Latest news with #SwitchBot
North Wales Live
a day ago
- North Wales Live
Review: SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo drags your old door into the 21st Century
Not may of us live in a hi-tech house where everything is at your beck and call. Our windows, doors and locks are so very 20th Century. However, more and more companies are inventing ways to retro-fit the cutting-edge to the normal home. One of the leaders in this field is SwitchBot, and its latest offering is the Lock Ultra Vision Combo. The world's first retrofittable smart lock with 3D facial recognition, the Ultra combines the Lock Ultra, Keypad Vision, and Hub Mini to deliver fast, secure access. Suprisingly easy to install, the device will work for 99.9% of locks without drilling. That, for the DIY-phobic among us, is a godsend (I can tell you!!). Once fitted, you can then lock/unlock your door purely by looking at it! Switchbot is very proud of its 3D facial recognition system, which it says employs more than 30,000 infrared points to create a high-resolution, millimeter-level facial map for authentication. Recognition is instantaneous - within one second - and highly secure, with a false recognition rate of less than 0.0001%. Certainly, it worked flawlessly for me in all conditons, day or night. You actually are given 18 unlocking methods - auto unlock, NFC cards, semi-conductive fingerprint recognition, app control, and voice commands - so you're spoilt for choice on how you get in. The system is also quiet with several modes to choose from, indlcuing a night mode that auto locks at a specific time, creating an even quieter door entry experience when its dark. Battery life is very solid, you get a large rechargeable main battery that could last up to 12 months, a backup CR123A cell, and an electrolytic emergency unlocking system for the most ultra reliability even in emergencies when the main battery is out of power. You can also set up temporary passcodes for friends and family while traveling, grant entry remotely and monitor entry logs. It's a great device and works well. It coiuld be seen as a little pricey but theb advantage of not having to pick up a drill makes it worth it. Meanwhile, the SwitchBot Hub 3 serves as a powerful, Matter-enabled smart home control hub that works with more than 100,000 infrared (IR) devices, streaming TVs, and the SwitchBot ecosystem, meanwhile, it can also bring SwitchBot products to Matter. It can also send up to 30 programmable commands to activate automation scenes consisting of Matter-compatible products from other brands that are already integrated into Apple Home, providing users with a centralized, intuitive interface to manage their entire home. The device features the exclusive Dial Maste rotary controller, enabling ultra-precise control over volume, temperature, and more. In addition, it offers customizable scene buttons and real-time indoor/outdoor environmental data monitoring. Meanwhile, the Hub 3 is also capable of creating custom automation routines, supporting energy-saving behaviors and enhanced user comfort through the combination of built-in sensors and preset criteria. The SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo is available for £299.99 via Amazon. The SwitchBot Hub 3 on its own costs £129.99. What users say "I was a bit overwhelmed getting this out of the box due to all the pieces and cables – however a quick scan of the QR code told me everything I needed to know, with an easy-to-follow tutorial. I installed the lock in under 20 mins!" "In operation it's pretty much flawless and the face recognition works quickly and effectively. The only negative I can think of is that as I have a typical UK door with a multipoint locking mechanism, the handle has to be pushed up to engage the mechanism before it will lock. So I can't really use the auto lock function, or rely on being able to lock it remotely, unless I get in the habit of always pushing the handle up when coming in/out."
