Gadgets :: June 12, 2017
by Gregg Ellman
(@greggellman)
A recent press release couldn’t have said it better about a new security camera from Momentum. “The new Momentum WiFi camera is the under $50, effective and reliable solution to personal home property and loved one monitoring.”
I stress to readers over and over, one of the most important features in smart home devices is how easy it is to set up (along with price and quality). The Momentum is really as easy as advertised: plug-in-and-go.
After downloading the free Momentum app (iOS and Android), create a quick account, pair your device and connect to an existing WiFi network. After the camera is named (I would name it for the location, so if you add others you’ll know which camera is where) you can set it up anywhere inside needing monitoring.
The camera has a 110-degree viewing angle with a 720p HD resolution. You can stream the video to a mobile device through the app and set alerts for motion and sound. Recording can be set to begin once it detects sound or motion, saving it to a cloud account or the built-in microSD memory card slot up to 128GB.
Cloud storage plans include 7-day storage for $4.99/monthly or 30-day storage for $9.99/monthly.
The Momentum WiFi camera has night vision, which worked well and there’s a two-way talk feature between with the mobile app and the camera.
The camera measures 4.68-by-2.20-by-1.41-inches and an AC adapter is included.
www.momentumcam.com $49.99
The new iHome iBT91 dual purpose speaker is perfect for summer, but don’t let that fool ya’, it’s great for every day of the year.
Aside from Bluetooth speaker features, many others make it stand out for the outdoor season, including a color changing lantern.
The lantern has multiple color modes to choose from (glow/slow fade, fast, favorite color, pulse to music, preset pulsing mode and emergency blinker) and more effects can be added with the free iHome app.
In addition there’s a built-in 1 amp USB port to directly connect mobile devices needing a charge. The speaker’s internal battery powers the charging port and the speaker, which is good for up to 6 hours of audio with the lantern on or 13 hours of audio. A USB charging cable is included.
Others features include a speakerphone for handsfree calls. The speaker is built with talk/end controls and digital voice echo cancellation. Your music source can be directly connected with the 3.5 mm aux-in jack.
The iBT91 speaker (4.85-by-9.26-by-4.61-inches, 2.97 pounds) can absorb poolside splashes and a quick rain shower with its built-in 1P65 waterproof rating.
A second lantern speaker can be purchased to wirelessly connect with the first.
www.ihomeaudio.com $99.99
Focal has launched new Spark wireless earbuds.
Focal touts them as the best entry-level model available. I thought the sound was solid, bass filling and for an entry-level they did a great job.
The lightweight Bluetooth earbuds (s/m/l) are built with an aluminum body attached to an anti-tangle flat cable. Multiple ear tips are included to get a comfortable fit along with a storage case and a charging cable.
An in-line three-button remote works perfect for pairing, power, volume control, microphone and music selections.
The wireless version is $99 and is available in black, rose gold and silver. A wired version is also available for $69 in black, blue cobalt and silver.
