Back in January, Fantem debuted Oomi on Indiegogo, a smart-home system with tap-and-touch functionality. We got a chance to check it out in February and were impressed by how easy yet functional it was. If you missed Oomi the first time around, you’re in luck. In addition to launching a second Indiegogo campaign, Fantem announced enhanced features to the Oomi. Now available for preorder, the Oomi smart-home technology will come with a multisensor and a controller.
The controller, Oomi Touch, is encased in glass and looks a bit like a tablet. It allows users to control other Oomi devices throughout their home once they’ve connected them to the system by tapping them with the Touch.
However, the most significant component of the system may be the Oomi Cube. This hub, built on Z-Wave Wireless Mesh Technology, is what brings the product together. The Oomi Cube has the ability to recognize all system accessories and sensors without programming. It also has self-learning algorithms, meaning it picks up on its user’s habits and schedule over time.
The Oomi Z-Wave-enabled accessories include the Oomi Multisensor, Oomi Plug, and Oomi Bulb. The Oomi Plug has a light band that changes color to help individuals monitor their home’s energy use over time, and the Oomi Bulb can be plugged into a light output for ambient or bright illumination. The Oomi Multisensor is designed to detect motion, temperature, light, and humidity.
Consumers can splurge on premium accessories for their Oomi smart home system, too. The Oomi Streamer will allow individuals to stream Internet and HD videos onto their televisions, and the Oomi Air can monitor air conditions throughout the home.
Right now, you can get an Oomi Cube, plus the choice of one of three Oomi Z-Wave accessories for $279. For $439, you get Oomi Cube and three Oomi Z-Wave accessories, plus the choice of Oomi Streamer or Oomi Air. If you want something more robust, shell out $699 for an Oomi Cube, both Oomi premium accessories, and a choice of nine Oomi Z-Wave accessories. Shipping should start by fall 2015.
Updated 5/1/2015: Oomi announced an optional add-on service, Personal Home Monitoring, powered by netTALK. This would function much like a traditional home security company. For $60 a year, users will have video and audio monitoring; notifications when glass breaks or doors open; and the option to notify friends, neighbors, or emergency services in the event something goes wrong.
Few things ruin a quiet evening faster than a robot vacuum roaring through the living room. Most of us end up pausing the cleaning run, which defeats the whole purpose of owning one. Matic thinks it has the answer with its new Serene robot vacuum, and the big selling point is how little noise it makes.
The Matic Serene runs at 52 decibels even when cleaning at full power. To put that in perspective, Matic compares it to the hum of your refrigerator. It is available now for $1,695, which is $200 more than the original Matic’s current price.
Outdoor security cameras are not always practical if you live in an apartment or rental. Drilling into an exterior wall may be off-limits, while pointing a regular indoor camera through a window can create another problem once reflections start showing up after dark.
Baseus is trying to solve both issues with the new PrimeSentinel W1, a $69.99 security camera designed specifically to monitor the outdoors through glass. It mounts directly to a window without drilling and uses a 4K Starlight sensor with an F1.0 aperture for full-color monitoring during the day and at night.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
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