Smart Home World November 2022 Edition

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CONTENTS

Cover Story

Overview on Matter the new opensource protocol.

Feature

The latest Routers support a wide range of Apps, are simple to set up and provide out-of-the-box solutions. Continue reading to stay updated on current technological advancements.

Case Study

Mihir Shah, Founder & Director, Light And Magic Automation provides, high-tech and customised lighting solutions for Jain mandir in Dharampur that dramatically enhance the built environment.

Interview

Martin Ku, Regional Director for APAC at Devialet, shares his vision of redefining audio experiences and their innovative range.

Ar. Ashish Bahal, Partner, Lucent Worldwide, discussed the importance of a proper lighting system in our homes and the need for awareness of new technologies.

Guest Article

‘India’s ‘Semiconductor Mission’ could be the watershed moment for the Indian Smart Homes Market’ writes Anirudh Bhaskaran, Frost Smart Home.

Product in Spotlight

The recently launched Carolieto Shower Engine is an engineering marvel. Read on to know more…

Onetouch offers an intelligent security solution for villas, high-end homes, and multi-dwelling spaces.

News

Latest updates on all the latest products launched in various sections like lighting, home automation, digital doors, and speakers to name a few.

FROM THE EDITOR

Are you ready to adapt Matter, a single universal Protocol? Those who have been combining systems like Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit, etc. are aware of the difficulties encountered when some items can only be managed by one platform or the other. It entails using different voice assistants and Apps, which might be confusing to friends and family who don’t understand why your HomePod can’t switch on all of your smart plugs. All your issues will now be resolved by Matter. We at Smart Home World have compiled insightful information on Matter that will address all of your queries.

In response to reader requests, we have a feature story on the newest improved Routers, which are not only svelte in appearance but also supported by a broad variety of Apps, easy to set up and offer solutions right out of the box.

This issue features the stunning Jain Mandir, a building belonging to the Shrimad Rajchandra Mission in Dharampur. Lighting plays a significant part in enhancing the overall ambiance and provides this temple with an energy-efficient solution. The lighting design for this project, which is an architectural marvel of the modern day, was created by Mihir Shah, the Founder and Director of Light and Magic Automation, which also won the Smart Space Awards 2022 at the Smart Home Expo 2022.

Enjoy reading as the entire team of Smart Home World is working towards adding a few more sections to offer our readers a balanced edition each month.

Inviting Brands, Store Owners and System Integrators to showcase their projects in Smart Home World. Send us your videos and images at: sandeep@smarthomeworld.in

Chief Editor: Swati Balgi swati@smarthomeworld.in

Tech Journalist: Sunny Sawant sunny@smarthomeworld.in

Marketing Head: Sandeep Singh sandeep@smarthomeworld.in

Assistant Manager - Sales: Monika Agnihotri monika@smarthomeworld.in

Published by: WORLD MEDIA & EXPO LLP. 505, D-Definity, Jay Prakash Road no.1, Goregaon(East), Mumbai- 400063 | www.smarthomeworld.in

Smart Home World thanks the various companies that have submitted information. For any editorial submissions, please contact Ms. Swati Balgi, Editor, at swati@smarthomeworld.in. The information published in News, Ongoing Trends and Product Gallery is as per the details furnished by the respective manufacturer/distributor. It does not reflect the views of Smart Home World or of the management of WORLD MEDIA & EXPO LLP.

SWATI BALGI

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Connecting Homes with Matter

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For those who have been following smart automation technologies closely, you have undoubtedly been reading about Matter, an open-source protocol, for a while now. Finally, there is good news: Matter has been officially launched.

For those few who are not well-versed with Matter. It is high time you brush up your knowledge on Matter, as this will soon be a universal standard for things smart home.

A brief history of the Journey so far…

On May 11, 2021, the Zigbee Alliance, a group comprising technology companies that develop, maintain, and

apply global standards for the Internet of Things (IoT), announced the renaming of the organisation to the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). It also announced that the Matter Standard, the latest protocol from the Connected Home Over IP (CHIP) project, was being developed.

On October 4, 2022, the international community announced the release of the Matter 1.0 specification and certification programme. This marked the beginning of a new era for IoT all over the globe.

reference design Software Development Kit (SDK), was made accessible in order to bring new, creative products to market.

At the press conference, Tobin Richardson, President and CEO of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, explaining the importance said “What started as a mission to unravel the complexities of connectivity has resulted in Matter, a single, global IP-based protocol that will fundamentally change the IoT industry”

Matter— The Foundation of Connected Things

In December 2019, Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung SmartThings, and the Zigbee Alliance announced that will work together on Project Connected Home over IP.

Layered Architecture

The result was the creation of Matter--a unified, opensource application-layer connectivity standard that would help developers and device makers connect and build safer ecosystems, and also make connected home devices work with each other. It was built with Internet Protocol (IP) and works with both Wi-Fi and Thread networks.

Matter is a royalty-free connectivity standard that makes it easier for smart home products to work together. Its main design principle is security. Matter simplifies development for manufacturers and increases compatibility for consumers. By building on Internet Protocol (IP), Matter makes it possible for smart home devices, mobile Apps, and cloud services to talk to each other. It also lists a set of IP-based networking technologies that devices must use in order to be certified.

All the information needed to build an application and transport layer stack for Matter is explained in the Matter specification. This will guide the implementers.

Matter aims to build a universal IPv6-based communication protocol for smart home devices. The protocol specifies the application layer that will be deployed on devices and the different link layers that will help them keep working together. The following diagram illustrates the normal operational mode of the stack:

Matter Protocol Stack:

The architecture is split into layers to help separate the different tasks and give the different parts of the protocol stack a good level of encapsulation. The vast majority of interactions flow through the stack, as captured in the following figure:

The Application layer corresponds to the high order business logic of a device. For example, an application that is focused on lighting might contain logic to handle turning On/Off a light bulb, as well as its colour characteristics.

Data Model: The data layer is where the data and verb (action) elements that help the application work are stored. When the application wants to interact with the device, it uses these data structures.

Interaction Model: The Interaction Model layer describes how a client device and a server device can talk to each other. For example, the behaviour of an application on a server device would be affected by reading or writing attributes on that device. The elements defined at the data model layer are affected by these interactions.

Action Framing: Once an action is constructed using the Interaction Model, it is serialized into a prescribed packed binary format to encode for network transmission. This process is handled in the Action Framing layer.

Security: The encoded action frame is then sent down to the security layer, which encrypts and signs the payload to make sure that both the sender and receiver of a packet can trust the data.

Message Framing & Routing: When an interaction is encrypted and signed, the Message Layer builds the payload format with required and optional header fields that describe the properties of the message and how it should be sent.

IP Framing & Transport Management: After the final payload is built, it is sent to the underlying transport protocol so that IP can handle the data.

Matter Certified Products

All the information about a certain type of device is stored in the top (application) layer of the protocol stack. If the device is a temperature sensor, for example, this is where the reading of the temperature would be set. This application layer has different profiles for different kinds of devices, like window break sensors, thermostats, door locks, coffee makers, and more. In this layer, commands like “turn on” or “turn off” are sent.

The Data Model structure comes next. This is where data from applications are organised. Then the interaction model layer defines the actions taken by the Data Model layer, such as changing the light dimming level so if anything changes it will be updated.

The Action Framing layer describes the bits and bytes of how those actions are put on the network. The Security level provides encryption, signing and authentication as well as confidentiality and protection for all the layers. The message is then framed and routed across the network via IP. Transport Management ensures that the message is delivered. If it did not get through, it is resent until it is acknowledged.

The Matter protocol stack and its open-source reference implementation are designed to work with any type of application in the smart home. Instead of being limited to just lights or a smart TV, Matter can work with any application and run on almost any hardware or operating system.

The open-source Matter software library is designed to be highly portable even working on the lowestlevel devices with minimal overhead. The stack and implementation are open to anyone royalty-free and are based on the market-tested technologies known to the contributors. Apple, Amazon, Google and many others have contributed their code and concepts to make this approach work well for device makers and consumers.

How Matter Benefits End-Users

The goal of the standard is to make all smart home devices interoperable. This means that if a user buys a product with the Matter logo, they can use it with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, or any other ecosystem that meets the standard.

Users can connect any and all products bearing the Matter logo, they can use it with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, or any or any other ecosystem meeting the standard.

In a typical scenario, a user can bring a new product home and use a smartphone to scan the Quick Response (QR) code attached to the back of the product. This QR code, which is unique to that device, identifies the device and makes it possible to talk securely.

Pressing the pairing button on the device tells it to start the installation. With this prompt, the smartphone establishes a secured connection to the device using the cryptographic information included in its scanned QR code, verifies the device to determine that it really is Matter certified, determines what kind of device it is (e.g., a coffeemaker), and then sends all the necessary information (Wi-Fi passwords and more) needed for the coffeemaker to join the network.

This includes providing a new set of credentials for the coffeemaker so it can communicate securely with anything else in the smart home. The coffeemaker can now securely communicate with a smart speaker (e.g., Alexa) and can initiate a specific brewing process when

commanded with a voice prompt (Alexa, make me coffee)

The goal of Matter is that if a user buys two Mattercertified devices, they will actually work together. By meeting this goal, consumers will have confidence in their purchases, and manufacturers.

“Matter makes it easier for a consumer to experiment and enter the smart home market,” says Michelle Mindala-Freeman, Head of Marketing & Member Services, CSA. “It promises three big benefits for consumers firstly greater choice in the products and ecosystems they can use, secoundly a simplified user experience and last but not the least it is a cost-effective solution.

Before Matter Multi Admin Control

After Matter Multi Admin Control

But the benefits don’t end there. Matter will also enhance the experience of smart homes in the following ways:

Local Control: A major advantage is that rather than interacting with the servers of each device manufacturer via the internet, users can operate their gadgets directly from within their own home network. As a result, controlling functions like lighting in your smart home, such as turning them On or Off, can be quicker and continue to function even if your internet connection goes down. Thanks to the decentralised nature of the Matter standard, users won’t have to worry about their gadgets being useless if the company that produced them goes out of business or decides to shut down its servers.

Matter Multi-Admin Control: Matter also allows users to control devices via multiple smart home systems at the same time through its Multi-Admin feature. That means users can turn on their lights from the SmartThings App, dim them by asking Alexa on an Amazon Echo speaker, and then turn them Off from the Apple Home app. There isn’t a hard limit to the number of different systems users can have running at the same time.

Security Concepts for the Smart Home

As these smart home systems and devices continue to get better, so do cyberattacks on them. And the risks are significant, like product malfunctions caused by remote control, DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, data and privacy breaches, theft of intellectual property, potential harm to humans, etc. Fortunately, guidelines such as Proven Device Identity/Device Authenticity, Secure Communication, and Access Control have emerged that may be used to protect IoT devices.

