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Smart technology with perfect styling Duravit’s focus is on comfort and added value for the user

Smart technology with perfect styling

Duravit’s focus is on comfort and added value for the user

As the world becomes ever more digital, innovative products that enhance the user’s comfort are also finding their way into the bathroom. This is the end product of a customer-focused research and development process that combines technology, functionality, and design in a meaningful way.

Individual mirror control
Gone are the days of users being dazzled by harsh light in front of the mirror. The mirrors from the Happy D.2 Plus and XViu series by sieger design offer practical control via icons on the mirror surface. Contactless operation of the illuminated symbols by “hovering” a finger over the desired icon (infra-red sensor): thanks to the universal symbols, operation is intuitive.

Aesthetically, the icons harmonize perfectly with the overall design of the mirror.
The LED lighting can be individually configured via the touchscreen. With a luminosity of up to 1000 lux, XViu allows continual adjustment of the light color from warm light at 2700 K to cold light at 6500 K. The integrated mirror heating, which keeps the mirror clear of fog at all times, is also controlled using the relevant icon.

The optional dual mirror sets from the Happy D.2 Plus series, also by sieger design, are a perfect blend of aesthetics and technology. Innovative wireless technology allows for synchronized adjustment of the settings for both mirrors. All technologies are subtly integrated within the mirror.

Mirrors from the White Tulip series are available in versions controlled by sensors or an app. The light temperature featuring a memory effect can be synchronized with other lamps connected in the living area and controlled via “Casambi”, an app that has established itself as a reference in smart homes control systems. This feature can be used to dim the mirrors and switch the mirror heating on and off.

Iconic design and hi-tech

The D.1 faucet range saw Duravit team up with Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez to create an iconic design. With the D.1e electronic version, extra state-of-the-art technology has been integrated into the accentuated design for even greater operating comfort. This variant offers the highest comfort and safety thanks to a range of functions. The flat operating button with the integrated LED colored ring is easy and intuitive to operate. A light tap starts or stops the flow of water, and a turn to the left or right alters the water temperature from cold to warm. With the continuous color display from blue to red, the LED ring also provides visual feedback.

Up to three temperature values can be individually stored and directly activated via the “Quick Access” feature. An electronic thermostat integrated into the control unit reacts sensitively to any change to the cold and warm water flow, so that the required temperature is automatically adjusted and kept constant. Additionally, the scald protection is preset at 38 degrees Celsius.

D.1e features a range of presets that can be configured easily and individually, for instance temperature limitation, maximum water flow time, hygiene interval, thermal disinfection, color selection for the ambient lighting on the LED illuminated ring.

Intuitive operation for perfect hygiene
SensoWash® is a by-word for contemporary, gentle, and flawless hygiene. The SensoWash® Starck f shower-toilet is iconic and minimalistic in equal measure. The design of the new shower-toilet generation bears the hallmark of star designer Philippe Starck. His mission: to make the most natural form of cleansing – with water – accessible to a broad public, to subtly integrate technology into the design, and to guarantee the highest level of comfort.

Users’ individual requirements were taken into account during product development – for example, the option to adjust the intensity and position of the spray arm. This function and others are managed using an innovative remote control. While the “Lite” version impresses with its elegantly restrained look, the premium version, SensoWash® Starck f Plus, stands out thanks to its sophisticated, streamlined design. In addition to operation via remote control, on this model, functions such as the water and seat temperature can also be configured using the app. Five different user profiles can be set up. The customer-oriented app enables quick and easy operation and reflects the stylish design of the shower-toilet.

The flush function and odor extraction system may also be controlled via remote control or app if the wall-mounted element, itself perfectly harmonized for SensoWash® Starck f by Duravit, is combined with the A2 electronic actuator plate. An ideal example of how Duravit deploys digital technologies to enhance and maximize comfort.

Duravit AG
Founded in 1817 in Hornberg in the Black Forest, Duravit AG is today a leading international manufacturer of designer bathrooms. The company is active in more than 130 countries worldwide and stands for innovation in the fields of signature design, comfort-enhancing technology and premium quality. In cooperation with an international network of high-profile designers such as Philippe Starck, sieger design, Christian Werner, Cecilie Manz and young talents such as Bertrand Lejoly and Kurt Merki Jr., the company develops unique bathrooms that enhance quality of life for users on a sustained basis. Duravit’s product portfolio comprises sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture, bathtubs and shower trays, wellness systems, shower-toilets, tap fittings and accessories as well as installation systems.

