SmartHome at CES 2025: tricky cameras, more Matter, playful light
Page 2: Battery-powered cameras from Reolink with 7-day continuous operation and double 4K
Reolink brought along three new battery-powered cameras with the ability to operate continuously. According to the manufacturer, the Altas and Altas Go PT as well as the second edition of the Altas PT Ultra record around the clock for seven days, i.e., 168 hours, on a single battery charge. The premiere of the Ultra model from last September stopped after 96 hours. Coupled with an optional solar panel, no charging pause should interrupt continuous filming. The Go model transmits data via 4G SIM instead of Wi-Fi, while the Ultra model is the only one to record in 4K instead of 2K.
(Image:Â Berti Kolbow-Lehradt)
The Duo 3 Wifi model offers two 4K sensors and therefore 16 MP. It combines the images from the two lenses and thus covers a 180-degree viewing angle. The high resolution should make it easier to manually enlarge images and recognize details such as license plates. The Duo 3 is available immediately for 190 euros. Reolink has not announced a sales launch or price for the Altas series.
Better video doorbell from Aqara, first from SwitchBot
Aqara presented an improved model of the G4 video doorbell. The new addition, the G410, has a resolution of 2K instead of 1080p. The viewing angle increases from 162 to 176 degrees. A more precise mmWave sensor instead of an infrared sensor detects whether someone is approaching. Because Thread and ZigBee radio are integrated for the first time in addition to WLAN, the doorbell can serve as a control center for the Aqara system and integrate it into smart home platforms via Matter.
Aqara also presented a control center in USB stick form called Hub M100. It works with WLAN, Thread and ZigBee and can also serve as a control center for devices from other brands in the role of a Matter controller. Aqara has yet to announce the sales launch and price for the video doorbell and hub.
SwitchBot also launched a video doorbell – the brand's first. It is available in two versions, one of which also has a fingerprint scanner and a numeric keypad on the front. Both model versions are available as a set with a 4.3-inch display that can be placed on the inside of the table or on the wall. The doorbell has a 2K resolution, covers a 165-degree viewing angle, and is said to last up to 20 months on a single charge. Recordings can be saved locally if required. The video doorbell will be available from May at an as yet unknown price.
(Image:Â Berti Kolbow-Lehradt)
Govee shows light with loudspeaker and LED display with pixel art
The Govee brand is supplementing its smart lighting system with a table lamp featuring built-in speakers from JBL. The LEDs display gradient effects on demand to the beat of music that is streamed to the audio system via Bluetooth. The latter can be paired with a second device to create a stereo system. The light organ was pretty to look at in Las Vegas, and the powerful and clear sound was pleasing.
Govee also showed a pixel art display that can display paintings or everyday information in retro style. In combination with an HDMI box, the Gaming Pixel Light displays suitable lettering or graphics for selected video games. At the trade fair stand, it accompanied a round of Mario Kart with superimposed turtle shells and banana peels, provided they were in the weapon slot of the racing car.
(Image:Â Berti Kolbow-Lehradt)
The WLAN-controllable display comes in two sizes, either 18.5 or 26.5 centimeters wide. The height (15 centimeters) and depth (3.5 centimeters) are the same. It is powered by a mains cable or battery, the latter with up to six hours of battery life. Govee did not reveal the price or launch date.
