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Daily Update for February 19, 2014
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get some the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the player at the top of the page. The Daily Update has been moved to a new podcast host in the past few days. Current listeners should delete the old podcast subscription and subscribe to the new feed in the iTunes Store here.
Daily Update for January 6, 2014
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get some of the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the player at the top of the page. The Daily Update has been moved to a new podcast host in the past few days. Current listeners should delete the old podcast subscription and subscribe to the new feed in the iTunes Store here.
Belkin pumps up WeMo home automation line with lights, maker kit, and Smart Crock-Pot
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is upon us, and a number of companies are making announcements before the show starts in earnest tomorrow. Among the companies spilling the beans early is Belkin, with some important announcements about additions to its app-controlled WeMo home automation devices. To start with, Belkin is adding Smart LED Bulbs to the WeMo lineup. The bulbs, which are 60W equivalents that last up to 23 years, work through the WeMo Link device that controls up to 50 Smart Bulbs. Each one of the bulbs is fully dimmable, controlled through the WeMo app, and even has a vacation mode that turns lights on and off to simulate an occupied home. The WeMo LED Lighting Starter Set with two Smart Bulbs and a WeMo Link sells for US$129.99, while individual bulbs are available for $39.99 each. For those do-it-yourselfers who want to create their own WeMo solutions, Belkin offers the WeMo Maker Kit (price not available at press time). It adds Internet connectivity and WeMo app controllability to any device controlled with a DC switch. You can also use WeMo Maker to monitor and manage 5V DC sensors from the app. Like many of the existing WeMo products, WeMo Maker works with IFTTT.com, opening a world of specialized recipes. Finally, Belkin and Jarden Consumer Solutions are announcing the first smartphone controllable slow cooker, the Crock-Pot WeMo Smart Slow Cooker ($99.99). This allows you to receive reminders from the slow cooker, change cooking times, adjust temperature, or even check the status of your dish while you're away. While the WeMo Slow Cooker will be highlighted at CES, the Belkin booth will also display four other WeMo-enabled devices, including the Mr. Coffee Smart Coffee Maker, the HOLMES Smart Console Heater, the HOLMES Smart Console Humidifier, and the HOLMES Smart Air Purifier. The WeMo LED Lighting Starter Set, Smart Bulbs, Crock-Pot Slow Cooker, and Maker Kit will be available this spring. An updated version of the WeMo app, which includes a customizable long press gesture for the WeMo Light Switch, enhanced sunrise/sunset rules, a vacation mode, and a countdown timer, will be available in February.
A closer look at Belkin's Crock-Pot WeMo Slow Cooker (hands-on)
After light bulbs and smart outlets, Belkin is looking to tackle small appliances with its WeMo home automation line. The company just announced the Crock-Pot WeMo Slow Cooker and we've already stopped by to see what's... cooking. Those familiar with the popular culinary tool can expect a similar form factor to the current non-connected wares. The silver-and-black color scheme does offer a bit of sophistication though, just in case you were worried. Simplified controls are situated on the front with a single button for toggling warm, low and high settings. With the WeMo app, users can adjust temperature and set timers to ensure proper doneness. Around back, there's a slot for clipping on a lid holder to keep the mess to a minimum when that batch of meatballs needs a stirring. Belkin tells us that this is the first of many partner WeMo devices with items like space heaters and more on the way. If the idea of smart slow cooking already has you sold, this Crock-Pot will hit kitchen counters in the spring for $99.
Belkin announces a remote-controllable slow cooker, smart LED light bulbs
Last year, if you recall, Belkin announced a partnership with Jarden (the company behind brands like Mr. Coffee, Sunbeam and Crock-Pot), promising we'd eventually see kitchen appliances with Belkin's WeMo home automation control built in. Now, at CES 2014, Belkin finally has a real product to show for it: The company just announced the Crock-Pot WeMo Slow Cooker (how's that for a name?). Being a smart product and all, you can use the WeMo app for iOS or Android to remotely turn it on or off, adjust the temperature or change the time settings. You can also receive reminders so that you don't let it sit too long. Look for it to ship this spring for $100, with an air purifier, space heater and coffee maker to follow later this year. Additionally, Belkin introduced the WeMo Smart LED Bulb, a dimmable light that can be controlled remotely using the same WeMo app you'd use to control the slow cooker. In particular, you can control the bulbs individually or in groups, and also set them to dim as you sleep and wake up. Once it goes on sale this spring, you'll need to shell out $130 for the starter kit, which includes two bulbs (60W-equivalent) and a bridge that plugs into an outlet. Thereafter, the lights cost $40 apiece and are said to last up to 23 years. Also, the bridge can connect to up to 50 bulbs, so odds are you'll never have to buy another. Last up, there's the WeMo Maker kit, which lets modders manage anything with a simple DC switch -- gates, garage doors, blinds, AC units, you name it. That will also arrive this spring, but no word on price.
