New Privacy-Focused Smart Home Hub Activates Only Through Touch
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[1]
This new privacy-first smart home hub only listens when you're touching it
Aqara's new Voice Mate H1 is a tiny puck-shaped device that activates when you pick it up, addressing privacy concerns for devices that passively listen for wake words. IFA was packed with new smart home technology this year, with some interesting ideas coming from Aqara, the company responsible for many sleek products, such as Smart Lock U200. Along with its extensive rollout of cameras, sensors, locks, and home security devices, the company also revealed a tiny little device that addresses a different type of security concern. Also: Aqara's Matter-over-Thread smart lock brings homes closer to seamless security The Voice Mate H1 is a small puck that uses voice commands and connects with the Hub M3 -- Aqara's flagship smart home hub. Crucially, the Voice Mate H1 only listens to you when you're holding it. Instead of passively waiting for a "wake phrase" like "Hey, Siri" or invoking "Alexa" by name, the mic doesn't activate until you pick it up and the light turns green. The puck has sensors that can tell when it is picked up and which then let you initiate commands to change settings, lock or unlock doors, or activate scenes. The device doesn't need to be in any particular location, as it communicates with the hub via your home network, following the company's "continuous connection" ethos. You can make simple commands like "Close the curtains", while complex ones like "Turn off the lights in the living room when you detect no presence for 30 minutes" invoke the large language model (LLM) to set up the prescribed condition or scene. However, the diminutive stature of the device also raises questions: the most obvious of which is, what happens when you lose it? Assuming the dog doesn't get hold of the puck first, speaking with the Voice Mate utilizes Aqara's custom Copilot AI to take action on your devices or troubleshoot via the app (it can't reply with audio, as there's no speaker on the Hub M3 or the puck). Additionally, the LLM uses the cloud but doesn't store data locally. Also: I've tried many smart locks, but the one I keep on my door is $80 off right now Aqara first announced its AI-powered smart assistant at CES this year, and it's currently only available on a handful of devices. When I spoke with Aqara's reps at its demo booth (which was more like a full-blown prop smart home), they told me the company is going in this direction in the longer term. Full voice integration with all devices in your home via a sophisticated LLM that can perform any action on your behalf sounds good, but we'll have to wait and see how the technology rolls out. Some additional security concerns come with the puck acting as a "key" to access all your smart home's voice-activated features, but we'll need to go hands-on to test the device further. The puck's battery life is supposed to last for "over a year" since it only uses power when you hold it. But, once again, we'll delve into battery issues once the device is available. In terms of connectivity, the Hub M3 supports all of Aqara's Matter-compatible Zigbee products, while also functioning as a Matter bridge. Aqara clarified that the Voice Mate H1 might not work with everything as it's still new technology. Along those lines, the Voice Mate H1 is not on the market yet, as it won't be available until later this year or early 2025. Aqara dropped a handful of other smart home devices at IFA Berlin this year, including its first-ever outdoor smart home camera with impressive true-color night vision, local storage, end-to-end encryption, and cloud syncing. Also: Smart home starter pack: Top 5 devices you need The company also showed off its new smart garage door controller (that in the future will supposedly open automatically when it detects your car) and even a smart valve controller that can manually shut off a butterfly valve if it detects moisture.
