Smart home | Stuff https://www.stuff.tv/hot-stuff/smart-home/ The best gadgets - news, reviews and buying guides Wed, 22 May 2024 14:38:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.5 https://www.stuff.tv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/09/cropped-stuff-tv-favicon.png?w=32 Smart home | Stuff https://www.stuff.tv/hot-stuff/smart-home/ 32 32 203448579 This outdoor pan and tilt security camera can recognise number plates in 3K https://www.stuff.tv/hot-stuff/this-outdoor-pan-and-tilt-security-camera-can-recognise-number-plates-in-3k/ Wed, 22 May 2024 14:38:38 +0000 https://www.stuff.tv/?p=935199 There are plenty of security cameras to pick from, each with a different range of features. If you’re looking to take your security outdoors, resolution and recognition are two big hitters. Not only do you want the camera to know what it’s looking at, but be of good enough quality that you can see the details. And that’s exactly what Ezviz’s upgraded C8C outdoor pan and tilt security offers. It records in 3K resolution, uses AI to know what it’s looking at, and can even recognise car number plates. All that for £85 at RRP.

While we didn’t review Ezviz’s original C8C security camera ourselves, the online consensus seems to be that it struggled with close-up details. Now, the C8C offers 3K resolution, which is quite the upgrade from the old 2MP model. This means clearer, sharper images that’ll help you spot the smallest details. Whether it’s that stray cat that’s knocking over your bins or the postie sneaking around your garden. In fact, Ezviz reckons the camera can identify a car’s number plate – it can catch those zoomed in details.

Now, this camera doesn’t just sit there looking pretty. It offers 360° panoramic coverage and AI-powered detection. The AI smarts can distinguish between humans and vehicles, so no more false alarms. When it spots someone, it auto-zooms to keep track of their every move. It has night vision, but not just any night vision. This is full-colour night vision up to 20 metres and black-and-white up to 30 metres. This means you’ll get clear, vivid images even in the dead of night. And if an intruder dares to come close, the C8C 5MP will set off a siren and flash its spotlights to send them scurrying.

Control is a breeze with the Ezviz app. You can see, hear, and talk to anyone who wanders into view thanks to the two-way talk feature. Plus, you can manoeuvre this pan and tilt security camera to cover every nook and cranny of your property and set up to 12 customisable detection zones. This camera is built to withstand the elements, with a durable, weather-proof design. Whether it’s rain, snow, or the blistering sun, the C8C won’t bat an eyelid.

Dual antennas ensure a solid Wi-Fi connection, offering up to 220m coverage. Prefer to go wired? It’s got that option too. Storing footage is flexible – go for a local SD card up to 512GB to avoid subscription fees, or opt for Ezviz’s cloud option. And because we all love a bit of voice control, it’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can tell your smart assistant to show you the feed or turn off motion detection when you get home.

Fancy sticking this outdoor pan and tilt security camera on your gaff? The new Ezviz C8C is available on Amazon for £85. But it’s currently discounted to £70 for the launch. Considering the tech and features packed into this camera, it’s a steal.

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This new Ring indoor camera can pan and tilt for the first time https://www.stuff.tv/hot-stuff/this-new-ring-indoor-camera-can-pan-and-tilt-for-the-first-time/ Wed, 01 May 2024 13:10:00 +0000 https://www.stuff.tv/?p=932869 Thanks to plenty of security cameras to pick from, it’s easier than ever to stick a smart security watcher around your home. But what about when you need to cover multiple angle? Rather than sticking up a bunch of cameras, one that can pan and tilt would be ideal. And that’s exactly what Ring’s latest indoor camera can do, offering horizontal coverage of 360º.

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam lets you peer into your living room, hallway, or wherever you fancy through the Ring app. Fancy checking if your dog is behaving or if the kids are back from school? This camera pans a full 360° and tilts 169° to give you a comprehensive view without the need to install multiple cameras in one room. It doesn’t just give you the eyes of a hawk during daylight. You’ll also find colour night vision to make sure your view is as clear at night as it is during the day. And if it spots something fishy, it’ll ping your phone and let you chat in real-time with whoever is causing a stir, thanks to its built-in microphone and speaker.

For those who subscribe to Ring Protect, the perks pile up. You can access stored videos, share clips of your cat’s odd antics, or view multiple live video feeds on your screen. Plus, the Live View Picture-in-Picture feature means you can keep an eye on things while pretending to work on something far more boring.

As you’d expect from a Ring camera, it comes with two-step verification and end-to-end video encryption to keep things secure. The Pan-Tilt Camera ups the ante with a manual privacy cover that you can slide over the lens for those moments when you want to be absolutely sure the only eyes in your home are human.