Belkin adds WeMo Insight Switch to the home-automation tool family
The Belkin WeMo family of home-automation tools grew by one yesterday with the introduction of a new member -- the WeMo Insight Switch (US$59.99). The Insight Switch one-ups its older sibling, the WeMo Switch ($49.99), by being smarter and skinnier. While the WeMo Switch provided a way for iPhone users to turn lights and appliances on or off from anywhere they were on a network by using the WeMo app, the Insight Switch adds a new trick -- being able to monitor power usage. Like its older sibling, the Insight Switch has its own IFTTT.com channel to provide even more intelligence to the seemingly simple task of turning something on or off. For example, you can set up the WeMo Insight Switch to monitor a plugged-in device -- let's say an electric space heater. If that power-hungry appliance has been on for a certain amount of time, you can tell the switch to shut it off. Likewise, if the daily cost of using the space heater to keep your toes warm rises above a pre-set level, you can shut it off. You could also use the Insight Switch to tell you something like how long a window-mounted air conditioner has been running and send that info in a text message. I mentioned how the Insight Switch is smarter than the old WeMo Switch in being able to monitor energy usage, but I also said it was skinnier. The new switch is much smaller than its predecessor, making it much more likely for design-conscious homeowners to adopt the Insight Switch. The WeMo app also received a redesign yesterday, adding support for the new switch, getting a new iOS 7-friendly look and providing faster response than the old app. In addition, WeMo is now supported on the Android platform. TUAW will have a full review of the WeMo Insight Switch in the near future.
Belkin's usage-tracking WeMo Insight Switch ships today for 60 bucks
Belkin's WeMo line of connected outlets, motion sensors and wireless switches has been a solid solution for building out a (relatively basic) home-automation system on the cheap, and now there's a new product to add to the mix. The WeMo Insight Switch can turn lights and appliances on and off just like its older sibling, but this year's flavor is significantly smaller and more powerful, too. The Insight adds a nifty consumption-tracking feature, letting you monitor uptime and electricity usage for connected devices. Through the bundled Android or iOS app, you can see how long your television, washing machine or space heater have been operating, and just how much they'll cost you each month. WeMo Insight is available today for $60.
TUAW on YouTube Geek Week: Stupid WeMo Tricks
YouTube fans rejoice! It's Geek Week, which means that you can get your geeky groove on by checking out all of the best nerd-produced videos on the Web. TUAW has provided four videos for your Geek Week enjoyment on Brainiac Tuesday -- that's today -- and we've got 'em on the YouTube TUAWVideo channel. My contribution was a pair of videos showing some "Stupid WeMo Tricks." As longtime TUAW readers may remember, WeMo is a line of home automation products made by accessory manufacturer Belkin that can be controlled via a free app and/or iFTTT. In these two videos, The Cat Cooler and The Magic Fountain, you can see how I used the WeMo Switch and Motion Sensor to perform some automated "magic." The company added a connected wall switch to the line on July 22, so that's not included in the videos. You can also see Victor Agreda, Jr.'s two-part interview with Tim DeBenedictis, founder and president of Southern Stars. You'll get to see how their premier product SkySafari 3 works, and how to use a wireless connection to control a telescope. Enjoy the videos, and be sure to check out all of the Geek Week action on YouTube. The Cat Cooler The Magic Fountain
Belkin ships WeMo Light Switch for $50, launches matching Android app
Belkin promised a simple approach to connected lighting when it unveiled the WeMo Light Switch back at CES, and the company is making good on its word by releasing the switch today. The WiFi-based controller is now available both online and at retail shops for $50. It isn't arriving alone, either -- Belkin is simultaneously launching the finished version of its free WeMo app for Android to complement the existing iOS release. If you'd rather have smart switches than smart light bulbs, the new WeMo hardware awaits at the source link; the companion Android app should be available shortly.
Belkin WeMo rolls out IFTTT multi-device control
TUAW readers know of my affinity for Belkin WeMo home automation tools, whether I'm using them to get Siri to turn on the Christmas tree or keep my cat cool in the summer. Today Belkin announced IFTTT multi-device control for WeMo switches. What does that mean? It means that you can now control more than just one WeMo switch in your house with IFTTT recipes. Previously, you could only control one of those devices at a time through IFTTT. Now it's simple to write recipes for multiple switches as seen in the image at the top of this post. Belkin announced that since the IFTTT.com WeMo Channels launched over 30,000 recipes have been created and over 400 shared recipes are available online. Now I just need to get one more WeMo switch so I can water my garden remotely through Siri...