Matter Security Principles

Matter addresses security as a fundamental principle. Matter functional security has been characterised by the following five characteristics:

Strong: Matter uses a number of cutting-edge security methods. Matter uses a strong set of cryptographic techniques that have been well-tested and are standard.

AES in CCM mode is used for confidentiality and integrity with 128-bit keys.

AES in CTR mode is used for protecting identifiers to preserve privacy.

SHA-256 is used for integrity and ECC with the “secp256r1” curve for digital signatures and key exchanges, standard key derivation schemes and truly random number generators.

On top of this crypto suite, Matter relies on standard passcode-based session and certificate-based establishment protocols to establish secure sessions for onboarding, attestation, and operation.

In addition, Matter adopts the very strong concept of device attestation that implements the core concept that a Matter device cannot join a Matter fabric unless proven genuine.

To guarantee a uniform and compliant ecosystem, Matter also extends the CSA Distributed Compliance Ledger technology to Matter devices to provide an interoperable platform that allows Matter commissioner devices to check on whether the other Matter devices have been certified.

Easy To Use: Matter security is designed to make smart devices easier for device makers to implement and for consumers to use. For each functional security aspect, the Matter core specification includes examples and test vectors. Matter reference implementations, which are available to all manufacturers through a GitHub repository, include a software implementation of Matter’s functional security that is made up of separate modules. Customers who buy Matter devices won’t have to worry about security because it’s already there.

Resilient: Matter security is resilient - it’s designed to protect, detect and recover. Matter provides more than one way to perform certain operations.

Matter is the foundation for connected things, an industry-unifying standard to deliver reliable, seamless and secure connectivity.

Several approaches to stop the most common DoS attacks have been built into the Matter definition. The Matter protocols have been set up to work even when devices are sleeping or when group communications are being used. Matter also suggests firmware integrity attestation, which gives a measured boot and attested

Matter Security Principles

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Matter Certification

Agile: With crypto-flexibility in mind, Matter can address new developments and threats. Matter is built in such a way that new cryptographic measures can be added to future versions of Matter specification without having to change the whole specification. The modular design of the protocols also makes it possible to replace some of the old protocols with new protocols if future security risk and threat analyses show that Matter should be updated to use new protocols.

Matter Privacy Principles

Data Privacy is an important requirement of all systems that handle personal information and Matter is no exception. Data privacy is ingrained in Matter and serves as a foundational concept for all protocols and interaction methods.

Complete adherence to these principles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and subsequent privacy regulations in other parts of the world, requires the support of the Matter standard protocols and all the supporting environments and infrastructure in which Matter devices live and operate. This is because data privacy requirements are aimed at protecting the privacy of individuals whose data is being consumed and transacted by the system of interest, and Matter protocols by design do not directly handle humanrelevant information, but only information about and from interacting devices and software agents.

Platform Security

Depending on the targeted application, each Matter device implements an application layer on top of a Matter-enabled software stack, and this combination runs on a hardware platform. The hardware platform is

typically an MCU, secure MCU, or SoC with an optional companion secure element, and provides core security services (APIs) available for the other software layers.

Security services such as cryptographic primitives, random number generation, secured cryptographic key storage, or even tamper resistance are then provided by the platform with a variable level of (proven) robustness against attacks depending on the platform.

Matter leaves room for the device manufacturer to select the appropriate platform security related to the risk and threat analysis of the use cases associated with their devices, as long as it does not endanger the ease of use and functionality of Matter devices.

The device manufacturer can then select the platform that best matches their needs in terms of cost, security services, and robustness against attacks, in order to concentrate on the development of their dedicated application layer while the root security services are supported by the selected platform. To illustrate this, a door lock in a public area should resist remote network attacks but may also require a tamper-resistant platform due to the threats inherent to the product use case, while tamper resistance for a light bulb inside a home area may not be necessary.

Device manufacturers can benefit from easier integration with shorter development time, and trusted security services on which to rely with strong technical support from the platform vendor. This modular approach enhances maintainability since any evolution of the cryptographic suite or robustness requirements that may be introduced in future Matter revisions can be partly or entirely managed by the platform vendor (e.g. through field update), with little impact for the device manufacturer and seamlessly from the user point of view.

The choice is left to the device manufacturer to use a Matter-ready hardware platform (i.e., with security services matching Matter needs) or to implement the needed low-level security features themselves on a more generic platform.

Matter Certification

When it comes to obtaining Matter certificates, manufacturers essentially have two options: set up their own trusted root to issue device certificates or purchase certificates from an existing root in the Matter-trusted root store.

The CSA is working to define the process for submitting and accepting roots into their trust store. However, the process for acceptance into the root store will not be easy. Trusted roots will need to meet high standards and rigorous qualifications to be accepted. The website of Digicert, a digital certification and security firm, states two ways to get certified.

Option 1: Set up your own trusted root

To become a Matter-compliant Certificate Authority (CA), there are a few things to do. Operators of these roots need to meet certain requirements and do regular audits to ensure to meet certain requirements and do regular audits to make sure the highest levels of trust can be kept. Once your CA is set up, it will need to be regularly checked, updated, and managed.

Also, the Matter specification is at version 1.0 right now, with the idea that functionality will change over time. This means that root operators will need to be flexible and keep up to date if they want to keep things running smoothly. Also, manually managing a certificate’s lifecycle can lead to mistakes that cost money and hurt your reputation. DIY may seem like a way to save money, but the time and effort it takes to manage and the damage that can happen if you don’t do it right, can cost much more.

The second approach is to partner with an existing CA with a Matter-trusted root.

A far easier way to obtain Matter-trusted device certificates is to use an existing trusted root. A managed (Public Key Infrastructure) PKI service will allow faster time to market, more straightforward scalability and consultation from PKI experts. Using a private CA will offer manufacturers adopting Matter the scalability and automation capabilities they need.

In summary, using a managed PKI service is much more affordable in the long run and will be easier to set up and manage. When manufacturers choose to partner with a Matter-trusted issuing CA, they can save time, money and headache while getting Matter-trusted devices on the market faster.

Matter Certified Router.

Advantages of Product Certification:

Clearly and independently indicates interoperability with products from the world’s leading brands

• Lowers barriers to market entry with access to a vast technology ecosystem

• Confirms compliance with Connectivity Standards Alliance specifications with testing from experienced professionals

The Path to product certification consists of three phases:

1. Product development

2. Certification testing at an Authorized Test Provider

3. Application for certification with the Alliance

After your product certification is approved, companies will receive a formal certificate from the Alliance and may immediately begin using the Certified Product logo. Matter products will also receive a Certification Declaration (CD) blob file and a certified product record entered in the Distributed Compliance Ledger (DCL). Issued certifications remain valid for the lifetime of the product, which becomes immediately eligible to be listed on the Connectivity Standards Alliance database of Certified Products.

Matter Certified Smart Lock.

Google

Matter Compatible Products from Major Brands

Google Home App: Google’s new and improved Home App takes a big step towards a smart home that reflects your unique needs and is easy to navigate. Whether one has a few smart lights or they are a smart home enthusiast with dozens of Connected devices, the Google Home app will improve every smart home experience. The new App will be available in Public Preview first so users can test out the latest features and share feedback.

FEATURES: 1. Fast Pair with Matter: With Fast Pair for Matter, devices will literally become plugand-play. Your Android phone will automatically detect a Matter device and help you securely set it up quickly. With the launch of Matter support by Google later this year, billions of Android devices will automatically be able to set up Matter and link Apps. With new over-the-air updates, Matter devices will also be controlled by existing Google Nest smart speakers, smart displays, and routers.

Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro 6E: Each Nest Wi-Fi Pro can accommodate nearly every connected device in a typical home and it has the speed and capacity to handle several high-bandwidth activities at the same time, like taking video calls while watching 4K videos and streaming your security cameras. One router has the power to cover up to 2,200 square feet alone.

FEATURES→ Nest Wi-Fi Pro includes a built-in Thread border router so users can connect all their Thread smart devices to their home network — and save energy, thanks to Thread’s low power mesh. Users will also be able to use their Nest Wi-Fi

Pro router as a Matter hub, too. It will control and connect to all their Matter-enabled devices, making it that much easier to manage and add devices to your smart home in the future.

“From the start Google has been committed to Matter and making the smart home easier for more people. In addition to developing this open standard, we’re also launching Fast Pair for millions of Android devices and are working hard to make our Nest devices Matter controllers,” said Karen Yao, Director of Product Management, Google Home. “As we look to what’s next, we’re excited to work with our partners across the industry to help make the smart home as simple as turning on a light switch.”

The New Google Home App which Supports the Matter Standard

Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro 6E

Matter over WiFi for Echo Devices

Matter Support Rollout: During the Matter launch celebration earlier this year in Amsterdam, Amazon announced plans to bring Matter to Amazon devices, as well as important Matter partnerships with other device makers. Amazon will focus on delivering a high-quality customer experience starting with Matter over Wi-Fi to select Echo devices and Amazon smart Plugs, Switches, and Bulbs with Android setup this year, before expanding to more operating systems, smart home products, and devices in the future.

FEATURES→ Customers can mix and match more than 30,000 devices with the Works with Alexa badge (WWA), which gives them confidence that the device has been tested and certified to work with Alexa. These devices use a wide spectrum of wireless protocols including Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Bluetooth Low Energy. Soon Matter will join them. Together with the Matter announcement, Amazon introduced new WWA certification requirements for Matter devices. They will help support innovation and choice and improve the reliability and functionality of connected devices. “As services like Alexa continue driving rapid smart home adoption, Matter presents a new

opportunity to further simplify development for device makers and add to the customer experience of smart home devices from a range of different companies and brands,” said Marja Koopmans, Director of Smart Home & Health at Amazon. “As an Alliance board member, founding company and long-time contributor to Matter, we look forward to introducing this open standard to over 100 million Echo and eero devices to make it easier for customers to set up and control their Matter-certified smart home devices.”

Alexa Connect Kit SDK for Matter: During Alexa Live 2022, Amazon announced the Alexa Connect Kit SDK for Matter. Developers and device makers will be able to easily add local Matter connectivity to their devices while benefiting from the unique insights and capabilities provided by managed cloud connectivity.

FEATURES→ ACK SDK for Matter provides a simplified path to commercialization, actionable product insights for better customer experiences, seamless delivery of new features and missioncritical software updates, and includes features such as Frustration-Free Setup.

Nordic Semiconductors

Nordic Thingy53

nRF Connect SDK: nRF Connect SDK is a scalable and unified software development kit for building products based on all Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52, nRF53 and nRF91 Series wireless devices. It offers developers an extensible framework for building size-optimized software for memoryconstrained devices as well as powerful and complex software for more advanced devices and applications.