Ready to keep an eye on every inch of your house? The Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera will hit the shelves on 30 May. It’ll be up for grabs from Ring, Amazon, or other retailers for £70. While the Pan-Tilt sticks to the classic Black and White, Ring is spicing things up with the Indoor Camera, offering hues like Blush, Charcoal, and Starlight. Those new shades for the Indoor Camera (2nd Gen) will be available on 24 July for £50.

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This Blink smart security camera is just £35 and still works with Alexa https://www.stuff.tv/hot-stuff/this-blink-smart-security-camera-is-just-35-and-still-works-with-alexa/ Wed, 01 May 2024 12:00:34 +0000 https://www.stuff.tv/?p=932885 You can find plenty of security cameras to pick from, and it’s super easy to stick a smart security watcher around your home. But if you’re going for total coverage, things can get pretty pricey. Lots of smart security cameras go for £50+ each. But this new Blink smart security camera is much cheaper – it’s just £35 and still works with Alexa.

The Blink Mini 2 is the latest and greatest from Blink, which is actually owned by Amazon. Who also owns Ring. This camera isn’t just a minor update to the first gen; it’s a complete overhaul, especially if you fancy checking up on your pets without breaking the bank. The original Blink Mini might have been a hit for indoor monitoring, but the Mini 2 takes it outside – literally.

For starters, the Blink Mini 2 maintains its adorable compact design but adds a cheeky little LED spotlight above the lens. Why, you ask? To dazzle you with full-colour night views. And with a boosted 1080p HD video capability and a wider field of view, it’s like upgrading from an old telly to high-definition. It even works in low lighting conditions, so you’re good to go at night.

Then there’s the two-way audio, which is just what it sounds like. You can tell off intruders (or chat with the postie) from the comfort of your smartphone. Speaking of smartphones, the whole shebang is controlled via the Blink app, where you can customise everything from privacy zones to how sensitive the motion detection should be. And yes, it spots humans specifically, thanks to some clever onboard computer vision tech, so no more alerts every time a bird decides to do a flyby. Plus, it still works with Alexa (of course), so you can get the smart assistant to help you monitor your gaff.

Now, if you want to take this camera outdoors, you’ll need to fork out a bit more for the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adaptor. Because, let’s face it, the British weather isn’t always camera-friendly. But at these prices, it’s a small upgrade for extra peace of mind.

The Blink Mini 2 is available as we speak on Amazon. It’ll set you back just £35 for the indoor version. Fancy using it outdoors? That’ll be £43.98 with the necessary weather-resistant gear.

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This Smeg coffee machine wants to help you make professional drinks at home https://www.stuff.tv/hot-stuff/this-smeg-coffee-machine-wants-to-help-you-make-professional-drinks-at-home/ Thu, 11 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://www.stuff.tv/?p=928842 Looking to feed your caffeine addiction? While we can’t help you overcome it, we can tell you that we understand! And we can also recommend the best coffee machines for the tastiest caffeinated beverages. Smeg’s the latest to the party, offering a new machine that wants to help you make professional-quality drinks in your kitchen.

Smeg reckons it managed to shrink the essence of a bustling Italian coffee house into two countertop marvels. Dubbed the Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine, this bit of kit is Smeg’s pièce de résistance. It might be compact, but it packs a punch strong enough to turn your kitchen into the envy of professional baristas. The Mini Pro offers both manual and automatic coffee extraction, letting you switch from a hand-pumped lever to the simple press of a button.

Fancy yourself as a latte artist or cappuccino connoisseur? The machine’s actively heated bulkhead and frothing wand are your allies in the quest for coffee perfection. They ensure every cup comes out at just the right temperature, with milk frothed to creamy excellence. No Italian coffee experience is complete without the warmth of a pre-heated cup, and Smeg doesn’t disappoint. The machine’s passive cup warmer ensures your espresso shot glasses or latte mugs are toasty and ready for the brew.

You can grab the Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Grinder alongside it. Smeg’s engineers, likely fueled by copious amounts of coffee themselves, have gone bonkers with precision here. With 50 micro grinding steps, spread across three segments, this grinder woos coffee beans into submission. It promises superfine granules perfect for your espresso or a bit coarser if you’re fancying a latte. It’s got an antistatic machine and a 240g airtight bean hopper that together ensure your coffee is nothing short of sublime.

