Archive for the ‘Home’ Category
Thursday, June 3rd, 2021
Signify has improved the new Philips Hue App with better app performance and enhanced user experience with easier automations, a new Hue scene gallery and more.
The new Philips Hue App serves as the foundation for the future of Signify’s smart lighting and includes familiar user interface elements from the previous Philips Hue app but is now sleeker.
Rebuilt from the ground up, the fourth generation Philips Hue app has been designed with new technologies to improve app performance both in overall function and in communication with your smart lighting system, while also delivering an intuitive and enhanced user experience.
More details below from the press release.
(more…)
Tags:Apps, IoT, lifestyle, lighting, new arrivals, Philips, Signify, smart home, software
Posted in Announce, App, Apps, audioVisual, Decor, Home, Internet of Things, IoT, Launch, Lifestyle, newArrivals, Philips, Press Release, Signify, Software, software, Specifications | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, June 1st, 2021
Want to improve the quality, speed and coverage of your home Wi-Fi for #WorkFromHome and #HomeBasedLearning? I’ve been using the E9450 WiFi6 EasyMesh Router from Linksys since its launch half a year ago and I’m very happy that it has delivered.
The Linksys E9450 Dual Band WiFi 6 Mesh router to expand Wi-Fi coverage and performance for #WorkFromHome and #HomeBasedLearning, as well as for gaming.
I’ve been using a telco-provided router for years – it has served me well although it could not reach the study, the bedrooms and the garden outside – so Internet access has always been confined to the kitchen, living and dining rooms.
Living in the Digital Age
In this digital age that we are living in, access to the Internet has become a basic necessity of any home – much like water and electricity is indispensable in any facility.
So one of the first things you’ll need to begin #WorkFromHome and #HomeBasedLearning – in this trying time of the COVID-19 pandemic – is a broadband subscription with enough bandwidth to support the data-access needs of the entire household.
Once you’ve subscribed to a broadband subscription from an Internet Service Provider (ISP), you’ll need to set up a robust Local Area Network (LAN) to channel the Internet access to devices around the household – just like you’ll need pipings and electrical wiring to distribute water and electricity to all parts of the home.
The fastest and most reliable LAN is one based on a wired Ethernet network – but most often than not, most apartments have not been wired up and you’ll need a good router to set up a wireless Wi-Fi network instead.
Beyond the reaches of the old router, we had to switch on the mobile data connections on our handphones and hotspot the data to devices (speakers and computers etc) without a mobile data connection.
You can imagine how frustrating and limiting (and expensive) that can be.
And as the number of Internet-lusting devices being used in the household began growing rapidly, connection quality began to deteriorate, with slow speeds and dropped connections occurring more frequently.
Which was why I decided to upgrade the old router with the Linksys E9450 WiFi6 EasyMesh Router.
To expand the coverage of my home Wi-Fi network, I deployed a 2-node (1 parent + 1 child node) mesh network.
This was because a single-node network provided roughly a similar spatial network as my old router, probably because it was a matter of physical topology due to the layout.
The optical network terminal (ONT) for Singtel’s fibre optic network is located at one end of my apartment near the main entrance – instead of the center of the entire apartment – hence the distance between the router (which is connected by wire to the ONT) and the bedrooms tend to render the Wi-Fi signals too weak for connection.
I have a Network Attached Storage (NAS) connected (by wire) to the E9450 so that devices can upload/download files/photos and stream music/videos wirelessly via the Wi-Fi network. Another reason why I need a good Wi-Fi network with reach and performance.
So with a second E9450 router placed at the far end of the living room, the coverage of the Wi-Fi network was successfully extended to every bedroom – because the second router was located at the center of the entire apartment.
(more…)
Tags:broadband, Linksys, Mesh, networking, new arrivals, reviews, routers, Singapore, tech4wfh, tech4WorkFromHome, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi 6
Posted in Accessories, Gadgets, gadgets, Gaming, Gaming, Home, Internet, Linksys, Network, Opinion, Review, reviews, Router, Specifications, Tips, Wi-Fi | 5 Comments »
Tuesday, March 30th, 2021
The new Roborock S7 boasts a fast sonic mop and intelligent automatic lift to tackle different surfaces (carpets, hard surfaces) without human intervention. Prices & promotions below.
