23 Dec
Blog

Govee Immersion Kit Review: More Colorful TV On a Budget

The Govee Immersion Kit improves the content of the screen.

Govee Immersion Kit Review: How to Make TV a More Colorful Experience

RRP $ 150.00

"The Govee Immersion Kit is a solid option for someone who wants to enhance their home theater experience without breaking the bank."

benefits

  • Inexpensive

  • Easy to use and customize

  • Looks great when connected

  • Long enough to work with the biggest televisions

disadvantage

  • Tricky setup process

  • The camera is sensitive to light from other sources

I've always loved the idea of ​​immersive lighting. There's something about the way the colors displayed on your TV are reproduced that makes the content come to life, almost like it's bleeding from the screen and on the walls around it. When Govee asked if I wanted to check out his Immersion Kit with Light Bars, I took the chance.

The results blew me away. While it's not a perfect product, the lighting looks great and creates a cool effect on the wall. I don't know if it improves the viewing experience or not, but it definitely improves the look of my living room TV setup – especially when displaying content with strong color contrasts, like the first home screen from Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart or that great scene on End of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

It definitely improves the look of my living room TV setup.

The Govee Immersion Kit improves the content of the screen.

What's in the box?

The Govee Immersion Kit contains a lot of the accessories you will all need. Take the time to set it up as it isn't the easiest process in the world.

The box contains two light strips and one LED light strip. It also includes a camera, sync box and mounting hardware. I installed it on the back of a 65-inch TV and the LED strip was still almost too long. It went over the top, down both sides, and over the bottom, almost to the edges of the TV. So it's not too short.

The setup instructions give you the option to mount the camera either on top or on the bottom of your TV. I decided to mount it at the bottom, but the instructions and all of the graphics still showed it from the top – that's a bit confusing, to say the least. The box also contains a set of orange adhesive squares that you attach to the four corners of your TV and then place a square across from the camera. These are used to ensure that the camera can capture the entire screen. They are useful because the way your phone looks at the camera is incredibly distorted due to the shape of the lens.

The instructions also warn against peeling the squares straight off to avoid damaging your TV. The question arises, if this requires temporarily mounting something on my screen that could damage it, is it necessary? I think the squares could be done without, but they actually came off easily. Just pull it sideways instead of straight back.

You place the light strips on either side of your TV. The light bars, LED strip, and camera cable all attach to a single hub that can be mounted to the back of your TV so that it is hidden from view. One cable supplies the entire setup with power.

All in all, it wasn't a difficult process to set up, but it was fraught with minor annoyances.

Light, sound, action

The Govee Immersion Kit works by capturing the colors on the screen and reflecting those colors through the lights. This does it pretty well, although the color accuracy felt multiple times. What the lights projected and what was displayed on the screen weren't perfect representations of each other.

Avatar: TLA shows ambient colors on a TV better than many shows.

The overall color also plays a role in how the lights are perceived. I tested it while watching Rosewood only to see that the lights were always yellow in color because the show itself is being shown with a sepia filter on everything.

Fortunately, the Govee app allows the lights to be adjusted and tweaked. The app allows you to choose custom settings for the lights. You can choose to have the entire setup display the predominant color no matter what you see, or you can choose to display each light bar in a separate color. You can also choose whether the light bars are segmented (each one being able to display multiple colors at the same time) or that each light bar is one color while the LED strip displays different colors.

If I could add a feature it would be to turn off the lights when the TV is off.

You can also adjust the frequency of color changes. The Dynamic setting results in more frenetic shifts, while the Quiet setting is a slow, gradual transition that works well for movies. If you really want to step up the stakes, turn on sound effects. The lights change based not only on the color shown on the screen, but also based on the volume.

Of course, you can also choose a separate color for the entire setup, entirely based on your preferences and what isn't on the screen. You don't need to use the camera.

The Govee Immersion Kit enhances your viewing experience.

If I could add a feature it would be to turn off the lights when the TV is off. The Govee Immersion Kit camera is sensitive to light. When the TV is off, the lights will stay on, indicating any detected hue. Even in the middle of the night, when there is no other light on anywhere in the house, it glows pale blue. Since the lamps cannot be plugged into your TV's power supply, you will have to turn them on and off yourself.

This is of course easier as Govee connects to intelligent assistants. It is very easy to link and control the Govee Immersion Kit with Alexa or Google Assistant.

The Govee Immersion Kit is a fun, affordable option for an immersive lighting kit.

The sensitivity of the camera means that the brighter your TV, the better – especially when viewing content during the day or with the lights on in your home. Sitting down to see something while all the lights in your home are off (except for the Govee Immersion Kit, of course) is a pretty magical experience. The colors come from the screen and onto the wall around the television. I would recommend going for something particularly colorful, like a Pixar movie. It's a great way to experience these smart lights.

Our opinion

The Govee Immersion Kit is a fun, affordable option for an immersive lighting kit. The main drawbacks are the camera's sensitivity to outside light and the irritating set-up process. If the camera had a screen at the top that blocks all light except that from the television, this would improve color accuracy.

Is there a better alternative?