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Garmin expands its Approach® with a new lineup of GPS devices to help golfers improve their game

Garmin expands its Approach® with a new lineup of GPS devices to help golfers improve their game

Including the Approach S42 golf smartwatch, Approach S12 golf watch and Approach G12 GPS rangefinder

OLATHE, Kan./March 16, 2021/Business Wire – Garmin® International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced new additions to its popular Approach series of GPS golf products – the Approach S42 smartwatch, the Approach S12 watch, and the Approach G12 GPS rangefinder – all with more than 42,000 preloaded courses so golfers can walk onto any tee box with confidence. Across the board, the new Approach lineup offers exemplary battery life and supports connectivity with Garmin’s very own club tracking sensor and the Garmin golf app1 which makes it easier than ever to upload scorecards, review performance stats and much more.

  • With the Approach S42, golf with style and rely on smartwatch capabilities to easily transition on and off the course.
  • Avid players can rely on the easy-to-use Approach S12 and focus on a practical golf watch solution designed to obtain key yardages to the green, hazards, doglegs and more.
  • And with the Approach G12, players can glance at golf data – like distances to the green — from a compact GPS rangefinder that clips on to their pocket or golf bag.

“Garmin brings technology to the forefront with the new Approach product line to help golfers play their best game while staying competitive and connected within the golfing community,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “From smartwatches to GPS rangefinders, our latest Approach devices will also equip novice and veteran golfers alike with precision, style and attention to detail on every swing.”

Three of a kind 

The Approach S42, Approach S12, and Approach G12 share a host of features to benefit golfers of every skill level:

  • Link with the Garmin Golf™ app to participate in weekly leaderboards, tournaments, review live scoring, strokes gained analysis, automatic scorecard uploads and much more.
  • Pair with the optional Approach CT10 club sensors for automatic club tracking to see how far players hit each club.
  • Gain precise yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green, hazards, doglegs, layups and more, thanks to a built-in high sensitivity GPS that zeroes in on a player’s location.
  • Use the Green View feature to see each green’s true shape and to move the pin for better yardage accuracy, regardless of where a golfer is on the course.

Golf with style

The lightweight Approach S42 offers an easy-to-read 1.2-inch color touchscreen display with a sleek design that easily transitions from a daily timepiece to a comprehensive golf watch. Once on the course, golfers can rely on a loaded feature set that includes the AutoShot round analyzer to track and auto-record shot distances.2  Golfers can wear the smartwatch in and out of the golf course and peruse smart notifications3 and activity-tracking features4 that include steps, sleep, calories, vibration alerts, move bar and built-in sport profiles. Whether golfers are looking for style points or sportiness, switching bands is easy with the Approach S42’s quick release bands. Enjoy more time on the links thanks to the Approach S42’s versatile battery life that lasts up to 15 hours in GPS mode, and up to 10 days in smartwatch mode.

Ready to tee off 

Easy-to-use and practical for beginners and seasoned players alike, the Approach S12 includes interchangeable quick release bands and introduces a unique round watch design with a 1.3-inch sunlight-readable high-resolution display. Thanks to the new Big Numbers display mode, Approach S12 makes it easier than ever to read yardage numbers during play. When paired with the Garmin Golf app on a compatible smartphone, the Approach S12 wirelessly updates a player’s most frequently played golf courses for up-to-date course information. Golfers can confidently play round after round thanks to the Approach S12’s internal, rechargeable battery that lasts up to 30 hours in GPS mode.

Clip and play

Golfers can fine-tune their game with the Approach G12 GPS rangefinder featuring a thin, compact design with a 1.3-inch high-resolution sunlight readable display that lasts up to 30 hours on a single battery charge. Offering all the benefits included in the Approach S12, the versatile Approach G12 GPS rangefinder adds a built-in clip and a lanyard loop to securely attach the device to pockets or golf bags.

Available now, the Approach S42 GPS golf smartwatch has a suggested retail price of $299.99; the Approach S12 GPS golf watch has a suggested retail price of $199.99; and the Approach G12 GPS golf rangefinder has a suggested retail price of $149.99. To learn more about these products and Garmin’s full line of golf electronics, visit garmin.com/approach.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences and enrich lives, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at media.relations@garmin.com, or follow us at facebook.com/garmingolf, twitter.com/garmingolf, instagram.com/garmingolf or youtube.com/garmin.