FEATURES→ For developing Bluetooth Low Energy, Thread, Zigbee and Matter products, the nRF Connect SDK contains all needed software, including protocol stacks. nRF Connect SDK also offers a unique integration of the HomeKit Accessory Development Kit for developing products using both HomeKit over Thread and HomeKit over Bluetooth Low Energy. It is a highly optimized solution that enables battery-powered products with both the HomeKit Accessory Protocol (HAP) and application firmware running on a single chip. nRF Connect SDK offers a single code base for all devices and software components. It simplifies porting modules, libraries and drivers from one application to another, thus reducing development time. By enabling developers to pick and choose the essential software components for their application, high memory efficiency is guaranteed.

Nordic Thingy:53

The Nordic Thingy:53™ is an easy-to-use IoT prototyping platform. It makes it possible to create prototypes and proofs of concept without building custom hardware. The Thingy:53 is built around the nRF5340 SoC, Nordic’s flagship dual-core wireless

SoC. The processing power and memory size of its dual Arm Cortex-M33 processors enables it to run embedded machine learning (ML) models directly on the device.

FEATURES→ The nRF Edge Impulse app enables users to connect their Nordic Thingy:53 to their Edge Impulse studio account through a mobile device. It allows them to wirelessly transfer sensor data over Bluetooth LE to the mobile device and upload it to the cloud for training and download trained ML models to the Thingy:53 for deployment and inferencing.

The Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) radio allows updating firmware and communication over Bluetooth LE, and the radio also supports other protocols like Bluetooth mesh, Thread, Zigbee, and proprietary 2.4 GHz protocols. The Thread protocol compatibility also makes it a great choice when developing products for the new Matter ecosystem. Matter is a standardized application layer for connected home applications, using the Internet Protocol (IP) as the network layer.

The Thingy:53 also includes many different integrated sensors, like environmental, colour and light sensors, accelerometers, and a magnetometer, which all can be taken advantage of without additional hardware.

According to a press release by Nordic Semiconductor, Geir Langeland, Director of Sales and Marketing, said, “We believe these solutions will accelerate the potential of the IoT and wireless technology in a broad spectrum of industries as diverse as wireless audio, the smart home and asset tracking, through to health care, industrial automation and wearables.”

Matter support in iOS 16: Apple has added support for the Matter standard in iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16.1, macOS Ventura, watchOS 9.1, tvOS 16.1, and HomePod software 16.1. Apple’s Matter implementation includes innovative privacy and security technologies and techniques designed to put users in control of their smart home experience and further interoperability between apps and ecosystems.

FEATURES→ In order to pair a Matter accessory, Apps use the new Matter Support Framework. iOS will prompt the user for permission to pair

Samsung SmartThings

Support for Matter: As an initial founding member, SmartThings is one of the most flexible platforms able to work with multiple protocols including, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and now, Matter, enabling consumers with existing smart homes to seamlessly integrate new devices into their homes.

FEATURES→ Matter-enabled devices will join numerous products and brands already available within SmartThings’ vast ecosystem, including devices from Google, eve Systems, Honeywell Home by Resideo, Linksys, Nanoleaf, Philips Hue, Schlage, Wemo, Yale, and more.

SmartThings Hub software will also be embedded into the Samsung product portfolio, which includes

the accessory, giving users transparency and control over which accessories are added, and providing a consistent setup experience across apps.

Using the Matter Support Framework, any App that supports Matter can request to pair to nearby Matter accessories or access to accessories that were previously paired with other ecosystem apps and are stored in iOS Settings. This improves the interoperability of Matter accessories across apps and ecosystems and ensures the user is in control.

To use a Matter accessory with the Apple Home ecosystem, users can add the accessory via the Home App, or any HomeKit-based App. Once added, Apple Home transparently supports Matter accessories in the Home App, Siri, Control Center, and third-party HomeKit Apps. And, third-party Matter ecosystem Apps can also easily request users’ permission to access these accessories using the Matter Support Framework, helping promote interoperability across ecosystems.

Samsung Smart TVs and Family Hub refrigerators. SmartThings supports a feature called multi-admin, which allows users to control their Matter devices from multiple platforms and apps. Samsung and Google also announced an expanded partnership to take multi-admin support to the next level, improving interoperability and offering better user experiences.

SmartThings’ Matter Controller support will begin with the second and third generations of the SmartThings Hub, as well as the Aeotec Smart Home Hub. All hubs will continue to support Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Local Area Network devices, including Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and will be upgraded over the network to enable support for Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Thread-based Matter devices.

“We are committed to maintaining support for existing protocols while also helping the industry transition to a future built on Matter,” said Mark Tekippe, Vice President of Product at SmartThings and Connectivity Standards Alliance Board Member in a press conference at SDC 2022. “SmartThings has always provided customers with the most flexible connectivity options including Zigbee and Z-Wave. Adding support for Matter and Thread ensures SmartThings remains the most versatile ecosystem for consumers looking to build or expand their smart homes.”

Matter support in iOS 16

Samsung Smarthing App with Matter Support

Infineon

Infineon offers easy-to-integrate system solutions consisting of Matter-certified hardware and software that can be quickly integrated by a wide variety of manufacturers. Manufacturers can concentrate on their own application and, instead of having to adapt their solution to different systems, focus on one standard only.

1. The combination of PSoC 6x ULP MCU and AIROC CYW43xx Bluetooth/Wi-Fi SoCs supports a very reliable, low-power implementation of Matter over Wi-Fi edge devices, while provisioning over Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy.

2. AIROC CYW30739 is one of the first highperformance, low-power multi-protocol SoCs to complete Thread 1.3 certification, the foundation for Matter over Thread devices.

3. The new PSoC 62S2 Wi-Fi BT Pioneer Kit helps developers and engineers achieve reliable, ultralow power Matter over Wi-Fi solutions and get to market faster.

4. Matter-compatible OPTIGA security solutions easily integrate into embedded systems to protect the confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of information and devices.

Matter is the final seal of approval that will allow users to choose from a wider range of brands. For manufacturers and retailers, Matter is the most reliable IoT compatibility standard, which will be a growth driver for the smart automation industry.

Picture courtesy: Connectivity Standards Alliance, Google, Amazon, Nordic Semiconductors, Apple, Samsung, Infineon & The Matter GitHub Page.

Infineon is integrating Matter software into their ModusToolbox

Additionally, Infineon is integrating Matter software into their ModusToolbox so our customers have access to it integrated with the full suite of Infineon software and drivers to reduce time to market.

“For Infineon, it is crucial to standardise smart homes in order to promote wider adoption of digitalization for greater energy efficiency and decarbonization,” said Skip Ashton, Distinguished Engineer at Infineon in a conversation with Smart Home World. “As a single, broadly endorsed standard, Matter eliminates market fragmentation and paves the way for further industry growth.”

Whitepaper References:

Infineon: The Matter Standard: Implementing Improved Security and Connectivity for the Smart Home Connectivity Standards Alliance: Matter Security and Privacy Fundamentals, March 2022

AIROC CYW30739 Application

PSoC 6x ULP MCU and AIROC CYW43xx BluetoothWi-Fi SoCs

Routers With High Speed, Sleek Designs and AI Features

The latest Routers support a wide range of APPs, are simple to set up, and provide out-of-the-box solutions.

Continue reading to stay updated on current technological advancements.

We often hear people complain they are experiencing poor internet connectivity at home or work spaces.

There are several factors for bad connectivity, and one of them is not installing the right type of Router.

For those few who are not well-versed with routers, it is a physical or virtual internetworking device that is designed to receive, analyze, and forward data packets between computer networks. A router examines a destination IP address of a given data packet, and it uses the headers and forwarding tables to decide the best way to transfer the packets.

Based on a computer’s IP address, a Router operates on the third layer of the OSI model. In order to

communicate between two or more networks, it uses protocols like ICMP. Because it can automatically determine the optimum route to transport network packets from the source to the destination, it is sometimes referred to as an intelligent device.

Types and Options

Wired Routers are also connected to a modem using a cable. But instead of broadcasting the signals, these routers use separate cables to connect to each device like laptops, computers etc. They form a LAN and create wired communication between the devices that are connected to the internet.

Photograph Courtesy Netgear

Wireless Router directly connects to the modem (a device that brings the internet service provider’s network) using an ethernet cable. It then converts the data packets to radio signals and distributes them through its antennas. They create a Wireless Local Area Network or WLAN to connect multiple devices to a wireless network.

Brouter is a combination of a bridge and a router. It allows transferring the data between networks like a bridge. And like a router, it can also route the data within a network to individual systems. Thus, it combines these two functions of bridge and router by routing some incoming data to the correct systems while transferring the other data to another network.

Core Router is a type of router that can route the data within a network, but it is not able to route the data between the networks. It is a computer communication system device and the backbone of networks, as it helps to link all network devices. It is used by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and it also provides various types of fast and powerful data communication interfaces.

Edge Router is a lower-capacity device that is placed at the boundary of a network. It allows an internal network to connect with external networks. It is also called an access router. It uses an External BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) to provide connectivity with remote networks over the internet. These Edge Routers are further classified into two types of edge routers in networking: Subscriber Edge Routers and Label Edge Routers

The Subscriber Edge Router belongs to an end-user organization, and it works in a situation where it acts on a border device. The Label Edge Router is used in the boundary of Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks. It acts as a gateway between the LAN, WAN, or the internet.

Broadband Routers are mainly used to provide high-speed internet access to computers. It is needed when you connect to the internet through

a phone and use voice-over IP technology (VOIP). All broadband routers have the option of three or four Ethernet ports for connecting the laptop and desktop systems. A broadband router is configured and provided by the Internet Service Provider (ISP). It is also known as a broadband modem, asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL), or digital subscriber line (DSL) modem.

Important Things To Consider Before Buying

Wi Fi Standards: Routers come in standards like 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac etc. n and ac are the latest standards that offer better data transfer rates. Considering the current Indian data usage trends, experts recommend ac which allows a transfer speed of 1.3 Gbps and enables multiple device connections. However, ac standard Wi-Fi is a little expensive considering they are the latest and most advanced ones in the market. So, n standards are also good and support most of your devices without having to shell out a lot of money.

Wireless Frequency: 2.4GHz and 5GHz refer to the different wavelengths or frequencies of radio signals that routers transmit. The basic difference between the two bands is that 2.4 GHz offers better range and low speed, while 5GHz offers high speed with a low range. If you want your Wi fi to cover a larger area and penetrate through physical obstacles like walls, then 2.4GHz is ideal. For high-speed games and continuous video streaming, 5GHz is better. If you want both, then go for a dual-band Wi-Fi router that allows you to switch from one band to the other, as per your usage.

