Category: feature

As the leaves begin to change and the weather cools down, it’s time to shift our focus from summer fun to fall home safety and security. While the autumn season brings cozy moments and pumpkin spice lattes, it also brings unique security challenges that luxury homeowners should address. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to enhance security in your luxury home during the fall, including the installation of advanced security systems and surveillance.

1. Advanced Security Systems: The Foundation of Protection

One of the first steps in securing your luxury home for the fall season is investing in an advanced security system. These systems offer a range of features that can deter potential intruders and provide peace of mind for homeowners:

• Smart Locks: Upgrade your entry points with smart locks that allow you to control and monitor access remotely. You can provide temporary digital keys to trusted individuals and receive alerts when someone enters your home.
• Security Cameras: High-definition security cameras equipped with motion detection and night vision can help you monitor your property 24/7. Many luxury homeowners opt for discreet, high-end camera options that blend seamlessly with their home’s aesthetics.
• Alarm Systems: Modern alarm systems come with smart features that can be controlled via mobile apps. They offer intrusion detection, fire, and smoke alarms, and even flood sensors to protect your home from multiple threats.
• Home Automation Integration: Integrate your security system with your home automation setup. This allows you to control lights and blinds and even simulate occupancy when you’re away, making it appear as if someone is always home.

2. Surveillance Systems for Added Peace of Mind

Surveillance systems are essential for luxury homes, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind. Here’s how to incorporate surveillance effectively:

• Strategically Placed Cameras: Consider the layout of your property and place cameras in strategic locations, covering entry points, driveways, and areas with valuable assets.
• High-Quality Video Footage: Invest in high-quality surveillance cameras that capture crisp video, even in low-light conditions. Some luxury homeowners prefer discreet dome or bullet cameras that blend seamlessly with their architecture.
• Remote Access: Opt for surveillance systems that allow remote access via smartphone apps or web browsers. This way, you can check in on your property from anywhere in the world.

3. Seasonal Security Checklist

Fall is also an ideal time to perform routine maintenance and updates to your security systems:

• Test Alarm Systems: Regularly test your alarm systems, ensuring they’re in working order, and the monitoring service is up-to-date.
• Update User Access: Review and update who has access to your security system. Remove any old or unnecessary permissions to maintain control over who can enter your home digitally.
• Landscaping Maintenance: Trim bushes and shrubs near windows and entry points to eliminate potential hiding spots for intruders.
• Lighting: Ensure your outdoor lighting is in good working order. Motion-activated lights and timers can deter trespassers.

By taking these precautions and investing in advanced security systems and surveillance, luxury homeowners can enjoy the beauty of the fall season with the peace of mind that their homes are well-protected. A secure home is not only a sanctuary but also an essential element of a luxurious lifestyle.

Stay connected in the world of tech! Dive into this week’s top headlines from across the worldwide web. From DALL-E updates to Waymo’s Robotaxi in LA and more, we have you covered!

Substack’s New Look Mirrors Classic Social Media App Features

Substack has unveiled a refreshed design of its app, highlighted by the new “Home” tab, which aids users in discovering content. This tab showcases a series of cards featuring posts from user subscriptions reminiscent of Apple’s Podcast app suggestions. Alongside the Home tab, there’s an “Inbox” tab listing subscriptions chronologically with enhanced filtering options for better navigation. Additionally, Substack has repositioned its chat section to the rightmost tab, with notifications now accessible through a bell icon and users’ profile pictures leading to their subscription library.

Fujifilm Introduces Instax Pal: A Compact $200 Digital Camera with Smartphone Printer Feature

Fujifilm is venturing into the instant camera market with its new product, the Instax Pal digital camera bundle, priced at $199.95 and set for release in late October. Targeted at kids, the Instax Pal is a compact, round digital camera that doesn’t directly print photos and comes without a built-in viewfinder. Instead, images are processed via a companion app and printed using the accompanying Instax Mini Link 2 smartphone printer. While the bundle includes a 10-pack of Instax Mini film, some question its value when compared to Fujifilm’s own Instax Mini Evo instant camera, which has more features and is similarly priced. Preliminary reviews suggest that while the Instax Pal offers novelty with customizable sounds and in-app editing, it may function more as a fun accessory than a true camera.

The Orion Video System app transforms your iPad into an HDMI monitor, infused with a nostalgic touch

The creator of the renowned iPhone camera app, Halide, has introduced a new app, the Orion Video System, allowing users to utilize their iPad as an HDMI display suitable for gaming, camera monitoring, and more. Available on the App Store, Orion offers a modern interface coupled with retro fonts and menus reminiscent of older VCR settings. This development has been possible due to Apple’s recent integration of USB video class (UVC) support on iPad through iPadOS 17, permitting the connection of compatible webcams and video capture cards. While Orion is free and doesn’t feature ads or tracking, users can opt for the $4.99 Orion Pro version, which provides advanced features like AI-powered 4K upscaling and a CRT filter for a vintage gaming experience. This innovation follows similar app endeavors like Genki Studio, with Orion standing out for those fond of video nostalgia from past decades.

OpenAI releases the third version of DALL-E

OpenAI has unveiled the third iteration of its generative AI visual art platform, DALL-E. This version has been enhanced to better understand the context of text prompts and convert them into images. A significant update in DALL-E 3 is its integration with ChatGPT. This allows users to utilize ChatGPT to generate prompts for DALL-E. Likewise, this simplifies the creation process for those unfamiliar with crafting detailed prompts. During a demonstration, the combined capabilities of ChatGPT and DALL-E 3 were showcased. The results produced imaginative art based on a chatbot-generated prompt. The rollout for DALL-E 3 will commence with ChatGPT Plus and ChatGPT Enterprise users. Likewise, subsequent releases to research labs and API services are planned for the coming months.