1Requires app on your compatible smartphone.

2Lie and ball contact may affect shot tracking. Putts are not tracked. Some shots, particularly chip shots around the green, may not be tracked.

3When paired with a compatible smartphone; see Garmin.com/ble.

4See Garmin.com/ataccuracy; sleep tracking available when paired with your compatible smartphone; see Garmin.com/ble.

About Garmin International, Inc.

Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin is a registered trademark.

All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2019, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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GOOGLE – Need a better night’s sleep? Meet the new Nest Hub

GOOGLE – Need a better night’s sleep? Meet the new Nest Hub

A little over two years ago, I was part of the team that created Nest Hub, Google’s first smart display. Since then, we’ve been exploring ways to make these devices even more helpful. We know people already come to Google for information and tools to help them live healthier, happier lives, and we’ve specifically noticed more and more questions about sleep, exercise and health. So we decided to bring these kinds of solutions to our second-generation Nest Hub, while also improving what people already love about it.

Ashton Udall
Product Manager, Google Nest

Published Mar 16, 2021

The Nest Hub you love, but better

The new Nest Hub’s speaker is based on the same audio technology as Nest Audio and has 50 percent more bass than the original Hub. Fill any room with music, podcasts or audiobooks from services like YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music and Pandora — or enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies with a subscription from providers like Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube TV. With Quick Gestures, you can pause or play content at any time by tapping the air in front of your display.

Nest Hub has all the smarts and helpfulness of Google Assistant. And similar to Nest Mini and Nest Audio, it now comes with a dedicated on-device machine learning chip which moves some Assistant experiences from our data centers directly onto the device, so responses to common commands become faster over time (U.S. only).

The new Nest Hub also shows all your compatible connected devices in one place. And with a built-in Thread radio, Nest Hub will work with the new connectivity standard being created by the Project Connected Home over IP working group, making it even simpler to control your connected home.

New sleep features for better rest

The Nest Hub has always helped you tackle the day; now, it can help you rest well at night. Many of us don’t get enough sleep, which comes with some real risks.

As a father of two young kids, I’m especially passionate about sleep. I know I’m much more able to show up and connect with my family and the people in my life after a healthy amount of rest. In recent years, sleep trackers have become a popular solution. But we wanted to offer an alternative way for people who may not want to wear something to bed to understand their sleep.

We knew people felt comfortable with Nest Hub at their bedsides thanks to its camera-free design, so we went to work. The result is Sleep Sensing, an opt-in feature to help you understand and improve your sleep:

Understand your sleep: Sleep Sensing uses Motion Sense (powered by Soli low-energy radar technology) to analyze how the person closest to the display is sleeping, based on their movement and breathing — all without a camera or wearable. Sleep Sensing can also detect sleep disturbances like coughing and snoring or the light and temperature changes in the room with Nest Hub’s built-in microphones and ambient light and temperature sensors, so you can better understand what’s impacting your sleep.

Every morning you’ll receive a personalized sleep summary on your display, or you can view your sleep data anytime on the Nest Hub by asking, “Hey Google, how did I sleep?” Sleep Sensing can also connect to your Google Fit app on Android and iOS devices, so you can see your sleep summary alongside your other health and wellness information.

Get help for better sleep: Understanding your sleep is an important first step, but you may still have questions about what you can do to get better sleep. Sleep Sensing provides tailored bedtime schedules and personalized suggestions developed by a team of sleep scientists and using guidance from organizations like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Compiled after several nights of analysis, these suggestions point out notable aspects of your sleep, educate you on why they’re important and provide suggestions to improve.

Built with your privacy in mind: Sleep Sensing is completely optional with privacy safeguards in place so you’re in control: You choose if you want to enable it and there’s a visual indicator on the display to let you know when it’s on. Motion Sense only detects motion, not specific bodies or faces, and your coughing and snoring audio data is only processed on the device — it isn’t sent to Google servers. You have multiple controls to disable Sleep Sensing features, including a hardware switch that physically disables the microphone. You can review or delete your sleep data at any time, and consistent with our privacy commitments, it isn’t used for personalized ads.