The Roborock S7 will be available at S$699 during the 4.4 sale on 4 April, 2021.
Fast & powerful, the Roborock S7 is available for pre-order until 11 April at a discounted price of S$799 (UP: S$1,299), with additional S$100 discount on 4 Apr for the 4.4 sale.
Pre-orders can be made on Roborock’s official store on Shopee.
Roborock today rolled out its latest robot vacuum cum mop – the Roborock S7 – in an online launch.
More details below about the Roborock S7, from the press release.
(more…)
Tags:appliances, IoT, mops, new arrivals, Roborock, vacuums
Posted in Appliances, Events, events, Gadgets, gadgets, Home, Internet of Things, IoT, Launch, newArrivals, Online, Press Release, Prices, Robots, Specifications, Vacuum Mop | 7 Comments »
Thursday, February 25th, 2021
Xiaomi also launched appliances from its ecosystem – Mi Vacuum Cleaner G10, Mi Ionic Hair Dryer H300, and Mi 360º Home Security Camera 2K. Prices & promotions below.
The latest Android flagship smartphone from Xiaomi – the Mi 11.
Following its global unveil two weeks ago, Xiaomi has launched its latest flagship – the Mi 11 – for Singapore, with availability beginning on 20 March, 2021.
Check out the features of the Mi 11 here.
Price & Availability
- Mi 11 (20 March)
- Mi Vacuum Cleaner G10
- Mi Ionic Hair Dryer H300
- Mi 360º Home Security Camera 2K
The Mi 11 comes in two storage variants: 8GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB with enhanced LPDDR5 3200MHz RAM + UFS 3.1 storage.
The Mi 11 8GB+128GB version will be available as an online exclusive at Xiaomi official stores on Lazada and Shopee, whereas the 8GB+256GB version will be available for purchase online and offline at Authorised Mi Stores and other official retailers in Singapore.
Mi 11 comes in two colour options: Midnight Gray and Horizon Blue, which are available from 20 March; and Cloud White, which will be available at a later date.
In addition, the first 100 customers to purchase Mi 11 will receive an Mi AIoT premium pack worth S$461.90, and the subsequent 600 customers to purchase Mi 11 will receive a free Mi Air Purifier 3C (RRP: S$179).
This special first day sale campaign is only valid for one day on March 20.
The new Mi Vacuum Cleaner G10 features a digital motor that spins at 125,000rmp, creating up to 150 air watts suction power (25% more than the previous generation) with HEPA filter with 99.97% whole filtration rate.
(more…)
Tags:Android, appliances, cameras, flagship, hair dryers, launch, local, new arrivals, Qualcomm, Singapore, smartphones, Snapdragon, vacuum cleaners, Xiaomi
Posted in Android, Cameras, cameras, Events, events, Gadgets, gadgets, Hair Dryers, Home, Internet of Things, IoT, Launch, newArrivals, Online, Phones, Press Release, Prices, smartphones, Specifications, Vacuum Mop, Xiaomi | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 1st, 2020
We’re now into December and the final stretch of 2020. Here are some gift ideas that I’ve curated for Christmas 2020.
* I’ll be adding to this list over the next few days, so check back daily for new gift ideas as I collate them.
The tech4xmas gift guide is meant to provide ideas to start you off, so do check out some of them online and in the shops if they are what you think would bring a smile to your loved ones this Christmas.
Around this time of year, I’m usually inundated with requests from readers and friends on Christmas gift ideas for their loved ones or themselves.
So here are some tech that I would use myself or get for MY loved ones, based mostly on those gadgets that I’ve tried or reviewed.
Not all are the latest and newest, but they are what I think some of the best-in-class in their category of products.
Happy Christmas Shopping!
tech4xmas Gift Guide below.
