CES 2017: Ring Launches Motion-Activated Security Camera With Floodlights

Ring, best known for its popular video doorbells, has added an outdoor Floodlight Cam to its security camera product lineup.

The Floodlight Cam is a motion-activated security camera with built-in 3K lumen LED floodlights, a 270-degree field-of-view, facial recognition, a 110-decibel siren alarm, two-way audio, and infrared for night vision. The hardwired, self-install camera is controlled via Wi-Fi with an iPhone or Android-based smartphone.

When the Floodlight Cam detects movement, homeowners will receive a push notification on their iPhone, while the HD video camera will also begin recording so users can see and speak to whoever is on their property through the free Ring app for iPhone and iPad, Mac, Android, and Windows 10 devices.

If a suspicious person is detected, homeowners can scare them off by turning on the device’s siren, yelling over the loudspeaker and pulsing the light rapidly. Not only will this likely scare off a potential intruder, but it will also get neighbors’ attention so they can assist in calling the authorities. Video recordings can be accessed during and after an event and shared with neighbors and local law enforcement.

With the Ring app, homeowners can manually flash the floodlights, sound the alarm, and zoom in and pan to focus. Users can set customizable motion zones and a schedule for the lights to turn on and off automatically if desired. The camera is weatherproof and designed for temperatures between -5°F (-20°C) and 120°F (48°C).

Ring is accepting pre-orders for the Floodlight Cam for $249 on its website beginning today; orders will begin shipping in early April. Cloud video recording, allowing users to view and download up to six months of previous events, is available for $3 per month or $30 per year if desired.

Tags: CES 2017, Ring
Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Confirms $1B Investment in SoftBank’s Vision Fund

Apple today announced that it has invested $1 billion in Japanese company SoftBank’s Vision Fund, confirming rumors suggesting the two had held talks back in December.

The SoftBank Vision Fund, which SoftBank is aiming to launch next year, could be one of the largest tech investment funds in the world. The money will be invested in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, deep learning, robotics, and connected devices.

According to Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet, who spoke to The Wall Street Journal, the company believes the fund could be strategically important for future developments.

Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet said, “We believe their new fund will speed the development of technologies which may be strategically important to Apple.” She added Apple has worked with the Japanese telecom company for many years.

SoftBank is aiming to raise $100 billion for the fund, with plans to contribute at least $25 billion itself. The Saudi Arabian government is the largest contributor, pledging up to $45 billion.

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son has promised to invest $50 billion of the fund in the United States to create 50,000 jobs in the country, a move that’s been praised by President-elect Donald Trump.

Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
Discuss this article in our forums

Switchmate Bright Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

In summer 2016, a startup called Switchmate released its first product: A retrofit gadget that fit over the top of a conventional light switch and added automation. It was a refreshingly simple solution to smartening up wired lights at home — but it also came with its share of limitations.

Now Switchmate is releasing its second-generation smart switch, the Switchmate Bright. At $40, it’s a little more expensive than the original device (which will stay on the market at $30), but still cheaper than most in-wall switches. And it comes with a bunch of cool design upgrades.

Check out all the smart home products at…
See full gallery

1 – 4 of 33

Next
Prev

Switchmate has always distinguished itself with ease of install. You simply affix the device overtop a light switch using its magnetic base, and it’s pretty much ready to use. The app allows users to toggle the device, which physically flips the switch on and off.

The Switchmate Bright features a slimmer design than the original device, so you can fit multiple onto a panel of switches. This makes the Bright a much more compelling device for more comprehensive setups, although I’d still like to see a multi-switch version soon.

The Switchmate Bright can fit more comfortably than the original on a multi-switch panel.

Switchmate

The Bright also includes a motion detector, so it can automatically switch on or off when it senses a user walking into the room. Again, this broadens the appeal of the Switchmate, which originally could automate using only timers or Bluetooth to respond to the proximity of a phone.