Speed of the Router: This is a very important aspect to look for in a router. High-speed internet is a must if you have multiple devices that consume a lot of data or stream 4K content etc. The actual speed depends on the service provider, but taking a highspeed router will ensure you have the right hardware to support it.

Photograph Courtesy MI

Antennas and Range: Single antenna routers have a lesser range and are cheaper. Multi antennas are expensive but offer wider coverage and support multi-device connections. A router with more than 2 antennas is ideal for homes and offices with many obstacles like walls and large appliances blocking the signals. The latest innovation in this segment is the router adopts internal antennas to keep an elegant appearance TP-Link WiFi 7 Networking solution offers this feature.

Ports: If you are using the router for small offices or places with multiple devices like printers, go for a device with more LAN ports. Also, check if the router is an RJ 45 port, as it is the ubiquitous data port for network cables offered by most internet service providers.

Routing Protocols

Routing protocols specify a way for the router to identify other routers on the network and make dynamic decisions to send all network messages. There are several protocols, which are given below:

Open Shortest Path First (OSPF): It is used to calculate the best route for the given packets to reach the destination, as they move via a set of connected networks. It is identified by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) as Interior Gateway Protocol.

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP): It helps manage how packets are routed on the internet via the exchange of information between edge routers. It provides network stability for routers if one internet connection goes down while forwarding the packets, it can adapt to another network connection quickly to send the packets.

Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP): It specifies how routing information will be exchanged between gateways within an independent network. Then, the other network protocols can use the routing information to determine how transmissions should be routed.

Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP): In this protocol, if a router is unable to find a path to a destination from the tables, it asks route to its neighbors, and they pass the query to their neighbors until a router has found the path. When the entry of routing table changes in one of the routers, it informs its neighbors only about the changes, but do not send the entire table.

Exterior Gateway Protocol (EGP): It decides how routing information can be exchanged between two neighbor gateway hosts, each of which has its own router. Additionally, it is commonly used to exchange routing table information between hosts on the internet.

Routing Information Protocol (RIP): It determines how routers can share information while transferring traffic among connected group of local area networks. The maximum number of hops that can be allowed for RIP is 15, which restricts the size of networks that RIP can support.

We give you the latest update on the brand available in the market:

ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000

The ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) gaming router with a striking allnew design. The router lets gamers connect more devices and upgrades their gaming experience to the next level. It is powered by a 2.0 GHz 64-bit quad-core Broadcom CPU and flagship next-gen Broadcom WiFi 6 chipsets that enable it to deliver wireless speeds of up to 6,000 Mbps. The ASUS Aura RGB lighting effects supported GT-AX6000 is an ultimate tool to deliver more bandwidth to more devices, thanks to two 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports along with WAN and LAN aggregation support.

Product Specifications: Brand Name: ASUS Colour: Black Data Transfer Rate: Up to 6000Mbps Wireless Type: Wi Fi 6 802.11ax technology Number of Antennas External antenna x 4 Range USP: OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), Beamforming, 1024-QAM high data rate, 20/40/80/160 MHz bandwidth

Netgear Orbi

Netgear Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System (RBK853) Router with 2 Satellite Extenders provides whole home mesh Wi-Fi coverage up to 7,500 sq ft and 60+ devices. Mesh technology helps you stay connected as you roam around your home using a single network name. You can expand coverage up to 2,500 sq ft with additional satellites. Wi-Fi 6 powers up to 6Gbps of streaming HD video gaming or Internet surfing and downloads. Works with existing Wi-Fi devices and new Wi-Fi 6 devices like iPhone 11, Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S10. This range is compatible with any Internet Service Provider up to 2.5 Gbps including cable satellite fiber DSL and more; TRI-BAND BACKHAUL: A dedicated band between your Orbi router and satellite frees up the other two bands for maximum speed to your devices. Plus, it also connects your existing cable modem and sets up and customizes in minutes with the Orbi App – easily manage your Wi-Fi settings at the device and network level by testing your Internet speed viewing speed history, and monitoring data usage.

Product Specifications:

Brand Name: Netgear

Colour: White

Control Method: Application

Data Transfer Rate: 6 Gigabits Per Second

Wireless Type: 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g

Number of Antennas: External antenna x 4

Range USP: Netgear most popular mesh Wi-Fi solution. Cover up to 7,500 sq. ft. with blazing-fast, powerful Wi-Fi with speeds of up to 6Gbps for over 100 devices. No more dead zones or buffering – just smooth, reliable whole-home Wi-Fi.

TP-Link WiFi 7 Networking Solution

TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 Routers bring unprecedented experience to homes. Archer BE900 has quad-band 24 Gbps Wi-Fi 7 speeds and comes with a brand-new design — totally reimagined from previous routers. They have internal antennas to keep an elegant appearance. 12× optimally positioned internal antennas to achieve the effects of high gain, high isolation, high integration, and multidirectional coverage.

The world’s first quad-band Wi-Fi 7 router with blazing-fast Wi-Fi speeds of up to 24 Gbps. Two 5 GHz bands ensure more devices enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi. The brand-new 6 GHz band provides exceptional bandwidth and congestion-free channels exclusive to your devices. As for the Wi-Fi 7 gaming router, GE800 provides abundant game acceleration functions and the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology for gamers. Three models are available in the Deco Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi 7 System, from BE33000 to BE11000, providing a true whole home multi-gig mesh Wi-Fi. For enterprise Wi-Fi 7, Omada EAP780 and 770 will be available, covering from BE22000 to BE11000.

Product Specifications:

Brand Name: TP-Link

Colour: Black and Silver

Speed: Quad-band Wi-Fi 7 with 24 Gbps speed

Number of Antennas: Inbuilt antennas not visible

Range USP: The world’s first quad-band Wi-Fi 7

D-Link ‘EAGLE PRO AI series

Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition

D-Link has recently introduced ‘EAGLE PRO AI series’ router in India. ‘EAGLE PRO AI’ series includes R03 and R04 (Wi-Fi 4 Router), R12 (Wi-Fi 5 Router), and M15 and R15 (Wi-Fi 6 Router). Most home Wi-Fi customers are unaware of the fact that router serves as their internet gateway. As a result, it’s critical to invest in a router that can handle all their modern Smart Home requirements. The EAGLE PRO AI series is built to accomplish just that, with some amazing capabilities for today’s Smart Home users: AI Parental control lets parent designate online hours, restrict website access etc; The AI Wi-Fi Optimizer continuously scans and monitors the network to keep users connected to the best and cleanest Wi-Fi channels; AI Traffic Optimizer automatically allocates bandwidth to different applications for the best connectivity. It informs users which activities are causing congestion and allows them to de-prioritize.

The EAGLE PRO AI App features an embedded SpeedTest to check Internet speed and an exclusive Health Mode function allowing households to schedule internet access, keeping family members offline during specific times to maintain a balanced family lifestyle, and turn Off Wi-Fi entirely to conserve energy.

AI Assistant feature in the EAGLE PRO AI APP collects internet performance information over time and then sends a detailed report. This allows users to intelligently monitor network usage with simple actionable recommendations to keep network performance at peak for everyone in the family.

Brand: D-Link R12: AC1200 Smart Router

Speed: Up to 867Mbps (5GHz) and 300Mbps (2.4GHz) Speeds.

USP: EAGLE PRO AI features including; AI Wi-Fi Optimizer; AI Traffic Optimizer; AI Parental Controls and AI Assistant

Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition is a slim white body that differentiates clearly, with four high-gain antennas that are capable of high transmission. On top is a Mi logo and LEDs to indicate connection status. At the back is a one gigabit WAN port and two gigabit LAN ports. In terms of core specs, the router comes powered by a dual-core MT7621A MIPS CPU that offers 4 omnidirectional antennas with 128MB memory. It’s rated for theoretical data speeds of up to 1,167Mbps which supports dual-band Wi-Fi too.

It can be controlled through Mi Wi-Fi App. There’s a built-in firewall that can be enabled via the App, and you can update the router’s firmware too. One of the most useful features is one-tap Wi-Fi optimization –it optimizes the Wi-Fi network automatically for the best possible interference, and device-level control. The integrated signal amplifier ensures a good WiFi signal with wide coverage even through walls. The integrated power amplifier enhances signal transmission power, while the low noise amplifier improves signal reception sensitivity. The real benefit of this router becomes apparent when you connect multiple devices at once, you can connect up to 128 devices to the Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition.

To keep the router cool, Xiaomi has used aluminummagnesium alloy heat sinks, high-conductivity thermal paste, and large vents at the bottom.

Brand Name: Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition

Colour: White

Control Method: Internet Connection

Data Transfer Rate: Up to ~1200Mbps*

Wireless Type: Wifi

Number of Antennas: 4

Range USP: Dual-band WiFi 2.4GHz 5GHz

Whether it is a sleek design, speed, compatibility with Apps or the latest AI features, we have updated you on all. Now it is up to you to make the right choice.

Cutting-Edge, Energy-Efficient And Adaptable Lighting Solutions

Mihir Shah, Founder & Director, Light And Magic Automation provides uniquely integrated, high-tech and customised lighting solutions for Jainmandir in Dharampur that dramatically enhance the built environment.

Professionals would understand the significance of specialised lighting in interior design and architecture projects. A completed structure’s look is greatly influenced by the lighting scheme used. The right lighting gives any space more volume, texture, and recreates the desired ambiance.

One such project where lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall ambiance and also offers energy efficiency is Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, the International Headquarters of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission located in Dharampur. This project is an architectural marvel of recent times, where the lighting design for this project is done by Mihir Shah, Founder & Director at Light And Magic Automation, which also won the Smart Space Awards 2022 at the Smart Home Expo 2022.

Architecture and Design

Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, the International Headquarters

of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, is tucked away on a secluded hillside just outside the town of Dharampur in Southern Gujarat. Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji’s

objective for this spiritual retreat, which is spread across a verdant 223acre area, was to create a thriving hub for those seeking a higher level of life.

The Mandir is constructed under the guidance of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji in accordance with Jain scriptures, Shilp Shastra (means scriptures related to sculpture), and Vastu Shastra (means scriptures related to architecture). The structure is inspired by the traditional Nagara architectural style, where copper is used instead of steel in the temple base to maintain harmony with the earth’s magnetic field. Built using around 2,00,000 cubic feet of superior quality white Makrana marble, Jainmandir Complex covers over 1,00,000 sq. ft. and has a seating capacity of 2,500 people at a time. The plaza is spread over 2.5 acres. Another design highlight is the traditional non-RCC method of construction that withstands earthquake magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter scale.

