igloohome Smart PadLock 2 Review
The igloohome Smart PadLock 2 succeeds the original, with changes mostly on the hardware. It swaps the 9V battery for a USB-C rechargeable lithium one and upgrades to IPX7 waterproofing, making it outdoor-ready.
Internet of Things
My smart home and connected gadgets, from sensors and hubs to item trackers and air-quality monitors.
Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 Review
The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 reached Singapore at S$209.90. It offers a 162-degree 1080p view with infrared night vision, runs on six AA batteries or a wired adapter, and supports up to a 512GB microSD.
Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1 EU (With Neutral)
The Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1 EU is the third smart switch I'm evaluating, after MCO Touch Panel and Sonoff T2UK. I'm getting one to let Li Xiang compare tactile against touch switches.
Knocki Review
Knocki turns any surface into a remote control: tap or knock on it and the device translates that into actions. It raised over US$1.1 million on Kickstarter in 2016 but, after delays, only shipped in April 2019.
Google Nest Hub Max
I'd long wanted the Google Nest Hub Max but balked at its US$229 price plus shipping. A Project KR flash sale on Lazada during the 2/2 event finally let me grab it for a reasonable S$255.60.
Sonoff NSPanel Smart Scene Wall Switch Review
I backed the Sonoff NSPanel Smart Scene Wall Switch on Kickstarter in October 2021, paying about S$85 all-in. It was perhaps the fastest Kickstarter to deliver, fully funded within a month and far exceeding Sonoff's goal.
Sonoff RM 433 Multipurpose Custom Remote Controller
After my MCO switches dropped off Z-Wave, I moved to Sonoff T2UK Wi-Fi switches. With most lights now on Sonoff, I added the RM 433 remote to control up to eight via 433MHz.
Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wired) Review
After bricking my Nest Hello, I switched to the Eufy Video Doorbell 2K (Wired), bought from Eufy's US website for US$115.48. I chose it after a Domotics review whose author hit the same Nest issue.
Google Nest Hub (2nd Generation)
I bought the Google Nest Hub (2nd Generation) from Lazada's Project KR for S$99.99 during a flash sale, matching the US price before shipping. I chose Charcoal, since my earlier Google Home Hub was in Chalk.
Xiaomi Mi Multifunctional Digital Clock
I grabbed the Xiaomi Mi Multifunctional Digital Clock on Lazada for S$16.99. It has a 3.7-inch e-ink display and pairs with the Mi Home app, but only if your region is set to China.
Amazon Echo & Alexa App Now Officially Available in Singapore
Amazon.sg now stocks the Amazon Echo (4th Generation) and Echo Dot (4th Generation) in international versions with the correct plug. The Echo retails for S$141 plus shipping, though some Alexa skills remain unavailable in certain countries.
Apple AirTag Leather Loop
The Apple AirTag Loop comes in two variants. The Polyurethane Loop offers four colours, including Electric Orange, for S$45 (S$40.66 on EPP), while the Leather Loop comes in Saddle Brown or Product Red for S$59.
OEM Apple AirTag Key Ring
If Apple's AirTag Leather Key Ring feels too pricey, OEM versions are cheap. I bought two from Shopee at S$3.32 each. The silicone holder comes in six colours, though the non-stainless metal ring will eventually rust.
Apple AirTag Leather Key Ring
The Apple AirTag Leather Key Ring retails for S$55, or S$49.22 on the EPP, in Baltic Blue, Saddle Brown, and Product Red. With a stainless steel ring and soft French leather holder, it feels premium, if pricey.
Apple AirTag
Apple finally launched its own lost-item tracker, the AirTag. I got mine on 4th May 2021, because I opted for engraving. Pricing is competitive: S$45 for a 1-pack and S$149 for a 4-pack.
Sonoff Micro USB Smart Adaptor
The Sonoff Micro USB Smart Adaptor, S$13.99 on Lazada, lets you control any USB device remotely via the eWeLink app. I couldn't pair it on my iPhone 12 Pro Max, but a SIM-less Pixel 3a worked.
Sonoff T2UK Wi-Fi Smart Wall Switch Review
Since starting my smart home in 2016, I'd relied on MCO Z-Wave switches, but my Series 4 units began failing after a year. This review covers my move to the Wi-Fi-based Sonoff T2UK smart wall switch.
Tile Sticker
The Tile Sticker is Tile's newest form factor, sold in a two-pack for S$59 or four-pack for S$99. At 27mm wide and 7.3mm thick, slightly larger than a 50-cent coin, it's the smallest Tile yet and simply adheres.
Google Assistant Now Available For Sonos Users In Singapore
As of 6th November 2019, Google Assistant is officially available to all Sonos users in Singapore, including Sonos One and Beam. Previously, accessing Alexa or Google Assistant meant switching your Sonos profile's country to the US.
WYFY Beam Review
WYFY is a local Singaporean IoT company making designed-in-Singapore smart devices with local certifications. Its WYFY Beam is a smart IR blaster I got from Automate Asia, discounted to S$39 from S$49.
igloohome Smart PadLock Review
igloohome seemingly granted my exact request: two years ago, reviewing their Smart Lock, I wished for a smart padlock for my main gate. The igloohome Smart PadLock came from an Indiegogo campaign funded in November 2018.
Atmotube Pro Review
The Atmotube Pro is a portable air quality tracker, the company's fourth product. Pre-orders opened in February 2019 at US$131, shipping that April, with a US$189 retail price thereafter. It's now on Amazon.sg for S$215.