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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]
Test-driving the Belkin Portable Keyboard Case for iPad mini
I'll admit that when the iPad mini first appeared, I wasn't the biggest fan of the little tablet. But during Macworld/iWorld 2013, I saw a number of the devices and a hands-on session with Megan Lavey-Heaton's iPad mini turned me into a believer and owner. Now I'm starting to look at the pint-sized accessories that are appearing for the iPad mini, and the first item to grab my attention was the Belkin Portable Keyboard Case for iPad mini (US$79.99). Design Like most keyboard cases for the full-sized iPad, the Belkin Portable Keyboard Case features a folding design with a keyboard on one side and a "holder" on the other for propping the iPad mini up in a landscape orientation. As you'd expect, this case is lightweight at only 9.2 ounces. And since the case is the size of an iPad mini, the keyboard isn't full-sized -- more about that in the next section of this review. There are three clips that hold the iPad mini into place. Two grab onto the left side of the mini, while a third clip wraps onto the middle of the right side of the tablet. When you're using the keyboard, you need to undo the third clip to fold the back down and prop up the iPad mini. This is a bit different from some cases that separate the "holder" and the "stand", but this not only works, but keeps the weight and thickness of the case down. %Gallery-178997% The keyboard features the usual set of keys you'd expect on an English keyboard, but condensed down into a very small space. However, Belkin managed to build in a full complement of function keys that work with the standard features of the mini. The Fn key is also used to add the ability to type some characters that are usually on the right side of the keyboard -- brackets and quotes. There's a USB to micro-USB cable included for charging the keyboard, an on/off switch, and a button used to pair the keyboard with your mini. Functionality When I pulled the Portable Keyboard Case out of the box, my first thought was "Oh, no -- this is going to be like typing on a netbook keyboard." Back in the latter part of 2008, I had an experience with a Dell Mini 9 that I converted into a hackintosh. That device traveled with me on a trip to Africa in 2009, and by the time I returned to the US I was ready to destroy it. Why? It was fairly fast and ran most OS X apps, but I couldn't stand the keyboard. So with trepidation I set up the Belkin keyboard and started typing away. Fortunately, the keys are spaced nicely despite being small, so my fingers readily adapted and I was able to type at my usual fast pace. Where I did run into issues was typing quote marks and apostrophes -- normally I just tap the appropriate key, but on this keyboard, I needed to pause typing, hold the Fn key, and then find the proper key to type the punctuation mark. I'm sure that over time, one could get used to the need to toggle the Fn key for certain punctuation. Belkin estimates that the battery will last for 155 hours of use. As with most other keyboards of this type, leaving the keyboard on and accidentally bumping a key will turn your iPad mini on, which means that if you're carrying your device around you may find that the mini's battery is drained. I recommend turning off the keyboard after use to prevent this issue. As for the way that the Belkin Portable Keyboard Case holds up the iPad mini, I found that it worked fine on a desktop or table. However, when I tried to use the keyboard with the iPad mini propped up in my lap, the "stand" promptly collapsed every time I started typing. That means that the Belkin case will be of limited utility for anyone who wants to use it for taking notes while sitting in a chair. Logitech's design, which places the iPad mini into a slot in the keyboard that holds it upright, provides a nice, solid base that can be used to type on a lap-based mini. Logitech's design, which is available for pre-order at the same price as the Belkin unit, also includes magnets in the proper places to turn the iPad on and off when the cover is opened or closed -- something that isn't available on the Belkin unit. Logitech's keyboard also comes in two colors; one that matches the black mini and another that is perfect for the white and silver model. The Belkin unit only comes in black. Whenever I work on a review, one question I always ask is "Would I buy one of these for myself?". Although the Belkin Portable Keyboard Case does what it is designed to do, there are enough quirks that I'll probably wait for the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini to hit the market before thinking about buying one. For the most part, I don't plan on using the mini for a lot of writing, so having a keyboard for it isn't a given. Conclusion Belkin's new Portable Keyboard Case for iPad mini is a