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Best HomeKit security cameras, lights, outlets & more coming in 2017

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Apple’s HomeKit home automation feature can be super convenient when you have the right accessories in place, but finding compatible hardware isn’t always the easiest. That finally started to change last year with the introduction of lots of new HomeKit-enabled smart home products.

That trend appears to be continuing based on new HomeKit accessories we saw at CES 2017 last week. HomeKit works best in my experience when you have lots of accessories like bulbs, plugs, thermostats and locks, and there is plenty of new hardware on the rise.

These are the best new HomeKit products hitting the market this year:


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Hands-on: Nvidia’s GeForce Now streaming finally brings great gaming to Mac [Video]

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Gaming on Macs has never been a primary use case, but for the few who do want to use their Macs for gaming — whether on the desktop or on a Macbook — there have never been great options. However, at CES 2017, NVIDIA has revealed that it’s game streaming service, GeForce Now, is headed to the platform.


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9to5Mac Best of CES 2017 Awards

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While Apple doesn’t have an official presence at the Consumer Electronics Show, CES 2017 has been packed with new and innovative technology that takes advantage of Apple’s hardware and software.

9to5Mac has been on the ground in Las Vegas all week tracking down the best and most interesting new technologies to come out of the big show. This year we’re highlighting our favorite new products with the first-ever 9to5Mac Best of CES Awards.

And the winners are…


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Happy Hour Podcast 101 | CES 2017, Zac’s Apple Watch journey, and iOS 10.3 rumors

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This week Benjamin and Zac discuss rumored iOS 10.3 features, CES 2017, and Zac’s journey with using the Apple Watch to become more active and get in shape. 9to5Mac’s Happy Hour podcast is available for download on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

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Focalcrest announces Mixtile Hub to bridge existing ZigBee and Z-Wave smart home products into HomeKit + Siri control

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The Mixtile Hub is the first smart home hub that can bridge existing smart accessories from other popular home automation protocols, like ZigBee and Z-Wave, and bring them into the HomeKit ecosystem. This means customers will be able to view various accessories in the Home app and control them with Siri voice commands, even if they weren’t designed for HomeKit originally.

The hub, announced at CES, appears to be the first of its kind consumer product although Focalcrest didn’t announce when the product would actually go on sale. The current workaround solution involves running a hacky network server whereas the Mixtile is MFi-licensed and should be as easy to setup as any other HomeKit product.


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JVC, Pioneer, Clarion, & Kenwood launch new aftermarket CarPlay systems as Alpine intros first wireless option

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CES 2017 has officially kicked into full gear ahead of the show opening to the public this weekend, and today we get a look at the latest aftermarket in-dash entertainment systems that support Apple’s CarPlay platform. Announcements at the show include new products from JVC, Clarion, Kenwood, Pioneer, and one of the first aftermarket units to support wireless CarPlay connectivity from Alpine. Head below for all the details.


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T-Mobile now includes fees & taxes in ONE pricing and introduces ‘Kickback’ program

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T-Mobile’s CEO John Legere took the stage at CES 2017 today to share the latest Uncarrier news. T-Mobile has announced they are going “All in” on their T-Mobile ONE plans. This means starting on January 22, new customers will only be able to choose the ONE plan. Additionally, the carrier will be including all fees and taxes into the price of your T-Mobile ONE plan.


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Dell announces massive 32-inch UltraSharp 8K display, alongside a 27-inch smart workspace touchscreen

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Dell UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD 8K Monitor (UP3218K)Taking a leap forward past the competition, Dell has today announced the launch of its UltraSharp 32-inch Ultra HD 8K Monitor and a massive 27-inch horizontal touchscreen, the Dell Canvas. The UltraSharp 32 is the “world’s first” 32-inch 8K display, packing in a whopping 1 billion colors and a 280 ppi. The Dell Canvas is a “smart workspace” designed as a plug and play system for Windows 10 devices looking to unleash everyone’s creativity.


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Honeywell extends Lyric Platform with Lyric Cameras & HomeKit-compatibility for Lyric Security system

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Honeywell Lyric Platform

Honeywell has announced today their first-ever Lyric Cameras and eventual software upgrade for Lyric Security systems, which will make the system compatible with Apple’s HomeKit. Honeywell’s two new Wi-Fi indoor cameras, the Lyric C1 and C2, pair with the Lyric app to access live streaming, recorded events, and alerts for when something is seen or analyzed like a smoke/CO detector going off.