(more…)
Tags:accessories, Chistmas, Christmas 2020, gadgets, reviews, tech4xmas, tech4xmas 2020, Xmas
Posted in Accessories, Acronis, Appliances, Asus, Audio, audioVisual, cameras, Dell, Dyson, earphones, Gadgets, gadgets, Gaming, Hair Dryers, headphones, Healthcare, Home, Huawei, Lists, Monitors, Montblanc, Norton, Notebooks, notebooks, Opinion, ROG, Security, smartphones, smartwatches, Software, Sony, storage drive, Symantec, Utility, Video, Watches, Xiaomi | No Comments »
Monday, November 30th, 2020
Joan Hu, Overseas Southeast Asia Director at Roborock, shares her insights into Roborock’s success and decision to expand into Southeast Asia.
Joan Hu is the Overseas Southeast Asia Director at Roborock.
To get an idea of Roborock’s journey thus far and its plans for the future, I asked Joan Hu six questions.
Q1. Roborock recorded a strong growth in China since its introduction. What do you think contributed to this?
In the robot vacuum market back in 2014, most available products only focused on the basic needs that came with a vacuum – cleaning.
We saw an opportunity to fulfill needs and wants that consumers didn’t know they had yet.
Hence, we grew our R&D department with a team of engineers, scientists, manufacturing experts and designers – all vital to create products that truly fit our users’ lifestyle.
Q2. Any new vacuum launches this year?
We have just launched the Roborock S6 MaxV in early 2020.
This is an upgrade of our popular Roborock S6, with increased suction power of up to 2,500 Pa (compared to the previous 2000 Pa) to clean even the most stubborn of dusts, especially those on carpets.
It also comes with an electronic water tank instead of a mop attachment for increased convenience and weighs lighter at just 7 lbs.
The latest S6 MaxV that Roborock launched in early 2020.
Q3. 2020 isn’t the most economically stable year. What factors contributed to Roborock’s decision to expand its influence to SouthEast Asia?
While we admit it has been a challenging year across all markets, we see this as a great opportunity to introduce our high tech products to our Southeast Asian consumers.
(more…)
Tags:advertorial, appliances, collaboration, interviews, mops, Roborock, vacuums
Posted in Appliances, Gadgets, Home, Interview, Opinion, Roborock, Robots, Vacuum Mop | 2 Comments »
Friday, October 23rd, 2020
Homegrown Prism+ attains Android TV certification and launches three new affordably-priced TVs measuring 55” (S$699), 65” (S$99), and 75” (S$1,599). Available online from today.
New Prism+ Q-series Android TVs launched in Singapore (from left): 55”, 75”, 65”.
Having just entered the smart TV market last November with their inaugural E-series (32”, 43”, 55”), Prism+ is now launching their second generation of smart TVs that are Android TV certified.
Features
All the three sizes of IPS TVs in the Q-series have the same specs except for the size.
They are bezel-less (except the 75” version) with 4K UHD resolution, comes with HDR10, Dolby Vision and Audio, MEMC Motion Smoothing, DTS TruSurround, Digital TV, Bluetooth 5.0, and Puffin TV Browser.
They come with 3 years Full onsite warranty inclusive of parts and servicing.
That means that the new Q series Android TVs ships with the Android TV 9.0 operating system, more than 5,000 apps on Google Play, Google Assistant to voice control the TV, and built-in Chromecast to cast photos and videos from the phone or computer to the TV.
And the TVs are affordably priced because Prism+ sells directly to the consumer and removes the extra layer of middlemen mark-up that other makers have to price into their TVs.
More details below from the press release.
(more…)
Tags:Android, appliances, new arrivals, PRISM+, Singapore, Smart TVs, TVs
Posted in Android, Appliances, audioVisual, Decor, Entertainment, Events, events, Gadgets, gadgets, Home, Launch, newArrivals, Press Release, Prices, Smart TV, Specifications, TV | 4 Comments »
Tuesday, October 20th, 2020
OPPO expands its “IoT Ecosystem” with new gadgets and smart appliances in its “One More Step” launch event. New devices include the OPPO Enco X True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earphones, OPPO Watch RX, OPPO TV S1 and OPPO TV R1. Price & Availability TBA.
The 65-inch OPPO TV S1 features a 4K QLED resolution Quantum Dot NTSC 120% ultra-wide color gamut display with 120Hz refresh rate.