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
Review: SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo drags your old door into the 21st Century
Review: SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo drags your old door into the 21st Century The world's first retrofittable smart lock with 3D facial recognition SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo Not may of us live in a hi-tech house where everything is at your beck and call. Our windows, doors and locks are so very 20th Century. However, more and more companies are inventing ways to retro-fit the cutting-edge to the normal home. One of the leaders in this field is SwitchBot, and its latest offering is the Lock Ultra Vision Combo. The world's first retrofittable smart lock with 3D facial recognition, the Ultra combines the Lock Ultra, Keypad Vision, and Hub Mini to deliver fast, secure access. Suprisingly easy to install, the device will work for 99.9% of locks without drilling. That, for the DIY-phobic among us, is a godsend (I can tell you!!). Once fitted, you can then lock/unlock your door purely by looking at it! Switchbot is very proud of its 3D facial recognition system, which it says employs more than 30,000 infrared points to create a high-resolution, millimeter-level facial map for authentication. Recognition is instantaneous - within one second - and highly secure, with a false recognition rate of less than 0.0001%. Certainly, it worked flawlessly for me in all conditons, day or night. You actually are given 18 unlocking methods - auto unlock, NFC cards, semi-conductive fingerprint recognition, app control, and voice commands - so you're spoilt for choice on how you get in. The system is also quiet with several modes to choose from, indlcuing a night mode that auto locks at a specific time, creating an even quieter door entry experience when its dark. SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo Battery life is very solid, you get a large rechargeable main battery that could last up to 12 months, a backup CR123A cell, and an electrolytic emergency unlocking system for the most ultra reliability even in emergencies when the main battery is out of power. You can also set up temporary passcodes for friends and family while traveling, grant entry remotely and monitor entry logs. It's a great device and works well. It coiuld be seen as a little pricey but theb advantage of not having to pick up a drill makes it worth it. Meanwhile, the SwitchBot Hub 3 serves as a powerful, Matter-enabled smart home control hub that works with more than 100,000 infrared (IR) devices, streaming TVs, and the SwitchBot ecosystem, meanwhile, it can also bring SwitchBot products to Matter. It can also send up to 30 programmable commands to activate automation scenes consisting of Matter-compatible products from other brands that are already integrated into Apple Home, providing users with a centralized, intuitive interface to manage their entire home. The device features the exclusive Dial Maste rotary controller, enabling ultra-precise control over volume, temperature, and more. In addition, it offers customizable scene buttons and real-time indoor/outdoor environmental data monitoring. Meanwhile, the Hub 3 is also capable of creating custom automation routines, supporting energy-saving behaviors and enhanced user comfort through the combination of built-in sensors and preset criteria. The SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo is available for £299.99 via Amazon. The SwitchBot Hub 3 on its own costs £129.99. What users say "I was a bit overwhelmed getting this out of the box due to all the pieces and cables – however a quick scan of the QR code told me everything I needed to know, with an easy-to-follow tutorial. I installed the lock in under 20 mins!" "In operation it's pretty much flawless and the face recognition works quickly and effectively. The only negative I can think of is that as I have a typical UK door with a multipoint locking mechanism, the handle has to be pushed up to engage the mechanism before it will lock. So I can't really use the auto lock function, or rely on being able to lock it remotely, unless I get in the habit of always pushing the handle up when coming in/out." Alternatives Smart Fingerprint Door Lock, Biometric Keyless Entry Door Lock Article continues below ULTRALOQ Latch 5 High Res images for the Lock Ultra Vision Available Here and the Hub 3 Here
CNET
15-06-2025
- CNET
I Found the Perfect Device to Stop Water Damage from Leaks
Home leaks are always bad news. They're sneaky, frustrating and often expensive to fix, especially if you don't catch them in time. That's where one cheap, severely underrated smart home device comes to the rescue. When I asked SwitchBot about their app-connected leak detector I was testing, their spokesperson mentioned, "Leak detectors offer peace of mind, ensuring you are alerted to leaks even when you are away from home or on vacation, preventing potential damage to your property and neighboring properties. They also provide notifications during the night for leaks in unseen areas, reducing the risk of electrical short circuits and the associated dangers." From overflowing air conditioners in summer to frozen, cracked valves in winter, I've seen my share of leak problems. Here's how leak detectors are fixing those issues before they start. Read more: 7 Types of Houses You Should Never Buy, According to a Real Estate Pro Where can you put a leak detector? Leak detectors, especially battery models, can go nearly anywhere. Eufy Leak detectors offer great versatility. Some designs require a nearby plug-in hub, but the sensors themselves are typically battery-powered and can last for years on their own. You can put them in all kinds of places, including: Under kitchen and bathroom sinks to catch leaky pipes In crawlspaces under pipes that might freeze Behind the washing machine or somewhere nearby in the laundry room Behind toilets that could overflow Beside water heaters Behind the dishwasher and refrigerator (depending on your installation) Beside a sump pump that could overflow Beside fountains and other indoor water features Behind fish tanks Beside AC or dehumidifiers that could overflow Remember, many leak detectors have additional sensors you attach with a cable, so they can reach into tighter spaces for extra detection, like around toilets or below-water tanks. Also, quite a few connect to home security systems, so you can manage your security and get leak, smoke and access alerts all from the same app. Read more: Keep Your Home Dry and Safe: Flood and Water Damage Prevention Guide Our favorite home leak detectors If you aren't using a leak detector, it's worth looking at some of my favorite models. If