Mini Grinder Pro from Smeg

As expected from Smeg, style is never sacrificed for substance. Both machines are part of the contemporary Collezione line, flaunting brushed metal finishes and stainless-steel accents, alongside the iconic Smeg logo. Available in Matte White, Black, or Emerald Green for the coffee machine, and a brushed Stainless-Steel finish for the grinder, they promise not just a great cup of coffee but a dash of Italian elegance to your kitchen.

Ready to get your hands on these machines? The Mini Pro Espresso Coffee Machine will set you back £1399.95, while the Mini Pro Coffee Grinder will cost £250. Both will make their grand debut at the London Coffee Festival on 11th April 2024. After that, they’ll be available from June to order directly from Smeg or selected retailers.

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This Philips air fryer has two baskets and can handle a family meal https://www.stuff.tv/hot-stuff/this-philips-air-fryer-has-two-baskets-and-can-handle-a-family-meal/ Wed, 10 Apr 2024 14:18:28 +0000 https://www.stuff.tv/?p=930847 For many, an air fryer is the kitchen gadget they never knew they needed until they put one on their countertop. Now, they can’t imagine living without. It churns out guilt-free chips, chicken, and even cake. But you can only cook what you can cram in there, right? Fortunately, Philips’ latest air fryer can squeeze in an entire family meal. How? Thanks to its dual baskets and 9L total capacity.

Philips‘ latest air fryer is the 3000 Series Dual Air Fryer. With a hefty 6L basket for your main showstoppers and a daintier 3L sidekick for those side dishes or solo adventures, it’s ready to cater to the whole family (or just you). Fancy a full traybake or a 1.5kg chicken for dinner? The larger basket has got you covered. And this particular air fryer will make sure your culinary creations are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, thanks to Philips’ patented RapidAir technology.

Gone are the days of poking your food with a fork to see if it’s done. The Philips 3000 Series air fryer comes equipped with an intuitive display. On top of this, it offers eight simple presets on a touchscreen that magically eliminate the guesswork from cooking. And because Philips knows that timing is everything, cooking times are synchronised across both drawers. So, your mains and sides will be ready to hit the table at the same time – no more cold chips!

And because Philips doesn’t just leave you with a fancy new toy without any instructions. The brand threw in a bunch of mouth-watering recipes specifically designed for the 3000 Series in the Philips HomeID app. So, whether you’re a culinary genius or someone who struggles to boil water, this air fryer is bound to make you look like a pro.

Dressed to impress in sleek silver and gold colourways, the Philips Airfryer 3000 Series Dual Basket is not just a pretty face. It’s priced at a wallet-friendly £180, and is available from John Lewis and Currys. And, for a limited time, you can snag this kitchen must-have for just £140.

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This Securaki smart lock can be installed without any DIY skills https://www.stuff.tv/hot-stuff/securaki-retrofit-smart-home-lock/ Wed, 10 Apr 2024 12:56:50 +0000 https://www.stuff.tv/?p=930842 There’s plenty of smart home kit to ramp up your home security, but smart locks are a good place to start. They protect your front door, which is the main entry point to your gaff. But nobody likes the idea of faffing around with tools to install one, especially if you run the risk of messing the lock up. But this Securaki smart lock can be installed on 90% of UK doors without any DIY skills. It’s controllable over Wi-Fi, from your phone, and from smart assistants.

Securaki’s smart lock fits snugly with 90% of UK door locks and even plays nice with most European and American models. The real cherry on top is its promise of a drill-free, sweat-free setup – with absolutely no DIY skills required. Not content with merely locking and unlocking your door? The Securaki Smart Lock flirts with the likes of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so you can bark commands. Fancy locking your door with a voice command while you’re snuggled up in bed? Securaki says, “No problem.”

For those of you who dread getting locked out when the battery dies, fear not. This lock runs on 4x AA batteries and claims to keep going for six months, assuming you’re not entering and exiting like it’s a revolving door. And for the control freaks out there (you know who you are), the Securaki app lets you play Big Brother, tracking who comes from the companion app.

There are a bunch of different ways you can unlock the Securaki – app, keypad, or Bluetooth fob. And for those moments when you’re wondering whether you locked up before heading out, Securaki’s got your back with instant alerts for any unauthorized shenanigans. AES128 encryption means your data’s safe from the prying eyes of digital ne’er-do-wells. And for those allergic to subscription fees, Securaki demands none. It even comes with the Wi-Fi Bridge and accessories you need, so there are no extra fees there.

Keen to join the keyless revolution and get your smart home going? The Securaki Smart Lock, complete with all the bells and whistles, can be yours for £300. It’s up for grabs on Amazon and B&Q, with a roll-out to other UK retailers on the horizon.

