THE EVE OF A NEW ECOSYSTEM

Our homes are getting smarter and smarter.

It's easy enough to fill up your house with more and more connected devices, but using them all properly can be more of a challenge.

While these devices are supposed to make life easier, sometimes controlling them all is more complicated than it needs to be and can actually create more stress than they're worth.

Using one system throughout your home might simplify things a bit...

If you use an iPad or iPhone, you may not even realise you have already have ability to set up an entire smart home using Apple HomeKit.

The Eve range of devices is designed specifically for this service, pre-installed on all late-model iOS devices. Unlike other smart accessories, the Eve product line isn't interconnected via WiFi, but over low-energy bluetooth. While you can use the HomeKit app to set up each device, the native Eve app is more user-friendly and offers more features and customisations.

Each device has its own unique code, which you can scan in using the camera on your iPhone or iPad. This pairs the devices from which point you can name them and designate a room. We're talking a wide range of products here; lights, motion sensors, smoke detectors, there's even a weather station.

I started with something simple; the smart plug.

I've used other smart plugs before, so we won't go into all the uses there may be for such a device - needless to say, the basic idea is it'll turn on or off when you schedule it to. The main difference with the Eve version is it also monitors how much power is being used by whatever is plugged into it. This is potentially very useful information, especially if you're using high electricity use devices like heaters and fans. You can even ration how much power you go through by instructing the switch to turn off when a certain amount of electricity has been used. As smart plugs go, it's very smart indeed. Because it can be triggered by events detected by other Eve devices, you could potentially set a fan going when the room temperature rises over a certain point, or even turn a radio on if a window is opened unexpectedly.

There's just one issue; this thing is pretty huge, much bigger than a normal sized plug. That means you won't be able to use the other half of any double wall socket you plug it into. And it'll take up more than its fair share of space on a multiboard too. There's a solution to that last problem - Eve does its own triple-outlet energy strip.

As I've said, the Eve ecosystem is an extensive one, even extending outside the home. This is the perfect time of year to put the Eve Aqua to use. It's a smart water controller; basically a remote control for your garden hose.

Again, setting up and pairing the Eve Aqua is a cinch - although I found it a real challenge getting the battery compartment open so I could insert the batteries included in the box. A certain amount of brute strength was required but I got there in the end. I actually found this somewhat reassuring as we're talking a device that gets wet and lives outside, so we probably want those batteries to be tucked up nice and tight.

The build quality is impressive. You simply unscrew your existing hose fitting from the tap and attach the Eve Aqua instead. The high-quality washers and O-rings meant I've yet to see a single drop leak out. Not only can you then turn the water off and on from your iPhone or iPad, you can schedule watering times or leave a sprinkler on, with instructions for the Eve Aqua to turn it off after a period you've specified. Given I've just spent all weekend planting trees in my backyard, I have a feeling this is going to be pretty useful.

The one downside of the Eve system of connected devices is it's an Apple-only affair. If you're an Android or PC-based household, you'll have to look elsewhere. That also means no integration with other automation services like Amazon Alexa, although Siri is more than happy to turn your plugs, lights and hoses on and off for you. Just say the word.

On the plus side, because Eve is bluetooth-based and isn't connected via WiFi, there's virtually no risk of hacking from outside the system - a concern that could become even more serious once New Zealand's 4G networks come online and devices like these will potentially connect directly to the world-wide-web. Your Eve network is limited to and controlled solely by the device you use to set it up, which means absolute security.

Although these aren't strictly Apple products, they are available through the Apple store and like Apple products, I've found they're extremely straightforward to use and work very reliably.


Click here for more information on the Eve ecosystem of Apple HomeKit devices.

NEW, BUT NOT ALL THAT DIFFERENT

Fitbit has come a long way since those first activity trackers concealed in pendants and wristbands.

But then...

So has everybody.

Wearables are more omnipresent than ever; smart watches and activity bands to be found on every second wrist - these days often worn more as a fashion statement than for any of the more practical uses they may have been originally designed for.

With the Ionic and then the Versa, Fitbit made real strides (pun intended) towards this brave new world of smart watch-meets-fitness tracker. But what have they done for us lately?...

If you were expecting the Fitbit Versa 2 to look wildly different from its predecessor, it simply isn't. I'd argue that's no major letdown, as the original Versa was widely accepted as perhaps the most attractive device Fitbit had ever come up with.