Finally, Switchmate’s strength seems to be rising as it partners with more developers — particularly Amazon Echo and Google Home.

Switchmate plans to begin shipping the Bright by February 2017.

Switchmate Power Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

Switchmate’s first device, a retrofit smart switch release in Summer 2016, wasn’t elegant, but it was impressively simple. All you had to do was magnet it over a conventional light switch, and it would add automation to your overhead lights — no install necessary.

But now Switchmate is getting more ambitious. Not only are they releasing a second generation of the original smart switch barely seven months later — they’re expanding into other areas of the smart home. First up: the Switchmate Power. This is a $40 smart plug that plugs into both outlets in a given fixture, and automates each one separately. With that one design choice, this little startup is already a compelling competitor for industry leaders like Belkin WeMo and iDevices.

Check out all the smart home products at…
See full gallery

1 – 4 of 33

Next
Prev

The Switchmate Power also has other, well, powers. Not only can you toggle each plug individually, but you can schedule them and automate them using the phone proximity trick of the original Switchmate. Plus, the Power includes two additional USB charging ports for good measure.

In addition, Switchmate integrates with a slew of platforms, notably including both Amazon Echo and Google Home.

Switchmate

From an aesthetic standpoint, the Switchmate Power might not look quite as sharp as, say, the iDevices Switch. Sleek design has never been Switchmate’s strong suit, though; efficiency has. As expected, then, Switchmate’s device might turn a wall freckle into a wall wart — but it’ll be a damn powerful wall wart. It even features a backlight to use as a nightlight.

The Switchmate Power will be available February of 2017.

Garmin Fenix 5 Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

The Fenix 5S (left), Fenix 5X (center) and Fenix 5 (right).

Garmin

Garmin on Wednesday announced the next iteration in its Fenix line of high-end athletic watches. The company unveiled the Fenix 5 and Fenix 5X, as well as the Fenix 5S, the first high-end Garmin watch designed specifically for females.

All three watches include GPS and GLONASS to measure pace, distance, speed and other metrics when running, biking and performing a variety of other activities. The watches also feature an optical heart-rate sensor, all-day fitness tracking (steps, calories burned, active minutes and sleep), and the ability to show notifications from an iPhone or Android phone.

The Fenix line is known for its long battery life and rugged design. The watches are waterproof down to 100 meters (10ATM) and feature a durable stainless steel bezel. All three models will also last more than a week with normal usage.

Other features include a three-axis compass, gyroscope, barometric altimeter, along with a wide variety of sport profiles, including running, biking, swimming, hiking, triathlons, climbing, skiing, rowing and paddle boarding. These are also the first Garmin watches to support the company’s new QuickFit release system, which lets users quickly swap out watch bands without needing a special tool.

Fenix 5S

The Fenix 5S is a smaller version of the watch designed for women and petite wrists, but delivering the same high-end Fenix performance. The watch measures 42mm in diameter and has a smoother face than other Fenix models. It will last up to 8 days with normal usage, or up to 13 hours with heart rate tracking and an active GPS signal.

The Fenix 5S will be available by March for $600 (£550, AU$$950). The watch comes in silver with either a white, turquoise or black silicone band and a mineral glass display. There’s also a second model that adds Wi-Fi and replaces the mineral glass display with a scratch-resistant sapphire one. The Fenix 5S Sapphire will be available for $700 (£650, AU$$1,050) and comes with an extra silicone QuickFit band.

Fenix 5

The Fenix 5 measures 47mm in diameter and has a more compact design than the Fenix 3 HR. The watch will also last up to two weeks with normal usage, or up to 20 hours with heart-rate tracking and an active GPS signal, which is a 4-hour improvement over last year’s model.

The Fenix 5 will be available by March for $600 (£550, AU$$950). Like the Fenix 5S, there will be a second model that adds Wi-Fi and replaces the mineral glass display with a durable sapphire one. The Fenix 5 Sapphire will be available for $700 (£650, AU$$1,050) and also comes with an extra silicone QuickFit band.

