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#iACast 32 – Our Favorite Tech from CES 2017

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CES 2017

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We weren’t there, but we were all excited to see what new tech would be unveiled at CES 2017. From the useful to the ridiculous, we were reading all about it. Check out this episode of the #iACast to see what products we found the most interesting.

Computing and Media

Many computers were shown off at CES – from the cheap, to high-end gaming laptops – but we only picked one as being truly worth mentioning, as it is nothing like the rest. We also put televisions, and smartphones in this category. Check out our favorites below.

  • Razer Project ValerieThis prototype was the most interesting one we saw covered at CES; apparently others agree, as it was stolen at the show. What makes it different? Well, it’s a 17 inch gaming laptop, that manages to fit 3 17 inch displays into one laptop! Cool, right?Razer Project Valerie is a gaming laptop with three screens
  • LG W7 ultrathin OLEDIs it wall art, or is it a television? Actually, it’s both. This gorgeous OLED TV is so thin, just 0.15 inches when mounted,, it’s actually flexible. In fact, HDMI and other inputs, as well as power and sound are managed with the included sound bar, that connects to the TV with a thin ribbon cable. This thing is incredible, and it should be, since it starts at $8,000!LG’s amazing W7 ultrathin OLED is wall art that happens to be a TV
  • Sony Xperia ProjectorYou know what the problem is with smartphones? They are designed to be viewed by one person at a time. I mean, sure you could send the video to a TV, but what if there isn’t a TV nearby? This projector solves that problem, by allowing you to project a 23 inch touch screen onto any flat surface. You can even use it as a traditional projector, with view-only support up to 80 inches. It’s really cool, and useful.Sony Xperia Projector turns any table, counter or wall into an Android smartphone, minus the whole calling thing

Home Security

The goal of a smart home is to simplify your life, by automating tasks you do frequently, and allowing access to devices even when you are away. A good smart home, however, should also improve security. So, that’s what this section is all about! Smart gadgets have a high starting cost, but unlike traditional security systems, maintaining them is much cheaper. Check out our security favorites below!

  • D-Link OmnaThere are many indoor home security cameras on the market, and even some others that integrate with Apple’s HomeKit platform. However, what makes this camera special is that it does not require a cloud recording subscription. Instead, you can store files locally on an SD card – this cuts down on monthly subscription costs. Note: You can store files in the cloud if you choose. The camera also records 1080p video, can see up to 16 feet in the dark, and has a 180 degree field of view.D-Link Omna opens Siri’s eyes at CES 2017
  • Ring Floodlight CamNow, this is just a great idea! Ring already has cameras you can mount outdoors, with 2-way audio and HD video recording. The Floodlight Cam, however, takes this to the next level by replacing your current floodlights with smarter ones. Just like with the other cameras offered by Ring, you can see and speak to anyone who is on your property, but you can also control integrated floodlighting and sound an alarm to alert your neighbors to suspicious activity. Want one yet? We do!Introducing the New Ring Floodlight Cam
  • ShadeCraft SunflowerIt’s more than just an umbrella! The Sunflower uses solar energy to track the sun’s movement, and keep you protected and comfortable. It has integrated wifi, and LTE. So, you can take it to the beach and use it as a wifi hotspot for your other devices. You can then charge those devices with the USB port on the umbrella, enjoy your music with the integrated speakers, and control the umbrella and your smart home with voice commands. Wait, how is this a security device? As if all those features weren’t enough, the Sunflower also has lighting and cameras. You can keep an eye on your property, or watch the kids while they play in the pool! Does thing have a kitchen sink, too? Just saying! Wow!ShadeCraft Sunflower solar patio umbrella follows the sun at CES 2017
  • AuraLook mom, no cameras! If you aren’t comfortable with wifi-enabled cameras, potentially recording your every move, and vulnerable to hacking, Aura has you covered. Instead of using traditional motion sensors and cameras, the Aura is a security system that uses radio waves to detect movement, even through walls. You’ll get fewer, if any, false alerts, and the system will automatically turn off when an authorized user arrives home. Pretty neat, right?Aura Protects Your Entire Home Without Using Cameras

Other Devices

There were many devices covered at CES that were just… weird. One example of this is a bluetooth-enabled toaster, which you can control from your smartphone. Why? Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should! Another example is a hair brush that monitors how well you brush your hair. Again, why? A third example is a connected shower, which you can set while still in bed, or wherever you might be… This may be useful for some, but at this point we don’t see the usefulness of it. Maybe it’s good for lazy people? Hmmm.

