A refreshed security system from Yale is making its way to Europe, according to an announcement made by the company at the IFA 2018 show in Berlin this week. The security systems and lock manufacturer is bringing the new Yale Sync Alarm, its next-generation home security system, to European customers starting October 1.
The new system, which starts at 299 euros (about $350 U.S.) is a revised and refreshed follow-up to the company’s popular Yale Smart Home Alarm System.
Yale has been busy announcing new integrations as part of its strategy to enable all of its devices, gadgets, systems, and services to be voice-controlled. The new alarm system is integrated with Amazon’s Alexa to enable customers to turn the system on and off and to check whether windows or doors are open. The Yale Sync Alarm also coexists nicely with Philips Hue smart lights, causing connected lightbulbs to flash green once when users turn the alarm system on and off. If the alarm goes off, all the Philips lights will flash red repeatedly.
IFA is a prime launching pad for the new system, which will only be available in Europe through Amazon’s U.K. site from October 1 to the end of the year, augmenting Yale’s newly minted relationship with Amazon.
Yale U.K. also launched two new versions of its W- Fi-connected cameras for European markets at the show. The indoor camera will begin shipping October 1 and the outdoor camera will begin shipping in January.
Yale’s IFA news follows hot on the heels of a fairly major update that adds Google Assistant integration to its popular Nest x Yale lock and the accompanying Nest Hello Doorbell. Users can now use their Google Home smart speaker or a smartphone to issue commands through Google Assistant to check the status of a lock remotely, lock their doors remotely, or integrate the Nest x Yale lock into a Google Routine (“Goodnight” triggers ldoors to lock and lights to turn off, for example).
The new features still can’t unlock Yale locks via Google Assistant, although Yale has enabled that feature through the Nest Connect or Nest Guard products. The Nest x Yale lock costs $249, or $279 when bundled with a Nest Connect.
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.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.
With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
Mori isn't meant to clean your house or control your smart home, but to serve as what OKA calls a "Nature Companion." It uses subtle movements, warm lighting, nature-inspired sounds, and small reactions to make its presence around the house feel calming rather than distracting. Mori can sit quietly while you read, sway along to music, welcome you when you enter a room, or encourage you to slow down for a moment without requiring a screen or a conversation.