Sleep Sensing on the second-gen Nest Hub is available as a free preview until next year. We’ll also be looking for ways to work with Fitbit’s sleep-tracking features in the future.

Even if you don’t enable Sleep Sensing, you can still fall asleep and wake up easier with Nest Hub. The display dims to make your bedroom more sleep-friendly, and the “Your evening” page helps you wind down at night with relaxing sounds. When it’s time to wake up, Nest Hub’s Sunrise Alarm gradually brightens the display and increases the alarm volume. If you need a few more ZZZs, use Motion Sense to wave your hand and snooze the alarm.

Sustainable design that matches any room

The new Nest Hub comes in a variety of colors to complement any room in the house: Chalk, Charcoal, Sand and the new Mist. It features an edgeless glass display that’s easy to clean and functions as a beautiful digital photo frame. And continuing our commitment to sustainability, Nest Hub is designed with recycled materials with its plastic mechanical parts containing 54 percent recycled post-consumer plastic.

The second-generation Nest Hub is $99.99 USD. It can be preordered online in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, France and Australia at the Google Store and other retailers starting today.

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LEVEL TOUCH – SMART LOCK

LEVEL TOUCH – SMART LOCK

It does all the things you expect from a smart lock — except look like one. Level’s new Touch lock hides all the necessary technology inside a traditional lock footprint, letting it blend seamlessly into any decor. As the name suggests, it can open with just a touch, as well as with a key card, traditional physical key, or via an app. HomeKit integration allows for remote operation and control, and simple installation instructions mean it can be set up using nothing more than a simple screwdriver.

Smart lock company Level, which made its name with the Level Bolt that fits most doors and doesn’t look like a smart lock, has added a new device to its lineup that takes the existing benefits of the Bolt and adds a key new one: capacitive touch. Despite that addition, the Level Touch still doesn’t resemble a smart lock. There’s no obvious place you need to touch, nor is there a keypad or other tell-tale sign this is no ordinary lock — once set up, users just touch a fingertip to the edge of the lock to unlock or lock it. The lock uses low energy Bluetooth to confirm that the person touching it also has an authenticated smartphone on their person.

The Level Touch also supports all of the other access methods you’d expect from a smart lock, including hotel-style programmable access cards, a smartphone app (Android or iOS), geo-fencing, and the ability to share timed access with people remotely. It’s that deep feature set, along with the understated design that offers no clues to the smartness contained within to the casual observer that goes some way to justifying the hefty price tag of $329.

That might be hard to stomach if you live alone in an apartment block, but could seem like decent value if you’ve got a big family, frequent visitors, or want to use the Level Touch for an Airbnb property.

SECRETLY SMART — Fingerprint support at this sort of price point is increasingly common in smart locks, but Level’s job of hiding its smartness is its unique selling point. Having a smart lock that makes it clear to anyone who cares to look that it’s a smart lock makes it more likely someone will try to meddle with it. By looking like a regular lock, the Level Touch is almost certainly more secure. To help it match your existing fixtures the smart lock is available in chrome, brass, nickel, or black.

Power comes from a CR2 battery that lives in the deadbolt, and that Level reckons ought to last a year between changes. You’ll be warned well in advance of the battery dying, and if it does, there’s always the option to go old school and, you know, use a physical key in the lock. Installation shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, and though you’ll likely be able to do it yourself, Level had partnered with a company called HelloTech that’ll assist for a fee if necessary.

In addition to geofencing that’ll trigger the lock when you or family members are a certain distance away, there’s also the option to set an auto-lock function after a pre-determined delay. The only problem with that is there’s no way of telling if the door’s accidentally been left ajar. Depending on your abode and housemates / family, that may not be a problem. Despite having no visible spring or other mechanism to thank / blame, for instance, my apartment’s door closes by itself if left to its own devices. I suspect it’s hung ever so slightly skew and gravity is to thank.

AT LEAST SOMEONE LOVES SIRI Our other concern with Level’s Touch (and the Bolt that preceded it, for that matter) is that though it offers support for voice commands and scheduled actions, these features are only supported for Apple’s HomeKit smart home platform, not for Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant. Most functionality is available via the Android app, but with the smart home platform market having settled on the three aforementioned purveyors, it’s frustrating that only Apple’s is supported.

