STACK #221 March 2023

TECH FEATURE

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SMART PHOTO FRAMES A smart display hub’s home screen can also serve as a digital photo frame, but nothing beats a traditional-looking framed photograph on a mantelpiece or wall. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled smart photo frames display your memories as single snaps or a slideshow, in both portrait and landscape modes. You’ll save money on prints and enjoy sharper and more detailed resolution. Photos can be instantly added from a smartphone – with the option to include a caption or emoji – and friends can also share their pictures directly to your frame. Some frames also offer voice control and can be integrated into a smart home ecosystem. Top tip: Choose one with a large display – around 10” – that matches your décor, and consider free standing or wall mounting, depending on position. JACKSON FRAMEO SMART PHOTO FRAME 10.1” lounge, bedrooms, hall

SMART ROLLER SHADES These motorised devices raise and lower your blinds at the touch of a button, or with a voice command. You can preset up/down percentages and set schedules for automatic operation day and night, for extra security when you’re out. Most are compatible with your existing shades and easy to install, with no wiring required – simply screw the driver to the wall and insert the beaded cord; adaptors that fit a majority of cords are often included. Smart drivers for rod and track curtains are also available. windows

Top tip: Most are compatible with Google, Amazon, and Apple ecosystems, but some may require a separate proprietary hub for smart home integration. AQARA ROLLER SHADE DRIVER E1 Raise and lower shades with a single touch, voice command, or automation. Works with Google, Alexa, and HomeKit, however an Aqara hub (sold separately) is required.

Send photos and short videos directly from your phone onto a high-res 10.1” display with touchscreen. Includes a desktop stand and wall mount option.

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SMART CLIMATE CONTROL

AIR QUALITY MONITORS

SMART WATER CONTROLLER

all rooms

garden

lounge, kitchen

Enjoy convenient control of home cooling and heating from your phone with a smart A/C controller. Installation is quick and easy, and you’ll never need to search for that misplaced remote again. Heat and cool the home remotely from an app when you’re out, and use Google, Alexa, or Siri voice control when you’re in. Smart climate control lets you reap the benefits of better energy efficiency, too. Some models can also include a built-in air quality sensor. Top tip: Smart A/C controllers work with a majority of split systems that use an infrared remote, with support for a wide variety of models, but always check for compatibility first. SENSIBO AIR PRO WI-FI SPLIT SYSTEM A/C CONTROLLER

Get a better understanding of the air you breathe and what’s in it. Indoor air quality monitors take samples at regular intervals and reveal any pollutants, allergens, smoke, CO2, and other nasties that may be floating about, on easy to read displays that offer customisation and colour coding. Real time analytics and insights can also be accessed from a smartphone app. A healthy addition to the smart home, they can be easily integrated into Google, Amazon, and Apple ecosystems, and also monitor temperature and humidity. Top tip: Air quality monitors provide a real benefit to those who suffer from asthma, hay fever, and other airborne allergies. AIRTHINGS VIEW PLUS INDOOR AIR QUALITY MONITOR Check overall indoor air quality on a colour coded display and further insights via a dashboard app. Supports Google and Alexa ecosystems.

Water lawns and gardens remotely from a phone app, or instruct a voice assistant when to turn the sprinkler on/off. A convenient way to keep things green, smart water controllers can also cut the cost of your water bill, with timer controls to reduce wastage, and real time water usage and history. And you won’t have to rely on a neighbour to hold the hose when you’re away. Top tip: Schedule daily, weekly, and monthly watering cycles for set-and-forget convenience. CONNECT SMART WATER CONTROLLER Set water volume and schedule on/off times, and save power with solar battery recharging. Supports Google and Alexa voice control.

Features unlimited scheduling, location based on/off switching, and an air quality sensor. Works with Google, Amazon, and Apple ecosystems

26 MARCH 2023

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