Mihir Shah, Founder & Director, Light And Magic Automation

One of the design highlights is Kirtistambh placed at the entrance of the Jinmandir, adorned with pratimajis of Bhagwan facing four directions. The towering Kirtistambh is 35-foot tall pillar.

On the interiors, the garbhagruh (sanctum) is the heart of the temple. It is a highly charged space radiating divinity through seven enthroned soul-stirring pratimajis (idols). In addition to a 55-inch pratimaji of Bhagwan Mahavir as the principal deity, Bhagwan Rushabhdev, Bhagwan Shantinath, Bhagwan Neminath, Bhagwan Parshwanath, the present Tirthankar (Omniscient Lord) Bhagwan Simandharswami, and the future Tirthankar Bhagwan Padmanabh have also been consecrated.

The other intricate highlights are 108 intricately carved pillars, square and octagonal in shape, each etched with a unique design. Inspiring souls from Bhagwan Mahavir’s time including the Lord’s 11 Gandhars (chief disciples), 24 Sadhus (monks), 24 Sadhvis (nuns), 24 Shravaks (laymen), 24 Shravikas (laywomen), 9 souls

CASE STUDY

who will become future Tirthankars and 64 Indras have been sculpted into the pillars.

The domes and ceilings of the Jinmandir are inspired by the classic Indian temple architecture. There are 19 Samrans (outer domes) and 2 Ghumats (inner domes). 84 ornate ceilings, each with a different design or theme, as if whirling above in all exuberance. The inner circumference of the main dome showcases the five Kalyanaks (auspicious events) of Bhagwan Mahavir.

Lighting Design Concept

Light & Magic (LNM) was awarded the project on the basis of their vast experience of over 20 years, and expertise to handle complex and multi-protocol solutions.

Adding his insight on the lighting design process Mihir Shah, explains. “The highly ornate and unusual architecture presented significant lighting challenges. The intricate, proper display of religious images and figurines inside and outside the structure required an extraordinary

effort in lighting design. Similarly, intricate architectural features such as ceilings, domes, pillars, and archways required individual lighting solutions. Lighting had to be able to produce a range of colours in the space, each dedicated to a different festival during the year, and be long-lasting, presenting minimal maintenance requirements. It also had to seamlessly integrate into the stone architecture. Overall, our goal was to provide stable, centralized, energy-efficient lighting inside and outside the mandir,” says Mihir Shah,

Speaking about the process of integrating lighting, Mihir says, “We chose the Panasonic KNX Thea-IQ Solution since it is an open and reliable protocol. It was greatly aided by thorough planning of the smallest elements with the client’s team, the electrical contractor on site, and the consultant. By conducting a burning test in its lab for 48 hours to ensure there was no overheating, the integrator had to ensure the steady long-term performance of the drivers under heavy load. DALI with a KNX user interface and DMX for coloured lighting was offered. While wall-mounted touch screens allowed the clients to easily handle big installations from a single location. First, various zones and places were created within the visualization. Running each zone with the aid of scenes was pretty simple.”

Layers of interior lighting are used to achieve the overall lighting objectives, illuminating worship activities adequately while emphasizing architectural aspects and focal points. The DMX control protocol is used to connect the lighting to a single computer and establish a centralized point of control. This controllability allows for the tweaking of light intensities as well as colour-changing effects to commemorate the various Indian festivals.

Lighting System

Mihir claims that lighting arrangement was one of the project’s toughest obstacles. “With a project of this sort, we realised that the lighting design would need to be seamlessly integrated into the building to avoid distracting from the magnificent carvings and other focus points in the room while yet delivering ease-of-use functionality. Being a place of worship with a substantial quantity of marble architecture and carving work, it is more crucial to employ LED strips on the stairway, in-ground spots inside the mandir, and prominent spots on pillars and planters for primary paths rather than artificial ceiling lights. To control lights using the DALI system, control devices from the KNX platform are used. Keypads were provided.”

Describing the operation of the new controls and the various light programming integrated into different regions “The backend has been strongly constructed on the KNX platform. As previously said, dimming is done via DALI, allowing for accurate dimming and

the creation of a particular atmosphere. The client may easily operate the App interface on “Control4” and easily create scenes on their own.”

Additionally, they have integrated custom technologies to maximise the use of energy throughout the day. Day mode, evening mode, aarti mode, bhakti mode, special event mode, and so on. Most spots are DALI-compatible and dimmable. Planning took a long time before the execution could start. Calculation of the load and modification of the marking loops to fit the automation range; line couplers and power supplies for each were appropriately planned. The length of the wires and the connected load were taken into consideration when planning and distributing the Automation DB and Junction box.

Visitors are likely to experience a divine type of energy as they stroll through and take in every part of the mandir thanks to its distinctive design and sophisticated lighting, which will undoubtedly create the ideal atmosphere.

Devialet: The Perfect Intersection of Luxury and Technology

Martin Ku, Regional Director for APAC at Devialet, shares his vision of redefining influence of sound in people’s lives through meaningful audio experiences. Devialet is an acoustical engineering company operating at the intersection of luxury and cutting-edge technology.

In his Conversation with Smart Home World, Martin highlights the technology and design language of Devialet’s high-end audio products. He explains why Devialet stands apart in the luxury audio segment.

Please take us through the Devialet Range of Products.

The foundation of Devialet’s success is a series of radical patented innovations embedded in every Devialet product: Expert Pro amplifiers, Phantom speakers, Devialet Gemini true wireless earbuds, Devialet all-in-one soundbar, and Devialet Mania portable speaker. Some of the brand popular range are the highly intuitive and connectable, Phantom I that unleashes the physical impact of high-end, ultra-dense sound with more power, clarity, and precision than any other wireless speaker.

The Phantom II is a new reference in wireless speakers. By stretching size and performance beyond reasonable limits, four times smaller than Phantom I, to be exact, Devialet engineers have created something unique: the only ultra-compact home sound system capable of delivering high fidelity and physical impact, whatever the volume.

Gemini, another well appreciated range transforms fifteen years of acoustics R&D and engineering into a portable design you can enjoy on the move.

Designed to replace traditional Hi-Fi systems, Expert Pro delivers all the core elements of playback –preamp, amp, DAC, streamer, and phono stage – in a single and ultra-compact unit. By rethinking sound

reproduction at every turn, Devialet engineers have achieved the best performance at all power levels.

Devialet Dione is the latest embodiment of Devialet’s engineering expertise: an intensely immersive sound bar that’s equally advanced and intuitive. Seventeen autonomous high-end drivers deliver dynamic midrange and crystal-clear treble, including eight built-in SAM®-powered subwoofers that produce deep infra bass while removing any need for additional equipment, making Devialet Dione a truly all-in-one soundbar.

Devialet Products are based on four major technologies, namely Analog Digital Hybrid, Heart Bass Implosion, Speaker Active Matching, and Active CoSpherical Engine. Please tell us about these technologies?

ADH®, or Analog Digital Hybrid, has been Devialet’s signature patented technology since 2004. An analogue amplifier teams up with four digital amplifiers in a ground breaking feat. Working in parallel, the analog amplifier reproduces an unspoiled signal and sends it to the digital amplifiers, which can translate it digitally. In other words, ADH® combines the sophistication of analogue with the power and miniaturisation of digital for the first time. It has been called revolutionary. We’re happy with “the best of both worlds.”

SAM®, or Speaker Active Matching, is a software algorithm designed to deliver extreme fidelity throughout playback while protecting your speaker. Whether you are dealing with transient or steadystate signals, SAM® can process more information than previously thought possible. This enables Phantom to reproduce the exact tempo of your music, at all frequencies. All of it, with absolute precision. So that you can experience every last emotion, just as the artist intended.

Developed exclusively for Phantom, HBI®, or Heart Bass Implosion, lets you feel infrabass frequencies —all the way down to 14Hz. Engineered to perform under extreme constraints, Phantom’s hermetically sealed architecture consists of two lateral woofers. When cued, they begin to dance in sync, creating opposing forces that cancel out even the slightest vibrations and generate ultra-dense sound, the kind your bones perceive before your ears. That’s why you feel immersed in Phantom: because you are, from head to toe.

Phantom’s elegant curves are guided by acoustics over design. Inspired by Harry Ferdinand Olson’s pulsating sphere principle, Phantom’s ACE, or Active Cospherical Engine, radically optimizes the way

Devialet GEMINI

sound waves form and travel. Instead of projecting in the classic 180° arc like traditional box speakers, Phantom achieves a 360° sound stage, emitting evenly and in all directions for perfectly balanced sound and zero surface diffraction. Whatever the listening angle.

What is the demand for high-end speakers in India and Asia Pacific?

Demand is strong with outsized demand for our most premium ranges, such as the Opera de Paris series of Phantoms. We are seeing promising growth in most of Asia and especially in India and Southeast

Asia. These will be the fastest growing regions in APAC in the years to come. Following the slowing growth in our largest markets this year, more focus will be put into these growth regions where we see the most potential, in the near future.

What are the new launches for Devialet?

Devialet Mania, the first portable smart Hi-Fi speaker with adaptive cross-stereo.

Featuring two proprietary technologies, Devialet Mania delivers expansive 360° sound for a truly unrivalled sound experience in a compact, portable form.

ASC (Active Stereo Calibration) uses four microphones and embedded intelligence capabilities to allow Devialet Mania to automatically adapt the audio rendering to suit its surroundings. When Devialet Mania is placed in the centre of a room, 360° stereo mode is automatically activated. If positioned near a

Devialet Dione

wall, two full-range speakers at the rear launch into action to seamlessly reinforce the two speakers at the front, creating an expansive, powerful soundstage for the ultimate portable listening experience.

With four full-range drivers and two SAM®-powered sub-woofers (Speaker Active Matching) in a pushpush configuration, Devialet Mania delivers powerful stereo sound at frequencies as low as 30Hz and as high as 20,000 Hz, reflecting yet another feat in audio engineering by Devialet’s world-class team.

Devialet Mania is currently the only product on the portable speaker market that offers both stereo rendering and real-time acoustic mapping, which combines with the speaker’s echo-cancellation and cross-stereo architecture to offer a truly superior listening experience, anywhere, anytime.

The launch of Devialet Mania in India will be early next year.

Users of which segment are primary buyers of high-end audio products?

Historically we have had two main types of customers. The first are Hi Fi audio enthusiasts that are open to trying new things and have experienced the quality of sound that we have been able to produce with the analog and digital amplification of Expert or Phantom. Many of these people find us through traditional audio resellers or at AV trade shows. The second are luxury consumers who are very discerning, are intrigued by our design, and then get blown away when they listen to our products. Many of these people are likely to find us at a tier one shopping mall or lifestyle retailer.