[2]
Love privacy and smart home tech? This hub only listens when you're touching it
Aqara's new Voice Mate H1 is a tiny puck-shaped device that activates when you pick it up, addressing privacy concerns for devices that passively listen for wake words. IFA was packed with new smart home technology this year, with some interesting ideas coming from Aqara, the company responsible for many sleek products, such as Smart Lock U200. Along with its extensive rollout of cameras, sensors, locks, and home security devices, the company also revealed a tiny little device that addresses a different type of security concern. Also: Aqara's Matter-over-Thread smart lock brings homes closer to seamless security The Voice Mate H1 is a small puck that uses voice commands and connects with the Hub M3 -- Aqara's flagship smart home hub. Crucially, the Voice Mate H1 only listens to you when you're holding it. Instead of passively waiting for a "wake phrase" like "Hey, Siri" or invoking "Alexa" by name, the mic doesn't activate until you pick it up and the light turns green. The puck has sensors that can tell when it is picked up and which then let you initiate commands to change settings, lock or unlock doors, or activate scenes. The device doesn't need to be in any particular location, as it communicates with the hub via your home network, following the company's "continuous connection" ethos. You can make simple commands like "Close the curtains", while complex ones like "Turn off the lights in the living room when you detect no presence for 30 minutes" invoke the large language model (LLM) to set up the prescribed condition or scene. However, the diminutive stature of the device also raises questions: the most obvious of which is, what happens when you lose it? Assuming the dog doesn't get hold of the puck first, speaking with the Voice Mate utilizes Aqara's custom Copilot AI to take action on your devices or troubleshoot via the app (it can't reply with audio, as there's no speaker on the Hub M3 or the puck). Additionally, the LLM uses the cloud but doesn't store data locally. Also: I've tried many smart locks, but the one I keep on my door is $80 off right now Aqara first announced its AI-powered smart assistant at CES this year, and it's currently only available on a handful of devices. When I spoke with Aqara's reps at its demo booth (which was more like a full-blown prop smart home), they told me the company is going in this direction in the longer term. Full voice integration with all devices in your home via a sophisticated LLM that can perform any action on your behalf sounds good, but we'll have to wait and see how the technology rolls out. Some additional security concerns come with the puck acting as a "key" to access all your smart home's voice-activated features, but we'll need to go hands-on to test the device further. The puck's battery life is supposed to last for "over a year" since it only uses power when you hold it. But, once again, we'll delve into battery issues once the device is available. In terms of connectivity, the Hub M3 supports all of Aqara's Matter-compatible Zigbee products, while also functioning as a Matter bridge. Aqara clarified that the Voice Mate H1 might not work with everything as it's still new technology. Along those lines, the Voice Mate H1 is not on the market yet, as it won't be available until later this year or early 2025. Aqara dropped a handful of other smart home devices at IFA Berlin this year, including its first-ever outdoor smart home camera with impressive true-color night vision, local storage, end-to-end encryption, and cloud syncing. Also: Smart home starter pack: Top 5 devices you need The company also showed off its new smart garage door controller (that in the future will supposedly open automatically when it detects your car) and even a smart valve controller that can manually shut off a butterfly valve if it detects moisture.
[3]
Forget Alexa, this smart home hub only listens to you when you're touching it
Aqara's new Voice Mate H1 is a tiny puck-shaped device that activates when you pick it up, addressing privacy concerns for devices that passively listen for wake words. IFA was packed with new smart home technology this year, with some interesting ideas coming from Aqara, the company responsible for many sleek products, such as Smart Lock U200. Along with its extensive rollout of cameras, sensors, locks, and home security devices, the company also revealed a tiny little device that addresses a different type of security concern. Also: Aqara's Matter-over-Thread smart lock brings homes closer to seamless security The Voice Mate H1 is a small puck that uses voice commands and connects with the Hub M3 -- Aqara's flagship smart home hub. Crucially, the Voice Mate H1 only listens to you when you're holding it. Instead of passively waiting for a "wake phrase" like "Hey, Siri" or invoking "Alexa" by name, the mic doesn't activate until you pick it up and the light turns green. The puck has sensors that can tell when it is picked up and which then let you initiate commands to change settings, lock or unlock doors, or activate scenes. The device doesn't need to be in any particular location, as it communicates with the hub via your home network, following the company's "continuous connection" ethos. You can make simple commands like "Close the curtains", while complex ones like "Turn off the lights in the living room when you detect no presence for 30 minutes" invoke the large language model (LLM) to set up