Part of that was to do with it's striking (and I'm assuming deliberate) resemblance to a certain popular Apple device. One obvious update for the 2019 version is not an addition, but a subtraction. There are two less buttons on the Versa 2. That leaves a single control on the left-hand side to either go back or, with a long press, launch Alexa or Fitbit Pay. (More on those later)

You do have to wonder why they bothered with any buttons at all; the touch screen is easily navigated with swipes and presses. The new watch feels a bit more comfy with its super-light aluminium casing and there's a good range of colour combinations available.

Of course, a Fitibit wouldn't be a Fitbit without its own crazy charging cable that isn't compatible with anything else - not even the original Versa. Yep, although this year's model seems pretty similar, it actually is a marginally different size and shape. Obviously it comes with the slightly gangly, clamp-style charging cradle in the box - just don't get it confused with any old ones you may have lying around, they won't fit.

Luckily, if you've built up a collection of alternative bands for your original Versa, they will work with Number 2, so that's a bonus.

This year's Versa gives you an always-on display function, which certainly cuts down on those awkward, unnatural wrist-raises to activate the screen. The always-on display options are limited though, a simple choice between a basic black-and-white analogue or basic black-and-white digital. This is in stark contrast to the hundreds of clock faces you can now access via the Fitbit app - a much bigger selection than you could find this time last year.

In fact, the Fitbit app store has come a long way in a short time, with a host of developers jumping on board to configure their apps for this market. I'm not just talking fitness apps anymore, you can now control music apps like Spotify and Deezer, track stockmarkets, even receive newsfeeds from Flipboard or the New York Times. Uber's on there now, there are navigation apps and even some airlines have realised people who travel wear Fitbits too.

Don't get me wrong, there's nowhere near the content available as there is for Android or iOS devices, but it's definitely gaining momentum.

Certainly, being able to pay by waving your wrist over a tap-and-go terminal is super convenient - a shame you can only register an ASB credit card for Fitbit Pay in New Zealand at the moment. Hopefully other banks will join in the fun some time soon.

What hasn't changed is all the good stuff, the things Fitbit does so well. Actual fitness tracking for example. You can select up to seven different exercises to monitor regularly, including swimming. All workouts are displayed clearly and usefully on the full colour display. As usual, this is bright enough to see easily in any lighting conditions, even blazing sunshine.

Unfortunately, there's still no on-board GPS on the Versa 2, so if you want accurate route mapping, you'll need to take your phone with you. 

Speaking of your phone, I've noticed a dramatic improvement in bluetooth connectivity. For the first time, I can rely on all my notifications to come through in a timely manner, from whatever apps I choose. This as often been a bit hit and miss on previous Fitbit devices. Sadly, this remains a one-way street though; there's still no ability to answer texts or emails - or take phone calls.

Frustratingly, the media controller is the exception when it comes to consistent performance. It works fine for any music stored on the Versa 2 itself, but terribly when it comes to playing and pausing tunes and podcasts on my phone. It did okay when I first paired it, but the next time I tried to use it it didn't work at all, until I paired it all over again. Then, within minutes, sadly, same result, ie: no result.

Battery life is fairly impressive - I'll easily get four or five days from a single charge, even with the always-on display activated. This is good, because once you put it on, you'll be tempted to wear the Versa 2 24 hours a day. Not only is it comfortable enough to wear to bed, it's taken sleep tracking to a new level. If you subscribe to the new Fitbit Premium service, you can access even more insights as to why you always wake up so grumpy. The Premium service also offers a range of coaching options, tailormade to help you reach your own unique fitness goal.

But perhaps the most notable modification on the Versa 2 is it's now Alexa enabled. She won't talk to you, but as long as you've connected your Alexa account to your Fitbit app, you can certainly talk to her, controlling your other Alexa enabled devices by talking to your wrist. It's also a quick way to set an alarm or kick off a countdown timer.

So not a lot of extra features. In fact, in some ways, the Versa 2 is a more streamlined experience. Is it worth its $359.95 price tag? To be honest, that may be pushing the envelope a little as we've seen several other smart watches enter the market at around that price with a lot more two-way functionality. It probably depends on how much of a premium you personally place on Fitbit as a brand. What I can assure you is reliable, accurate fitness tracking is still the main focus here and if that's your focus too, it may be time for an upgrade.


Click here for more information and pricing on the Fitbit Versa 2.

LIGHTNESS IN THE NEW ERA

Okay, admit it, I didn't come up with that headline, it's all HP's doing. But when it works it works.

The real question is; how new and exciting can a business laptop be?

