CES 2019: Lutron Announces Caseta Smart Control System for Regular Ceiling Fans

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Lutron Electronics today announced a new addition to its Caseta smart lighting system, this one focused on making most ceiling fans into "smart" ceiling fans with a new fan speed control switch. Lutron doesn't specifically mention HomeKit compatibility for the new fan controls, but the existing Caseta system does support HomeKit through a smart bridge.


Like it did for regular bulbs, the Caseta by Lutron fan speed control system connects to a user's existing ceiling fan to allow them to wirelessly control the fan from their smartphone, or the physical switch. The fan control doesn't require a canopy module and can be easily added to the Lutron app.

The company says the installation process is as fast as 15 minutes, resulting in four fan speeds and the ability to set a favorite speed setting. Users can call up Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control the fan via their voice, or purchase the added Pico Remote for $42 for manual controls.

The Caseta by Lutron fan speed control system will be available in March for $80. The control will be available in white, ivory, light almond, and black, and is compatible with a single 1.5A ceiling fan, and users will need a neutral wire for installation.

Tags: Lutron, CES 2019

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AirPlay 2 and HomeKit Support Coming to New LG Smart TVs

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Following in the footsteps of Samsung and Vizio, LG today at CES 2019 announced that AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support is coming to its 2019 smart TVs.


AirPlay 2 support will allow users to stream videos, music, photos, and more directly from an iPhone, iPad, and Mac to new LG smart TVs, complete with lock screen controls. HomeKit support will enable users to easily control the TVs using the Home app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac or Siri voice commands.

More exciting news! Apple AirPlay will be available on our 2019 TVs! #CES2019 #LGCES2019

— LG Canada (@LGCanada) January 7, 2019

Apple recently updated its website with information about how AirPlay 2 and HomeKit will be implemented on smart TVs from "leading TV manufacturers." Samsung smart TVs are also getting a dedicated iTunes movies and TV shows app.

Tags: HomeKit, LG, AirPlay 2, CES 2019

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CES 2019: Harman Kardon Debuts 'Citation Series' of Speakers With Upcoming AirPlay 2 Support

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Harman Kardon has announced its latest series of smart home speakers, the "Citation Series," which combine various hardware designs with Google Assistant, an LCD touch screen, and Chromecast. Sometime in early 2019, the speakers will be updated with AirPlay 2 support, allowing users to wirelessly stream music from an iOS device, Apple TV, or HomePod by asking Siri.


Each speaker in the Citation Series has aluminum detailing paired with wool fabric that's available in Winter Grey or Classic Black color options. Customers can use the speakers individually or build a 5.1-channel surround sound system with multi-channel and multi-room abilities.

The Citation Series has Google Assistant built in, so users can stream music and ask questions by saying "Hey Google" nearby. This will also let them control Android-connected smart home products.

“Consumers increasingly look to their home entertainment systems to do more than just play music,” said Michael Mauser, President, Lifestyle Audio at HARMAN. “While features like voice control and multi-room streaming are becoming standard, the Harman Kardon Citation Series is anything but. The pairing of our unprecedented audio legacy and premium design with smart features and ease of use gives Citation the opportunity to truly transform the listening experience.”

There are numerous speakers in the Citation Series, including multiple countertop speakers, a soundbar, a subwoofer, a tower speaker, and more. These speakers are available to purchase now on Harman Kardon's website, starting at a price of $199.95 for a countertop speaker and rising to $2,499.95 for a pair of tower speakers.

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Tags: AirPlay 2, CES 2019

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CES 2019: First Alert Previewing New HomeKit-Enabled Smoke Detector-and-Speaker With Mesh Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2

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First Alert today announced that it will be previewing a new model of its Safe & Sound smoke and carbon monoxide detector, which doubles as a speaker, at CES 2019 in Las Vegas. The new model will remain compatible with HomeKit, allowing it to be controlled in the Home app on iOS and macOS and with Siri voice commands.


The second-generation Safe & Sound features mesh Wi-Fi technology, delivering expanded and stronger Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the home, according to First Alert. And coming "soon" — that's been the case for awhile — the detector will support AirPlay 2, enabling streaming from Apple devices and multi-room audio.

The detector has a built-in speaker with noise-canceling microphones and is available with either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant built in. Alexa users, for example, can ask to stream music from Amazon Music or Spotify, read the news, check the weather, control other smart home devices, and so forth.

As for the detector itself, an alarm alerts homeowners on their smartphones in the event of a smoke or carbon monoxide emergency, whether home or away. With exclusive voice and location technology by First Alert, the Safe & Sound alerts users to the type of danger and its location within the home.