surprisingly light Bluetooth keyboard with keys that are spaced widely enough to allow for fast touch typing. However, the lack of a rigid support for the iPad mini makes the case almost unusable when used in a lap. Pros Very lightweight and slender Keys are spaced for fast touch typing Good battery life Cons Need to use function key to access commonly used punctuation marks (note: this is true of all "mini"-sized keyboards) Case does not have magnets embedded in the cover to turn the iPad mini on and off The design of the stand in the case doesn't work well when trying to use the mini as a "laptop" Doesn't come in a white/silver model to match the white iPad mini Who is it for? iPad mini owners who want the lightest Bluetooth keyboard possible and who will have access to a solid surface to place the Portable Keyboard Case on for typing. Giveaway Just because I had some issues with this keyboard doesn't mean that some iPad mini-owning TUAW reader isn't anxious to get one as soon as possible, so we're giving one away! Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before February 18, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a Belkin Portable Keyboard Case for iPad mini valued at $79.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Belkin's $299 Thunderbolt Express dock now up for pre-order, shipping next week
Unless there's any more last-minute tweaks, those fussy perfectionists at Belkin are ready to lift the cloche on the Thunderbolt Express dock. We'd originally seen the unit at last year's CES, but the company postponed the launch after adding a trio of USB 3.0 ports and eSATA to the hardware. If you didn't give up and shell out for the Matrox DS1 in the meantime, you can pre-order the Thunderbolt Express today for shipping next week. Update: eSATA, which was added to the roster last summer, was ultimately dropped from the final production version.
Belkin, LEGO partner to make "buildable" iPhone, iPod touch cases (updated)
Update: Pocket-Lint has photos of what the cases will look like. Accessory manufacturer Belkin announced a multi-year licensing partnership with LEGO today. Belkin will be creating a new line of cases that use LEGO bricks as inspiration for what the company is calling a "buildable case experience." While no products have been announced, you can just imagine what these two companies will come up with to protect your iPhone and iPod touch. Show full PR text Belkin announces licensing deal with The LEGO Group Belkin to create new line of cases inspired by the iconic LEGO® brick Playa Vista, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2013) – Belkin, creator of people-inspired consumer technology products, today announced a multi-year licensing partnership with The LEGO Group to create innovative and fun accessories for mobile devices. Starting in spring 2013, Belkin will launch a variety of smartphone cases incorporating Belkin's quality product design with LEGO® bricks for a unique "buildable" case experience. Designed for LEGO fans of all ages, the initial product line will focus on iOS devices, including the iPhone and iPod touch, with plans to expand to other platforms over the course of the partnership. "The LEGO company is a renowned global brand, synonymous with quality, design and most importantly, fun," said Patrick Sullivan, director of product management at Belkin. "This partnership opens up a whole new audience for Belkin and we are extremely excited to work together on a line of cases based on iconic LEGO toys that will inspire creativity and promote individuality in people of all ages." About Belkin At Belkin, we make people-inspired products. With more than 200 patents, Belkin invents products that harness the power of technology to enrich people's lives. From wireless home networking and entertainment, to mobile accessories, energy management, and a broad USB and cable mix, Belkin products connect the dots between people and the things they love. Belkin also provides public and private sector organizations with high-quality security, infrastructure, energy, and server-room solutions. A privately held company founded in 1983, Belkin has more than 1,200 employees in 21 countries. Headquartered in Playa Vista, California, Belkin can also be found on the Web at Belkin.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/belkin, and on Twitter at Twitter.com/belkin.
Belkin signs licensing deal with Lego, encourages you to brick your phone
Yes, it's already possible to snag a "Lego" iPhone case, but only if you throw some cash Smallworks' way. If you've been waiting for one that bears Olé Kirk Christiansen's official branding, then you don't have much longer to wait. Belkin has signed a licensing deal with the toymaker that will allow it to produce a range of Lego-themed iOS device cases, offering a "buildable" experience -- whatever that means. Wake us up when they release a Mindstorms version, please.