Belkin releases WeMo beta app for Galaxy S III, devices with ICS or higher
Word of an Android app for Belkin's line of WeMo home automation hardware came amid a flurry of CES news, and now the application has rolled onto Google Play in beta form just over a month later. The app is specifically tested for the Galaxy S III, but handsets toting Ice Cream Sandwich or higher will be able to take it for a spin. By wielding the application, users can control WeMo devices over WiFi and cellular networks, configure custom icons, tweak names, take care of local firmware updates and hook things up with IFTTT. Remote firmware updates, support content and WeMo rules have yet to be baked into the software, however. Belkin is hoping guinea pigs will report bugs, but can't guarantee they'll be fixed in the short term. Currently, the outfit says issues regarding poor signal strength and app crashes are on its radar. Looking forward to the polished, growing pain-free product? The final app is expected to arrive around the summertime. [Thanks, Matt]
Belkin unveils the NetCam HD WiFi camera, WeMo SMART functionality in tow for $150
Looking to keep an eye on things at home while you're away? If so, Belkin is looking to lend a hand with an HD version of its NetCam WiFi camera. The device touts 720p video and digital audio capture for monitoring on-the-go and boasts easy setup with an Android or iOS smartphone and your home's WiFi router -- no need to fire up that PC. Need to monitor your goods at night? No problem. This model features night vision, just like its elder sibling. A companion app handles the mobile workload and email alerts can be pushed to your inbox when motion is detected -- complete with a screenshot of the culprit. Additionally, the NetCam HD will launch with the recently outed WeMo SMART platform that leverages Belkin's home automation tools for a variety of in-home gadgets and appliances. Units are slated to hit shelves this spring, hoping to pry $149.99 out of your wallet before outfitting your flat.
Belkin announces WeMo Smart, coming to your coffee pot later this year
Sure, Belkin's WeMo technology handles outlets and such with an iOS companion app, but now the company is looking to leverage the system with household appliances. WeMo Smart will allow companies to leverage Belkin's apps and existing tech to add new features to their various wares. At CES, a partnership with Jarden Consumer Solutions (JCS) -- the outfit behind brands like Mr. Coffee, Sunbeam, Crock-Pot and more -- has just been announced that will bring the home automation tech to remotely program an monitor small appliances. From the looks of it, you'll be able to turn off the coffee pot after you get to the office should you leave your house in a frenzy. The first WeMo outfitted products are set to arrive later in the year. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Belkin adds WeMo Light switch, looks to tack on Android compatibility later this year
At CES 2012, Belkin outed its WeMo line of home automation products with the Home Control Switch and Motion Sensor with a Baby Monitor tacked on in October. This year in Las Vegas, the company adds a Light Switch to the family. When paired with an iOS device, WiFi router and your home's existing wiring, the Light Switch can be used to control lights from anywhere -- including scheduling -- via the WeMo app. Additionally, Belkin has announced that Android compatibility will be available with the device launches this summer or shortly thereafter. Ice Cream Sandwich is the minimum OS requirement, and beta testing is set to begin next month for Samsung Galaxy S III users. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
IFTTT Recipes: Using Siri to turn on the Christmas lights
IFTTT Recipes is a new recurring column featuring recipes developed using IFTTT.com and their favorite IFTTT channels. Come see what TUAW bloggers cook up in the IFTTT labs! In this latest installment of IFTTT Recipes, I'll show you how to use Siri to turn on your Christmas lights -- and amaze the little ones at the same time. To perform this magic trick, you'll need a free IFTTT account, a Belkin WeMo Switch (US$49.95 from the Apple Store), the ability to send SMS text messages and a Siri-capable iPhone. First, log into IFTTT and enable the SMS channel. When you do this, IFTTT will set you up with a special SMS phone number. If you send a text message to that number from your iPhone, that can trigger an action. Next, set up a contact on your iPhone. To add fun to the effect, I set up a contact for Santa Claus, entering in his mobile number as the SMS phone number from IFTTT. Now make sure that your WeMo switch is plugged in and ready to go, and that you've enabled the WeMo channel on IFTTT. The WeMo switch is designed to handle a maximum of 15 Amps at 110 Volts. My vague recollection of a university electrical circuits class reminds me that P=I*V, where P=power, I=current and V=Voltage, so you'll want to make sure that all of your bulbs (indoor or out) don't require more than 1.65 kilowatts of power. Otherwise, you may need to set up multiple WeMo switches... In IFTTT, it's time to set up a recipe. I've blurred out the phone numbers, but you'll see it's as easy as this: if IFTTT's SMS account receives an SMS from your chosen iPhone, then it will turn on the WeMo Switch. In this case, my device's name is Living Room Lamp, but it's actually hooked up to the Christmas tree. Finally, gather kith and kin around you while drinking wassail and singing carols, and invoke Siri. Say "Send a message to Santa Claus saying turn on the Christmas lights", acknowledge that Siri understood the message, and let the recipe work its magic. Within about 10 to 15 seconds, the tree or your outside lights will pop on.