Today I found myself in Tokyo's Trunk hotel, which HP and Intel have completely taken over to introduce their newest convertible to the world.

Ever feel like all that Hyper Globalisation is getting the best of you? Apparentlly, the HP Elite Dragonfly is going to take care of all that.

From what I can gather, we've all become international business travelers, unshackled from the bonds of being stuck at one desk, in one building, in one city. Therefore we need a device that's lighter than air, is virtually indestructible and has enough battery life to last through even the worst airport delay.

Weighing in at less than a kilo, pressed into a very slim form factor, there's no doubt the Elite Dragonfly is an eminently portable business laptop. Not just a laptop of course, the Dragonfly can also be used in tent and tablet modes. This is only the tip of its versatility though, as HP has also released a range of integrated peripherals to complement this flagship business tool. There's a choice of curved monitors with built-in docking functions and a tricky looking bluetooth travel mouse too. Everything can be brought together using a new feature called HP Device Bridge - and I mean everything... Android, iOS, PC - content from all these devices can now easily be shared on one screen

There was also a big emphasis on how "intergenerational" the modern workplace has become. HP claims by 2025 75% percent of workforce will be millennials, (god help us) and weren't ruling out the possibility of up to five generations sharing the same workplace in the near future. This presents certain challenges for any laptop maker, especially in terms of design aesthetic.

Generally speaking, older workers are looking for a sensible, business-like appearance while cool, young hipsters need more pizzazz in their lives. That's why HP has tried to walk down the middle with a unique precision cut CNC magnesium chassis that isn't just blue, it's Dragonfly blue.

Following on from the innovative wood and leather of the previous Spectre and Envy, this all new, super slim, blue take on things is certainly easy on the eye.

Despite its minimalistic form factor, the Elite Dragonfly has plenty of goodies packed in under the hood - 16GB of RAM, up to 2TB storage but probably the battery performance is one of the star features of this device.

There's a lightweight battery option that promises up to 16.5 hours use or a long-life variant that delivers an unheard-of (up to)24.5 hours on a single charge. Admittedly, this latter power option will tip the scales over that magic 1kg mark ever so slightly, but probably worth it, don't you reckon? Even if real-life usage is only two-thirds as good as they claim, finally here's a laptop that gives you the confidence to really leave the office - to another hemisphere if need be.

Ironically, the Elite Dragonfly comes with HP's Workwell feature built in - software that reminds you to take breaks, get up and stretch etc. We've started to see this kind of work-life-balance software appearing on smart phones and tablets - perhaps more important than ever on a computer with enough battery to last all day and all night.

Another pre-installed feature is HP's own cyber security solution, Suresense. We were shown a pretty compelling demonstration of how it may prevent Zero Day attacks more effectively than other, conventional anti-virus options, but until I see it working in everyday use, it's a bit hard to tell.

One thing I have been able to test, if only briefly, is the Elite Dragonfly's redesigned keyboard. Plenty of travel but somehow they've made it quieter. Not sure how important that is to you, but nice to have a full-sized keyboard on a 13" device.

Many promises of durability were also made, which is reassuring given the very high screen-to-body ratio, some of the most narrow bezels you'll find on a business laptop. I haven't had the chance to drop one yet, but it certainly feels solid and hard-wearing. There's even an oleophobic coating over everything to reduce the effect of greasy fingerprints. Great news for me. I'm annoyingly greasy.

Sure, I haven't been able to use this thing in my everyday life yet, but if recent HP devices like the Spectre are anything to go by, I'm pretty confident this is a premium business tool that will definitely deliver. Whether it will deliver over $3000-worth of performance, who can say, but certainly if outstanding battery life in a tiny form factor sounds good to you, you might need to find some budget.

Or maybe I've just been dazzled by the flashing lights and special effects at the launch event here in Tokyo, who can say? One thing's for sure, "Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish does make truly excellent incidental music at a presentation like this.


Click here for more information on the HP Elite Dragonfly.

LESS NOISE FOR LESS MONEY

Seriously, who are these people who have hundreds and hundreds to spend on headphones?

Yes, it's great to listen to your favourite tunes on a nice set of cans, but for four, five or even six-hundred dollars, you could just about hire a live band!

Add Active Noise Cancelling into the mix and you might need to take out a loan.

Can we have some kind of compromise please?...

The JBL LIVE 650BTNC is by no means a budget headset, but at well under $300, you'll still get most of the premium features.