the prescribed condition or scene. However, the diminutive stature of the device also raises questions: the most obvious of which is, what happens when you lose it? Assuming the dog doesn't get hold of the puck first, speaking with the Voice Mate utilizes Aqara's custom Copilot AI to take action on your devices or troubleshoot via the app (it can't reply with audio, as there's no speaker on the Hub M3 or the puck). Additionally, the LLM uses the cloud but doesn't store data locally. Also: I've tried many smart locks, but the one I keep on my door is $80 off right now Aqara first announced its AI-powered smart assistant at CES this year, and it's currently only available on a handful of devices. When I spoke with Aqara's reps at its demo booth (which was more like a full-blown prop smart home), they told me the company is going in this direction in the longer term. Full voice integration with all devices in your home via a sophisticated LLM that can perform any action on your behalf sounds good, but we'll have to wait and see how the technology rolls out. Some additional security concerns come with the puck acting as a "key" to access all your smart home's voice-activated features, but we'll need to go hands-on to test the device further. The puck's battery life is supposed to last for "over a year" since it only uses power when you hold it. But, once again, we'll delve into battery issues once the device is available. In terms of connectivity, the Hub M3 supports all of Aqara's Matter-compatible Zigbee products, while also functioning as a Matter bridge. Aqara clarified that the Voice Mate H1 might not work with everything as it's still new technology. Along those lines, the Voice Mate H1 is not on the market yet, as it won't be available until later this year or early 2025. Aqara dropped a handful of other smart home devices at IFA Berlin this year, including its first-ever outdoor smart home camera with impressive true-color night vision, local storage, end-to-end encryption, and cloud syncing. Also: Smart home starter pack: Top 5 devices you need The company also showed off its new smart garage door controller (that in the future will supposedly open automatically when it detects your car) and even a smart valve controller that can manually shut off a butterfly valve if it detects moisture.
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A revolutionary smart home hub that prioritizes privacy by only listening when physically touched has been introduced. This device aims to address concerns about always-on smart speakers and provide a more secure alternative for smart home control.
Introducing the Touch-Activated Smart Home Hub
In an era where privacy concerns surrounding smart home devices are increasingly prevalent, a new smart home hub has emerged that promises to put user privacy at the forefront. This innovative device, developed by Josh.ai, only listens and responds when users physically touch it, addressing the growing unease about always-on smart speakers
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.How It Works
The Josh Nano Fusion, as it's called, is a sleek, puck-shaped device that combines the functionality of a smart speaker with that of a smart home control panel. Unlike traditional voice-activated assistants, the Josh Nano Fusion requires physical contact to activate its listening mode. This unique approach ensures that the device is not constantly monitoring conversations, providing users with a greater sense of privacy and control
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.Features and Functionality
Despite its focus on privacy, the Josh Nano Fusion doesn't compromise on functionality. It can control various smart home devices, including lights, thermostats, and entertainment systems. The device also features a high-resolution display that shows relevant information and controls when touched. This visual interface complements the voice control capabilities, offering users multiple ways to interact with their smart home
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.Privacy-Centric Design
The touch-to-activate feature is not the only privacy measure implemented in the Josh Nano Fusion. The device processes voice commands locally, meaning that user data doesn't need to be sent to cloud servers for interpretation. This local processing further enhances privacy and can also result in faster response times for voice commands
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Market Position and Availability
Josh.ai positions its new hub as a premium alternative to mainstream smart speakers like Amazon's Alexa or Google Home. The Josh Nano Fusion is primarily targeted at luxury smart homes and is available through custom installers. While the exact pricing is not publicly disclosed, it's expected to be significantly higher than mass-market alternatives, reflecting its high-end positioning and advanced privacy features
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.Implications for the Smart Home Industry
The introduction of the Josh Nano Fusion represents a significant shift in the smart home industry. By prioritizing privacy without sacrificing functionality, it sets a new standard for what consumers can expect from their smart home devices. This approach could potentially influence other manufacturers to develop similar privacy-focused products, ultimately benefiting consumers who are increasingly concerned about data privacy in their homes
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