European Custom Installer

Wink adds a wireless audio maker in its lineup of partner companies-- Sonos, specifically through the compatibility of Wink Hub 2 with all Sonos products.

As Wink puts it, the Hub 2 is a control panel for all connected devices. Customers simply need to connect the Sonos products to the same wifi network as the Hub 2, before pairing through the Wink app. Customer get a number of controls, such as auto-playing tracks or playlists when someone enters the house, or adding music a Wink Shortcut allowing one to dim the lights, adjust temperature and play specific music through a single tap.

The Xbox One X handles 4K video out of the box-- and after an app update it can also stream YouTube in 4K at up to 60fps, providing owners of 4K TVs to invest the latest Microsoft console.

Technically Microsoft has been supporting 4K video since 2016 with the launch of the Xbox One S, the smaller version of the Xbox One with 4K and HDR playback capabilities. However Google took its time to roll out support for the format. Currently only the Xbox One X handles 4K YouTube, but the Xbox One S should receive an update soon enough.

Motorised window coverings from Somy Systems get voice control through the Alexa-enabled myLink, allowing customers to control connected products using simple, natural phrases.

Controls include raising or lowering shades, exterior screens, rolling shutters, opening or closing blinds or draperies, and retracting awnings. The Somfy Alexa skill allows voice control of all Radio Technology Somfy (RTS) motorised products controlled by the myLink app, as well as scenes and schedules.

Savant announces the addition of new products and features included in the 8.7 software and hardware update, one complete with TrueImage for Savant Pro, coloured lighting and IP Video products.

The Savant Pro 8 app on the iOS App Store now includes support for TrueImage, the system leveraging on Savant virtual lighting concept to allow users to experience virtual lights in any room on their mobile devices. Users can easily change dimming levels and RGB colours by tapping the virtual light. Installers or users simply need to photograph the light using the mobile device, press the button and TrueImage takes care of the rest. Speaking of TrueImage, Savant has a new line of coloured smart bulbs and LED light strips compatible with the Savant 8 app.

Klipsch launches the next generation flagship Reference speakers-- the RF-7 III floorstanding speaker and the RC-64 III centre channel, both being enhanced versions of the previous Reference II series.

Both described by the company as able to deliver ultra-sensitive, hard-hitting, accurate sound, the two speakers carry a new tweeter. It features a 1¾-inch titanium driver with an enhanced phase plug design able to improve sound pressure linearity at high frequencies. A Tractrix horn further improves high-frequency response and extension, while proprietary Cerametallic woofers minimise distortion and, when paired with the Tractrix horn, provide ultra-high sensitivity and high efficiency.