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AXIS COMMUNICATION – How IP intercoms can enhance video surveillance systems

How IP intercoms can enhance video surveillance systems

 |  | Customer attitudes and demands have continued to shape the security sector, driving ongoing market and industry changes. As a result, new use cases have emerged for security and safety, related to building access, communication and control across a variety of sectors. These have set the scene for security professionals to rethink how intercom technology is being used, taking advantage of advanced capabilities to help intelligently support end users and system owners. This would span automated monitoring and remote management to convenient, safe and secure ways to grant access to premises.

Smart intercoms deliver value

IP intercoms continue to grow in popularity, due to the increased functionality they support. This is true for all segments of the market, from advanced enterprise level security systems to private residential properties. Integrating technology into IP intercoms ensures that organizations have the flexibility to incorporate the functions they need for their business, especially when it comes to remote access.

Contactless methods (for example, QR codes or Bluetooth) are becoming more popular due to concerns around health and hygiene. These also simplify operations by allowing the distribution of temporary access rights digitally, in contrast to manually handling physical keys or access cards, which can be time consuming and costly for security personnel.

Implementing intelligent video or audio analytics capabilities can further support security teams by detecting incidents and triggering actions. For example, if an unauthorized person enters a restricted area or loud voices (or even gun shots) are detected, the intercom can automatically alert security staff, start a video recording and play a deterring message.

When integrated with an access control system, a similar response can be triggered when someone has been denied access. This can be done directly from the intercom, provided it has a built-in camera. If additional identity verification is needed (for example, if an access card has been stolen and the individual is attempting to use it), then this can be done by visual inspection.

Improving efficiency and security for both residential and commercial premises

Security managers are tasked with monitoring multiple entrances to a premise and controlling entry, regardless of the type of property. This can be difficult to achieve manually, but IP intercoms allow security teams to manage visitors and maintain safety from a centralized location, which may even be off-premise.

For residential properties, IP intercoms can offer improved convenience through remote unlocking of doors for known visitors, such as couriers. Calls from visitors can be received on a dedicated answering unit in an apartment, on a tablet when sitting in the sofa or on your mobile device when at work, whatever is most convenient at the time.

It’s a similar scenario in professional environments, where it can also be integrated with the corporate phone system and answered on the normal reception phone, or even in the video management system on the screens in the security office.

Thinking beyond traditional applications

Outside of the more common door access role, organizations are becoming more aware of the benefits of IP intercoms. New cases are arising in a number of sectors, which require technology to support staff in remote monitoring and communication.

In the healthcare sector, patient monitoring can be challenging from both a staffing and personal safety point of view. This is especially true for busy medical facilities, where multiple patients may require intensive care by a reduced number of staff. IP intercoms can support medical professionals by allowing them to reliably monitor and communicate with more patients, using high-res imaging and bi-directional audio capabilities. In addition, this type of technology helps reduce patient contact, thereby mitigating exposure to infectious diseases and helping to conserve on personal protective equipment (PPE).

This remote approach is also seen in other sectors. For retailers, deliveries are always coming and going. Controlling building access can be time-consuming and inefficient for store staff, IP intercoms allow them to control access for visitors – especially delivery drivers needing to access loading bays – without interfering with or distracting from other tasks taking place during the working day.

In recent times, many organizations have changed their routines when it comes to working remotely or on-site. For schools, offices and industrial companies, keeping track of who is entering premises is more important than ever, when it comes to protecting assets and people, but also from a liability perspective. An intercom can allow organizations to handle and manage visitor access and can be an important tool for tracking activities and events should an incident occur.

Investing in IP intercom solutions yields rewards

As security and safety demands change, organizations are continuing to look for technology solutions which are intelligent and integrated. IP intercoms offer many functionalities, especially when incorporated with video surveillance, access control and audio capabilities. The flexibility that these systems offer allow organizations to use them in a way that suits their needs and specific use cases – even outside of traditional applications. Ultimately, implementing IP intercoms will help support different types of staff in a number of scenarios, allowing them to perform at a higher standard, while improving efficiencies.

Want to find out more about Axis’ network intercoms solutions?