you already have a home security system, start by seeing if your brand sells one. Most do. Here's a water leak detector for Abode, one for Vivint systems and a version for SimpliSafe. If you use an Arlo home security system, its all-purpose sensors can also detect leaks. But if you don't have a system at all, these options are the best standalone choices we've found. SwitchBot Wi-Fi leak detector SwitchBot's leak detector is affordable and very easy to manage. SwitchBot SwitchBot's water sensor is very affordable and extra-easy to set up with no hub required and very little app work necessary. I still have mine set up under the kitchen sink, in fact. Once in place, it can detect both surface leaks and drips from above. You can choose what kind of alerts to get, or if you want the sensor to emit a piercing siren instead. SwitchBot rates the battery life at two years, and with AAA battery support you'll have no problem replacing them on your own when you get battery life warnings. The sensor also works with Alexa, Google and Siri. The mix of performance and affordability makes this one of the easiest leak detectors to recommend. It's a little bulky compared to some sensors, but that isn't usually an issue for leak detectors. Eufy water and freeze sensor Eufy's leak detector pairs with its HomeBase for easy placement around the home. Eufy Eufy is an excellent solo option for people who don't have security systems but are willing to purchase a Eufy HomeBase hub for an app connection. It sports a two-year battery life and can send alerts right to your phone no matter where you are, making it the best option for vacations, rentals or time away from a house. The ability to detect freezing conditions can also help you monitor your crawlspaces or under-sink areas during winter. D-Link water sensor and starter kit D-Link's kit is an easy, versatile option for installation. D-Link D-Link bundles its small plug-in hub (which includes its own extra leak detector dongle) and water sensor device into a package that's one of the best all-purpose leak detectors we've found. It can send app alerts, sound alarms and flash a warning light to make sure leaks are noticed. The AAA batteries in the sensor model are rated up to five years. Govee water leak detector 5-pack Govee's alarm-based detectors are cheap and avoid app settings. If you don't really care about app alerts and simply want a basic detector that sounds an alarm when water starts to pool, this Govee pack can take care of all the locations in your house at an affordable price. You can adjust the 100-decibel alarm to the volume that works best for you in each location. These sensors also sense water dripping from above, so don't hesitate to put them directly under suspect pipes. If you want to explore more than leak detectors, visit our smart home 101 guide, take a look at our recommendations for the best refrigerator and see what smart locks are best for simple, effective front door security.
Tom's Guide
11-06-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
SwitchBot just launched a household robot that'll be your vacuum, air purifier and security camera in one
SwitchBot's whole schtick is to take simple home appliances and make them smarter. And while we haven't tested many of its products (we last reviewed the SwitchBot Smart Lock back in 2022), the company's latest drop is seriously impressive. When we first laid eyes on the SwitchBot K20+ Pro at CES 2025, my colleague Mike called it "a Transformer" and branded it one of the best smart home gadgets of the entire show. Why? Well, while there was a lot of robot vacuums on display at CES 2025, none offered the versatility of the K20+ Pro. Not only can this robot vacuum, well, vacuum, but it can also use a range of additional accessories to transform it into a security camera, air purifier, mobile fan, smart delivery system and more. And now, the SwitchBot K20+ Pro has launched in both the U.S. and U.K. for $699.99/£599.99 — though of course you'll have to pay extra for accessories. The SwitchBot K20+ Pro is a robot vacuum capable of a lot more than tidying floors. With a flexible platform, it can be transformed into a mobile sentry, smart delivery system, air purifier, mobile fan and more. While the base model will cost you $699.99, each additional accessory kit will cost you extra. At its core, the SwitchBot K20+ Pro is a robot vacuum that'll clean a variety of surfaces around your home and even reach those hard-to-access spots. Using 3D obstacle detection and LiDAR, it's programmed to move around your home with ease. But, what's even more impressive about the K20+ Pro is what it can become. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. While the base model will cost you $699.99, you can purchase different kits that'll level up your robovac. Take the Air Purifier Kit as one example. It'll remove dust, bacteria and pet hair while it navigates from room to room — cleaning up and purifying air as it goes. Or, you can add the Air Purifier Table on top. Then, you've suddenly got a smart delivery system that'll even bring you tea in bed, carrying up to 8KG/18lbs of weight. Or the Patrol Kit that turns your K20+ Pro into a mobile sentry kitted out with a high-res camera that'll keep an eye on your home for you, or your pets, issuing alerts when necessary. Or the Air Flow Kit for a mobile fan that'll activate when the room temperature rises to keep you cool wherever it goes. There's also the Adjustable Device Stand Kit, where you can mount your tablet onboard to follow you around. That one's not available yet, but SwitchBot says it's "coming soon." When it comes to the vacuum part of the SwitchBot K20+ Pro, all the technology for sweeping, mopping and vacuuming is underneath. So, an opportunity has been taken to use the flexible platform on top for bonus possibilities. To do this, the platform is equipped with multiple power ports and an easy-to-adjust bracket for customization. There's a specific point to mount a camera, charge your air purifier, and attach an adjustable display, while power for those is also on board. When it's equipped exactly how you want it, the K20+ Pro uses DToF (Direct Time of Flight) radar and advanced navigation to create a map of your home and work out the best route to get around. And it uses laser sensors to avoid obstacles as it goes. All this is operated via voice-control, compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, as well as the SwitchBot PTC Plus app which the company say can operate the K20+ Pro and feels "like driving an RC car." I didn't even know I wanted a robot vacuum until now, but the idea of a multitasking robot that'll follow you around and cater to your needs feels like it puts the best robot vacuums on notice.
