Hive’s smart thermostat gets IFTTT’s recipe-based automation
If you own one of Hive’s smart thermostats and are looking to get more from the connected appliance, today is your lucky day. The British Gas-owned company today announced that it’s teamed up with IFTTT to provide recipe-based automation for the thermostat, allowing you to connect it to 300 other products and services.
Like the other smart thermostats already on IFTTT, Hive’s pre-built recipes include automated responses to the weather — like “If the temperature outside drops below 5°C then boost my heating” — and boost the hot water output if it detects you’ve finished a run on Strava. There’s also a BMW-specific recipe that will turn on your heating when you’re less than 30 minutes from home.
With 300 channels available, Hive can be linked to smart home appliances like Amazon’s Echo (if you’ve managed to get one in the UK) or be set to turn off your Hue lights as soon as you leave the house. The official Hive app already has a few smart features baked in but IFTTT will let take another step towards truly automating your home.
Source: Hive on IFTTT
DOE to start building a tool that will 3D map the universe
Next year, the Department of Energy will start building the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), which will 3D map millions of galaxies across the universe. The agency-backed project has passed “Critical Decision 3” almost a year after it went through the second phase of approval. That means DOE has OKed its construction and will provide the funding needed to finish manufacturing its camera’s 5,000 10-inch-long cylindrical robots. See that pizza slice-like contraption in the image above? It’s one of the camera’s ten “petals.” Each hole in a petal houses a robot, and the ten petals will carry a total of 5,000. All those machines will point fiber-optic cables to the sky to gather light from distant worlds.
Part of the funding will also go to coating six million-dollar lenses with antireflective material to improve their transparency. The team will build 10 spectrographs to measure the wavelengths of incoming light, as well. According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the organization managing the project, the light that comes in will tell us how fast galaxies and stars are moving away from us. By obtaining that info, we’ll be able to solve some of the mysteries surrounding dark energy — the invisible force believed to occupy every inch of the universe, pushing things apart and accelerating its expansion.
Daniel Eisenstein, a DESI spokesperson from Harvard University, explained:
“The DESI map of galaxies will reveal patterns that result from the interplay of pressure and gravity in the first 400,000 years after the Big Bang. We’ll be using these subtle fingerprints to study the expansion history of the universe.”
DESI will be installed 6,880 feet above the ground, on top of the Mayall Telescope that’s located at the highest peak of Arizona’s Quinlan Mountains. It will take some time before it’s ready, but if all goes well, it will start observing the universe in January 2019.
Via: The Register
Source: Berkeley Lab
UK police bust ‘significant’ pirate pay-TV streaming ring
The City of London Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) is claiming another small victory in the never-ending and probably unwinnable war against piracy. Following a series of dawn raids at several business and residential addresses in Lancashire, the fuzz has reportedly brought down a large-scale illegal TV streaming operation. While it’s not unusual to hear about the seizure of modified set-top boxes that tap into pirate pay-TV streams, officers have landed themselves a much bigger fish this time around, also discovering 15 satellites and recovering over 30 servers.
“Our action today will disrupt what we understand to be a significant and highly resourced operation to distribute pirated television on an industrial scale to tens of thousands of people across the globe,” Detective Chief Inspector Peter Ratcliffe said. As a result of the sting, three men have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering offences.
According to the police, the group is believed to have been transmitting hundreds of subscription-only channels to set-top boxes advertised as legitimate and sold online for a yearly fee of roughly £400. TorrentFreak has done some digging of its own, and while not naming who it believes to be responsible, says the operation has been going for a number of years and was primarily targeted at the ex-pat community. With those ex-pats now underserved, we expect the cycle to continue as it typically does — one police bust simply being another pirate’s opportunity.
[Server image credit: City of London Police]
Via: TorrentFreak
Source: City of London Police
Xbox One S converted into a road-ready laptop
Do-it-yourself Xbox laptops have been around since Ben Heck cobbled one together from an Xbox 360, but “laptop” is a misnomer — most are more like small desktops with screens hinged on. Modder Edward Zarick, the creator of the “Xbook One,” is trying to change that (a bit), though. The “Xbook One S” is a smaller and slimmer thanks to the Xbox One S guts and a Samsung 19-inch screen. Unlike the 22-inch Vizio model used on the original, the new display has 720p rather than a 1080p resolution, unfortunately.
He built the new model for users who might want console gaming on the go or in a plane, assuming there’s a power outlet and they’d let you on with one. (It’s easy to imagine one in the back of a band’s tour bus, as a colleague notes.) The case is made from laser-cut acrylic and 3D printed parts that Zarick describes as “sturdy,” though not rugged.
Inside, it’s a stock Xbox One S that “has not been altered in any way,” he says, adding that the original warranty is nonetheless void because of his modding. If you’re crazy enough about console gaming to want one of these, it’s available in black or white and costs $1,495 for the 500GB model, and $1,545 with 1TB (plus shipping).