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This iGulu automated countertop brewing system is my next kitchen purchase https://www.stuff.tv/hot-stuff/igulu-f1-automated-beer-brewing-system/ Tue, 09 Apr 2024 11:19:52 +0000 https://www.stuff.tv/?p=930599 If you’re anything like me, there are few things better than sinking a frosty pint. Brewing your own beer has always been something left to the avid fans – perhaps the ones that don’t get out that much. But this automated brewing system from iGulu sits on your countertop and makes it really easy. And once it’s ready, the F1 machine will pull you a pint worthy of your local pub. It’s definitely going to be my next kitchen gadget purchase.

Straight out of a beer lover’s daydream, the iGulu F1 is a fully automated home brewing system that looks like it belongs in the future. It comes with all the bells and whistles, including a smart interactive touchscreen and app control that turns brewing into child’s play. The best part is that you don’t need to be a brewing maestro to use the iGulu F1. It’s designed for anyone who loves a pint, but might not know their hops from their barley. With support for a cornucopia of ingredients and flavours, you can go wild. The app guides you through adding all the ingredients to the machine, and then does the brewing for you. The machine has a handy countdown timer so you don’t open your batch too early. Fancy a Bavarian Wheat today and an Amber Lager tomorrow? iGulu says, “Hold my beer” – literally. It can also handle brewing up cider, wine, kombucha, and more.

The iGulu F1 is a triple threat with its fermentation, refrigeration, and dispensing functions. It’s got advanced sensors that keep an eye on the brewing process like a hawk, ensuring your brew is just right. And for those who fear the explosion of DIY brewing attempts, fear not. This machine manages fermentation pressure with the kind of precision that would make a Swiss watch blush. Too much pressure? It’ll sort itself out, no drama. RFID technology lets you start brewing without a single touch. And when your brew is ready, the iGulu F1 promises smooth dispensing that would make even the most seasoned barkeep nod in approval.

As for keeping the planet green while you enjoy your brews, the iGulu F1 is on it. The machine uses eco-friendly materials and has a design that makes maintenance a breeze. Plus, its CO2 gas cylinder tank means your beer stays fresh and fizzy for up to 30 days. It’s rather handy for those of us who forget about the beer we started brewing four weekends ago. Which may or may not be something that I would do.

Ready to dive into home brewing without actually having to dive into anything? The iGulu F1 is up for grabs in Black, Creamy White, and Mint Green for a frosty $749/£555. Head over to the iGulu website to snag yours and start brewing. And who knows? You might just become the microbrewery mogul of your neighborhood.

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This super smart doorbell doesn’t require a monthly subscription https://www.stuff.tv/hot-stuff/imou-db60-smart-doorbell-doesnt-require-monthly-subscription/ Sat, 06 Apr 2024 11:40:34 +0000 https://www.stuff.tv/?p=930272 If you’re looking for a place to start with your smart home, a smart doorbell is usually the way to go. It helps you to easily keep an eye on your gaff, what’s outside, and who’s at the door. But these days, many require you to shell out for a monthly subscription on top of buying the gadget. Not this one, though. Imou’s DB60 smart doorbell doesn’t need a subscription, and still packs plenty of solid specs you’d expect from your clever door knocker.

Imou’s smart doorbell doesn’t need any of those pesky wires to work its magic. It’s all about that sweet, sweet battery power. It reckons it can squeeze out a six-month life span without any maintenance thanks to a hefty 6200mAh rechargeable battery. And with an IP65 weatherproof rating, it laughs in the face of nasty weather. With its 5MP live monitoring, 164° fisheye lens, and night vision, the DB60 ensures you won’t miss a thing, including from the postie trying to sneakily drop off a “Sorry we missed you” card.

The two-way talk and quick response features let you talk to visitors without actually having to, you know, interact with them. Just use your phone to instruct where to safely stash your parcel. And with AI human detection, you won’t be alerted every time a leaf blows past your door. And for the data hoarders out there, you can save your recordings locally on an SD card, NVR, or up in the cloud for that extra peace of mind. If you do need extra storage in the cloud and don’t mind paying a subscription fee, the £2.50 Imou Protect plan means you can save all those juicy doorbell clips in the cloud for up to 30 days. Ever wanted to reminisce about that time a fox stole your flip-flop? Now you can.