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OtterBox’s modular uniVERSE Case System comes to the iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro

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OtterBox uniVERSE Case System for the iPad and iPhone

 

OtterBox today has unveiled that their modular uniVERSE case system, previously only for the iPhone, is now available for the iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro 9.7-inch. Thanks to the iPads larger design, the uniVERSE case will include even more points to connect accessories, and even a removable spine where keyboards may be attached. Today’s announcement also includes over a dozen new accessory partners for the uniVERSE Case System.


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ViewSonic announces three new external displays at CES, including a curved 37-inch 4K model with USB-C

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ViewSonic has announced three new high-end displays for 2017 including a 31-inch 4K with ‘frameless’ design and a 37-inch curved 4K model. It is also launching a cheaper 27-inch QHD display. Two of the new monitors feature USB-C connectivity which means a single cable acts as the display connector, provides power and some I/O thanks to the integrated USB hub.

The displays seem well positioned as professional monitors for Apple customers with the new USB-C only MacBook Pro. The good looks come at a price though: the 4K models cost upwards of $1300. ViewSonic says the new displays will be available in June …


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Panasonic’s upcoming LUMIX GH5 camera will allow direct connections to the MacBook Pro via USB-C

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Panasonic’s recently-announced GH5 mirrorless camera checks off a lot of boxes: internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, dual SD Card slots, 4K @ 60p, in body 5-axis image stabilization, and much more. The camera, which is now available for preorder on B&H or Amazon, is a ridiculously-impressive unit that we can’t wait to get our hands on.

And one of the camera’s more unheralded new features is something that will appeal majorly to MacBook owners. Instead of a slow USB 2.0 connection via a USB mini port, Panasonic is including USB 3.1 gen 1 via a USB Type-C port.
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Speck announces transparent, impact-resistant cases for MacBook Pro and iPhone 6/6s/7

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Speck is known for its transparent cases which protect MacBook models against scrapes and scratches without hiding them from sight, but they’ve so far done nothing to guard against impact damage from knocks and falls. All this is set to change, says the company, with its new Presido Clear range of cases, which protect against falls of up to four feet.

Presidio Clear for MacBook is made with Impactium Clear, a dynamic transparent material that absorbs and disperses shock upon impact and protects MacBooks from drops up to 4 feet. Impactium Clear is co-molded into a raised edge around the perimeter of the case that also provides a secure, no-slip grip, so you’re less likely to drop your device. The case’s dual-layer, two-piece design easily clips onto the MacBook.

The first model available will be for the 13-inch MacBook Pro


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CalDigit announces new Thunderbolt 3 USB-C dock with I/O expansion ports and full 85W power for charging new MacBook Pro

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Joining the crowd of Thunderbolt 3 products announced at CES 2017, CalDigit has announced a new generation of its Thunderbolt 3 USB-C dock designed for the new MacBook Pro. As well as a range of I/O ports (for 5K displays, dual 4K displays, eSATA and more) the TS3 Dock will feature 85 W power — this means it can fully charge the new MacBook Pro whilst in use.

The TS3 is the successor to CalDigit’s existing Thunderbolt 2 Dock. The new dock is available to preorder now with availability for ‘Q1 2017’ …


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New light strips from Qube aim to bring smart home features at an affordable price

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Smart home lighting solutions have been a big trend over recent years, and that’s certainly continuing this year at CES in Las Vegas. We’ve already seen a handful of new smart home products and now Qube is announcing new Smart Light Strips that aim to offer the same features as higher-end smart LED strips, at a more affordable price.


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Rumored Apple partner to ship long range wireless charging tech by year end as competitors demo at CES

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Potential Apple partner Energous has once again further delayed the release of their wireless charging technology. In a phone call with the CEO today, Energous stated that plans changed after “key strategic partnership” was made. That doesn’t mean wireless charging is down for the count at this year’s CES though. Ossia is set to launch Cota Tile, a ceiling that can deliver wireless power to compatible devices.


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