IFTTT Workflow Service Launches Third-Party Developer Platform
App and device interaction service IFTTT has launched a new partner platform that enables third-party developers to bake the company’s automated actions into their apps.
For those unfamiliar with IFTTT (IF This, Then That), the service lets users link smart devices, services, and apps in the form of workflows that trigger automated actions – saving photos you’re tagged in on Facebook to Dropbox, for instance, or turning on the heating at home when you leave the office.
Previously, users had to download the IFTTT app or log on to its website to set up such workflows, but the New Partner Platform, which has been in closed beta testing for the last year, means automations can now be integrated and controlled within other apps, enabling gadgets and services to more easily connect to one another.
The public rollout comes to a number of partners, including video doorbell maker Ring, connected car service Automatic, banking app Qapital, air quality monitor Foobot, garage door automation Garageio, smart thermostat Hive, indoor air and health monitoring device Awair, Wi-Fi doorbell Skybell, connected light bulb maker LIFX, responsive lighting maker Stack Lighting, real-time weather service Bloomsky, group voice messenger Roger, and home security service abode.
Users who own apps or smart devices by any of these companies should be able to make use of the IFTTT recipe integration any day now.
The If app is a free download available for iPad and iPhone on the App Store. [Direct Link]
Tag: IFTTT
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Apple Patent Describes ECG-Based Heart Health Wearable
Apple has invented a new health wearable device that measures electrocardiographic signals via a series of built-in electrodes (via PatentlyApple).
The device was revealed in a new patent application published today by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and appears to show designs on another wearable apart from the Apple Watch that can be worn on different locations on the body.
Electrocardiographic measurements rely on multiple electrode readings that can vary depending on where the recording is taken on the body. For example, accidental misplacement of limb lead electrodes is a common cause of ECG reading abnormalities. To solve this, Apple’s patent details how the device can intelligently adapt its measurements for accuracy by taking and comparing readings in different body locations.
In one example, the device can be run through an ‘enrollment’ process, whereby the measurements are taken at different locations on the body. Once the process is finished, electrocardiographic results obtained from the arm can be compared against the stored measurements and determine an accurate reading of heart functioning.
The patent describes how a user wearing the device on their arm can take manual measurements, by placing their finger on an electrode that is not already in contact with the body, whereby the device compares the inverted readings relative to one another to calculate an accurate measurement.
Earlier this week it was reported that Apple is developing at least one new health-tracking product that could debut alongside the tenth-anniversary iPhone in 2017. The product is said to have an array of health-related apps that collect data such as heart rate, pulse, and blood sugar changes.
It’s extremely unlikely that today’s patent relates to the upcoming device, but it does serve as another example of the research Apple is ploughing into this area, and indicates that the company is not averse to developing wearable technology that isn’t necessarily linked to the Apple Watch.
In a recent interview, when asked what he believes the “next frontiers” will be when it comes to product development, Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted health as “the biggest one of all.”
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Logitech Pop Home Switch Starter Pack Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET
The $100 Logitech Pop Home Switch.
Jacob Krol/CNET
Remember that multi-use smart home button we reviewed back in February called Flic? Well, Logitech is bringing something similar to the masses this month with the release of its $100 Pop Home Switch Starter Pack and $40 Pop Add-On Home Switch.
Designed to be a main point of access between you and your smart-home gizmos, Pop is supposed to be able to control connected LEDs, locks, blinds and more. A handful of related partners have already jumped on board to kick off the launch, including Lifx, Philips Hue, Lutron and Insteon.
Related Links:
- A DIY switch to automate ‘Netflix and chill’
- Coolest new tech: A $34 Flic smart button
- CNET’s smart home reviews
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Our five favorite uses for the Flic smart button
We find out just how flexible Shortcut Labs’ new device really is
by David Priest
Each switch is designed to handle up to three triggers using a single press, a double press and a long press. That means you should be able to turn on your lights, close your window shades, and turn on your TV all with simple button presses.
Logitech says the configuration process is simple, too. Use the Pop app for Android and iPhone to search your local Wi-Fi network for smart-home devices. From there, you should be able to assign specific triggers to specific products — either individually or as part of a combined recipe.
You can add a Logitech Harmony remote into the mix as well for a variety of TV- and music-based triggers.
Logitech’s $100 Pop Home Switch Starter Pack and $40 Pop Add-On Home Switch are expected to hit retail this month. We plan to test them out, so check back in short order.
Asus ZenWatch 3 is round, likely to launch at IFA 2016
An FCC filing from Asus reveals that the next ZenWatch, called the ZenWatch 3, is going to be a round device, moving away from the company’s history of releasing square Android Wear watches.
For those unaware, devices that use radio communications of any kind need to be passed through the FCC before they can go on sale in the States. More often than not, these listings reveal little in terms of specification or design and are made up of dozens of charts showing how tests on the various radio frequencies were performed, as well as results from those tests.