The Hue Play HDMI Sync Box will also match the colors on the screen, and probably more accurately, since the input is being fed through the box itself. However, it is a much more expensive alternative. The sync box alone is $ 230, and it doesn't include the cost of the lights.

The Govee Immersion Kit does a good job for a much cheaper price of $ 150.

How long it will take?

All components make a solid and robust impression. I have several Govee lights in my house and they all still work fine after over a year. Should something happen, the Govee Immersion Kit includes a one-year warranty.

Should I buy it?

Yes. Despite my complaints about aspects of the kit, overall it's great value for money that I look forward to every time I sit down to relax at the end of the day.

Editor's recommendations



30 Apr
Blog

Sennheiser’s Mic Kit Brings Pro-Grade Audio to Your Phone

sennheiser mke 400 mobile kit review mke400 microphone switch

Sennheiser MKE 400 Mobile Kit Review: Pro grade audio recording for your phone

"With the Sennheiser MKE 400 Mobile Kit, you can exploit the potential of your smartphone as a mobile vlogging tool by adding high-quality audio and a comprehensive set of accessories."

  • Excellent audio quality

  • Complete set of accessories included

  • Compatible with phones and cameras

  • Headphone monitoring function

  • Requires you to learn new skills to put it to good use

  • The volume can be low

Your smartphone almost certainly has a high-performance video camera. Since it's always with you, it's really the perfect tool for vlogging and video creation on the go. Except that it always disappoints with the built-in microphone that has to do too many different tasks and just can't all be great.

Solving the problem has frustrated me for a while as very few of the options available are an idea. Sennheiser has now launched it MKE 400 Mobile Kitwhich allows you to record videos recorded on your phone with first class audio recording. Could this really be what I was looking for? I found out.

Why use your cell phone?

Every iPhone since the iPhone 6S has recorded 4K video, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra and the latest Galaxy S21 series phones record 8K video. Hence, recording high quality videos with your phone has not been a problem for a while. If this is a huge priority for you, companies like Moment make impressive lens accessories for phones, and there are plenty of video editing apps out there for iOS and Android. Your phone is really a one stop shop for video creation.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Almost. Good audio quality is important when you want to publish your videos. Nobody will want to see if they can't hear you or if they can just hear wind noise or distortion. The microphone on your smartphone is a compromise as it has to perform various tasks and it isn't high on the priority list that makes you sound good on videos. It is not suitable for remote shooting or in noisy environments.

There are several ways to cure this. Lavalier microphones are popular, but they get tied down with a cord or you could invest in an expensive wireless microphone system. But there is a fine line between this step and considering taking fully to the next level with a DSLR-based setup, and the money really adds up at this point. It can feel demoralizing looking at the different options and sometimes unnecessary with your phone right there capturing perfectly good videos.

Everything you need

What does that matter MKE 400 Mobile Kit The special thing is that it was mainly developed for use with a smartphone. The packaging includes the Sennheiser MKE 400 shotgun microphone, a sturdy aluminum smartphone clamp to hold both the phone and your phone, and a Manfrotto Pixi mini tripod that doubles as a handle. A 3.5mm TRRS cable to connect the microphone to your smartphone and another 3.5mm TRS cable to use with DSLRs offer a lot of flexibility.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The MKE 400 is attached to the smartphone clamp with a standard cold shoe holder, as two AAA batteries are used for its own power supply. The mount itself has multiple 1/4 "threaded holes for attaching to a tripod, as well as a single 3/8" threaded hole and rubber lined clamp for your phone. This can be rotated from portrait to landscape and the clip can snap into place so it doesn't move – and your phone won't come loose.

The Manfrotto Pixi tripod is small but very robust. It's made of stainless steel and has a maximum height of 5.3 inches, with each of the feet ending in a rubber grip for added stability. It's fine for use with a phone, but Manfrotto doesn't recommend it to support something heavier than 2.25 pounds, so it might not work well with some DSLRs. Firmly press the button on the side and the head can be repositioned which gives it a lot of versatility.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Pixi tripod can be used on a surface or a handheld. The clamp is big enough to fit most phones – I've used it with the iPhone 12 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra – and the connection system is simple. You'll be done and ready in less than five minutes. It is incredibly portable and very solidly made.

What about the microphone?

The MKE 400 is a Shotgun microphone with a supercardioid pattern, that is, it is designed to pick up audio directly from the front and slightly from the back, but not so much from the sides, to reduce unwanted ambient noise. The MKE 400 name has been used by Sennheiser for years, but the company has updated the design and added functionality to this newly introduced model.

sennheiser mke 400 mobile kit review mke400 mic pageAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

sennheiser mke 400 mobile kit review mke400 microphone switchAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

sennheiser mke 400 mobile kit review mke400 dead catAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

sennheiser mke 400 mobile kit review mke400 clampAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

The windshield and shock mount have been placed in the metal microphone housing for a more compact and visually appealing look. A furry cover for "dead cats" is also included to further reduce wind noise. On the side of the microphone there is a volume-controlled 3.5 mm headphone output for monitoring the audio, a three-stage sensitivity gain control and a low-pass filter.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

There are two AAA batteries in the box that can be used to power the microphone. Sennheiser estimates that they last 100 hours before they have to be replaced. It weighs 93 grams, about half of most modern smartphones, but still feels robust. It looks very modern and professional too, and if you only have the Sennheiser name on the side, it's very believable. It may sound strange, but that's a big deal.