Belkin announces FastFit keyboard case for iPad mini
The battle of the iPad mini keyboard cases has heated up the past two days. Logitech fired the first volley by announcing the US$79 Ultrathin Keyboard mini yesterday. Today, Belkin took a shot at Logitech by announcing the FastFit keyboard case for iPad mini. Belkin's keyboard case is priced just a buck more than the Logitech keyboard at US$79.99. The company managed to squeeze a keyboard cover into a thickness of just 7 mm, which is thinner than the iPad mini itself by 0.2 mm and the Logitech unit by 0.3 mm. Using Bluetooth 3.0, it's designed to give users up to 155 hours of use between charges. Logitech's unit, by comparison, will run for 180 hours between charges based on two hours of use per day, but it is thicker and heavier. The Belkin FastFit keyboard case is available for pre-order today, and it sounds as if the units will ship in about two months. We'll have a full review of the case at that time.
Belkin to acquire Cisco's home division, scoop up Linksys in the process
Belkin has just struck a deal to acquire Cisco's Home Networking Business Unit, which will bring Linksys' name, products, technology and employees under its new owner's umbrella. Mothballing isn't in the cards for Linksys, however, as Belkin plans to keep the brand alive and even offer support for its existing products. The two networking titans haven't said a peep regarding a sticker price, but they expect the pact to be finalized in March. Once the transaction is rubber stamped, Belkin figures it'll compose roughly 30 percent of the home and small business networking retail market in the US. Hit the jump for the press release.
Belkin outs AC1800 and AC750 dual-band routers, USB WiFi adapter at CES 2013
If you've been planning on re-tooling your home network after the new year, Belkin has just outed a line of gadgets that could help do just that. The company has announced a pair of dual-band routers -- the AC1800 and AC750 -- that sport 802.11ac muscle, IntelliStream tech to prioritize video and gaming streams, and a MediaPlay app for pushing content to your TV that's powered by Twonky. Both devices also feature Smart Start which allows for quick setup with a mobile device and USB ports for added connections. The main difference? Speed. The AC1800 advertises speeds of 300Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1.3Gbps on 5GHz while the entry-level AC750 boats 300Mbps on 2.4GHz and 433Mbps on 5GHz. The AC1800 and AC750 are available now for $179.99 and $89.99 respectively. In addition to the pair routers, Belkin also announced the AC WiFi Dual-Band USB Adapter. Compatible with 802.11g/n/ac routers, the wireless accessory touts speeds of up to 867Mbps when leveraging 802.11ac alongside USB 3.0 connectivity. The adapter is set to arrive sometime this spring carrying with it a price tag of $69.99.
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.
Belkin introduces Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater for iPad, we go hands-on (update)
While Belkin has long been at the forefront of Apple accessories, offering everything from keyboard cases to baby monitors, it somehow left the audio arena unexplored. That ends today with the introduction of the Belkin Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater. Behind that mouthful of a product name is essentially a portable speaker dock for the iPad housed inside a protective case, which seems a lot more reasonable than Bang & Olufsen's pricey speaker "wedge." The Thunderstorm's front-facing speaker system boasts full-range drivers and integrated air channels for "immersive sound" and "deeper bass." All the internals are powered by Audifi, a mobile audio engineering outfit that Belkin specifically hired for the project. As for the cover, Belkin took a cue from Apple's own magnetic offering, but went a step further with the addition of multifold creases for different viewing angles. We spent a few days with the Thunderstorm and so far we're impressed with the volume and depth from such slim speakers. Though we didn't have a chance to test it, Belkin is also offering a free iOS app to accompany the product -- it essentially lets you fine-tune the audio with presets for music, movies and games. However the Thunderstorm is not without a few annoyances: the case adds an unsettling amount of bulk to the iPad and it's currently only available with the now-ancient 30-pin connector (we're told a Lightning-equipped version is due in Q2 2013). If you're happy with the ole universal dock though, you can pick this up in the coming weeks from Belkin's online store, Amazon.com or the Apple Store for $200 a pop. In the mean time, you can get a closer look at it with the galleries after the break. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Belkin bulks up iPad mini with $80 Portable Keyboard Case
If you decided to go small by getting an iPad mini but find yourself needing to do some serious work (like blogging, for instance), Belkin may have just the accessory: the Portable Keyboard Case. The removable chiclet-style keyboard marries up wirelessly with the 7.7-inch tab via Bluetooth and has "well spaced keys for its size," including custom iPad shortcuts, according to the peripheral maker. The battery lasts a whopping 155 hours between charges, and when the Starbucks staff finally kick you out, you can fold all your kit up into the built-in folio, complete with a camera-lens cutout. If that sounds like your cup of chai latté tea, hit the PR after the break.