This category is for devices, which we found interesting, but which did not fit into the categories above. Some are on the verge of fitting into the category of weird things introduced at CES, but others are useful. Check them out below.

  • Simplehuman’s new trash cansSeveral smart trash cans were unveiled at CES – some track what you’re throwing away, others make use of your leftovers. However, we found these trash cans most interesting, because they are the most affordable, and there are versions available without internet connectivity. You can purchase versions with included wifi, which will order new trash bags for you, but there are versions with simple voice commands and motion sensing. It upgrades the trash can without making your trash can, of all things, too intrusive.Simplehuman’s new trash cans have voice commands and Wi-Fi
  • Incipio CommandKit smart power stripAt $100, this is an expensive power strip, but it integrates with both HomeKit and Amazon Alexa! With 4 outlets, which you can control individually, this product is a great choice for those with multiple products to control. As an added bonus, you can also monitor energy usage. Nice touch!Incipio CommandKit smart power strip works with both HomeKit and Amazon Echo
  • Flying Selfie CamIf you didn’t like selfie sticks, you probably won’t be a fan of this flying selfie cam. It can follow its user, and it will return to its position if bumped. It’s definitely on the weird side, but it would be cool to at least see one in action.The flying selfie camera that follows you everywhere (and won’t get pushed around)

And that’s our coverage of CES 2017! We’re sure we missed some awesome products, since we were simply following media coverage. What do you think of the products listed here? Do you think anything shouldn’t have been listed? What about things we didn’t cover. Do you have a favorite CES product not on this list? Let us know!

As always, thank you for listening to the #iACast! Please subscribe for more episodes, and check us out online at iAccessibility.net!

Jessica’s Favorite Device of 2016!

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Ring Video Doorbell Pro

So many great products were released in 2016 – it’s hard to pick just one favorite! I love my iPhone 7 Plus, Apple Watch (Series 2), Amazon Echo Dot, and Apple AirPods. However, given my love of home automation and security, there is one clear winner!

If you’ve followed me on social media for at least a year, you will know that in December, 2015, I received a gift of a Ring Video Doorbell. I gushed about this product, and honestly, I still recommend that model for anyone interested in an easy, wire-free setup, that will prevent most home invasions and thefts.

This post is not about the Ring Video Doorbell, as that product was not released in 2016. Instead, I am writing about its successor, the Ring Pro. I will continue to reference both models, as I feel you cannot go wrong with either device, if you are in the market for a video doorbell.

The Ring Pro was released in April, 2016, and I upgraded to it from my original Ring Video Doorbell in August, 2016. These two products are very similar in functionality, with some key differences.

  • Both products are Video Doorbells. They can both integrate with existing doorbells, but the Ring Pro must be hardwired, whereas the Ring video Doorbell can be used with an existing doorbell, or on its own. They also have different power requirements, so if you are purchasing a Ring Pro, make sure your current setup can support it.
  • Both record video, have 2-way audio, and have night vision. The difference is in video quality. The Ring Video Doorbell records 720p video, whereas the Ring Pro records and streams in 1080p! Note: Because the Ring Video Doorbell does not require external power, you can use it on its own, and if you do so, Live View will not be available. This means you will need a Ring or Motion alert to start streaming video.
  • The Ring Video Doorbell comes in different finishes based on your decor, whereas the Ring Pro comes packaged with different colored faceplates. This means, it will fit in, even if you move or sell the device, whereas you may wish to purchase an entirely new Ring Video Doorbell if you move. Added Bonus: The Ring Pro is smaller, so it will replace old doorbell buttons much more nicely.
  • They both work with additional services, but because the Ring Pro is hardwired, it will support Apple HomeKit, eventually. Note: This extra power requirement means that there is some additional setup for the Ring Pro. I had quite a bit more trouble getting started with the Ring Pro, but it works great now that setup is complete.
  • They both receive Ring and Motion alerts. However, the motion alerts for Ring Pro are much more customizable. This is great for eliminating unnecessary alerts, but it is not great for users, like myself, who are visually impaired. Setting up motion alerts is much easier with the original Ring Video Doorbell. In fact, you can complete the entire setup process with VoiceOver, the screenreader on the iPhone.