How does it sound

I recorded audio with the Sennheiser MKE 400 outside when I was walking around and inside when I was sitting, in the car and in other relatively noisy environments. I connected it to an iPhone 12 Pro using the included 3.5mm cable and a Lightning dongle. It performed very well at all times, but most of all, it's a huge improvement over the audio recordings you would get if you just used the built-in mic or other cheaper mics.

The most obvious difference is the drastic reduction in background and ambient noise. The MKE 400 records your voice clearly and still picks up just the right amount of ambient noise. For example, if you are recording while taking an early morning walk, the microphone will still record the sounds of the surrounding forest for a natural, pleasant tone that accurately captures your surroundings without overwhelming your voice.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Plus, my voice sounds less artificial and removes the echo and harshness you get from the iPhone 12 Pro's microphone. I also compared it to a Rode SmartLav + lavalier microphone and again there was much less background noise and echo. Outside, it works well at about a meter to two meters away, provided you are facing the general direction of the microphone. It also records well when you are behind the microphone, as long as you are not too far away. In a moving car there is a little more echo behind the microphone, but since the ambient noise is minimized, the recording is not ruined.

The downsides are learning how to get the most out of the MKE 400. While it's not particularly complicated, there are a ton of trial and error that can't really be found with a simple plug-in lavalier microphone. For example, the volume is pretty low at the normal setting. In order to hear them well during playback on the iPhone, the volume must be around 75%. There is three-stage gain control, but setting this to the high level increases the overall noise, so there is a tradeoff between recording from further away and introducing more ambient noise.

https://digitaltrends-uploads-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sennheiser-mke-400-example-file.wav

The headphone jack on the microphone body lets you hear what is being recorded, which helps to a certain extent. This is difficult when you are alone and want to check the distance record, for example. I don't think the MKE 400 requires any experience or knowledge at a professional level, but I think you need patience and a willingness to learn about sound recording in order to get the most out of it.

The use of the Sennheiser MKE 400 has been approved. I'm used to recording with a wired lavalier mic and it's great not to have to worry about the cord. I also hate that I forgot to turn the microphone back on when I have to move away from the camera, which you won't worry about with the MKE 400. The sound quality is great too. It also works with the camera or voice recorder app and, if necessary, with a DSLR. Hence, it is hard to imagine that you would wish for much else.

Price and availability

The Sennheiser MKE 400 Mobile Kit costs $ 230 or £ 200. It is now available from Sennheiser's own online shop or from other Sennheiser dealers.

Our opinion

The Sennheiser MKE 400 Mobile Kit is a comprehensive, high quality and easy to use sound recording system for your phone. While it's made for a smartphone, don't think that it is fundamental as all of the features here will help you capture the best possible audio with your smartphone.

Sennheiser's decision to make it a full kit is inspired because you don't have to buy anything else. Hence, it's ideal for anyone just starting out or looking to upgrade from a more basic setup. Even so, performance is not straightforward, and the audio quality is a huge improvement over your phone's built-in microphone and even over competent lavalier microphones.

The versatility means it is suitable for handheld shooting facing the camera, desktop use, outdoor shooting, and even in noisy environments like the inside of a moving car – all without wires or a wireless bluetooth connection. It's not cheap, but the price reflects the capability, quality, and welcome simplicity of the overall package.

Is there a better alternative?

There are several different shotgun microphones that will work with your smartphone, but very few come with the accessories that the MKE 400 Mobile Kit offers. The prices also vary widely. This comica kit with a wireless microphone system is $ 170 while Rode's VideoMic camera mount kit is $ 147. A good lavalier microphone like the Rode SmartLav + costs around $ 90, and the Audio Technica ATR3350xiS microphone costs around $ 35.

All of them can pick up audio better than the built-in microphone in your phone. However, before you decide on a microphone, consider how and where you want to record. Sennheiser is never the cheapest brand, but quality is almost always guaranteed.

How long it will take?

The components contained in the mobile kit are robust and robust. They are mainly made of different metals, with only the base of the microphone being made of plastic. The universal 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting the microphone to your phone requires a dongle if it does not have the appropriate port. So make sure you have one on hand. No apps need to be installed and no firmware needs to be updated. The MKE 400 will last for years if handled well.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It is all you need to greatly enhance the audio recorded by your smartphone.

Editor's recommendations




13 Jul
Blog

Abode Starter Kit Review: A decent but flawed home monitoring system

Residence Starter Kit rating upright in front

"The basic hardware with low specifications is disappointing, but with a smooth app experience, Abode is a smart home platform that shouldn't be ignored."

  • Beautifully designed web and app dashboard controls

  • Z-Wave, ZigBee, Wi-Fi and Abode RF connectivity

  • Support for more than 200 device integrations

  • Voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant

  • Cheap, relatively weak hardware

  • Low resolution camera with blurry, smeared images

  • Inconsistent sensor connection

This year there was a revival of smart home security solutions, with August, Nest, Ring and Samsung SmartThings announcing all lines. Companies like Abode are, of course, old hands in intelligent security and sell gateways, sensors, remote key fobs and motion detection cameras after a successful Kickstarter start.

