smart home devices - page 2

Thunderbolt 3 Dock helps you get the most out of your MacBook Pro

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Screen Shot 2017-01-04 at 14.56.11
Coming soon to a MacBook Pro near you.
Photo: Elgato

CES2017 Accessory maker Elgato unveiled its new Thunderbolt 3 Dock at CES, offering a way for users to connect a pair of 4K displays to their new MacBook Pro, in addition to plenty of other legacy connection options.

Costing $299, it promises to stand in for the plethora of dongles you’ll need as the tech world makes the jump to Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C.

GE’s new Alexa lamp shines light on internet of things

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GE's prototype adds Amazon's voice-activated assistant Alexa to a tabletop LED lamp.
GE's prototype adds Amazon's voice-activated assistant Alexa to a tabletop LED lamp.
Photo: GE

We’ve heard for years that the internet of things™ would imbue everything in our lives with the power of the web, all accessible by voice. If you’ve been waiting for something that isn’t a computer or smartphone or smart home hub to ask for driving directions or movie times, here’s your dream device at last: It’s a lamp that gets its smarts from Alexa.

Black Friday deals on health and fitness: A Withings gift guide

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Withings Black Friday gift guide
Great Black Friday deals slash up to 70 percent off Withings fitness and health gear.
Photos: Withings

This post is brought to you by Withings.

Don’t let shopping stress you out and spoil the holiday spirit. Gifts that are useful and beautiful are always a safe bet, and these Black Friday deals on health and fitness products from Withings — one of our favorite purveyors of quality gear — mean you can save up to 70 percent on the perfect gifts for 2016.

But don’t delay: These excellent deals on Withings fitness trackers, home health gadgets and smart scales won’t last forever. Prices go back up Tuesday!

This tiny universal remote brings Jetsons-level convenience [Deals]

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This coin-sized device makes your home's devices controllable right from your phone
This coin-sized device makes your home's devices controllable right from your phone
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

So much of science fiction has been driven by an interest in things that we imagine would make our lives better, and sometime the real world delivers. The KlikR, a sleek and small Bluetooth module that makes any infrared-controlled device accessible from a smartphone, instantly brings a bit of that feeling of futurism into the home.

This coin-size gadget is an instant upgrade for your most-used electronics, and right now you can get one for just $19.99 at Cult of Mac Deals.

Eve Energy smart switch lets you manage your home’s energy use effortlessly

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Eve Energy offers easy tools for controlling and monitoring home electricity use.
Eve Energy offers easy tools for controlling and monitoring home electricity use.
Photo: Elgato

This post is brought to you by Elgato, makers of Eve Energy.

We’ve been told for a long time to expect the Internet of Things to give us a new relationship with our homes. By releasing HomeKit, Apple took a big step toward turning that prediction into reality, offering a platform for apps to interact with your home right through your iPhone.

Tim Cook brings green dream to Apple showers’ stream

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How much would you pay for lunch with Tim Cook? Photo: Apple
With his busy schedule, is it any wonder Tim Cook doesn't have time for baths?
Photo: Apple

Google might have the Nest Learning Thermostat, but Tim Cook’s got a smart shower, thanks to a recent investment by the Apple CEO in a new, environmentally friendly shower company.

And what kind of boss would he be if he didn’t test the next-gen washing solution as an option for Apple employees?