With end-to-end encryption, any nosy neighbours won’t be able to hack into your personal doorbell reality show. The DB60 also comes with the Imou DS21 chime, ensuring you’ll hear the bell’s melodious ring throughout your gaff. And with Wi-Fi connectivity that doubles as a range extender, you’re guaranteed a stable connection, ensuring your doorbell is always on the lookout. Setting up the DB60 is a doddle. Download the IMOU Life app, scan the QR code on the doorbell, and you’re sorted. Plus, it plays nice with Amazon Echo Show and Google Home.

Fancy strapping this smart doorbell to your front door? The IMOU DB60 is available for the steal of a price at just £139, chime included. It’s available to order from Currys or Safe.

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Sage’s debut sparkling drinks maker is my latest kitchen must-have https://www.stuff.tv/hot-stuff/sage-infizz-fusion-sparking-drinks-machine/ Thu, 04 Apr 2024 09:55:13 +0000 https://www.stuff.tv/?p=930235 If you’re anything like me, you like to sink down a nice fizzed up drink every now and again, but hate the sickly sweetness of soda. Luckily, there are kitchen gadgets that can help to carbonate your favourite drinks at home. And Sage’s latest gadget is its debut entry into carbonated drinks machines. The InFizz Fusion can handle fizzing up almost any drink you’d want.

As sunnier climes approach, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Like other carbonated drinks machines, the Sage InFizz Fusion is designed to fizz up whatever beverage you plonk below it. It can add fizz to most drinks, except for things like milk, letting you come up with your own concoctions. It works best for sparkling water if you like the taste of static TV. Or with Sage’s flavour additions, you can whip up your own glass of cola! It can also rejuvenate any fizzies you’ve already got that have gone flat.

What sets the InFizz Fusion apart from the gaggle of sparkling drinks machines already on the market is its FusionCap technology. This nifty bit of kit promises to let you carbonate your drinks without turning your kitchen into a scene from a slapstick comedy. It detects when your drink is starting to fizz up, and ensures that it doesn’t overflow all over your countertops.

Design-wise, the InFizz Fusion is no slouch either. It comes dressed to impress in five different colours: Brushed Stainless Steel, Sea Salt, Black Truffle, Damson Blue, and the more premium Noir (which will cost extra). The machine comes with a “twist and tilt” release mechanism, which means you won’t need to wrestle it into submission just to get your drink fix.

Ready to transform your kitchen into the next best thing since the pub down the road? Sage’s InFizz Fusion is up for grabs starting from £180 directly from the brand. Those extra bottles are £22 for a duo of 600ml or £25 for the 1L pair. Don’t forget, it plays nice with the standard 60L CO2 cylinders.

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Swann’s new 4K security camera line-up is the clearest yet https://www.stuff.tv/hot-stuff/swanns-new-4k-security-camera-line-up-is-the-clearest-yet/ Tue, 02 Apr 2024 11:35:31 +0000 https://www.stuff.tv/?p=930059 Swann is a pretty big name in home security, with the better part of three decades under the brand’s belt. Some of its most popular products are the smart home cameras, which offer a DIY-first approach. And with this new range of 4K security cameras, keeping an eye on your gaff is clearer than ever.

Leading the charge is Swann’s AllSecure4K+ Wireless Security Kit. This isn’t just any old security setup; we’re talking four wire-free 4K cameras and a Wi-Fi NVR Power Hub. It stores a whopping 1TB of footage and has its own charging bay to keep the battery juiced up and ready. No more fretting about gaps in your security during recharge times. With True Detect AI tech sniffing out heat, motion, and the occasional fox trotting by, and Night2Day colour vision, this kit’s got your back 24/7.

But there’s more! The SwannBuddy4K Wireless Video Doorbell is here to make sure you never miss a visitor, wanted or otherwise. With 4K Ultra HD video, this doorbell lets you see everything from the delivery guy’s awkward smile to the exact brand of the shoes he’s wearing. With a battery life that lasts a solid three months, free cloud storage, and a 32GB MicroSD card, it’s a steal.

Swann’s Xtreem4K Wireless Camera brings its A-game with a 110° view angle, built-in spotlights, and a battery life that would make the Energizer Bunny envious. It’s kitted out with all the AI bells and whistles, plus a free 32GB MicroSD card for your viewing pleasure. And the Floodlight 4K Powered Wi-Fi Security Camera not only lights up your garden, but also throws in a siren and two-way chat for good measure.

Fancy upping your home security? Swann’s new range of 4K security cams are available to order directly from the brand. The AllSecure4K+ can be yours for the princely sum of £600, with extra cameras going for £110 a pop. Or, the SwannBuddy4K doorbell goes for £170, the Xtreem4K camera is also £170, and the Floodlight camera is £180.

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