Moving forward, I believe the addition of Devialet Mania and Devialet Gemini will put us in front of a much broader audience, which is younger, aspirational and is exposed to so much information and choices. They are always on the go and they may only purchase one audio product in the next

few years. If they get a chance to discover Devialet, they will experience music as if for the first time, and once that happens they will not settle for anything less. It will be the first time that they hear sound, exactly the way the artist intended, in a package that fits into their everyday lives.

Please elaborate on the design language of Devialet Speakers.

When it comes to aesthetics and engineering, we are purists. Extreme simplicity is a complex process, but we thrive on a good challenge. So we started at the beginning, with Phantom’s purpose: to deliver sound in its purest form.

In crafting Phantom’s overall look, we focused on function and an obsessive attention to detail. Some call it French savoir-faire and art de vivre. We view this as honoring craftsmanship and pleasure equally. Beyond its iconic spherical shape, Phantom also offers a range of colours, materials, and finishes that can stand out or blend in.

So, as an ode to Devialet’s iconic Phantom range with its signature architecture, Devialet Mania’s spherical, polished design and luxurious woven fabric reflect the company’s commitment to bridging the gap between luxury and technological innovation.

What makes Devialet products stand apart?

The intersection of luxury and cutting-edge technology. Devialet’s world-class engineers set a high standard for innovation and push the boundaries of what can be achieved with audio engineering.

Devialet thrives on end-to-end innovation (hardware, software, design inside and out, manufacturing) to offer ever-enhanced acoustics. In fact, to create Phantom, we have had to build our own plant, hire

Devialet Phantom II

talents who were used to unique challenges in other industries, conceive our own robotics and quality control. 200+ patents and 90+ awards later, Phantom speakers are more than ever a class of their own.

Please elaborate on the distribution channel you follow.

Throughout the region, we have multiple channels in which we can be found. This includes branded retail stores, premium reseller stores, highend retailers, lifestyle stores, furniture stores, consumer electronics stores, and of course online. Specifically in India, we have a network of independent resellers that are very strong in audio and have really embraced the Devialet brand. In fact, we recently opened our first premium reseller store in Delhi. We can also be found in a growing number of consumer electronics and lifestyle stores as well as Amazon. There is still so much potential!

Please take us through the history and growth of Devialet.

Devialet was born of the meeting of three iconoclasts: Pierre-Emmanuel Calmel, engineer; Emmanuel Nardin, designer; and Quentin Sannié, entrepreneur. These founders share a common belief in the fundamental role that sound plays in our daily lives: music, but also the voices that link us to others and the silence that connects us to our inner self. Since its founding, Devialet has strived to elevate sound to its rightful place in our lives. And matched this ambition with exceptional industrial resources and talent.

The company, and the ensemble of talent that have joined it since 2007, has seen swift success. Since naming Franck Lebouchard CEO, Devialet has not only developed its expertise in scaling and distribution, but also honed its cultural clout. The company is now present in nearly 70 countries and generates more than 65% of its revenue internationally, rising to the challenge of becoming an undisputed leader in acoustics for the general public.

What factors are boosting the growth in the speaker market?

When we look at the data, smart speakers and portable speakers seem to be contributing to a lot of the growth, but sound quality is often overlooked. By leveraging smart technology to innovate on sound quality in smart/portable speakers, such as Devialet Mania’s ability to continuously calibrate within a room to deliver optimal sound from any location, I think this will help fuel the next level of growth.

Devialet Phantom

Appropriate Lighting And Its Benefits

Speaking to Smart Home World, Ar. Ashish Bahal, Partner, Lucent Worldwide, discussed the importance of a proper lighting system in our homes, the need for awareness towards new technologies and the latest innovations.

Can you sum up your journey from being an Architect to becoming a Lighting Designer?

After graduating from the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi in 2001, I began my career as an architect, working on projects ranging from habitat development to low-cost construction to interior design. I began working with Philips Lighting (now Signify) in the Technical Lighting Department for nearly 11 years. At this organisation, I learnt about lighting design and developed my own lighting knowledge. I am currently a Partner and lighting designer at Lucent Worldwide, One of Asia’s largest lighting design firms, led by Principal and Partner Mr Sarvdeep Basur.

Can you explain the importance of lighting in our homes?

Lighting is one of the most important elements in any interior space. In India, our culture, way of life, and

health patterns are all based on lighting. And since the pandemic, we have been spending a lot of time indoors. These elements have increased the significance of artificial lighting in our day-to-day lives.

Another aspect of light’s significance in our lives is the experience it provides. We as humans ingest a great deal of information through the channel of light. Consequently, if any space is improperly illuminated or over-illuminated, our experience suffers, eventually harming our health. The severe daylight cycles of the Nordic countries, for instance, have an extremely negative impact on the health of the local populace.

Consequently, lighting in our home must be of the highest significance. It should improve our efficiency. Lighting should be comfortable to the eyes and not glaring. It must have good colour renditions and a well-executed design. Homeowners must illuminate

than prior generations. So families are climbing the social hierarchy, but it will take time for them to acclimate to a lifestyle that prioritises comfort above necessity.

So it’s not that people can’t afford better lighting, but we as a culture are at a very fascinating juncture in which we are progressively going towards opulent living even though awareness is a bit slow to catch up. A further important question to examine is whether market awareness is being promoted by industry stakeholders. If businesses are simply concerned with maximising revenue rather than educating consumers on the advantages of the technology, growth will be hampered. And this is likewise the case in the Indian marketplaces. Simply educating people on the uses and benefits of technology and its effects on our

their houses based on their activities, so lighting not only contributes to the well-being of the occupants but also serves as an aesthetically pleasing element of the home.

There is very less awareness on the importance of lighting and well being. In many households users prefer utilitarian illumination even when cheaper and more effective alternatives exist. Your opinion on the same?

This comes down to the demographics of our country. In one demography, 60 to 70 per cent of the population belongs to the middle to lower-middle-class category. Even if they can afford less expensive options, their psychological conditioning compels them to spend only on daily necessities.

Alternatively, as our economy grows, the younger generation is positioned in a higher income category

health and well-being is the solution to this problem. Proper education will not only produce a new generation of lighting designers but also revitalise the market. So we do need a paradigm shift from both ends of the industry. We need improvements upgradation in education system at each level to observe a significant difference and rise in awareness. Everyone from A-list designers and architects to college educators should work towards encourage students to learn lighting techniques.

What are the measures adopted by Lucent Worldwide in educating users?

Lucent Worldwide is promoting awareness through social media and partner organizations. I deliver lectures and advise colleges on how they can do better with lighting. In addition to aesthetic comfort and efficiency, our curriculum also focuses on health and well-being. In addition, we train young architects on using human-centred lighting and how to improve

things with lighting. As knowledge partners, we strive to share our expertise with the younger generation.

How crucial is collaborating with a System Integrator while working on a high-end project?

We as designers visualise the project. It is our responsibility to provide clients with a system that meets their needs. However, this vision is incomplete without execution. Our team at Lucent firstly identifies the need of the space, its architecture, its interiors, and every other element before designing a system, which is then implemented by System Integrators.

System Integrators occupy a crucial position in this sector. We have developed strong relationships with a variety of System Integrators. Our professional connection has progressed to the point where we enjoy a remarkable partnership that is founded on mutual understanding; as a result, we have a high regards for the services they provide.

As technology gets better every day, the interfaces get better, the systems get more complex, communication

speeds up, etc. Architects have a hard time keeping themselves updated that is the reason appointing a System integrators is a must.

What steps do you follow while ideating a design?

Each design is unique. Any design process is highly pliable in its approach. Nonetheless, some considerations must be made. Firstly, we need to identify the interiors, dimensions, natural lighting, and existing systems, and we must try to grasp the human element of the space.

It is important to understand the human element of the space before we start designing. We have to take into account the age ranges of the people using the area, the activities that will be carried out, their lifestyles, their health, etc. At this point, one of the most important things to think about is how well people can adapt to new technology.

With lighting control systems, it’s become common to develop the fanciest controls to attract buyers from the younger generation. But when designing a lighting system, we need to think about how it will function. By

doing this, we can make the system extremely user-friendly and robust. Next, we analyze the installation method. We cannot just remove all existing wires or knock down the walls to install new wiring. In such circumstances, retrofit solutions are useful.

Walk us through a lighting system’s application, control technology and benefits?

Any type of lighting system is essentially a communication and response system. Lighting systems can respond to signals, decode them, and carry out directives. Additionally, these systems are customizable. What makes a lighting system fascinating is the layering and programming of the lights.

The greatest lighting is created by a well-layered lighting system. Additionally, it provides the possibility to set several moods/scenes and utilises the same area for a variety of activities. This is probably the best benefit of a lighting system. A good lighting system can transform a room for a fraction of the price of the property. Your living room, for example, may be converted into a home theatre without the need for a separate room.

In addition to cheaper purchase costs, other benefits like personalization, comfort and ease of use, energy savings, and sumptuous experience increase the desirability of a lighting system.

What is the greatest innovation in the lighting industry?

The ability for gadgets to communicate is the biggest invention. This has become the norm by which all new innovations in the sector are measured. Everything is conceivable due to our ability to connect and communicate with technology, from smart homes to smart cities. The cornerstone of intelligent technology is the capacity for two-way communication between users and systems.

Awarded LIT Lighting Design Awards 2022 – Lighting Design for UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India

lighting

Since the epidemic, residences have become offices as well. Hybrid working has raised the demand for aesthetically pleasing lighting. The household lighting market has been propelled by visual comfort and visual pleasure. Users desire illumination that enhances their productivity and allows them to choose different scenes for different times of the day.

Lighting is a matter of pride in modern homes. Therefore,

people prefer practical lighting and mood lighting. Additionally, adaptive lighting systems have increased in prominence. In an increasing number of projects, lighting that can simulate the colour intensity and brightness of daylight is being deployed.

Lucent Worldwide has proudly completed over 6000 projects and has considerable experience in lighting up urban spaces, monuments, landscapes, hospitality, high-end residences, large townships, boutique offices, commercial malls, museums, and numerous bespoke projects across India and abroad.

What have been the trends in the

industry for the last few years?

‘Semiconductor Mission’

aims to make India self-reliant

The Indian Smart Homes Market has performed well in the last couple of years despite the business challenges related to the geo-political crisis and inflationary pressures. Frost & Sullivan estimates the Indian Smart Homes Market size between Rs. 44,000 crores to Rs. 48,000 crores ($5.5 billion to $6.0 billion) in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 13.5 % from 2020 to 2022. Indian consumers have undergone a cardinal change in their lifestyle in the last five years by adopting standalone smart devices and now slowly shifting towards rudimentary networked and integrated smart home devices in the form of virtual voice assistant/smart phone-controlled home appliances or smart bulbs.