Fenix 5X

In addition to a larger size (51mm in diameter), the Fenix 5X includes features not found in the other models. It comes preloaded with topographic US maps, routable cycling maps for turn-by-turn navigation, and other features like Round Trip Run and Round Trip Ride, which can suggest routes based on how far you would like to run or ride. Another feature, called Around Me, allows users to see different points of interest, waypoints and other map objects within in their range.

Garmin has said that the Fenix 5X will last up to 12 days with normal usage, or up to 20 hours with heart-rate tracking and an active GPS signal. The watch also comes with Wi-Fi and a scratch-resistant sapphire lens standard.

The Fenix 5X will be available by March for $700 (£650, AU$$1,050).

Check out all of CNET’s coverage of CES 2017.

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

Samsung has loads to prove after an explosive 2016. Fortunately the company’s new Galaxy A series of phones could be the perfect pick-me-up before its next big reveal at Mobile World Congress in a few months.

The new A3, A5 and A7 sport ridiculously good looks inherited from the flagship Samsung Galaxy S7. They als0 come loaded with IP68 dust and water resistance.

While the A5 and A7 sport similar features with their front and rear 16-megapixel cameras, the A3 takes a slight hit with a 13-megapixel rear and front 8-megapixel shooter. A more detailed breakdown is available in the table below.

Samsung’s new Galaxy A series is really,…
See full gallery

1 – 4 of 12

Next
Prev

If selfies are just too much work for you, Samsung has also tweaked its camera UI to introduce a free-floating shutter button you can drag around the screen. That’ll make it easier than ever to take pictures of your face.

I spent some time with the A5 and A7 and came away impressed with the quality of the phones. They feel as good as high-end flagships, thanks to their metal frames and glass rears.

Quick specs

• 4.7-inch HD display (A3), 5.2-inch full-HD display (A5), 5.7-inch full-HD display (A7)
• Android 6.0 (all)
• USB Type-C (all)
• microSD support up to 256GB (all)
• Available in black, gold or peach

Inside, the phones sport a lower-end Exynos processor. That’s equivalent to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 600 series, though we’ll need to do some proper benchmarking tests to see which chip is better.

One last thing to note: The phone comes with Android Marshmallow (6.01), not the latest Nougat update. This may not be a big deal but Samsung couldn’t confirm when the phones will be updated.

The new phones are set to hit Europe and Asia first, with no word just yet on when they’ll be available stateside. In Singapore, the A5 and A7 will sell S$548 (approximately $380, £310 or AU$520) and S$648 — or around $450, £365 and AU$615.

Hardware specs comparison

Petcube Bites Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

It’s bigger than an adult cat.

Petcube

Iris the Destroyer is one of the most treat-focused cats I’ve ever known. As our daily treat time approaches, she jumps to the top of her scratcher and locks her one eye on you with an unblinking stare until you expect “this is not the droid you’re looking for” to come out of her mouth.

So when the Petcube folks said they were adding a connected treat launcher to their portfolio of connected pet products — the camera-only Petcube and the newly released remote laser-pointer camera Petcube Play — it snagged my attention as if someone was going to fling a brownie in my direction.

The production version of Petcube Bites, which the company expects to ship in early in the year for $250 (directly converted, about £200 and AU$350), debuted at CES 2017, along with a free version of its Petcube Care cloud video service that will provide 4 hours a day of storage for surveilling Rover and Patches.

Bites is essentially a much bigger version of the Petcube with all the same features — motion and low-light sensitivity and Wi-Fi remote livestream monitoring with two-way audio for both iOS and Android. It adds a well that can store up to 2 lbs/907 g of treats less than 1 in/25mm big. You can trigger it manually or set it to let fly on a schedule, as well as optionally wall mount it. It comes in silver/black, all black, or all rose gold.

