The Belkin Wemo Bridge will bring compatibility to Apple’s HomeKit this fall

The latest announcement from Belkin will make its lineup of smart home accessories compatible with Apple’s HomeKit platform. Wemo is making it possible with its upcoming Wemo Bridge accessory. The product will connect to your router via an Ethernet cable and will retroactively bring support for all existing Wemo gadgets. You won’t have to buy any other product outside of the Bridge to get your Wemo smart plugs and light switches to work with HomeKit. It’ll let you do things like talk to Siri to turn on Wemo or dim lights, among other things. Belkin hasn’t announced pricing yet but the Wemo Bridge is expected to be launched this fall.

3D Metal print technology becoming an affordable option for all

It is no exaggeration to say that 3D printing could be the most dramatic technical innovation of the 21st century. Applications in diverse areas ranging from medicine and organ research to national defence and firearms are advancing rapidly at the high-end research levels. Until recently, however, the technology has been prohibitively expensive for private applications.

This has changed over the past year or two, though, and there is now a wide variety of affordable 3D printers available for private purchase. These use PLS or ABA plastic filament technology, but the recent launch of two metal 3D printers from Google-backed tech firm DM Technologies look to be opening the floodgates, meaning that 3D metal printing could soon be an affordable option for anyone.

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TP-Link Canada launches Deco M5 whole-home mesh Wi-Fi system

TP-Link Canada a leading global provider of consumer and business networking products, today announced the availability of Deco M5 Whole-Home Wi-Fi Systems in Canada, exclusively at Best Buy Canada as a three-unit multi-pack. Deco M5 is a mesh networking solution that provides seamless wireless internet coverage and comprehensive security via TP-Link HomeCare. With built-in antivirus and malware protection powered by Trend Micro, Deco M5 provides a truly secure whole-home Wi-Fi system.

“Best Buy Canada is proud to exclusively partner with TP-Link Canada to bring the Deco M5 to Canadian homes,” said Martin Vander Velden, vice president of merchandising, Best Buy Canada. “Our Geek Squad Agents and Blue Shirts are eager to answer customer questions about this innovative Whole-Home Wi-Fi network and the important security features it will provide families.”

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Sony to kill off Xperia X and X Compact phones

Sony’s “Premium Standard” line is getting the axe as the Japanese tech company wants to shift its focus to its flagship and mid-range line. Those part of the Premium Standard segment are said to be affordable devices with almost flagship specs. The two devices classified here are the Xperia X and X Compact models. Sony made the announcement at its 2017 Investor Day saying they want to switch the focus to the likes of the Xperia XZ Premium and XZs in the flagship segment and the Xperia XA1 and XA1 Ultra in the mid-range market. Sony is reportedly doing this to help recover market share this year and offer products “with technologies that only Sony can deliver.”

Sony also wants to focus on markets where it can use its strengths to its advantage. These include Japan, East Asia, Middle East, APAC, and Europe. And while they do want to do well in North America, Sony knows they need to make huge investments (particularly in marketing) to get recognized here.

Source: Xperia Blog