Apple orders docuseries on ‘extraordinary’ homes

Will the series feature more futuristic or high-tech homes? That's one of the many questions we have about this upcoming Apple docuseries.

Apple is taking the fight seriously to both Netflix and Amazon in the original content space. The tech company has tapped Altimeter Films, Time Inc. Productions, and producer Matthew Weaver to create a 10-episode documentary called Home. It’ll take viewers inside what are considered “extraordinary” homes and will feature the designers who created them. It isn’t known who will be narrating or hosting the documentary series or when it’ll air. We do know Apple isn’t skimping on bringing on the talent to work on its projects. Weaver is known for his work on musical Rock of Ages and documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi and the Netflix series Chef’s Table.

This is the first docuseries ordered under the new worldwide video programming division the company has, which is led by Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg. It shows the diversity the company is aiming for when it comes to content. The company already has three scripted series pickups; morning show drama that’s executive produced by and starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon; a Ronald D. Moore space drama; and Amazing Stories, a reimagining of the anthology from Steven Spielberg and Bryan Fuller. It’s uncertain where Apple will release this show, whether on Apple Music or on an entirely different service. But we’ll find that out soon enough.

Source: Deadline

Keurig Kold comes to Canada, lets you make cool beverages on demand

A video posted by Canadian Reviewer (@canadianreviewer) on Nov 19, 2015 at 10:34am PST

Keurig today announced the launch of the Keurig Kold system in Canada. Introduced in the U.S. earlier this fall, this is the first beverage system that allows consumers to freshly make cold drinks from a variety of brand new sparkling and still beverages, as well as favourite brands from beverage partners, in their home at the push of a button.

Known for creating the market for pod-based coffee and hot-drink machines, Keurig is now turning its attention to giving consumers the ability to create their favourite cold beverages on demand and by the glass.

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Home bridges the gap between you and HomeKit

Apple's HomeKit is helping you communicate with your smart home better but it has its limits. It's a framework after all that lets third-party OEMs "talk" to each other without having to implement lots of APIs from each other. So, that's where apps like Home come in. Developed by Matthias Hochgatterer, this app brings together your smart devices at home and helps you control them all with one app. It works rather similar with IFTTT but in this case you have to set up scenes before you can set up triggers. For example, once you unlock a connected door, as you instruct it, it can bring other gadgets to life, so to speak. It can even be activated by Siri if you want it, too. 

It's on the pricey side at $16.99 but having a central app to control all your HomeKit stuff might just be what you need.  

Source: The Next Web | Download: Apple App Store ($16.99) 

LG introduces Smart Bulb, light fixture that can connect with Android and iOS devices

LG aims to take on the Philips Hue with its new Smart Bulb (yes that is its name). The light bulb can reportedly last for a decade if it is just used for five hours a day. It comes with compatible Android and iOS apps and features Bluetooth support. The app is designed to help users control different settings, including a play mode that responds to music and a security mode that imitates someone being at home with a lighting sequence. Android version even has the bulb blinking to remind you when you get a call. The Smart Bulb is currently only available in Korea for 35,000 won or roughly US$32.

Source: The Next Web