Click here

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FLIR Systems Expands Quasar Visible Security Camera Offering with Premium Mini-Dome and Bullet Series

FLIR Systems Expands Quasar Visible Security Camera Offering with Premium Mini-Dome and Bullet Series

FLIR Systems today announced the availability of two premium visible-camera options as part of its full lineup of Quasar™ security cameras. Designed for use in demanding indoor and outdoor environments, the new FLIR Quasar Premium Mini-Dome and Quasar Premium Bullet deliver the forensic image quality, tight integration, and advanced cybersecurity features required for critical infrastructure sites, remote facilities, or large areas requiring close monitoring.

The new Quasar Premium lineup offers the highest quality video surveillance in the product family, delivering optimal performance for forensic review. The FLIR Quasar Premium Mini-Dome is available with 5MP HD or 4K Ultra-HD resolutions and the FLIR Quasar Premium Bullet series is available with 4MP Quad HD and 4K Ultra-HD resolutions, coupled with a variety of lens options for extended range performance for perimeter security. Both cameras have an SD-card for on-edge recording and redundancy, while also meeting the H.265 video compression standard to minimize network bandwidth and storage space.

Discreet Monitoring with FLIR Quasar Premium Mini-Dome Series

The versatile FLIR Quasar Premium Mini-Dome series is IP66 rated for dust and waterproof protection and can be ceiling- or wall-mounted in minutes. In no-light conditions, the unit can provide up to 40 meters of visibility via on-board near-infrared illumination. Improved three-shutter wide dynamic range (WDR) (130db) offers optimal light balance in scenarios with both light and dark spots. The camera has an IK10 vandal-proof rating and is available with an optional smoke bubble accessory used to obscure camera position.

FLIR Quasar Premium Bullet Series Provides Longer Range in Rugged Conditions

The FLIR Quasar™ Premium Bullet series is also IK10 vandal-proof and designed to be permanently installed, typically pole-mounted, for video surveillance. It covers up to 60 meters of visibility via on-board near-infrared Illumination and also features three-shutter WDR (130db).  The camera is IP67 rated for dustproof and waterproof protection, while offering extended operating temperature range from -40 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit) for use in extreme conditions.

Improved Security Without Sacrificing Flexibility

Similar to other Quasar products, the Quasar Premium Bullet and Premium Mini-Dome editions are National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)-compliant and include industry standard security protocols and additional cybersecurity enhancements. These features include unique protection from log-in attacks, hardware and software authentication, and encrypted communication to help keep facilities safe from cyber threats. They maintain open platform compatibility and can be used with a large variety of third-party VMS solutions or FLIR United VMS. They also include bi-directional audio and operator control of input/output devices for remote monitoring and responding to events.

To further lower the cost of ownership and ease of installation, the cameras include the FLIR accessory and mounting ecosystem. The cameras support the 1G network for better streaming and reduced bandwidth issues. Both cameras also include customized video flow options for live and recorded video, including frames-per-second output adjustment and encoding for extra streams.

The Quasar Premium Bullet and Quasar Premium Dome editions are available for purchase globally from FLIR or authorized distributors. Visit www.flir.com/visible-security for more details about the new series along with the complete lineup of FLIR visible surveillance and perimeter intrusion detection products.

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Intelligent Smart Home systems for the building owners of tomorrow, networked by specialist partners

Intelligent Smart Home systems for the building owners of tomorrow, networked by specialist partners

Are you looking to enter the Smart Home market and are you seeking up-to-date solutions that can be easily adapted to your customers’ individual requirements? Gira Smart Home products can fulfil these requirements. Smart home networking offers the electrical trade the opportunity to make its customers’ households fit for the future, while at the same time opening up new customer potential.

Gira Smart Home boasts the following features:

Can be personalised

Can be extended at a later date

Available as a wireless system or as a cable-connected KNX solution

Solutions available for new and old buildings

Professional system integrators offer installation support

Gira Smart Home will increase your sales. Reap the benefits of this future-proof system and successfully enter a lucrative growth market.