One drawback immediately strikes me, though. It seems to only toss treats to one spot; not only would that cause a riot in our multicat home, but I like to make a couple of the cats hunt for them, which requires a longer and more random throwing distance. It’s too expensive to get more than one, though if you could sync two of them so that they alternate tosses to make overweight pets run back and forth across the room, that would be cool. What I’d really like is something like the Petcube Play using treats instead of a laser.

Still, it might be worth it to prevent 4 a.m. breakfast wake up calls. Most smart pet products are feeders, but if you only serve wet food (or raw) you’re pretty much out of luck with smart feeders. Still, a smart, interactive treat dispenser might forestall the 4 a.m. face-pawing wakey wakey.

iFrogz Impulse Wireless Headphones Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

The Impulse Wireless comes in black or white for $60.

Zagg

Owned by Zagg, iFrogz is known for making inexpensive products that perform better than you’d expect. I liked its in-ear sports headphone, the Summit Wireless, and I’m going to check out its new Impulse on-ear wireless headphones here at CES 2017. They’re available now for $60 (no word yet on international pricing), which puts them in competition with Skullcandy’s popular Grind Wireless, which cost around $80 online.

Here’s a look at the Impulse’s key features. I’ll let you know how they sound as soon as I get my hands on a pair.

• On-ear music and call controls
• Built-in mic for quick and easy calls on the go
• 40mm drivers
• Up to 12 hours of battery life
• 3.5mm (wired) audio jack option
• AeroFoam ear pads
• Available in white and black for $59.99 at Zagg.com

The headphones have a foldable design.

Zagg

Ooma Home Monitoring System Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

Ooma’s motion sensor.

Ooma

As you might expect of a smart home system, Ooma’s sensors will notify you if they detect something out of the ordinary. The sensors won’t just notify you, though. Ooma’s motion detector, water detector, or door and window sensor can each call 911 themselves.

Ooma made a name for itself with the Telo — a box that plugs into your router and provides you with a home phone service. Telo routes calls over the internet, and you’ll need the $90 gadget to make use any of Ooma’s new trio of smart home devices.

Introduced at CES today in Las Vegas, Ooma’s three sensors — a $35 motion detector, a $30 leak sensor and a $25 door and window sensor — communicate with the Telo using Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication. DECT is the same tech used by ordinary cordless telephones.

You can set the sensors to Home or Away mode and if they detect something amiss, they’ll alert you by phone, push notifications, email or text messages depending on your preferences. The sensors can also call 911 directly from your Telo. It’ll connect with the dispatcher closest to your home, and can send through the address as well.

Check out all the smart home products at…
See full gallery

1 – 4 of 33

Next
Prev

You’ll likely need to pay a monthly fee for this service. If you’re already using Ooma’s premium service for your Telo, you can add as many sensors to your system as you want without adding to your $10 a month fee. If you’re using Ooma’s free basic service, you can use one sensor for free, but two or more costs $6 a month.

There’s no option to use multiple sensors for free and skip the 911 monitoring. That’s a shame, but it’s also the only thing that makes Ooma’s smart home sensors at all unique. The sensors themselves are reasonably priced, so if you already have a Telo, it might make sense to make your home phone smarter.

Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

Canon

To bring the PowerShot G9 X up to date for 2017, Canon gave the Mark II the latest version of its imaging engine, Digic 7, plus improved wireless connection options.

Canon plans to ship the G9 X Mark II in February for $530. (We don’t have UK or Australian pricing, but that converts directly to about £430 and AU$730.)

Digic 7 arrived in the G7 X Mark II last year, and in the G9 X M2 it brings a variety of small improvements to the camera. They include better automatic scene detection and Picture Styles, tracking autofocus, image stabilization and low-light photo quality. You’ll also be able to shift exposures while shooting time lapse movies.

The other addition is low-energy Bluetooth for maintaining a persistent connection to devices, the first time it’s been implemented in a Canon camera (everyone else has had it for a while).

Keep checking CNET for all the news coming from CES 2017.