This week we tackle a bunch of device news, the rebranding of TrackR, the end of ARM’s Cordio Bluetooth IP and Nokia’s latest data on IoT botnets. We also ask what y’all think about network security devices and services for the connected home. We don’t currently consider them a must-have device, but should we? In device news, we mention Arlo’s new 4K security camera, iHome’s new mirror and alarm clock, IKEA’s $10 smart plug, Bose’s connected sunglasses, and Free ISP’s new Freebox Delta. We also discuss Kevin’s purchase of the Google Home Hub and my review of the First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound smoke detector and smart speaker. Finally, we answer a question about what connected tech belongs in the bedroom.
Our guest this week is Heather Reed-Fenske, the chief information technology officer at the City of Calgary. She talks about how Calgary has built a sensor network on top of its existing city-wide fiber network. Calgary is using LoRa radios that cost about $45,000, and is layering all kinds of new services on top of the network. She talks about what that has meant for city workers, trees and even concert promoters. We also discuss privacy and how governments should think about deploying smart tech in municipal settings. It’s a fun show.
4K is actually becoming quite affordable. For example I have a Amcrest UltraHD 4K (8MP) which is just $120. In a parallel to what Kevin was talking about here is a video I made of a rattlesnake escaping while I thought I was watching it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drhWg6r4J04 It starts with the raw video then zooms to two zoomed in parts of the video overlayed so you can see me and the snake. Got the 4K for this location because it is really the only good line of sight for this fence line so it was either a wide coupled a second telephoto cam or the 4K. Note though it is the only 4K I have so far due to the load it puts on the NVR even at 15fps.