With Abode introducing a 1080p surveillance camera, door sensors, and a variety of third-party device integrations and compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, we thought it would be a good time to get the starter kit for $ 199 (originally $ 299 Dollars). You can find out how it developed in our test report for the Abode Starter Kit below.

The entire hardware range from Abode includes a comprehensive range of hardware, including a gateway alarm system, door and window sensors, motion and occupancy detectors, surveillance cameras, sockets, smoke detectors, temperature sensors and much more. The Abode Starter Kit is designed to introduce you to the ecosystem with a clear entry-level package that the bank does not break.

It contains the Abode Gateway, a relatively compact hub that serves as the heart of the security network and contains a siren with 93 decibels to deter even the bravest intruders. The gateway includes two door / window contact sensors, a motion camera and a remote control key to activate or deactivate the system with a simple push of a button.

Not a modest place of residence

The Abode Starter Kit is attractively packaged in a buff and cyan box, which describes itself as the "future of security at home". At first glance, it is certainly not a modest place to stay. The hardware itself is relatively well built, but does not quite match the premium feeling you experience with Nest or August products. The strict, modernist aesthetics of the black and white Abode Gateway will divide opinions. We're not big fans of the look of the device, which resembles a simple rectangular router from 2011 – fortunately without antennas. We were concerned about the sharp edges and sharp corners of the device. The Abode Gateway is covered with glossy acrylic, which easily takes fingerprints, stains and smudges. While it looks sharp (and literally feels that way), it also feels a little cheap.

Terry Walsh / Digital Trends

The remaining hardware that is included in the starter kit has a different build quality. The door / window sensors feel similarly weak, but the motion camera and two-tone key fob are more robust, with the latter feeling good in your hand.

Several radios connect a wide ecosystem of security devices with optional surveillance services

Perhaps the greater part of the construction costs were invested under the hood. With integrated Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, ZigBee and AbodeRF (the latter is a proprietary protocol for long-range connectivity), the Abode Gateway can be connected to a variety of sensors, intelligent sockets and controllers. Up to 155 devices can be connected. With Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, you can control some of your devices with your voice. You can also enable the Alexa Guard ability to enable and disable the system.

It's good to see a number of options, and the plans themselves are easy to understand

Some third-party devices also work with Abode, including Nest Cam, Nest Protect and the Nest Learning Thermostat, Philips Hue, Amazon Echo and IFTTT. In addition to the company's own devices, the gateway also plays with hardware from Aeon, Enerwave, Fibaro, GE, Kwikset, Leviton, Schlage and others.

In addition to this powerful 93 decibel siren, the Abode Gateway has a 10-hour battery backup that provides protection in the event of a power outage and an optional cellular network connection that is available for a monthly fee of $ 10.

Abode is billed as a professional security system. Therefore, it makes sense that the company also offers 24/7 professional monitoring bundled with a cellular backup for $ 30 a month. This Connect + Secure plan also includes a 90-day timeline and media storage, compared to just three days of storage available in the basic starter kit. You can decide whether professional surveillance is required for your home. However, it is good to see a number of options, and the plans themselves are easy to understand without temporary locks.

Smooth system installation with a little hiccup

As expected, installing a reasonably comprehensive security system at home is not a two-minute task, but Abode is clearly committed to making the process as smooth as possible. The gateway connects to your WLAN router via a replacement Ethernet connection. Pressing a quick button on the back of the device activates the backup battery.

From there you can configure the gateway with the free Abode app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. You need to create an Abode account and then continue the setup on your mobile device or desktop web browser.

Abode Starter Kit checking flat portsTerry Walsh / Digital Trends

Terry Walsh / Digital Trends

An activation code included in the scope of delivery identifies your gateway and is required to connect the starter kit to your account. After entering your Abode gateway will be found and activated quickly on the Internet. It's quick and easy.

Of course, you will then have the fun of installing the sensors and the camera at home. Fortunately, the Abode app guides you through the device installation with practical tips for placing and aligning the sensor. Depending on the size of your doors, windows, and frames, the sensors may be more than a little bulky. Although they increase safety, they certainly do not improve aesthetics. At the very least, they are easy to install, as double-sided adhesive strips ensure that no tools are required.

Abode clearly strives to make the installation process as smooth as possible.

The installation instructions for the motion camera was less successful. First we were asked to remove a clear plastic tab to activate the batteries, but the tab on the device could not be found. At this point we noticed that the batteries were in the box and were not installed. Not a drama, but a bit sloppy from a user experience perspective. Inserting the batteries was a quick task, but required a screwdriver to remove the back plate of the camera.

After switching on, you can try out different positions for the motion camera that takes still pictures when the integrated PIR sensor is triggered. Preview the resulting images and you're done.

A rear bracket snaps into the device for corner mounting. Adhesive strips stick to each wall to hold the camera in place. Alternatively, you can use another self-adhesive pad for the flat wall installation, which is included in the scope of delivery. While the adhesive pads are certainly practical and keep the equipment in place, we want wall anchors and screws to be supplied as a more permanent option as well. Attention tenants! The pads remove paint from the wall when removed. A stand for the camera that would allow more freedom in positioning as well as easy relocation would also be a great addition.