Listings also usually contain pictures of the FCC label, and show (vaguely) where on the device it is likely to feature. In the case of this ZenWatch 3, the FCC information will be placed on the underside of the casing, around the edges, which look distinctly round. This as good as confirms the next ZenWatch name, as well as its shape.
FCC
Very little else is revealed about the ZenWatch 3 in the FCC listing, at least when it comes to design or hardware specifications. However, it is revealed that we’ll see a watch equipped with Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz) and a stainless steel back which ships with a 5V 2A (10 watt) charger in the box.
The change from square to round is interesting, from a perspective of narrative, since Android Wear began as a platform for square screens. That was before the first Moto 360 was released. Once round became the more popular option, every other Android Wear device maker seemed to follow suit. In fact, except for the recently announced Polar M600 sports watch, every big-name Android Wear watch has had a circular screen.
While the shape may be changing, one thing we’re hoping stays the same is Asus’ focus on value for money. The ZenWatch, in years gone by, has been one of the most affordable ways to get an Android Wear watch.
It seems likely that we’ll see an announcement from Asus regarding the ZenWatch 3 in Germany next month. The IFA trade show in Berlin is often used by tech companies to reveal new products, and is taking place in just a couple of weeks’ time.
Three’s Feel At Home inclusive roaming expands to 24 more countries
Starting in September, new free roaming countries for Three UK customers include Germany, Greece, Belgium, Netherlands, Malta and Iceland.
One of the most attractive perks for Three UK customers has been its “Feel At Home” program — the ability to roam at no extra cost in a selection of countries — mainly territories where Three already has a local mobile network. From September that list will be expanding significantly to cover 24 new territories, including major European destinations like Germany, Greece, Belgium, the Netherlands and Malta, as well as the Isle of Man and Channel Islands.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the new “Feel At Home” countries, which expands the service’s area to cover most of the European continent.
- Germany
- Greece
- Portugal
- Croatia
- Poland
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Bulgaria
- Hungary
- Romania
- Malta
- Lithuania
- Slovakia
- Estonia
- Latvia
- Iceland
- Slovenia
- Luxembourg
- Liechtenstein
- Gibraltar
- Isle of Man
- Channel Islands (Guernsey and Jersey)
That’s in addition to the 18 existing Feel At Home countries, which covers many destinations in Asia, and the United States:
- Spain
- France
- Switzerland
- Israel
- Findland
- Norway
- USA
- Indonesia
- Sri Lanka
- Macau
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Italy
- Austria
- Hong Kong
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Republic of Ireland
The fact that the new list kicks in from September means holidaymakers traveling this month will miss out on free roaming in these countries. Nevertheless, bringing most of Europe into the “Feel At Home” zone makes sense ahead of the looming abolition of roaming charges within the EU, set to kick in from June 15, 2017.
By getting out nine months or so ahead of the mandatory date for the end of EU roaming charges, Three scores a nice PR win. However as we’ve discussed before, the future of EU roaming after the recent Brexit vote remains up in the air.
MORE: The future of EU roaming, post-Brexit
Galaxy Note 7 launched in India for ₹59,900, available from Sep. 2
At a media event in New Delhi, Samsung launched the Galaxy Note 7 in the Indian market for ₹59,900. The phone will be available in three color variants: Black Onyx, Silver Titanium, and Gold Platinum. No Coral Blue for us folks.
The highlights include a design that’s similar to what we’ve seen on the Galaxy S7 and the S7 edge. Previous offerings in the Galaxy Note line were popular for being productivity workhouses, and while that is still true on the Note 7, the phone doesn’t stand out from the Galaxy S line. That’s especially true on the hardware front, with notable differences being 64GB internal storage and a new iris scanner:
| Operating System | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
| Display | 5.7-inch 2560x1440Super AMOLEDDual edge screenGorilla Glass 5 |
| Processor | Octa-core Exynos 8890 |
| Storage | 64GB |
| Expandable | microSD up to 256GB |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP f/1.71.4-micron pixels, OIS |
| Front Camera | 5MP f/1.7 |
| Charging | USB-C, Fast ChargingQi, Powermat wireless |
| Input | S Pen stylus4096 pts of pressure sensitivity |
| Battery | 3500 mAh |
| Water resistance | IP68 rating |
| Security | One-touch fingerprint sensorIris scannerSamsung KNOX |
| Dimensions | 153.5 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm169 g |
The Galaxy Note 7 also marks the debut of USB-C charging. The phone should be more resilient to tumbles thanks to Gorilla Glass 5 at the front and back, and the new S Pen is just 0.7mm thick.
The phone will retail for ₹59,900 starting September 2. Those pre-booking the handset between August 22-30 will receive the new Gear VR for free. Who’s looking to pick up the Note 7 in India?
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
- Samsung Galaxy Note 7 hands-on preview
- The latest Galaxy Note 7 news!
- Here are all four Note 7 colors
- Complete Galaxy Note 7 specs
- The Galaxy Note 7 uses USB-C
- Join the Note 7 discussion in the forums!
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