The future is smart: Intelligent Smart Home systems from Gira are revolutionising building technology

With Gira Smart Home products the desire for a networked home can be easily fulfilled. Whether your customers are planning a new build or living in an old building: Both wired and wireless solutions can be used to combine lighting, heating, blinds and audio control in a single system in almost any property. Two options are available for networking rooms:

The Gira eNet SMART HOME system

A stable, reliable and secure wireless system for existing and new buildings

Blinds, lighting, heating and timers can be individually configured, together with if-then rules

Future-proof wireless system based on manufacturer-independent industry standard

The Gira KNX system

Enables networking in accordance with the KNX standard for building automation

Flexible extension and an almost endless range of programming possibilities

Integrates, among other things, blinds, lighting, heating, door intercoms, cameras, alarm and audio systems and systems for sanitary, kitchen and entertainment areas

www.gira.com
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MIKE BLACKMAN: ISE REMAINS SCHEDULED FOR 1-4 JUNE

MIKE BLACKMAN: ISE REMAINS SCHEDULED FOR 1-4 JUNE

ISE MD Mike Blackman responds to the announcement by AVIXA that the InfoComm 2021 show is set to take place in Orlando in October 2021.

Dear ISE community,

Following today’s announcement that the InfoComm 2021 show will now take place in Orlando in October 2021, we want to confirm that Integrated Systems Europe, remains scheduled to open live and online on 1-4 June 2021 in its new home at the Fira Barcelona.

Whilst we recognise there continue to be challenges ahead, we are in touch with government and the relevant health authorities to constantly monitor the situation. None of us can predict how the situation will look in June, but we are hopeful that by the second quarter of 2021 we will see the world return to a new ‘normal’ with vaccines being rapidly delivered in many countries around the world.

We understand our exhibitors and partners need to make commitments that will incur cost and we do not wish to burden them unnecessarily. For this reason, if circumstances impact our ability to host an in-person event and we are forced to cancel this element of ISE, we will make this decision by 1 March.

With the backdrop of the global pandemic, our priority in recent months has been devising the means to deliver a safe and secure event for all exhibitors and visitors and we have been working closely with the City of Barcelona, the venue and relevant authorities.

In early January, Fira de Barcelona received the ‘Safe Travels’ stamp, an internationally recognised endorsement from the World Travel Tourism Council (WTTC), developed in collaboration with the specialist risk management consultancy Aon and the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona.

ISE has also published A Guide to Safe Visiting, outlining the safe practice protocols that have been put in place with the Fira Gran Vía to ensure that the visitor experience is safe and secure. The guide can be located here.

Looking ahead to June, we can confirm that today, over 37,000 sqm of space is signed up with just under 700 exhibitors confirmed and new companies continuing to book their place on the floorplan.

Next week sees online visitor registration open, coming at a time when we realise the industry is keen to ‘get back to work’ in the second half of the year. Feedback from our recent customer research shows that the industry is looking forward to meeting as soon as the situation allows and we are currently updating the research to measure current sentiment amongst both our exhibitors and visitors.

In a time where many of our industry colleagues are suffering financially or have lost their jobs or businesses, we at ISE are striving to do everything we can to contribute to the industry getting back on its feet.

I would personally like to thank all our customers, partners and colleagues within the industry which we serve and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Thank you,

Mike Blackman
Managing Director
Integrated Systems Europe

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How hard should it be to design a surveillance system?
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How hard should it be to design a surveillance system?

How hard should it be to design a surveillance system?

System integrators and designers are creating complete network surveillance solutions, using only Axis hardware and software. It’s an approach that improves efficiency and reliability in the design stage, as well as simplifying purchasing and installation.

A surveillance solution from Axis can be anything from a simple six camera set-up to a multi-site operation with hundreds of cameras and accessories. Whether it’s a small system or a big one, the designers are likely to be individuals with strong technical knowledge. And more often than not, they just want their tools to do their job as efficiently as possible.

As Business Development Manager at Axis, Mitch Mershon spends enough time with system integrators and designers to have a good idea of what they want. Most of the time it’s fairly straightforward: to be able to get on with their job.

“More experienced system integrators have really latched on to AXIS Site Designer, because it makes them more efficient. Instead of moving from website to website, finding the right equipment and checking their compatibility, they can get everything from one place – cameras, software, recorders, accessories, everything. For a lot of people, it means that they can design two sites a day when previously they might only have done one.”

Validated solutions

This efficiency comes, in part, from reliability. The combinations that can be put together on AXIS Site Designer have all been tested and validated to make sure that they work together. That means that system integrators don’t have to waste time checking compatibility, or even worse, purchasing unsuitable components.

“Even the most experienced system integrators will occasionally use a new product for the first time,” Mitch says. “AXIS Site Designer’s great in those situations because it removes any doubts about whether that product will work alongside the rest of the software and hardware. Even something as simple as a mount for a camera – AXIS Site Designer tells you if they’re going to fit together and takes any guesswork out of the equation.”