With the hardware set up, you can use the Abode app to grant family members and friends account access. Only two user accounts are supported in the free basic plan. However, if you sign up for one of Abode's monthly services, this restriction will be removed. A quick tour of the app and you're good to go. Allow at least 15 minutes to set up Abode, with more difficult camera positions requiring more time. Apart from this battery error in the camera, installing the Abode system was a breeze.

Simple and responsive hardware with little specification dilutes the experience

One aspect of living with Abode that we really liked was that you are not limited to monitoring the system through a mobile app. Log in to the Abode website using a desktop browser and you have full visibility and control over your home security. The system combines the convenience of controlling mobile apps with the convenience of desktop monitoring – a perfect combination.

When Abode first delivered its all-inclusive security package, it included an app for Android, which, to put it bluntly, was a first effort. Since then, Abode has been updated to version 5.0.4 and is miles better than the previous version. The first time you open the app, you will be asked for a PIN. You can also integrate your phone's fingerprint reader to bypass the lock.

As soon as you get into the app, you get access to your system status as well as quick actions and camera views via the dashboard. Quick actions allow you to create shortcuts to common tasks that prevent you from having to rummage through menus.

In the lower navigation bar you will find the most important information for the system. The timeline shows you all the events that have occurred. CUE is an automation function that we discussed in detail earlier. Your device list shows you what you have and what status you have, and all are just a tap away. Even the general app settings have been organized in a much better interface. The first edition of this app had most of what this version does, but the main difference is that they're in places that make sense. To put it cautiously, the last iteration of the app didn't quite reach this bar.

Overall, this is an important update to the software that is running your smart home security that was badly needed. The previous app relied heavily on using the in-browser interface while referring to mobile devices. You can still use the web interface, but it is much less reliant on it now. This app gives your phone a lot more control. This is the device most of us will turn to most anyway. This is a fundamental facelift for the app and the entire company.

Access Abode from a desktop browser and take advantage of an expanded range of features beautifully presented in a modern, web-based dashboard. Again, you can view a clear timeline of events and warnings, monitor and manage device status and settings, create quick actions (e.g. macros for multiple devices), and configure automatic home and away perimeters to activate the system based on or disable your smartphone location and more.

The gateway alarm was quickly triggered by the camera and was extremely loud.

On the other hand, you have to repeatedly deal with attempts to buy additional hardware or subscribe to one of the company's premium service plans. You can't blame Abode for starting a business, but once the plans are rejected at launch, these prompts really have to go away instead of popping up all the time. Overall, Abode supports a variety of monitoring and management functions that are well presented and very responsive on both mobile and desktop dashboards.

The starter kit hardware itself is a little less fancy. Images taken by the motion camera have a very low resolution (standard 320 x 240, maximum 640 x 480), which leads to blurry, smeared images that can be used to detect presence, but are not suitable for identification . Without night vision support, the camera relies on an integrated flash for pictures in the dark. The flash does a decent job of illuminating a dark room, even though the pictures are a little yellow. However, the low resolution is the main problem. You should definitely consider upgrading to Abode's newly announced 1080p indoor camera for $ 149, which offers live streaming video, triggered recording, and built-in night vision.

We also found the window / door sensors a bit spirited. While the system correctly recognized the opening of a door or window, it was far less successful in recognizing the same door or window. This caused complaints when we tried to activate the system. Abode repeatedly and incorrectly informed us that the door was open. Maybe with more time to fine-tune the positioning of the sensors, we could improve detection in both directions, but we were frustrated that the detection worked in one direction but not the other.

We had no complaints about the gateway alarm that was triggered by the camera or door window / sensor and was consistently loud. After triggering, we received a notification on the phone within seconds with practical options for notifying the police or disabling the alarm. The system responded quickly when we deactivated the alarm and the bat stopped in a few seconds.

Overall, we were pleased with Abode's simplicity and responsiveness, but as with any multi-device system, your experience will be determined to some extent by the smart home sensors and other hardware you choose to connect to. The Abode Starter Kit will certainly familiarize you with the basics, but it won't be long before you want to upgrade.

Add Alexa and other smart home devices for perfect partnerships

Of course, you can't start a smart home system these days without familiarizing yourself with a number of third-party devices. Since Google (via Nest) and Amazon both enter the smart home security game, startups like Abode have to deliver breadth, depth and quality when it comes to integration. At first glance, Abode seems to have hit the ground.

Abode's Alexa capability enables you to monitor and control the system with an Amazon Echo or other Alexa device. If you have security concerns, a verbal PIN number is used to confirm certain commands, e.g. B. deactivate the system or deactivate an alarm. In addition to core functions such as the gateway alarm, the capability supports a wide selection of commands, the control of connected locks, sockets, garage doors and configured quick actions.

We have found that Alexa integration works well. If you detect intrusion, you can verbally trigger (or disable) a panic alarm faster than when you search for your phone. It only takes a few seconds to activate the system using a voice command, and we have found that Abode is consistently very responsive.