Belkin fills the void with first third-party Lightning accessories for Apple devices
When Apple dropped the 30-pin connector in favor of Lightning for the iPhone 5, new iPods and new iPads, it also dropped much of the current accessory market: short of an expensive adapter, years of collecting docks and more exotic peripherals were for nought. Belkin is stepping into that vacuum with what it says are the first officially sanctioned third-party Lightning accessories. Neither its Charge + Sync Dock (seen at left) for the iPhone 5 nor its Car Charger for Lightning (right) are what we'd call revolutionary, but they both cover missing pieces of the puzzle -- including Apple's, as the tech firm skipped making an iPhone dock of its own for this generation. Should either the audio-supporting dock or the iPad-capable charger sound appealing, both are up for pre-orders today and will ship in mid-November for $30.
Belkin introduces authorized Lightning accessories for iOS devices
The long wait for Apple-authorized Lightning accessories may be over soon. Accessory manufacturer Belkin has announced that pre-orders are open for two new products that will ease charging of your new Lightning-equipped iOS devices. The first item is the Charge + Sync Dock with EarPods Port for iPhone 5 (US$29.99), a sleek dock that doesn't actually come with a Lightning cable -- you have to supply your own. However, the dock has a channel to run the cable through, as well as a foldaway AUX jack. Plug the iPhone 5 into the dock for charging and you can still listen to tunes from your device through the AUX port on the back. Next is the Car Charger 2.1 AMP For iPhone 5, iPad mini and fourth-gen iPad ($29.99). When you take your favorite new iOS device on the road with you, it will be easy to charge it up with this car charger. Not only does it provide the current required to charge up those iPads, but it comes with a 4-foot cable ending in a real live Apple-authorized Lightning connector. Both products will ship by November 15, 2012. [via TNW]
Belkin's NetCam WiFi Camera with Night Vision keeps an eye out for ghosts while you're out, hooks up with iOS / Android
Out of town for Halloween and worried that your empty house is getting filled with ethereal catburglars? You can't even see what they're taking! Belkin's got a solution for you with its new Wi-Fi NetCam, feeding your iOS or Android device (iOS 4.2 and up; Android 2.2 and up) a streaming video of, well, anywhere you decide to puts its NetCam. Belkin thankfully doesn't expect you to leave on your house lights while out of town, which is why the NetCam comes equipped with night vision, "for clear viewing even in low or no light;" also -- as Ghost Hunters tell us -- for spotting apparitions on the spectral plane. And great for catching your 14-year-old before he walks out at midnight with a carton of eggs! The Belkin Wi-Fi NetCam is available now for online order directly from Belkin or via Amazon at $130, and arrives at US retailers in the coming months -- the NetCam app is already available on the iOS App Store and Google Play. We can't help but think it'd be a great pairing with Belkin's WeMo Switch, especially considering it'll take you one step closer to the Back to the Future 2 future we were all promised.
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.
Daily Update for August 30, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all 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 inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
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 announces @TV, Slingbox-esque media streamer and companion app
Belkin has unveiled @TVPlus, a media streamer that jacks into your home theater and pumps episodes of Community (or, other things, we guess) to your smartphone, tablet or laptop through the internet. Packing a built-in WiFi radio, you'll connect to it on your travels with the @TV app, which is capable of recording live TV straight to your mobile device for offline viewing. The app is free for tablets ($12.99 for smartphones) while the box itself will set you back $150 when it arrives in mid-July.