For starters, it's a pretty damn attractive piece of kit. Available in white, blue or black with copper accents as pictured above, the LIVE 650BTNC is more the size and shape you'd expect from an on-ear headset, but it's all a trick, because the actual ear cups are plenty big enough to fit over my weird, giant ears with no issues.

Because it's a bit smaller, it certainly feels light and very comfortable, enhanced by the PU leather and memory foam ear cushions and fabric-covered headband. In fact, the LIVE 650BTNC is so light, at first it almost felt flimsy. This was totally misleading though, as I've been using the headset for several weeks now and there's been absolutely no sign of wear and tear whatsoever.

In fact, I haven't actually charged it in all that time either. Obviously I did a full charge when I first set it up, but seriously, I've been listening to podcasts, music and watching movies for two weeks now and the JBL Headphones app tells me I'm still on 80%. That can't be right. I do wish the charging lead was USB Type-C, but I guess you can't have everything.

So that app... not to be confused with JBL Connect, which is the one you use to control and update speakers, Headphones is simple and uncluttered - almost to a fault. There are only three preset EQ's; Jazz, Vocal and Bass - although you can create your own profiles too. This is actually quite user-friendly; you simply drag an equaliser curve up and down to suit your preference - then you can call your new preset whatever you like. No fiddling around with frequency faders, it's much more intuitive.

And it really works too. At its default setting, the LIVE 650BTNC skews a bit bass-heavy for my tastes - it's great to have a big bass bang when you want it, but too much boom can muddy everything else. I was absolutely able to mitigate this with my own EQ setting, boosting highs and mids while still retaining some low-end punch.

In theory, you're supposed to be able to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, taking turns to play tracks. However, I think this needs to be with similar devices, because when I tried it with my phone and my TV, the TV took over and I couldn't get anything out of my phone till I reconnected everything. Maybe a future firmware update will sort this.

These updates happen via the app, over bluetooth - but because it's bluetooth, I have to say, it's pretty slow. Take my advice, if you see an update is ready to download, don't be fooled into thinking you can quickly apply it 60 seconds before leaving the house.

I actually had a few minor issues with the bluetooth connectivity - just little dropouts every now and then, both when connected to my phone and my telly. Again, maybe this is something an update will fix. It didn't happen often enough to annoy me, but it did happen. If you're really worried about maintaining fidelity, there is of course a 3.5mm AUX cable included.

It's a shame, because the Active Noise Cancelling is fantastic, especially given the price range we're dealing with. There are plenty of other headsets in the $200-$300 area that don't sound this good and don't offer any ANC at all. Sure, it's not world-beating tech, but I've found it's definitely good enough to block out other music that may be playing in the room and tackles transport and commuter noise with aplomb. There's also very little of that noise-cancelling "hiss" you can sometimes experience during very quiet patches in what you're listening to.

My major criticism of the LIVE 650BTNC is the controls. They feel plasticky and they're all jammed in together on the right ear cup. It's almost impossible to tell if you're turning the ANC on or answering a call, let alone raising the volume or skipping a track. The sole exception is activating your voice assistant (Alexa, Google or Siri) This is the only control on the left ear cup and instead of a physical button, you just tap the ear cup itself. It seems weird JBL couldn't smarten things up for all the other functions too. In saying that, you can set those actions in motion using your voice assistant anyway, so maybe they're redundant.

There's a fabric carrying pouch included in the box. The headphones fold flat allowing you to slip them into this reasonably compact bag so you can tuck them away when not in use.

In my testing call quality has been pretty acceptable through this headset, although I've read other reviews complaining of poor mic quality and its tendency to pick up a lot of ambient noise. I've found this to be the case with most over-ear headsets though and the friends and family I've called on this one seem to be able to hear me just fine. I don't know too many people who choose headphones to make phone calls with though, so it's a bit of a non-issue for me.

As always, the really important bit is sound quality and I've been impressed how well I can tailor the LIVE 650BTNC to my personal tastes. If you're looking for decent Active Noise Cancelling under $300, it's a great option.


Click here for more information on the JBL LIVE 650BTNC.

THE FUNDAMENTAL INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF ALL THINGS

It's amazing what you can do these days.

Modern world, modern problems - but if you look hard enough, you can find a modern solution.

Not everything has to be complicated either. Some things can be solved with the flick of a switch. And sometimes you don't even need the switch.

What the hell are you talking about, glennzb?...

In case you were wondering, yes, this is a plug.

To be specific, it's the DSP-W118 mydlink Mini WiFi Smart Plug. This is perhaps the most simple, but most ingenious piece of tech I've ever reviewed.

