Researchers have developed a sleep posture monitor that doesn't require the subject to wear sensors or mount a camera near their bed. Called BodyCompass, this radio frequency-based system can be used to monitor someone as they sleep, offering insight into the progression of disease symptoms, health risks, and more. The system will be introduced next week at the UbiComp 2020 conference.
In the summer of 2020 I reviewed the Toro 22" (56cm) 60V MAX* Electric Battery Smartstow Personal Pace High Wheel Mower (20363) over the course of a couple of months. That's an extremely long name for such a simple piece of machinery, but absolutely necessary when it comes to the testing of a tool that can take considerable wear and tear damage over time. With the "Flex-Force Power System" (plug-and-play rechargeable batteries and charger), 22-inch blade for mowing, and a tenacious yard of summertime grass, I ran this mower through the paces more than a few times.
This summer I've been testing several lawn mowers, the most unique of which is this robot from WORX. This is the WORX Landroid M robotic mower, a fully automated, cordless, rechargeable battery powered piece of equipment that'll do all your work for you. The biggest obstacle you'll face is setup, and that's pretty straightforward if you follow the directions step-by-step.
LG Signature has taken the wraps off its new Wine Cellar, a smart home appliance that can hold up to 65 bottles of wine, as well as snacks. The key aspect of this wine cellar is its 'smart' nature, one that includes the ability to peek in at the wine with a couple of knocks, to automatically serve snacks with the push of a button, and to preserve wine with climate control.
Smart home company Wyze has announced a new partnership with Noonlight that brings a new emergency services feature directly to its mobile app. With this, Wyze device owners can easily access emergency services from within the Wyze app, eliminating the need to separately dial 911. The feature works simply by tapping an emergency button found within the mobile app.
Today Google, ALA, and Kahn Academy expanded upon the efforts they've made in the last few weeks for those students and teachers in quarantine for coronavirus (COVID-19). Google's released a portal for information, tips, training, and tools for teachers called "Teach From Home." They've also announced a $10 million USD Distance Learning Fund "to support organizations around the globe that help educators access the resources they need to provide high quality learning opportunities to children, particularly those from underserved communities."
Yet another smart home gym has been announced, this one called Tempo. With a schedule to start shipping later this summer, Tempo will offer buyers a large home weightlifting system that includes a 42-inch display and machine learning. Users can expect a variety of workouts, as well as mobility and strength training. All of this is combined with 3D motion sensors and more.
Sony Japan has introduced an unusual new product that combines a large wireless speaker with an atypical television remote control. The device enables users to listen to the television content no matter where they're located in the house; the built-in controls eliminate the need to carry around the remote alongside the speaker. The device would be particularly useful for the elderly.
Dyson has unveiled a new type of lamp called the Dyson Lightcycle Morph that features four formats and the ability to track the customer's local daylight hours. The lamp works with a related mobile app and is described as intelligent; among other things, it adjusts the light it emits based on various factors including the current daylight level and the user's age and mood. The model features Dyson's Heat Pipe tech and more.
I began writing this review when I started to use a Honda HRR push mower a couple of seasons ago. When this review process began, I assumed it'd be like any other. I was used to reviewing things like smartphones and computers - devices that aren't expected to last more than a few years for the average person. But this was to be no average review - this review became about more than just the one machine.
Samsung's quest to package every chore and household activity into a wardrobe-sized box continues, with its AirDresser headed out to stores to clean clothes without anything so mundane as a washing machine. Announced last year and resembling a tall, narrow refrigerator, the AirDresser uses a combination of air and steam to clean a few items of clothing and then get rid of things like sweat and smoke smells.
Internet service provider Spectrum has announced that it is no longer offering its Home Security plan to new customers and that it will drop its existing security subscribers in early February. The news is an unwelcome surprise for customers who paid out hefty amounts for proprietary home security equipment that can't be used with any other platforms.