Waymo Explores Launching a Robotaxi Service in Los Angeles.

Waymo is embarking on a “tour across Los Angeles,” offering residents rides in its fully autonomous vehicles. Of course, this hints at the groundwork for a forthcoming commercial robotaxi service. The tour involves six extended stops in different LA neighborhoods where individuals can hail a driverless car. Those keen can secure early access tickets at pop-up events or join a waitlist. The service areas for this tour include popular neighborhoods from Santa Monica to Downtown LA. This initiative marks Waymo’s initial deployment of a “tour” model preceding a commercial launch. In addition, it comes after years of groundwork and mapping of LA streets. Likewise, Waymo aims to capture a significant portion of a potential $2 billion market in the city.

September is National Preparedness Month – meaning it’s time to make sure you are prepared! Keeping your loved ones safe is, of course, a top priority. Having the skills, knowledge, and tools to handle an emergency will give you peace of mind.

In Southern California, we’ve had our fair share of natural disasters that have impacted many. So it is important that you and your family prepare and have a strategy in the event of an emergency.

With that said, let’s share what steps to take to stay prepared and alert should disaster strike.

How to be prepared during National Preparedness Month.

1. HAVE A KIT READY

Buy or build an emergency preparedness kit that would sustain your family for up to 14 days. You would need to make sure it is portable and placed in an easily accessible area. Likewise, every member of the family must be made aware of the designated area.

Your kit should include:

• water,
• non-perishable food items,
• batteries
• battery operated radio
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• First aid kit
• Masks
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags
• Manual can opener (for tinned food)
• Flashlight
• Cell phone with chargers
• Power banks for cellphones
• Do not forget to factor in food for pets and children if it applies.

2. HAVE A PLAN

Communication is key. Have a contingency plan in place that is clear and detailed. Likewise, all the occupants of your home will need to know what steps to follow. The plan should cover home emergencies and out-of-home emergencies. Please see the American Redcross Family Disaster Plan Template, as it gives you a detailed guide on what you would need to cover.

3. STAY INFORMED

With the rise of social media and the internet, information is readily available. Ensure you are following reputable pages and sites and register with FEMA preparedness programs.

4. CPR CERTIFIED

At least one member of the family needs to be trained in CPR. Should an event occur, you will be the first responder and may have to save a life. It is imperative that have enough knowledge and skill to perform CPR and check vitals whilst waiting for emergency personnel to reach you.

Natural disasters can be sudden and devastating therefore, the time to prepare for all types of emergencies is now to avoid being court off guard.

As another week flies by, we are rounding up the top tech headlines happening from across the web. From NASA bikes to the debut of the Nintendo Museum and more, we have you covered. Read on for our weekly tech news round-up! 

Chromebooks to Receive Automatic Updates for a Decade

Google has announced that starting in 2024, ChromeOS devices will benefit from automatic security updates for 10 years post-release. All Chromebooks introduced in 2021 onwards will receive these updates, while owners of older models can opt-in. Presently, Google offers eight years of automatic updates from the certification date of a Chromebook, not its purchase date. This has often limited the practical usage for schools and businesses to around four to five years. A recent report emphasized the environmental and cost benefits of prolonging Chromebook lifespans, suggesting the new change may lead to considerable savings and reduced e-waste.

Nintendo Museum Set to Complete by March

In its recent September Direct event, Nintendo updated fans on the development of the Nintendo Museum, a project converting its old Uji Ogura Plant in Kyoto, Japan, into a display venue for its product range. Slated for completion by March 2024, the exact opening date remains undisclosed. While the company teased the iconic question block painted on the building’s roof, specifics about the interior exhibits are yet to be revealed. Following successes like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and theme parks in Japan and the US, this museum marks Nintendo’s latest venture to engage directly with its global fanbase.

Honda’s Motocompacto Scooter: The Electric Ride Resembling a Suitcase for Your Commute

Honda’s new electric scooter, the Motocompacto, is set to redefine urban mobility with its unique design, reminiscent of a carry-on suitcase or an oversized AirPods case. Weighing 41.3 lbs, the scooter boasts a top speed of 15mph and a range of 12 miles. Designed as a tribute to Honda’s 1980s gas-powered Motocompo scooters, the new electric variant is set to hit U.S. markets this November at $995. Features include brown leather-colored grips and seats, a clear LED display, two power levels, and Bluetooth connectivity for added settings through a dedicated phone app. While the scooter’s speed and distance may not break records, Honda’s blend of nostalgic design and modern tech offers a fresh take on the booming e-mobility market.

Bike Tires Crafted from NASA’s Unique Morphing Metal Now on Sale

The Metl bicycle tire, made from nitinol, a shape-memory alloy developed by NASA, promises longevity and a never-flat experience. Produced by The Smart Tire Company from Akron, Ohio, these tires are currently available for crowdfunding on Kickstarter. However, they come at a hefty pledge of $500 for a pair, considerably more expensive than standard bike tires. These unique NASA tires provide a grip with an all-weather tread. In addition, they boast up to 8,000 miles of usage, with retread options at $10 each. The campaign has already surpassed its goal and aims to expand its product range if it secures enough funding.

TikTok Collaborates with Billboard for a Top 50 Chart of Trending Songs

TikTok is teaming up with Billboard to introduce a top 50 chart showcasing the most trending songs on the platform. The chart’s rankings will be determined by the number of videos using the song, views, and user engagement. Currently leading the chart are hits like “SkeeYee” by Sexyy Red and “Paint the Town Red” by Doja Cat. This US-exclusive chart, refreshing every Thursday, is the first official measure of TikTok song popularity. Given TikTok’s influence, this collaboration further underscores the app’s impact. Likewise, numerous TikTok-trending songs have found their way onto the Billboard Hot 100.