The current penetration of standalone smart home devices has been primarily due to affordable access to internet connectivity and smartphone penetration. Besides that, a larger youth population and ambitious households have been influencing and driving the Indian Smart Homes Market. The adoption of simple, networked smart home devices is driven by AI-enabled smart speakers which opened the doors for home appliance manufacturers to provide smart

Indian consumers’ lifestyle has changed in the last five years.

are adopting integrated smart home devices in the form of virtual voice assistant/smart phonecontrolled home appliances and smart bulbs.

India’s ‘Semiconductor Mission’ could be the watershed moment for the Indian Smart Homes Market’ writes Anirudh Bhaskaran, Industry Principal, Energy & Environment Practice, Frost & Sullivan

Anirudh Bhaskaran, Frost & Sullivan

They

speaker-controlled or smart phone-controlled home appliances. However, the penetration of complex and networked smart home systems combining comfort, entertainment, security, energy management and automation has been quite difficult in the mass market due to its premium price levels and therefore restricted to the luxury segment of the market. For instance, basic smart home systems for a 3BHK apartment could cost Rs.2-3 lakhs and premium systems could go as high as Rs.10 lakhs. A consumer who had spent Rs. 50 lakhs for an apartment would be reluctant to spend 5 percent to 10 percent additional cost on premium smart home systems. Therefore, it is necessary for the market to undergo a price reduction cycle to reach the mass market, especially the working youth population aged between 20 and 35 years which is estimated to be between 100 million and 120 million.

From the Vendor standpoint, it is challenging for them to reduce prices as it would affect their margins because all the semiconductor components in consumer electronics and smart home devices are 100% imported. As per Industry estimates, India consumed 1.1 lakh crore worth of electronic chips in 2020 and met the demand through 100% imports. As per the Indian government’s estimate, $14.5 billion worth of semiconductors were imported for $74.7 billion of current domestic electronic production and would import $58 billion worth of semiconductors for $300 billion of domestic electronic production by 2026.

Frost & Sullivan believes that India’s ‘Semiconductor Mission’ is to make the country self-reliant in semiconductors with a roadmap to achieve $300 million worth of domestic electronic production by 2026 and to cater to its own consumption of $80 billion by 2026 and $110 billion by 2030, could be the inflection point for the Indian smart homes industry. The government aims to offer financial support to firms investing in semiconductors, display manufacturing, and design ecosystems through a production-linked incentive scheme worth Rs. 76,000 crores.

Industry experts believe that India’s semiconductor mission could significantly reduce the price of finished consumer electronic goods by 60% and the price of premium smart home systems and projects could come down by 30% to 50%. With incentivized domestic manufacturing and a diversified semiconductor supply chain, the discounted smart home products could attract the cost-conscious youth population to increasingly adopt upscale, networked and integrated smart home systems between 2025 and 2030.

Carolieto Shower Engine Is An Engineering Marvel

The Marca Coroma Group is a legacy of 60 years of Engineering, which began with Projects in faraway lands of Iraq and Dubai in the 1960s. Having exports in about 17 countries, the present-day Marca Coroma Group, is the biggest manufacturer of the Showers category in the Indian Bathroom Fittings Industry, with more than 140 plus designs. Carolieto is the single biggest acquisition by the Marca Coroma Group. It has collaborated with technology from Japan and France, which revolutionises the concept of Smart Bathrooms.

The recently launched Carolieto Shower Engine is an engineering marvel. The Carolieto Shower Engine is the ‘Super-Brain’ of the Carolieto Intelligent Bathrooms. Adding insight on the new technology and its features, Bhupinder Singh, Director, Carolieto says “Smart Bathrooms have been there for some time now. However, the difference between Smart Bathrooms and Intelligent Bathrooms is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is used at Carolieto. The Shower Engine is run by this AI and this is a game-changer in the Bathrooms Fittings world.”

It is configured to understand the user’s needs and your choices perfectly. It is precisely this Super-Brain that converts a Smart Bathroom into an Intelligent Bathroom. It helps to control your Intelligent Bathroom with the Carolieto App or just talk your way through with Alexa to change the temperature or the flow. Offering various controls including Mist, Waterfall, Rain, Water Column, Steam, and Jets. As well as the option to select temperature. “Just tell Alexa your wish, and the Carolieto Shower Engine will turn your wish into reality. And if you wish to have a Steam Bath to cleanse your pores to the deepest possible, rest assured your Carolieto Shower Engine will do just that. And if you wish to have a meditative experience, in the most

personal of spaces, that too is possible.” Says Mr Singh.

Behold, the future of Intelligent Bathrooms is here.

Securing Homes with Onetouch

Onetouch offers an intelligent security solution for villas, high-end homes, and multi-dwelling spaces. Out of their vast product range, Smart Home World selects four ‘must have’ options for homeowners.

1. Onetouch Video Entry Station (C9)Unmanned Guard Of Your Home

Model: OT-IP-LP-C9

The Onetouch C9 model is an unmanned (Session Initiation Protocol) SIPbased Video entry station with Gate Automation integration. It is utilised for Villas and Multi-tenant dwellings where authorised individuals may have direct time-based entry using Face Recognition and Card Access. The apartment owner can issue a QR code to guests using the Onetouch smartphone application. Being SIPenabled, an unidentified visitor can make a video call to the Onetouch indoor station and mobile APP and can get access from an authorised individual. C9 includes a built-in camera that can capture a picture of every visitor. Technical

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Onetouch digital door locks are developed to address critical home security problems, and they offer maximum versatility by allowing entry via numerous ways, including biometrics, RFID card, touch keypad, and mechanical key. Due to its sleek and contemporary appearance, the Onetouch Digital Door Lock is simple to install and enhances aesthetic value. It is powered by batteries, making it independent of an external power source. In the event of a low battery, the lock will transmit an alert so that the batteries may be replaced in a timely manner. In addition, a charging outlet is included in the door lock for use in an emergency.

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LG Display Develops ‘Invisible’ Speakers for Automobiles

LG Display, the world’s leading innovator of display technologies, announced today that it has developed the Thin Actuator Sound Solution, a new sound technology for automobiles. This innovative solution will be commercialized in the first half of 2023, ushering in a new era of vehicle infotainment.

While conventional speakers are large and heavy due to components such as the voice coil, cone, and magnet, the Thin Actuator Sound Solution is extremely thin and lightweight thanks to LG Display’s film-type exciter technology. The company’s unique technology allows the device to vibrate off display panels and various materials inside the car body to enable a rich, 3D immersive sound experience.

The Thin Actuator Sound Solution comes in a passport-like size (150mm x 90mm) with a thickness of 2.5mm, equivalent to that of two coins stacked together, and a light weight of 40g, making it just 30 per cent of the weight and 10 per cent of the thickness of a conventional car speaker.

Its compact size and innovative form factor allow it to be installed in various parts inside the car such as the dashboard, headliner, pillar, and headrests while eliminating the deviation in audio quality for passengers inside. The device’s

built-in nature not only allows the removal of speaker grills but also enhances space efficiency by freeing up the space normally occupied by in-car speakers without compromising sound quality.

In addition, LG Display has excluded the use of rare earth elements such as neodymium (Nd) normally used in conventional speakers, boosting the speaker’s eco-friendly factor.

The Thin Actuator Sound Solution has received the CES® 2023 Innovation Award (‘In-Vehicle Entertainment & Safety’ category) from the Consumer Technology Association in recognition of its

space efficiency, design innovation, sound experience innovation, and eco-friendliness. This CES 2023, LG Display is set to showcase the Thin Actuator Sound Solution, which was jointly developed with a global audio company.

“We have transformed the conventionally heavy and bulky speaker into a high-quality ‘invisible’ sound solution by using our cuttingedge technology to elevate space, design, and eco-friendly factors and provide a next-level sound experience like none before,” said Yeo Chun-ho, Vice President and Head of the Business Development Division at LG Display.

Monoprice Announced New Home Theater Speakers

Monolith, the high-end audio brand from Monoprice, recently announced its Audition series home theatre speaker solutions. Coming soon, Audition speakers will be available in bookshelf, centre-channel and two-tower configurations. These affordable and powerful Monolith speakers deliver immersive, room-filling

sound, accurate midrange, and crisp, natural highs that make your favourite concerts, movies, and sports come to life.

“Our new Audition Series speakers bring extremely-high quality sound to a new level of affordability,” said Hobie Sechrest, Monolith business unit manager, Monoprice.

“Engineered to exceed our strict standards for performance, these speakers deliver room-filling sound while producing an incredibly flat frequency response curve. As with all Monolith speakers, we packed them with premium components, exhaustively tuned them, and designed them to look great in any room.”

Audition Tower Speakers

Available in two variations, the Monolith Audition T5 Tower Speaker (MSRP: $249.99 each) packs two 5.25inch ported woofers, and a 5.25-inch midrange driver, while the Audition T4 Tower Speaker (MSRP: $199.99 each) packs two 4-inch ported woofers and 4-inch midrange driver. Both the T5 and T4 feature an inset 20mm silk dome tweeter with an optimized waveguide. Ideally suited for home theatre front left and right speakers, or for stereo use, these powerful 4-ohm towers feature uniquely tuned crossover networks which allow them to deliver a super flat frequency response and easily fill the largest rooms with big sound without compromises.

Audition Bookshelf Speakers

Though much smaller in size than the Audition Tower Speaker options, these precision-tuned bookshelf speakers deliver massive sound. The Audition B5 Bookshelf Speaker (MSRP: $124.99 each) packs a powerful 5.25-inch woofer, while the Audition B4 Bookshelf Speaker (MSRP: $99.99 each) boasts a potent 4-inch woofer. Both options feature a rear-facing bass port, an inset 20mm silk dome tweeter with an optimized waveguide, and unique crossover networks to deliver roomfilling sound and make movies, concerts and live sports come to life.

Center Channel Speaker (MSRP: $129.99 each) boasts dual 4-inch ported woofers. Both feature a centre-mounted inset 20mm silk dome tweeter and optimized waveguide. Uniquely tuned for maximum dialogue intelligibility and home theatre performance, these centre channel speakers feature sophisticated crossover networks which deliver incredibly accurate midrange and crisp highs.

Rocking a premium, internally braced MDF cabinet design with a premium black wood-grained PVC finish, Monolith Audition speakers easily match all décor styles and are an excellent fit for all living rooms and home theatres. All Monolith Audition speakers can be mixed and matched to suit any room or system needs while ensuring a timbrematched listening experience. Spring-loaded 5-way wire terminals ensure a quality speaker connection and easy installation. For the ultimate entertainment experience, Monolith Audition speakers should be paired with a powerful Monolith subwoofer.

