to do to answer that is head below and peruse our roundup of best smart plugs of 2020 to expand your voice-enabled setup.

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Cuisinart has joined the likes of Weber and Traeger with new two new pellet grills that wield built-in smart functionality. Both of the new Cuisinart smart grills are quite spacious with its Woodcreek 4-in-1 Pellet Grill sporting an 862-square inch surface area and Twin Oaks Pellet & Gas Grill clocking in at about 5% larger. Both Cuisinart smart grills feature built-in Bluetooth connectivity and pair with a smartphone app for food monitoring, notifications, and more.

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On the same day August debuted its new Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Yale has taken the wraps off of a new app-controlled storage lineup. Products announced include Yale Smart Delivery Box, Cabinet Lock, and Safe. Each of which joins Yale’s burgeoning smart home lineup. Of all three, the Delivery Box seems to be the most interesting as it offers a unique approach that aims to ward off porch pirates. Keep reading to learn about each of the new Yale smart storage products.
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Jasco is one of those smart home brands that has consistently and reliably been populating the market with diverse offerings in the Z-Wave and Zigbee space. This year for CES, the brand is back with a new suite of products which focus on the latter in terms of connectivity. Launching with a variety of refreshed smart home accessories, alongside  some new additional to the Zigbee 3.0 collection, Jasco’s Enbrighten products look to cover just about any area of your setup. Head below for a closer look at the upcoming lineup of devices.

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Amazon currently offers the Arlo Ultra 4K Camera System bundled with a Video Doorbell for $439.99 shipped. Typically selling for $550, today’s offer is good for a 20% discount, marks one of the first discounts we’ve seen on Arlo’s recent Video Doorbell, and is a new all-time low. Headlined by 4K HDR recording, Arlo’s new security system lets you monitor a location with a 180-degree field of view and an outdoor-ready design. Other eye-catching inclusions here are enhanced night vision, an integrated spotlight, as well as auto zoom and tracking. Plus with the doorbell, you’ll be able to monitor activity at the front door such as package deliveries and the like. Rated 3.9/5 stars from 600 customers.

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Amazon has expanded its smart home ecosystem to cover everything from Alexa-enabled outlets to voice-activated microwaves. Roughly a year ago, the company unveiled a smart timepiece, and today is officially announcing a follow-up. In partnership with Disney, you’ll now be able to adorn your wall with a Mickey Mouse-themed version of Amazon’s Echo Wall Clock. Head below for a closer look.

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Aqara might not be one of the first smart home companies that come to mind or even one you’re familiar with already. But over the past year, the company has garnered a pretty large following thanks to its affordable price points and, even more recently, the introduction of HomeKit support. Now Aqara is officially bringing its product line to the United States with the launch of an Amazon storefront. Head below for more details and to learn how you can take advantage of an introductory 20% off promotion.

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The Echo Wall Clock was a first of its kind, but today, Amazon teamed up with Citizen to launch a few higher-end models for those who want Alexa in an analog form. The Citizen Smart Clock, as it’s called, offers multiple timers that are configurable with voice commands through an Amazon Echo. Simply tell your Echo, “Alexa, set a timer for 8 minutes” and the countdown begins. However, that’s not where it ends.

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With smart home ecosystems largely funneling down to HomeKit, Alexa, and Assistant, it’s always good to see new products that natively support as many as possible. The new ConnectSense In-Wall Outlet thankfully supports all three, solidifying itself as a solid contender in the smart home space.

Unlike typical smart plugs, this unit replaces existing outlets. Going this route yields a clean look while also delivering desirable smart home functionality. “Ultra-precise power monitoring” is also a notable feature, delivering measurements that ConnectSense touts as accurate within a 0.1% margin of error.
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Each year here at 9to5Toys we debut a series of annual gift guides, and this year I’m focusing on the best smart home essentials. Gear for Alexa, Assistant, and Siri setups have already proven to be a massive hit throughout 2019. And if Black Friday has shown us one thing, it’s that more homes than ever are going to be welcoming a smart speaker come the holidays. So this year we’re diving into must-have accessories for those just getting started, as well as our favorites for other tech enthusiasts. So you’ll want to head below to check out our top recommendations for essential smart home gifts.

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Wyze is both a fan and writer favorite here at 9to5. Originally launching with just a security camera, the company now has pan-and-tilt models, sensors, bulbs, smart plugs, and…now a smart lock! The latest announcement from the company is the Wyze Lock, and it brings quite a few interesting features to the table. Coming in at $89.99 plus shipping, it’s one of the more budget-friendly offerings out there. But, there’s one stand-out feature that sets it apart from the rest.

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