Belkin WeMo Baby monitor lets you listen to Junior via an internet connection and an iOS device
Belkin's line of WeMo products is all about home automation, and its latest addition, the WeMo Baby, lets you listen to the cooing and crying of your offspring from afar. The device is a WiFi-enabled microphone that streams audio of your baby to up to six devices simultaneously -- provided they're running iOS 5 or higher and the free WeMo Baby companion app. That app's powered by Evoz's baby monitoring service and it works over a 3G, 4G, or WiFi connection. So, absentee parents can keep tabs on their bundle of joy whether they're in another room or sneaking a cold one at the pub round the corner. What's the price for such parental freedom? $90 when it goes on sale early next month. Full PR and an app screenshot can be found after the break.
Belkin WeMo Switch and Motion home automation system for iOS hands-on (video)
Proper home automation systems can cost upwards of $10,000, and while budget alternatives can't touch the level of integration you'll enjoy with a behemoth rig, all but the most sophisticated of homeowners can squeak by with a simple timer setup -- or the modern equivalent. Belkin's WeMo duo utilizes two types of plug-in modules paired with an iOS 5+ app, which you'll use to set macros, control lights and schedule on/off times. A Switch module can turn on and off a lamp, fan, coffee maker, television or heating appliance from a connected iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. You can also set a seemingly unlimited number of detailed schedules for each device, all from the comfort of your WiFi-equipped touchscreen handheld. You can integrate the optional Motion device with a set of macros as well, configuring your lights to turn on once you step through the foyer, or your coffee maker to launch a brew as you walk through your bedroom door. We wired up a lamp in a New York City apartment to give WeMo a go, and things generally worked as advertised. Setup is fairly straightforward -- simply plug in a module, select its corresponding SSID broadcast from iOS then launch the free app to force the device onto your home WiFi network. You'll need to repeat the process to add each gadget or sensor, but once you do, you'll be able to config and control any connected gadget from anywhere on the network, or beyond. The system theoretically supports remote access without any additional setup (modules are registered to the app) but we weren't able to power up the lamp while on 3G during multiple attempts. That detail aside, we'd be happy to welcome WeMo into our home, though the absent Android app throws in a speed bump for sure. You have two options for adding WeMo -- there's a Switch + Motion kit available for $100, which includes a power control and motion sensor, or you can opt for the Switch solo for $50. Then, simply add as many outlet controllers as you wish, at 50 bucks a pop. You can see that first combo in action in our hands-on video after the break.
Belkin's WeMo home automation gear up for pre-order, iOS current control for under $100
Been quietly pining for Belkin's couch potato home automation solutions? Well, the wait is (almost) over, as the company has finally put its WeMo Switch and Motion products up for pre-order. You can reserve yours through Belkin or Amazon, with the Switch costing $49.99 and the Motion / Switch bundle setting you back a neat $99.99. Apple likes it enough to add the gear to its home-friendly repertoire in-store on the 26th, while other retailers, Verizon included, will be stocking them shortly afterwards. Rig the Switch up to your WiFi at home and you can control the flow of juice from its outlet via the WeMo iOS app (sorry, no Android love). Add in the motion detector and you can set rules for power control based on proximity triggers. Interestingly, Belkin also reports IFTTT integration, meaning the devices can be used for a lot more than the simple on / off remote commands and scheduling we originally thought. For those with iDevices, the free WeMo app is available now, not that it's particularly useful just yet. Need Mo? Check out the official PR and a promotional vid after the break.
Belkin announces WeMo home automation system; controls electrical outlets with your smartphone, motion
If you're looking to control the electrical outlets of your home or apartment via your newfangled smartphone, Belkin has you covered. The company has unveiled the first two products of its newly launched WeMo line of home automation technology. The WeMo Home Control Switch is a plug that doubles as a programmable on / off for any device from lighting to coffee pots. Alongside the outlet power control, the WeMo Motion Sensor will detect your movement and when used in tandem with the Home Control Switch, can be programmed to power on electrical items in reaction to motion. Both pieces of the Belkin kit require the free WeMo app and will set you back $49.99 and $59.99, in order of mention. These two initial products will be available in the US in March, with more devices coming in the Fall.