We connected a Nest learning thermostat and were pleased to see that not only could you synchronize Abode's absence status with that of the thermostat, but that manual temperature control was also available through the Abode desktop dashboard and the mobile app. This is also not a quick and dirty implementation. In both dashboards it was clearly considered to create a simple, intuitive user interface that connects the overall design of Abode with the device to be controlled.

With a strong and flexible platform, Abode should not be ignored.

Abode has developed a strong and flexible platform that can easily serve as a control panel for many smart homes.

While the Abode Starter Kit isn't perfect, it does provide a convenient introduction to the company's smart home platform at a reasonable price. Given the Kickstarter roots, it's no surprise that the gateway hardware and sensors are a bit rough around the edges (sometimes literally) and we want second-generation devices from Abode to feel higher with higher specifications and higher reliability. The cameras and sensors included in the starter kit don't show the Abode ecosystem as well as it should, and although the gateway works well, it won't be the prettiest or best built device in your home.

However, if you look beyond these entry-level devices, you can see that significant investments have been made in Abode's underlying platform. The Abode app and the web dashboard are well designed and beautifully designed and support simple, intuitive control without being unnecessarily conspicuous. The third-party integrations we tested were easy to connect and worked well. This demonstrated Abode's potential as a comprehensive smart home solution that combines heating, lighting, entertainment and security.

Since large companies are now dominating the smart home market, Abode must certainly work on its hardware in order to continue the early dynamic. However, with a strong and flexible platform, Abode should not be ignored.

Warranty information

The Abode Starter Kit is covered by a one-year guarantee that covers material or processing defects.

Our opinion

The Abode Starter Kit offers a cost-effective introduction to the company's smart home platform. However, the included gateway, camera and sensors offer disappointing build quality and specifications. Abode's software platform, however, is simple, intuitive and can be connected to a variety of smart home devices. Abode may not be at the top of our list of smart home platform providers, but it's certainly one you should check out.

Is there a better alternative?

Before you decide to buy a Smart Home Security, you should opt for the higher-quality and more expensive Nest Secure system for $ 499 or the cheaper $ 199 ring alarm.

How long it will take?

After four years, Abode is doing an excellent job adding new features and upgrades to its platform. As a small company with installations of thousands instead of hundreds of thousands, time will tell whether the company can take over the power of Nest, Amazon and other technology giants. Smart home security is reviving and there will likely be casualties. So there is a certain risk of choosing a smaller provider that may be acquired or lost in the struggle for supremacy of smart homes. However, we are currently not aware of any specific problems that would indicate that Abode will not be available in the medium term.

Should you buy it

With a variety of companies announcing security solutions for smart homes this year, Abode would not be our first choice. The platform looks good, but the starter kit hardware is clearly Kickstarter class. Be sure to check out bigger competitors like Nest, Amazon, and Netgear before you get started.

Updated July 13, 2020: The updated app experience has been noted.

Editor's recommendations




15 Apr
Blog

Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit Ghost Canyon Review: All Potential

Intel Ghost Canyon

Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit "Ghost Canyon" test: all possibilities

"Intel's NUC 9 Extreme Kit is a unique vision of computing, but far from perfect."

  • Extremely small

  • Modular structure with upgrade potential

  • Excellent connectivity, including Thunderbolt 3

  • Upgrades are more difficult than expected

  • Loud fan

I built a plywood computer case earlier this year. With a height of 9 inches and a depth of 5.5 inches, it is an extremely small system. I spent a good thirty hours researching, designing, and optimizing the case that now houses my main desktop PC. It was an enjoyable and rewarding project.

But I could have just waited for the Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit.

The NUC 9 Extreme kit I received for review had an Intel Core i9-9980HK processor, 16 GB RAM, an Nvidia RTX 2070 graphics card from Asus and two solid-state hard drives: One Kingston 2 TB Drive paired with a 380 GB Intel Optane ride. Note that the NUC 9 Extreme Kit usually does not contain any memory, memory or a graphics card.

With these components, it is way ahead of my personal desktop with a Ryzen 5 3500 processor and the GTX 1650 Super from Nvidia. However, the Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit ($ 1,700) is slightly smaller. It is a few tenths of an inch less deep and tall and almost two inches narrower.

No system I've reviewed offers more performance per square inch. The latest NUC is a fascinating, unique and ultimately faulty experiment in compact gaming PCs.

Design and ports

Oddly enough, the Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit basically looks like a NUC. I find it strange because I expected a more drastic redesign given the performance gap. Nevertheless, it has the same square, round appearance as previous NUC devices.

NUC fans might be surprised by its mass, which is many times higher than that of any previous device in the NUC range. However, most people will think the system is tiny. Its volume is approximately 5 liters. In comparison, the XPS Special Edition desktop from Dell – our top desktop for most people – takes up almost 25 liters of space.

Intel Ghost CanyonIntel NUC 9 Extreme Kit (left) and home-made plywood desktop (right) Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

That's a big difference. Though larger than in the past, the NUC 9 is small enough to be stowed almost anywhere you want. Place it on your desktop, on a shelf, or even in a closet (if you can guarantee adequate airflow). It is important that it remains small enough to be easily used as a home theater PC.