The concept couldn't be more straightforward; a power point you can control via WiFi - in theory that means you can turn it on and off from anywhere. Not just from anywhere in the house, but from anywhere in the world. In theory, you would also be able to schedule that plug to switch on and off automatically. Theory also suggests the plug could be operated according to conditions created by other devices.

All good theories. As it turns out, in the case of the mydlink Smart Plug, theory is also reality.

There's quite a bit of clever kit bundled into this smallest of packages - and I do mean small. D-Link claims the DSP-W118, "Fits any socket without obstructing plugs in adjacent outlets." This isn't entirely accurate, as some of those adjacent plugs are likely to be weird shapes and sizes but I can confirm I have one these nestled comfortably next to two other plugs on a three-outlet multiboard with no issues.

Capable of WiFi speeds up to 300Mbps, the plug responds instantly to remote commands and it's almost as fast to set up. Using the mydlink app, you add the DSP-W118 to your existing WiFi network with a simple scan of the QR code printed on its side.

From that moment, the plug appears on the app and you can name it and give it a location. You can then select it to appear as a shortcut on the mydlink start page, allowing you to turn it on and off manually. But where's the fun in that?

Time to start thinking about the powerpoints you'd like to automate at your place.

My first challenge was my bedside light. I want it to turn off every weeknight at 9PM. Why? Because my alarm goes off at 2:55AM. Yes, I could just turn it off myself, but I don't. Because I'm reading. I tell myself I'll just keep going till the end of the chapter and before I know it it's 9:30 and I've missed half an hour of precious slumber. Basically, I can't be trusted. But it turns out, the DSP-W118 can. There's a schedule option on the mydlink app that takes care of that. There's also a countdown feature which means you can leave something running for a certain period of time and the plug will turn itself off when that timer runs out.

You don't even need to pick up your phone - the mydlink Smart Plug can be voice controlled via Google Assistant, Alexa or IFTTT - this means it can be added into routines run by those assistants as well.

Following that logic, other smart devices can be easily linked to the DSP-W118 too.

Which is how I solved my next problem...

My garage door opener doesn't light up anymore. Yes, I've checked the bulb. Turns out, it's an issue that can't be fixed without replacing the whole unit, which is a pretty pricey fix for having to put up with a dark garage.

Luckily, I happen to be monitoring the garage with a security camera; the D-Link DHS-8600LH full HD outdoor WiFi camera to be exact.

This is also a very smart device in its own right. IP65 weatherproof rating, nice wide viewing angle and great night vision - up to seven metres in complete darkness. This makes it the perfect camera for keeping an eye on my garage and now, thanks to the smart plug, the perfect sensor to activate a garage light when the door opens.

In fact, it's so much better than a normal garage door light, because it can detect any motion or sound, so the light comes on as soon as you enter - whether you open the garage door or not.

Only problem is, turning it off again.

The mydlink app let's you automate the smart plug when camera registers motion or noise, but unfortunately there's no "wait a couple of minutes then turn it off again" option.

Luckily, Amazon Alexa offers exactly that option on its app. All I had to do is add the D-Link skill onto my Alexa account and I was in business. You don't even need an Alexa-enabled speaker to access this functionality - the app will work on any half-decent smart phone.

I had to do a bit of fine-tuning with the DHS-8600LH's motion and sound detection settings, because I'm monitoring the same area I'm lighting up. Initially, every time my Alexa routine told the smart plug to turn out the light, the camera thought it had detected a new movement and turned it back on again. Luckily, the DHS-8600LH features a highly customisable detection zone setting and you can even set the sensitivity of the microphone if it's picking up sounds from another area.

I was also most impressed with the length of the power cords that come in the box, including the weather-tight USB adapter, packaged with its own mounting hardware.

The timecode displayed at the top of the screen is another welcome addition some other D-Link security cameras have lacked in the past.

Of course, my bedside and garage lights are just two examples of how useful the DSP-W118 smart plug can be. Cookers, heaters, coffee machines... just a few more things that become a lot smarter once they can be activated remotely or on a schedule. Or maybe you just want to save a little power by turning everything off at night, automatically.

Basically, if you ever had a switch you wish you didn't have to reach for, the DSP-W118 will take care of it for you. A bit lazy? Maybe. Clever? Definitely


Click here for more information and pricing on the DSP-W118 mydlink Mini WiFi Smart Plug.

Click here for more information and pricing on the D-Link DHS-8600LH full HD outdoor WiFi camera.