The new products that OPPO launched include the following.
- OPPO Enco X True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earphones
- OPPO Watch RX
- OPPO TV S1
- OPPO TV R1
The Enco X is the result of OPPO’s partnership with Hi-Fi brand Dynaudio.
(more…)
Tags:appliances, audio, earphones, IoT, OPPO, smartwatches, TVs
Posted in Announce, Appliances, Audio, audioVisual, earphones, Entertainment, Gadgets, Home, Internet of Things, IoT, Launch, OPPO, Press Release, Smart TV, smartwatches, TV, Watches | 2 Comments »
Friday, October 9th, 2020
Singapore will be the first in the world to launch the Linksys E9450 WiFi 6 EasyMesh Router. Price and availability below.
* In this story, the abbreviation “Wi-Fi” is used for the network protocol while the term “WiFi” is used as part of the name of the Linksys router.
The Linksys E9450 Dual Band WiFi 6 Mesh router for consumers who want to optimise their home Wi-Fi experience and coverage.
Linksys, the connected home division within the Belkin International and Foxconn Interconnect Technology (FIT) (HK: 6088) entity, has just announced the global launch of Linksys’ first WiFi 6 EasyMesh router, the E9450 (AX5400).
Pricing & Availability
The E9450 WiFi 6 router retails at S$399.
At launch, it will be available at the special introductory price of S$10.00/mth to the first 100 Singtel customers to sign up for or re-contract Singtel Fibre 1Gbps at S$39.90/mth (U.P. $49.90/mth).
Subsequently, customers can purchase the E9450 at S$14.00/mth (U.P. S$16.00/mth) with Singtel fibre plans.
The Linksys E9450 will roll out to other retailers from 10 December 2020.
Singtel is the first operator in the world to offer the new Linksys WiFi 6 router in its effort to bring next-generation Wi-Fi connectivity to Singtel fibre broadband customers in Singapore.
The Wi-Fi 6 standard enables customers to enjoy faster data transfers, increased capacity, better connectivity performance in environments with many connected devices, and improved power efficiency.
As the latest Wi-Fi 6 solution for consumers’ increasingly demanding wireless connectivity needs, the E9450 router will be exclusively available to Singtel fibre broadband customers for two months starting from 10 October, 2020.
The new E9450 Dual Band WiFi 6 router is Linksys’s latest advanced model under its updated E-series, launched in September 2020.
More details below from the press release.
(more…)
Tags:broadband, Linksys, Mesh, networking, new arrivals, routers, Singapore, SingTel, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi 6
Posted in Events, events, Gadgets, gadgets, Home, Internet, Launch, Linksys, Network, newArrivals, Online, Press Release, Prices, Router, Specifications | 6 Comments »
Tuesday, October 6th, 2020
Korean water purifier brand Ruhens has launched its latest eco-friendly water purifier – the Ruhens MonoEco. Price & Availability below.
The tankless Ruhens MonoEco measures 11.5 (W) x 51.4 (D) x 43.2 cm (H) and will easily fit on any kitchen countertop.
Made in Korea, the Ruhens MonoEco (WHP3200) is able to self-generate power for water dispensing for greater sustainability.
Apart from being eco-friendly, it also offers added convenience and flexibility in the placement of the water purifier, since there’s no need for a power source.
Price & Availability
The new RUHENS MonoEco is available in ceramic white, and retails at S$699 before GST (with 1 set of filters) and S$999 before GST (with 3 sets of filters) at Ruhens’ showroom.
Powered not by electricity but by water pressure, the Ruhens MonoEco is able to generate purified water while being friendly to the environment and saving electricity bills.
One of the most common reasons for users to get the water purifier is to enjoy cleaner water without the need for boiling tap water and waiting for it to cool.
Ruhen’s filtration system includes a Micro Antioxidant Carbon Filter and a Nanofact Plus Filter.
(more…)
Tags:appliances, Health Tech, new arrivals, purifiers, Ruhens, Singapore
Posted in Air Purifiers, Announce, Appliances, Availability, Gadgets, gadgets, Healthcare, Home, newArrivals, Press Release, Prices | 6 Comments »