The NUC 9 has an industrial appearance that does not communicate its unique approach. Apart from the skull logo that is used on other game-oriented NUC devices, there is nothing in this PC to indicate performance. Personally, I don't mind. I will do the job every day of the week.

The excellent selection of ports speaks for the dual approach of the NUC 9.

And it works. At the front, the NUC 9 offers two USB-A 3.1 connections, a combined headphone / microphone connection and an SDXC card reader. On the back you will find four more USB-A 3.1 ports, two Gigabit LAN ports, DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0 and DVI. There are also two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a rare thing that is still unusual on PC desktops.

It is an excellent selection of ports that speak for the dual purpose of the NUC 9. It can hold a graphics card for games, but can also serve as a small workstation for a videographer, photographer, streamer, or other creator. The wired connectivity is rounded off by the support of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.

Internals and upgrades

The NUC 9 Extreme Kit would be fascinating if it were “just” a powerful, pint-sized PC, but there's more to it than that. It contains the Intel Compute Element, which is a working PC that is pressed onto a PCI Express card that is smaller than most graphics cards. The compute element houses the processor, memory and hard drive – although the NUC 9 Extreme Kit is only supplied with the processor. You must purchase the storage and hard drive separately.

Intel's focus for the compute element is on upgradeability and customization. In theory, this step offers NUC 9 owners an excellent upgrade path. The processor, RAM, hard drive, graphics card and power supply can be replaced.

I could even say it's better than a regular desktop because you don't have to worry about replacing the motherboard. By exchanging the computing element, you can also update your port selection, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

That is the pitch. Does it work in practice?

Intel Ghost CanyonWorking with these connections is cumbersome Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

I was disappointed to find that the modular structure of the NUC 9 was difficult. Opening the case is easy enough. Simply remove two screws and slide the top back. However, the adapted compute element is decorated with numerous connections at unfavorable angles. These must be carefully removed.

In my experience, gamers who want to upgrade a rig are afraid because they don't want to break an expensive PC. The NUC 9 does not solve this problem.

Intel Ghost CanyonComputing element (closed) Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

As soon as the connections are removed and one last screw is loosened, the Compute Element slides freely like any other PCI Express card. The element is a plastic cover on a circuit board that contains the processor, memory (in the form of two SODIMMs) and solid-state memory.

The processor cannot be removed while memory and memory can be replaced. It is a mobile chip that, like other NUC devices, is permanently connected. That is why the compute element is important. You cannot replace the processor without them. This means that at least a processor upgrade is possible.

Intel Ghost CanyonCalculate item (open) Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

What computer elements will be available and how much will they cost? Intel's roadmap is not precise. However, the company has promised that future Compute Elements will be backward compatible. Intel plans new Compute Element models for 2021 and 2022. Partner companies will also sell standalone Compute Element upgrades.

Personally, I tend to believe Intel's plan. The company has supported the NUC line for years, even though it only makes up part of its overall business.

I expect processor options to be limited compared to a standard desktop, but it might make sense to swap flexibility for simplicity and size. The subtle differences between processors are not relevant to most people, including most enthusiasts. If Intel (or partners) can simply offer a Core i5, i7 and i9 computing element for every future generation of mobile processors, I think that's appropriate. And I'm convinced that Intel will do it.

Processor power

As mentioned earlier, the Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit I received had an Intel Core i9-9980HK processor, 16 GB of memory, and an Nusidia RTX 2070 graphics card built by Asus. The Core i9-9980HK is not the most modern processor since it was launched almost a year ago. Still, it's a top-notch option in the Intel range of mobile chips, which offers eight cores, 16 threads, and a maximum turbo boost frequency of 5 GHz.

The i9-9980HK ran as expected. Geekbench 5 achieved a single-core score of 1,232 and a multi-core score of 7,312. These numbers are in the baseball stadium of the Core i9-9980HK laptops we tested. The Apple MacBook Pro 16 was a little slower and the Acer ConceptD 9 a little faster. Remember that while the NUC 9 is a desktop, its processor is a mobile component.

While the i9-9980HK performs well in Geekbench 5, the latest AMD components express it. We recently tested the Asus Zephyrus G14 with AMD's new Ryzen 9 4900HS. It was competitive with the NUC 9 in the single core and won in the multi core. This is not good for the Intel i9-9980HK. The Asus Zephyrus G14 is a small gaming notebook. So you wouldn't expect the NUC 9 to beat it, but its victory is clear.

Other benchmarks tell a similar story. Our handbrake benchmark, which uses popular video encoding software to transcode a 4K movie trailer, was completed on the NUC 9 in 114 seconds. That is hardly in front of the Acer ConceptD 9, but behind the Asus Zephyrus G14. The Core i9-9980HK also falls behind the Intel Core i9-9900K, a processor for desktops.

I saw a Cinebench R20 of 3,348 from NUC 9. This is also slightly above most laptops with the same chip, but not at the top of the class.

I don't think this processor performance will lower it in 2020 – not at a retail price of $ 1,700.

