European Custom Installer

System Integration for the Connected Home

Security

Homeit Expands to the UK

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Portuguese remote home access technology startup Homeit expands further in Europe, as its standalone remote access product is now available in the UK.

Remote home accessThe Homeit offering is designed for the short stay market. It integrated directly with platforms such as AirBnB, and can even recommend tested service providers in the property area, such as cleaning, laundry and plumbing. Thus, the home owner can book and grant access from within the Homeit platform.

The system handles more than one property per client, and can provide easy access control management to each door according to the dates guests book on AirBnB. Once fitted, hosts simply paste the AirBnB listing link to the Homeit dashboard to generate codes for the confirmed booking, which in turn can be sent to the guest via SMS, email or the AirBnB messaging system.

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A Bluetooth-Enabled Key Box

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Master Lock has a connected solution for customers wanting a means to store their spare keys-- the Bluetooth Key Lock Box (model 5441EURD).

Key lock boxThe key box is essentially a small safe one can fix to the wall. It opens solely using either a registered smartphone or a correct passcode, and users can manage it via companion iOS/Android Master Lock Vault eLocks app to give contacts access, restrict opening times or lock it down entirely.

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The Ezviz Wire-Free Mini Trooper

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Smart home technology vendor Ezviz takes on security cameras with the Mini Trooper-- a camera featuring a wire-free design ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

Mini TrooperThe Mini Trooper records 720p video through a 116-degree wide-angle lens, with storage via either microSD (up to 128GB) or the cloud through either wifi or ethernet. A companion mobile app allows users to both view recorded video and control the camera. Construction is weatherproof, and Ezviz says the battery lasts for up to 9 months on a single charge.

A base station allows users to control up to 6 Mini Trooper cameras (or other Ezviz cameras) through a single mobile device, be they wire-free, wifi or wired. The future will also see the addition of voice control through integration with Amazon Alexa devices such as the Echo Show.

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Hive Unveils Connected Camera

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British smart home vendor Hive is the next company to take on entry-level security with the Hive Camera, a product similar to the Nest Cam allowing users to monitor their home via companion mobile device app.

Hive CameraThe company allows for 24/7 HD streaming, and can be controlled and accessed via mobile app. It also features built-in two-way audio, motion sensor, audio detection, night vision and a wide viewing angle. Customers can have it record all movement and log time and date, which is stored locally before viewing on the app. It can also zoom in remotely and produce one of three sounds (police siren, dog bark or ringing alarm) when triggered by a user.

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Ring Brings Video Doorbell 2

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Ring announces an update to its self-explanatory Video Doorbell-- the Video Doorbell 2, with features from the 2016 Video Doorbell Pro (namely 1080p video and motion-detection zones) and a rechargeable battery.

Ring Video Doorbell 2In comparison, the Video Doorbell Pro depends on wired power, making the Video Doorbell 2 an easier to install option. The rechargeable battery is swappable, allowing users to rotate batteries to keep the doorbell powered 24/7 without need for additional wiring. Of course, connection to an existing doorbell system remains an option.

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Logitech Presents Circle 2 Indoor/Outdoor Camera

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Logitech announces a flexible security camera option-- the Circle 2, a smart camera designed for both indoor and outdoor use, as well as both wired and wireless use.

Logitech Circle 2The Circle 2 is a small circular device with a 180-degree 1080p camera on one side and a smart connector on the other. The idea behind it is customers can set it up in different configurations according to the mount they use. Currently mounting options amount to four, with a  wall mount, battery mount, window mount or plug mount.

The camera is weatherproof, meaning it can be used anywhere once paired with a suitable mount (the mount is necessary, and the Circle 2 will not work without it). In addition, Logitech also offers accessories such as weatherproof extension cord and an extra rechargeable battery.

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Lilin Adds Entry-Level IP Bullet Camera

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Lilin announces an entry-level addition to its IP camera line-- the MR832 outdoor bullet camera, featuring a 4mm fixed lens with an IP66 environment rating, 30m IR LED illumination and day/night imaging.

MR832The MR832 features 2D wide dynamic range for accurate video capture even in high-contrast lighting. 3D Noise Reduction offers maximum clarity in low light conditions, while energy-efficient IR LEDs automatically illuminate scenes in complete darkness, allowing users to discover subjects at a range of up to 30m.

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