CNET
09-06-2025
- CNET
Does Dad Like Tinkering? He'll Love These 5 Smart Home Gifts
If you're still looking for a great Father's Day gift -- and I know it can be hard sometimes -- smart home tech is a perfect place to start. If you know a father who loves to tinker away, work on hobbies, mess around with tech or generally experiment with things around the house, I've got give five ideal gifts he'll love to set up and solve problems only a dad could find. Aqara Protect Kit Aqara's mini system is great for watching over small spaces. Tyler Lacoma/CNET This tiny, standalone security system is perfect for a one-person setup to guard something they love. It comes with a central 2K indoor camera hub and three very small sensors to stick to any surface. There's a motion sensor, a vibration sensor, and an open/shut sensor, all which tie back into the camera and Aqara app for updates. The camera can sense motion and even gestures, among other AI tricks. This system is probably too small for a whole house but it's the perfect size for Dad's study, gaming room, closet or garage where he has things he may want to keep watch over. SwitchBot Air Quality Sensor Meter Pro SwitchBot's air quality monitor is the cheapest way we've found to watch air quality in your home. SwitchBot This air quality sensor is as easy as they come: Take it out, pull the battery tab, and it starts sensing humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide levels and more, wherever you put it. You can control and fine-tune settings with the app or monitor it from a distance, but it's not really necessary for on-the-spot readings. Dad can take this sensor everywhere to monitor temperatures in places that may be too hot or cold, narrow down where an AC or air purifier could do the best work, or pinpoint an air quality problem that's been irking him. Arlo Cam Essential Gen-2 Arlo's Essential model includes many great Arlo features at a more affordable price. Tyler Lacoma/CNET This outdoor-friendly security camera isn't just a way to keep an eye on the yard and barbecue. With an $8 Arlo subscription, it unlocks powerful AI recognition features that can do everything from recognize gunshots to learn specific objects and whether they suddenly appear or disappear. It's a great cam for both security and techy dads who like to play around with the latest features and see what devices can really do. Plus, dad can add a solar panel to this Arlo wireless cam so he never needs to worry about bringing it back in for charging. Emporia Smart Plug Emporia's smart plug let's you manage minute details of energy use. Tyler Lacoma/CNET If your dad loves saving money and tracking how home appliances are functioning, this is the smart plug for him. This plug comes with full energy management so users can see exactly how much electricity it's using over time. It allows detailed scheduling, or automated peak hour scheduling so it turns devices off when electricity is the most expensive. That makes it great for dads who are always telling you to turn off the lights. Amazon Echo Show 15 Widgets display on the home screen of the Echo Show 15 as a panel that swipes out from the side. Chris Monroe/CNET Dad can mount this large 15-inch Show smart display on his wall (or on a nearby counter) and get a hub to control all Alexa-connected smart devices, from looking through security cams to telling Alexa to turn up a connected thermostat or play his favorite band. It can also record and display reminders, give weather updates and show live sports clips. Users can even set up home screen widgets to keep an eye on specific data or one-touch app access, depending on what they like. And dad may also appreciate the built-in Fire TV capabilities if he's a Prime user and wants to stream a show. For more info on excellent smart home picks, take a look at the cheap home products our editors are still using, the best smart home devices, and the best smart gifts for renters.