It's worth noting that the Core i9-9980HK isn't a problem despite these mixed results. It easily defeats the currently available mobile processors of the Intel Core i7 H series. It also easily defeats previous NUC desktops. This is a fast processor capable of handling heavy workloads like 4K content creation or high resolution photo editing. It will shame the majority of laptops and keep up with some mid-tower desktops.

However, I don't think this processor performance will affect 2020 – not at a retail price of $ 1,700 excluding RAM, hard drive, and graphics card that aren't included in the kit.

Gaming performance

As already mentioned, the Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit does not contain a graphics card. You have to get one yourself so that your mileage varies depending on the graphics card you bought. The NUC 9 can be used for dual-wide graphics cards with a length of up to 20 cm. My test device came with an Asus RTX 2070 that fits into the NUC 9, so I tried it out.

I started with 3DMark, where the NUC 9 had a fire strike score of 17,932 and a time spy score of 8,350. This is exactly what I would expect from an Nvidia RTX 2070 desktop packaging. The RTX 2070 Super is slightly faster and achieves 10,136 points in a testbed desktop packing Intel Core i9-9900K. The desktop class RTX 2070 of the NUC 9, however, easily defeats any laptop incarnation of the RTX 2070 we tested.

Fortnite was a breeze. An average of 141 frames per second with a resolution of 1080p and epic details as well as 90 frames per second with a resolution of 1440p and epic details were generated. These numbers are not surprising for a desktop that packs Nvidia's RTX 2070, but they easily outperform laptops with RTX 2070 hardware. The Razer Blade 15 with Nvidia RTX 2070 Max-Q only reaches 72 frames per second under the same conditions. The small size of the NUC 9 clearly doesn't hold it back.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey, our most demanding game benchmark, slowed down the NUC 9 – but only with a resolution of 1440p.

Civilization VI performed exceptionally well. It averaged 120 fps at 1080p and Ultra Detail with 2x MSAA turned on and still 100 fps at 1440p and the same settings. These numbers place a large gap between the NUC 9 and laptops with Nvidia RTX 2070 hardware.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey, our most demanding game benchmark, slowed down the NUC 9 – but only with a resolution of 1440p. The NUC 9 averaged a very respectable 57 fps at 1080p and ultra high details, but only reached 47 fps at 1440p and ultra high. While the NUC once again outperforms laptops with RTX 2070 hardware, it falls slightly behind our testbed desktop with an RTX 2060 Super, which averaged 51 fps at 1440p and ultra high.

Since the Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit doesn't come with a GPU, the main question is: does the CPU hold the system in any way? I think the answer is definitely "no". The Core i9-9980HK is a powerful processor with a strong balance between single-core and multi-core performance. However, it is not the new sharpness and is currently surpassed by newer processors that have just been launched by Intel and AMD.

Heat and fan noise

The NUC 9 Extreme Kit has a lot to offer, but its performance is not without consequences. Packing a large amount of hardware in a small space can make cooling difficult, and the NUC 9 encounters this problem.

Intel Ghost CanyonMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

Fan noise is the real problem. The NUC 9 has several small fans, including those in the power supply and in the processor itself. These fans sometimes have to spin quickly, which inevitably makes a racket. Even worse, the mesh side panels of the NUC 9 do not isolate the sound.

This results in a loud little desktop. The fans of the NUC 9 often race in action and sound at maximum speed ready to drown out your robot vacuum. The fans are unpredictable and hard and bounce between high and low speed states.

Price and availability

The NUC 9 Extreme Kit is expected to retail for $ 1,700 when it arrives at Intel's channel partners next month. Intel also has retail Core i5 and i7 models for $ 1,050 and $ 1,250, respectively. These will arrive within three months.

Our opinion

The Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit is an experiment that is promising but not quite working. The compute element is a fascinating way to give a very small desktop upgradability. Unfortunately, it's not as intuitive as I hoped.

The NUC 9 Extreme Kit is also held up by its sky-high retail price of $ 1,700 – without memory, memory, or a graphics card, all of which must be purchased separately.

Is there a better alternative?

It depends on what you're looking for.

The unique modular design of the NUC 9 Extreme Kit leaves it out without direct competitors. However, you can also combine it with other small PCs such as the Apple Mac Mini or smaller incarnations of the Lenovo ThinkCentre and the HP Z Workstations. The Intel NUC 9 could be a compelling little workstation due to its excellent port selection and promises of future upgrades, although I'm not sure if its processor performance is competitively priced. It's a great mobile chip, but in some systems you can find standard desktop components at a comparable price.

The NUC 9 is simply too expensive as a gaming desktop. A system configured like the one I tested would set you back between $ 2,400 and $ 2,800, depending on the exact components you purchase and the sales you may be able to make. That is simply too much for the service offered. With an RTX 2070 Super, you can easily grab a desktop for that price, and it doesn't have to be much bigger. The Origin Chronos and Falcon Northwest Tiki are less well known alternatives.

How long it will take?

Like most high-performance desktops, the Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit remains useful for many years. It will easily take a decade or more, although after a few years it will obviously fade compared to new hardware.

Intel grants a 3-year standard warranty on NUC hardware. That's unusual. Most competitors only give a 1 year warranty.

Should you buy one?

No. The Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit, as it exists today, works better as a thought experiment than an everyday desktop.

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