Backed by a three-year warranty, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and Monolith’s proven reputation for excellence, these speakers are sure to exceed consumer expectations. All Monolith Audition speakers are available at Monoprice.com.

Audition Center Channel Speaker

Rounding out the home theatre speaker line are Audition Center Channel Speaker options. The Monolith Audition C5 Center Channel Speaker (MSRP: $159.99 each) packs dual 5.25-inch ported woofers, while the Audition C4

Philips Hue Launches New String Lights

Signify, the world leader in lighting launches a new product that is much anticipated by users from all over the world: Philips Hue Festavia String Lights. With the holiday

season just around the corner, the Festavia string lights will light up users’ homes and create a cosy ambience inside for the holidays and special occasions.

The Philips Hue Festavia string lights feature 250 mini smart LEDs along a 20-meter cord, offering plenty of flexibility to decorate your Christmas tree, staircase, or any area in your home. No more crawling under the Christmas tree to turn the lights on or off – with the Festavia string lights, you can dim and brighten the lights, change colour, turn lights on and off, set timers and schedules and more, all within the Hue app. What’s more, users can choose several colour points to create a gradient light effect along the string, bringing the colours to life. As with all Hue products, the Festavia string lights work in harmony with other Philips Hue lights in the space. They can also be synced with music using the Spotify and Samsung SmartThings integration, allowing the lights to flash, dim, and brighten along with your favourite song or playlist.

Along with the Festavia string lights, new features are available in the Hue app. The new Sparkle effect makes each light on the string twinkle, creating an extra festive look. For a cosier setting users can of course choose the existing Candle

or Fireplace effect. Adding to this, Festavia comes with a new style for users to select: Scattered. While the existing Linear style produces a seamless gradient of colour from one end of the string to the other, the Scattered style spreads up to five colours randomly along the string for a colourful, festive experience.

In a statement announcing the launch, Philips Hue’s Business Leader at Signify, Jasper Vervoort, said, “As the world leader in smart lighting, we are constantly innovating to expand the ways users can experience lighting in their homes. We are very proud to present our new smart string lights, an innovation that a lot of users from all over the world have been waiting for. With Philips Hue Festavia string lights, anyone can create a personal lighting experience during the festive season. Homes will light up like never before.”

Schneider Electric Square D™ X

Series Connected Wiring Devices Wins An Award

Schneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, announced today that their new Square D™ X Series Connected Wiring Devices were named a winner in Good Housekeeping’s 2022 Home Renovation Awards. The innovative devices received recognition within the ‘Brightest Electric Ideas’ category of the 2022 Home Renovation Awards.

The X Series is feature-rich, including easy installation, refreshed modern design and smart home compatibility, as well as the only offer with embedded energy monitoring capabilities. The connectivity of this new line establishes a new benchmark for home wiring devices. These connected devices complete the grid-to-plug solution enabling intelligent home energy management via Wi-Fi and Z-Wave. “As consumers focus on energy

efficiency and sustainability in their homes, understanding how their energy is being used is the first step in making changes to optimize efficiency and reduce their utility bill,” said Richard Korthauer, Senior Vice President, Home & Distribution, Schneider Electric. “We are honoured that Good Housekeeping has recognized our innovation in smart, sustainable homes with this prestigious award, naming our Square D X Series Connected Wiring Devices to their 2022 Home Renovation Awards list.”

These sleek devices raise the bar

for both with a refreshed design and convenient control from a smartphone or through a smart speaker, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, for voice activation. With energy-efficiency at top of minds, this innovative line of switches, dimmers and outlets provides real-time energy insights down to the plug level, allowing homeowners to pinpoint which devices are using the most energy and make informed decisions to optimize home energy use, increasing their energy efficiency and lower their utility costs.

ULTRALOQ Latch 5 Are High Tech Keyless Locks

The new ULTRALOQ Latch 5 series builds on ULTRALOQ’s successful and user-friendly tech behind the popular keyless ULTRALOQ Lever smart lock. Available in two models (Fingerprint or NFC), the regular retail price of the Fingerprint and NFC editions are US$249 and US$209 respectively. However, ULTRALOQ Latch 5 series will be available to early bird pre-order customers before December 1st, 2022. The price of the Fingerprint and NFC editions are US$211.65 and US$177.65 respectively.

With improvements to the smart lever lock design based on user feedback and internal R&D, installation is now faster and easier with the ULTRALOQ Latch 5 – especially with the built-in WiFi functionality, which removes the need for a Wi-Fi adaptor or bridging device. Enhancements to the device’s Wi-Fi technology allow it to sync instantly with the U-tec App, offering improved connectivity as well as faster and more stable remote access.

The ULTRALOQ Latch 5 series supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT. It is also compatible with Android and Apple smartphones as well as the Apple Watch through the U-tec App.

The ULTRALOQ Latch 5’s Fingerprint edition also upgrades existing ULTRALOQ fingerprint technology using an optical sensor to the newer, faster, and more secure capacitive sensor technology. Each registered user of the device can store unique fingerprints. With the NFC edition, users can open doors touch-free with the wave of a key fob or an NFC-enabled smartphone.

The ULTRALOQ Latch 5 series is a versatile choice that is suitable for a diverse range of outdoor, indoor, home or public scenarios – from patios and entryways to business environments such as offices, conference rooms, and function rooms.

On both the Fingerprint and NFC models, temporary access can be granted to short-term guests – such as visitors, babysitters, delivery personnel, or even house/ apartment rental tenants such as Airbnb guests – who only need to use the entry point for a short period of time.

Clark Ruan, VP of U-tec, ULTRALOQ’s parent company, said, “The ULTRALOQ Latch 5 series is not only the world’s first-ever smart lever lock with integrated WiFi but also the first lever lock in the market that supports both personal and business scenarios. We hope for the ULTRALOQ Latch 5 series to become the new standard for smart lever locks.”

Wiz Smart Lighting Platform To Support The Matter

WiZ is certifying all products to work with Matter, allowing all new and current WiZ users to control their WiZ lights with Matter once the certification is done. WiZ will be among the first loT brands to support the Matter standard. This major step will make smart lighting accessible for everyone.

The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), formerly the Zigbee Alliance,

created the Matter standard as a means of bringing to market interoperable products that work across brands and platforms with greater privacy, security, and simplicity. WiZ is deeply committed to Matter and will make its full portfolio compatible, including lights and smart plugs. This is to continue delivering on our promise of bringing the most intuitive user

experience and secure connectivity to our users. All new WiZ smart lighting products will have the Matter logo on their packaging beginning in H2 2023 for easy recognition by consumers. Once Matter certification is completed, all products manufactured since Q2 2021 will receive an over-the-air (OTA) firmware update to become part of the Matter ecosystem. This includes products purchased previously and already installed. WiZ has started certifying its full product

portfolio, including lights and smart plugs, to work with Matter. The certification effort is expected to be completed by end of 2022.

WiZ users will continue to enjoy the best-in-class lighting experiences and advanced features such as dynamic light modes, customizable light scenes, and dual-zone light control using the WiZ App. But now they can also make WiZ lights work with any Matter device to make their smart home even smarter.

According to Maikel Klomp, Business Leader of WiZ Connected: “We are extremely proud to announce that our products will support Matter so soon. This industryunifying technology will catapult smart home adoption and enable consumers to connect all their smart home devices seamlessly. By adopting Matter into our full product portfolio, WiZ continues to give users more flexibility and access to easy-to-use technology with the

Yale Home’s First-ofits-Kind Smart Storage

Yale, the leading provider of smart home security solutions, announced a brand-new smart storage product line, expanding its smart home portfolio in India and extending the Yale Access range of connected devices in the market.

The Yale Smart Safe is a fully controllable via the Yale Access App, the smart storage range supports the brand’s ambition to create a single-App user experience for its existing and future smart products alike.

“Our vision to enable every house with security that’s unmatched and better than yesterday is what keeps us going at Yale. A market as big and diverse as India demands upgrades at a much faster pace to suit its needs and we thrive to deliver that along with interoperability. We’re in the business of protecting our customers’ homes and their most important belongings through trusted hardware and smart accessibility,” says Raman Koul, Senior VP and SAARC Head, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions.

Yale Smart Safe

The Yale Smart Safe assures safety of your valuable belongings, such as jewellery, documents, or electronics safe at all times. Users can lock and unlock their safe, monitor access remotely, and share permanent or temporary keys with people they trust from anywhere in the world via the Yale Access App.

The Smart Safe can be placed anywhere on floor or mounted on the wall. When connected to the Yale Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, customers can use the Yale Access App to lock, unlock or grant access remotely. Customers always have the option to easily lock and unlock it through the safe keypad with a customizable entry code. The safe comes with a removable shelf, 4 AA batteries, and a physical key.

If the batteries run out, users can temporarily charge the lock by holding up a 9V battery, entering their code and replacing the batteries inside. In case users not have a phone or forget their code, they’re able to use the included key as a backup entry method.

“We’re committed to extending the peace of mind and convenience we’ve been able to provide through our smart locks to our new smart safe protecting everything from jewellery, important documents, and gadgets. We have a passion to improve the lives of people all over the world. We plan to achieve that by using technology to our advantage and offering secured wireless

aim to improve daily convenience.”

Matter for Connected by WiZ brands

Now that the WiZ platform supports Matter, all our “Connected by WiZ” partners (companies who embed WiZ technology in their own branded products) can easily certify their products to work with Matter. Philips Smart LED is expected to have its full portfolio certified by end of 2022.

connectivity between all our products that can be operated by a single source. Remote accessibility is what offers convenience to the user at the click of a button promising the exact same security. It’s a fairly new concept but the Indian market seems to be adapting it at a pretty decent pace,” Sharad Kapoor, Director & Head of Smart Residential, MEAI at ASSA ABLOY Group commented.

As many of us continue to work from home, it is important to ensure that our home office is not only organised but secure and always protected. The Yale Smart safe will keep important documents or your work laptop safe behind a secure door that prevents tools from being used to open the safe. The product also features a locking mechanism with two anti-saw locking bolts for added security. Allowing consumers to protect important work equipment when not in use.

For added security, the Smart Safe’s alarm will go off after 5 incorrect entry attempts and lockdown for 5 minutes to prevent unwanted visitors, allowing guests and property managers alike to be certain that any sensitive or precious materials being stored on the property will be secure and always protected.

Want to gain access to your smart safe while your hands are full? The Yale Connect Wi-Fi bridge allows users to remotely control the Smart Safe and enables voice assistant integrations with Amazon Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Assistant, empowering control with a simple voice command. Users must purchase the Yale Connect Wi-Fi bridge separately, which is available across Yale retail stores and online.