Aliro is here!

This week the CSA released version 1.0 of the specifications for Aliro locks. Announcements like this aren’t a big deal for consumers, but this is something to be aware of if you are getting a smart lock sometime soon. The Aliro standard includes options to support tap to unlock with NFC or unlock on approach with Ultra Wideband. In the past, this has meant specific integrations with Apple, Google, and Samsung for their own technology like Apple HomeKey. In the same vein as Matter (also from the CSA), companies can just support the Aliro standard and get Apple HomeKey and Android versions with no additional integration work. This will be a huge upgrade to households using both iPhone and Android. Both types of phones could work with tap-to-unlock or unlock-on-approach with the same lock.

Nuki and Eve team up for a sale

Nuki and Eve are having a sale right now taking 20% off their home security gear. Use the code SAFEHOME20 on Eve’s website, and use the code NUKI20-EVE to save on Nuki’s website. I continue to use and love my Eve Cam they sent me when the moved it to USB-C. Around $130 for that camera is a good price. I also think Nuki makes the most elegant retrofit deadbolt lock for the US market. While Nuki announced plans to support Aliro with a new keypad at IFA last year, their locks today are still worth considering, especially with a discount.

LaFaer Wireless Human Presence Sensor

This isn’t a news story this week, but I’ve been playing with my LaFaer Wireless Human Presence Sensor recently. As a wireless human myself, I really appreciate this sensor’s ability to detect me. It also thinks my 3D printer is a wireless human when the 3D printer is printing. Overall I’ve found this presence sensor to be a huge upgrade from the PIR motion sensor I was using to control my LED light strips in my office. The partnership with Homey is also interesting. I’ll share more thoughts on the device in a future video.

The schedule

This week we are set to have days of Apple announcements. I would love to see a quiet update to HomePod mini or Apple TV slip in there, but I’m not counting on it. Either way I should have more smart home videos coming your way soon.

I hope you have a good rest of your Sunday,

Eric