One device, one license…that’s all you need to know

At the heart of any good surveillance system you’ll find reliable video management software (VMS). AXIS Companion and AXIS Camera Station are easy-to-operate VMS options that bring together surveillance systems and get the most out of every component. One of the things that makes these VMS platforms so straightforward throughout the design, installation and operation stages, is their licensing structure.

“From a licensing perspective, we’ve made it just about as simple as it’s possible to make it,” explains Mitch. “You need one license per device, and that’s really all you need to know. We don’t use tiered pricing to limit functionality, so from day one, your license gets you access to everything. There’s no recurring fees or upgrade fees – our licenses are perpetual and will stay in place for as long as your system keeps going. The end-users appreciate having access to every function and application like this, and it definitely makes life a lot easier for site designers.”

Gather and share all information in one place

Devising an end-to-end solution in this way also makes it easy to produce all the documentation that system integrators need. On the customer side, AXIS Site Designer auto-generates everything from quotes to maps to bandwidth storage estimates. These can be important for the customer once their system is installed, but they can also be great sales tools, helping potential customers to visualize the coverage their new system will provide.

AXIS Site Designer’s documentation also makes purchasing more efficient. It automatically creates a bill of materials that can be exported and sent to the distributor, cutting out a process where errors might otherwise take place.

“It might sound like a small thing,” Mitch explains, “but purchasing can be a pain. If you have to produce a bill of materials with a long list of products, all with long product names, it’s really easy to make a few typing mistakes along the way. AXIS Site Designer just takes that task out of your hands, so the whole purchasing process becomes a lot smoother.”

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LG WATER heater delivers ultra efficient eco friendly performance with award Winning Design

LG WATER HEATER DELIVERS ULTRA EFFICIENT, ECO-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE WITH AWARD-WINNING DESIGN

Inverter Compressor Boosts Heating Performance and Lowers Energy Consumption While Smart Features Deliver Enhanced Convenience

SEOUL, Dec, 2020 — LG Electronics (LG) will be presenting its advanced, energy-saving Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater at CES® 2021. A CES Innovation Award-winner, the new model is powered by LG’s renowned DUAL Inverter Compressor, which promotes fast and effective water heating, all the while delivering lower electricity consumption and running costs. What’s more, the highly efficient and durable smart appliance is compatible with the LG ThinQ™ app for convenient control from inside or outside the home.

LG’s DUAL Inverter Compressor heats water using condensation heat generated in the process of compressing and circulating refrigerant. The result is a water heater that uses up to 74 percent less energy to operate annually than a conventional electric water heater.1 The new product will be available in 200-liter and 270-liter capacity versions, featuring impressive energy efficiency ratings of A+ and A++, respectively.2 What’s more, the highly durable compressor and water tank are covered by a 10-year warranty. LG’s efficient system utilizes heat from the air to further reduce electricity usage, while its two internal heat sources – heat pump and heater – ensure that users will never have to go without hot water even in times of heavy use.

The smart Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater is Wi-Fi-enabled, allowing it to work seamlessly with LG’s mobile ThinQ app, available on both Android and iOS devices.3 With the app, home

owners can manage and monitor the system remotely, receive regular maintenance reminders and diagnose certain issues without having to call customer service. Users can also check the water temperature in real-time and use the scheduling function to set the time and duration of operation.

“The new LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater reflects our commitment to offering high- performance products that have less impact on household energy expenses and on the planet,” said Lyu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “LG will continue to develop environmentally-responsible solutions that make daily life more comfortable for consumers worldwide.”

A winner of every major product design award – iF Design, Red Dot, IDEA – this product has a sleek, modern style in line with LG’s latest premium home appliances and is easy to install as well. The LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater will be available in markets throughout Europe and North America beginning in the first quarter of 2021 and will be on display in LG’s CES 2021 virtual exhibition booth starting January 11.

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1 Based on internal simulation data of daily electricity consumption under EU-average climate conditions, annual electricity consumption was 74 percent lower with the 270-liter LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater when compared to a C-class general electric water heater.

2 Energy efficiency was tested in a non-heated space at 15 degrees Celsius according to EN16147 with load profile L.

3 LG ThinQ app compatibility not available in all markets.

 

www.lg.com

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