As a legally blind woman, who was living alone at the time, I was originally interested in the Ring Video Doorbell after some unusual activity occurred at my home. After using both versions of this device for a year, I can say that I was right for choosing Ring. I have felt much more secure, and anytime I receive strange motion alerts, it is very easy to share the video with someone who has better vision than I do. I also am more likely to answer the door, which results in missing fewer important messages, such as when a neighbor returned my dog to me after he escaped from the backyard. In everyday usage, once the device is setup, there is no difference in using the Ring Video Doorbell and the Ring Pro – my sole reason for upgrading was HomeKit support, which has been delayed. I can’t wait for it to be released, because it will make quickly accessing a live feed after receiving an alert much easier. It will also enable me to setup triggers to turn on my Hue lights, without using IFTTT.

Do I think you should get a Ring Video Doorbell or a Ring Pro? Many of my family members now have Ring doorbells, thanks to me, so yes, I believe this is a great device for all users, including visually impaired and blind people. As long as you subscribe to the Cloud Video Recording plan, you’ll have access to all videos for 6 months! This is definitely worth $30.00 a year for the peace of mind it affords. The Ring Video Doorbell is $200 and the Ring Pro is $250, so neither option is cheap. However, they are much cheaper than traditional alarm systems, which only alert you after the invasion occurs – Ring is much more proactive. They also have a stand-alone outdoor camera, and a Floodlight Cam. So, there should be an option, or combination of products that works for you and your home’s setup!

Check out Ring’s complete product lineup, including the Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Pro, at ring.com!

What was your favorite device of 2016? Let us know – we love hearing from you!

Improvements to HomeKit in iOS and tvOS

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Image showing home kit icon on presentation stage.

If the topic of home automation interests you at all, you’re going to love what iOS 10 and tvOS have to offer. Until now, Apple’s HomeKit platform has been a bit underwhelming, and not exactly user friendly. Finally, Apple has better integrated HomeKit, and made it easier for users to manage all of their HomeKit devices.

Some changes include:

The arrival of the much needed, and anticipated Home app in iOS 10. Now you can easily manage all HomeKit-enabled products in your home, set up groups of products into Rooms, create and manage Scenes, and set-up HomeKit Triggers for a fully automated experience. This is a much improved experience over iOS 8 and iOS 9, where one would need to manage each product with its own app, and integrate them all with another third-party app.

You can now also control HomeKit devices and set scenes right from the third page of Control Center. This is much more user-friendly than launching the app, and is a great alternative for when you’re unable to use Siri.

Speaking of Siri, Siri’s HomeKit support is much improved in iOS 10. In previous versions of iOS, the connection between Siri and HomeKit devices didn’t work about as often as it did work. Now this is no longer the case. Rarely does Siri tell me my devices are not responding, and you even get a bit of humor at times.

In addition, HomeKit is supported on the Apple TV. This means, you can set the movie scene to dim the lights before you watch a movie, all with the 4the Generation Apple TV’s Siri remote. The Apple TV can also function as a HomeKit hub for better performance when you’re away from home.

Note: If you have an iPad which remains at home, on wifi, and plugged in all the time, it too can function as a HomeKit hub.

After testing HomeKit throughout the beta cycle of iOS 10 and tvOS, I am happy to report that all features are 100% accessible. I hope you all enjoy using HomeKit as much as I do!

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