1Home Digest: January '24 - Week 1
Welcome to the first 1Home Digest edition in 2024! Even though the year just started, there are already exciting news on the landscape. Let's dive right in!
Siri's Big Upgrade: Generative AI
Apple is rumored to unveil a new version of Siri with generative AI and enhanced capabilities at WWDC. Developer sources suggest that Apple has integrated generative AI into Siri using its Ajax-based model, providing natural conversation abilities and increased user personalization. This update will let Siri remember your conversations across all your devices and might include a cool Apple-specific feature. Apple is also working on connecting Siri to external services. We are also wondering what kind of improvements this will bring for using Siri with Apple Home. Exciting times ahead!
Aqara Launches Next-Gen M3 Hub in China with Enhanced Features
Aqara's long-awaited M3 hub, recently surfaced in China, brings significant upgrades over the M2. Functioning as a Zigbee 3.0 hub, Thread Border Router, and Matter Controller, it offers versatility in device compatibility. The M3 supports Bluetooth 5.1, facilitating Matter onboarding and Aqara's MagicPair technology. With an upgraded power port and the ability to migrate existing devices seamlessly, it caters to user convenience. While currently available in China with some price speculation, international release details are expected at CES 2024.
Shelly Group is coming to CES24 with a big lineup
Shelly Group, a European smart home developer, is set to showcase its latest IoT and smart building products at CES 2024. The company will unveil a range of Z-Wave-based smart plugs, controller modules, and smart switches under the Qubino Wave brand, along with a new lineup of Matter-compatible IoT devices powered by the Shelly Gen3 processor. One of the new products, the Shelly H&T Gen3, is a Wi-Fi smart sensor that tracks indoor temperature and humidity levels. More details, including pricing, will be announced during the event.
"Wood" you control your smart home with this?
Mui's second-generation Mui Board is a wooden, touch-sensitive surface that lets you control smart devices around your home. We absolutely adore the display graphics, and the little idle animations it displays. It works with Matter, and it has a Kickstarter early bird price of 499$.
A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Photovoltaic Cell Manufacturing
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have achieved a world first by manufacturing the first back-contact micrometric photovoltaic cells. The cells, with a size twice the thickness of a strand of hair, have significant advantages over conventional solar technologies, reducing electrode-induced shadowing by 95% and potentially lowering energy production costs by up to three times.
2023 Energy Market Recap: What You Need to Know
Last year the energy landscape witnessed notable shifts and challenges. Which technologies and shifts dominated the scene? From the impact of geopolitical events on gas supplies to the struggles of wind projects and the resurgence of interest in nuclear power. What about the dominance of subsidies in the US and EU, the pressing issue of grid connections, and the broader concerns about policy-driven security of energy supply? Explore the trends that shaped the energy market in 2023.
That wraps up the first week of 2024 in 1Home Digest.
We hope you enjoyed reading. See you next week!