French home automation specialist Somfy presents the Huna motorised roller blind system, with a range of design options, intuitive installation and easy operation via app or wireless wall switch.
The system pairs with Somfy home automation, and is designed to add "extra smarts and style" to the home. It is available in a wide range of colours, finishes and sizes, and offers insights and command through a smartphone app. Customers even get the option to add a light sensor, meaning the blinds can react to and manage the amount of light entering the room.
Amazon presents means for installers to create bespoke Alexa skills, with no coding knowledge required-- Alexa Blueprints, a set of templates for the building of custom experiences for Alexa users.
The Elevation home automation hub combines the advantages of local processing and cloud-based IoT connectivity. Built-in apps simplify and streamline the home automation process, and users can create and control personalised environments with Rule Machine, the Hubitat customisable rules engine. The update adds the integration of smart speakers such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home, providing voice control through Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Samsung calls such additions "Bixby Capsules." Essentially the equivalent of Alexa Skills or Google Assistant Actions, they bring more features to the Bixby AI, as well as the potential to control more smart home devices like the other currently available AI assistants. Such "Bixby experiences" will be available through an appropriate marketplace providing users with a range of custom Bixby interactions.
The devices come to the two European countries as the company launches the updated version of Alexa Voice Service (AVS) able to handle the languages. As well as language support, Italian- and Spanish-language Alexa includes culture-specific updates, with partnerships with local brands providing local news article suggestions and even regional recipes.
“When installing a combi boiler, Boiler Plus dictates that one of four energy efficiency measures must be added, one of which is heating controls. Since simple programmable thermostats are no longer compliant in this instance, homeowners are limited to connected smart controls with automation and optimisation functions," Salus says. “Now, however, thanks to the RT520’s Load Compensation feature-- one of the 4 energy saving features that makes a system Boiler Plus compliant-- homeowners can meet the requirements of the new regulations without resorting to smart controls. It’s the most cost-effective fully compliant thermostat option on the market and appeals to users who are not up to speed with technology or who don’t have internet access, as well as those who prefer a quick and simple installation.”
First released in the US around a year ago, the Thermostat E consists of 2 parts. The first component is a stand-mounted thermostat featuring the familiar Nest dial interface, while the second is a round boiler controller dubbed the Heat Link E. The thermostat has a large frosted showing current and target temperatures, and wirelessly communicates with the Heat Link E. Actual control involves either twisting the outer dial, companion iOS/Android app or voice control through Google Home.