First Alert has not revealed pricing or availability for the new Safe & Sound. The original model is currently on sale for $199.99 on Amazon in the United States, down from $249.99 regularly.

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Tags: HomeKit, First Alert, AirPlay 2, CES 2019

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CES 2019: TP-Link Plans to Add HomeKit Support to Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini in Early 2019

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TP-Link today announced that it plans to make its Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini compatible with HomeKit in early 2019.


HomeKit support will allow for the smart plug to be controlled in the Home app on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac and with Siri voice commands. It will also be possible to add the smart plug to a HomeKit scene, which lets users control multiple accessories at the same time, such as when arriving home.

This smart plug features a compact design that takes up only one receptacle on a typical double-receptacle wall outlet. They cost $24.99 each or $64.99 for a three-pack on Amazon and at select retailers such as Best Buy in the United States.

TP-Link is introducing seven new Kasa smart home products at CES 2019 in Las Vegas, including a video doorbell, light switch, light strip, security cameras, and additional plugs, which can be controlled with the Kasa Smart app on the App Store, but HomeKit support was not specified for these accessories.

The entire Kasa lineup is, however, compatible with rival platforms Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana.

HomeKit-enabled smart plugs are quite common, with a wide variety of options available from brands such as Eve, iDevices, iHome, Wemo, and Koogeek. They can be used to conveniently turn on and off TVs, lamps, coffee machines, and other household objects with an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch.

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Tags: HomeKit, TP-Link, CES 2019

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CES 2019: Select Vizio Smart TVs to Gain Support for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit Later This Year

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Vizio today announced that its recent smart TVs will gain support for Apple's wireless streaming protocol AirPlay 2 and smart home platform HomeKit via a free SmartCast 3.0 over-the-air software update later this year.


AirPlay 2 support will allow users to stream videos, music, photos, and more directly from an iPhone, iPad, and Mac to SmartCast-enabled Vizio TVs, complete with lock screen controls. HomeKit support will enable users to easily control the TV using the Home app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac or Siri voice commands.

Vizio says the SmartCast 3.0 update with AirPlay 2 and HomeKit can be tested by registered beta members in the United States and Canada in the first quarter of 2019. The software will be publicly released in the second quarter of 2019 and will also be preinstalled on Vizio's entire 2019 lineup of smart TVs.

The upcoming SmartCast 3.0 update will also add expanded Google Assistant actions for eligible SmartCast TVs. Google Assistant users, for example, will have the ability to use simple voice commands to launch apps, select inputs as well as pause, resume, stop, fast-forward, rewind content, and more.

Amazon Alexa users can also control their TV, and coming later this year, launch apps without lifting a finger, according to Vizio.

Apple recently updated its website with information about how AirPlay 2 and HomeKit will be implemented on smart TVs from "leading TV manufacturers," including Samsung, which is also introducing an iTunes movies and TV shows app that does not appear will be available on Vizio smart TVs at this time.

Tags: HomeKit, AirPlay 2, CES 2019, Vizio

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CES 2019: Sphero Debuts iPhone-Connected 'Specdrums' Rings, Turning Color Into Musical Sound

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Sphero, the company behind the now-discountinued Star Wars droid toys, has launched a device called "Specdrums," a wearable ring that plays different music based on the color you tap it against. The Colorado-based startup Specdrums had previously debuted the music-enabled rings a few years ago, but the rings will now be sold under the Sphero brand following an acquisition by Sphero last summer.


The rings work by connecting to an iOS or Android app, and when the user taps Specdrums against a certain color, the app will play a musical note. The company says that this will empower kids of all ages and skill levels to play music on nearly any surface in the world around them.

“Sphero recognizes Specdrums as an opportunity to engage kids at the intersection of arts, math, science and technology, building a parallel framework between coding and music composition,” said Paul Berberian, CEO, Sphero.

“By seeing the world around them as a canvas, kids are able to use Specdrums to create their own songs using coding, which is really exciting for them, their parents and their teachers. Meanwhile, the creative pattern-making of loops and sounds strengthens their math and problem-solving skills.”

The Specdrums Mix app includes customizable sounds so that users can explore musical instruments like drums, a keyboard, and over 100 other instruments. The rings themselves are made from silicon and include motion and light sensors to turn surrounding colors into sound.

Specdrums also come with a multi-color playpad to tap the rings on, but the company encourages users to simply use anything in their vicinity to get started with Specdrums. Specdrums will cost $64.99 for one ring and $99.99 for two rings, and is available to purchase starting today. The first devices will begin shipping the week of January 15, and select retail stores will begin selling the rings in the spring.

Tag: Sphero

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