Just in time for the real heat of the summer, GE Appliances has a new smart air conditioner that keeps you from breaking a sweat to control the flow of cooler air with voice assistants. You won’t even have to get out of bed to adjust the air during bedtime hours.
With a simple command to your iPad, iPhone or Apple Watch to access Apple Home app and Siri, the AC unit follows your verbal commands to cool you off or cut the amount of cool air.
Automated settings can easily be created to turn a unit on or off at a certain time so you can come home to a cool home or the cooling can automatically get you ready for bed.
Even if you’re not home, if you have a HomeKit home hub (HomePod, 4th generation Apple TV or an iPad with the latest version of iOS) it’s a breeze to remotely control the air conditioning units or set up automated settings.
According to the company, the GE smart home appliances are the first in U.S. to introduce an Apple HomeKit-compatible air conditioner.
Two models are available exclusively at Lowe’s and three models exclusively at Home Depot, ranging from $249 to $359 and are available immediately.
The units can cool medium to large rooms with options of delivering 8,000 to 12,000 BTUs.
They are Energy Star compliant and offer the choice of four-way air direction by selecting from three cooling settings or Energy Saver mode. The latter shuts off the fan and compressor automatically when the room is cool enough.
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ZAGG has expanded its accessory Nomad Book and Messenger Folio keyboard lineups and added some great features.
The Zagg Nomad Book ($99.99) has two detachable bumpers, allowing the keyboard case to fit most tablets sized 10.5-inches or smaller, including many Apple iPad models, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2.
It also allows multi-device pairing, connecting simultaneously to a tablet and another device such as a smartphone for increased productivity. Depending on the tablet’s chore at the time, the Nomad Book can easily adjust the screen angle for optimal viewing.
A sturdy, reverse kickstand and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to two years between USB charges are built in.
The lightweight Zagg Messenger Folio ($59.99) transforms the 10.5-inch iPad Pro into a practical workstation with its no-nonsense keyboard case, featuring a stylish fabric cover.
A magnetic closure keeps it closed, yet ready to easily open. Bluetooth allows for easy wireless pairing and a built-in rechargeable battery will last up to three months before a USB charge is needed. A built-in holder keeps the Apple Pencil accessible when not use.
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Zvox, the creator of the world’s first speaker with hearing aid technology, has released the AV203, next-generation AccuVoice TV Speaker.
Its predecessor, the AV200 used advanced digital algorithms to lift voices out of a soundtrack along with the use of hearing aid technology to make dialogue crystal clear. The AccuVoice AV203 Speaker uses the same speakers, cabinet and advanced processor as the original model.
But new in the AV203 is six added levels of AccuVoice dialogue boost. The new levels allow users to tailor the sound to their needs.
ZVOX’s patented algorithms lift voices out of the soundtrack and manipulate the signals to make dialogue remarkably clear, without affecting the rest of the soundtrack, according to the company. In addition, the system’s Output Leveling system automatically tames loud commercials.
The AccuVoice AV203 TV speaker uses a digital amplifier and three high-performance full-range speaker drivers with neodymium magnets to create realistic, room-filling sound.
There’s also a redesigned remote control, with large, easy to read buttons with a water-resistant structure. The speaker has a 17-by-3.1-by-2.9-inch aluminum cabinet and is available in five colors (black, blue, copper, red and titanium).
https://zvox.com $269.99
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Contact Gregg Ellman at greggellman@mac.com. Follow him on Twitter: @greggellmanrea
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