Future Home: smarter and smarter

Have you ever dreamed of your future home? How is it like? Will it be just like the home from the fiction movie that is full of smart devices like AI or RC controller? In fact, it might not be just a dream. Technology is developing every day rapidly and more and more smart gadgets like the smart remote controller or wireless smart plug have been invented to improve our life convenience. Let’s have a look at some smart gadgets that might achieve your dreamlike smart home.

1. Smart remote controller

The xiaomi smart remote controller is an 'universal' remote control that it can replace the remote control of an ordinary home appliance, such as air conditioning, TV, set-top boxes, amplifier, and speakers. Besides, it can also replace the infrared transmission remote control and also supports remote control and remote operation APP. Simply put, that is the one can put all of the remote control of your family appliances into one, using this remote control can remote control all home appliances so easily.

2. Mini Intelligent Wifi Router

The xiaomi pocket router is the mainstream of dual-band AC intelligent routers and has been praised in the industry as the cost-effective champion. 3 times faster! Support for the latest 802.11ac protocol, transmission rate up to 1167Mbps. A key switch, the metamorphosis of universal relay let home WiFi coverage without a dead angle. It is also a dual-band AC 2.4GHz/5GHz router which can be an intelligent home controller center to operate all the smart home appliances.

3. WiFi Wireless Remote Control Smart Socket

The xiaomi wifi plug can be controlled by the xiaomi APP and can be said as the world’s smallest smart socket with 3C certification. The xiaomi smart wifi plug with standard 5V/1A USB interface supports timer function.

4. Smart 4 Antennas WiFi Router

The xiaomi mi router is the mainstream of dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz AC intelligent routers offering 3 times faster speed than traditional wireless routers, supporting the latest 802.11ac protocol, up to 1167Mbps total bandwidth, 300Mbps in 2.4G and 867Mbps in 5G. The 4 pcs real 2X2 dual-band AC antennas, cover wilder, and as an intelligent home controller center to operate all the smart home appliances. 7 sets of protection, more secure to protect your exclusive WiFi zone and etc. Creative, direct and swift connection give you the best experience.

YG-300 review: 2017 best cost-effective projector

Many of our readers have asked me to recommend an affordable projector for them since the projector at home does not have to be that expensive and professional and what they need just to satisfy their watching needs. In most of this kind of situation, I will always recommend the YG-300 LCD Mini Portable LED Projector which can be said the highest cost-effective projector these years. What is also amazing is that all the feedbacks about this portable led projector are 9/10 or 10/10 good reviews.

Let’s go check it out why can this portable led projector satisfy its customers so well.

Description:

YG-300 LCD Projector is a multimedia player with 320 x 240 pixels, visible 400 - 600 lumens and 800:1 contrast ratio. With this small but high-performance projector, you can enjoy the high-quality images and videos in a very comfortable position.

Features:

High performance

With 400 - 600 lumens and 800:1 contrast ratio, this mini portable led projector will provide you the clear, razor-sharp images and as comfortable visual experience as the cinema.

Full high-definition

With the native resolution 320 x 240 pixels for clear and bright images, this mini portable led projector provides exceptional display quality which is perfectly designed for home theater.

User-friendly

Support AV / CVBS / High Definition Multimedia Interface / USB multimedia interfaces for DVD player, laptop computer, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, etc.. You don’t need to worry about any installment or compatibility problem since it’s very easy to use and compatible with most of the devices.

Durable and trustworthy

LED lamp life is over 30000 hours by many tests which can be said that it never needs to replace. The wifi led projector will be your lifetime trusty companion giving you the happy and satisfied enjoyment of watching photos and videos. Infrared remote control lets you enjoy your wonderful life which the wireless brings to you.

Kindly notice: According to our testing, the projection distance of the led projector hd 1080p preferably within 1.5 meters. If this distance is exceeded, the projector may not be able to focus, thank you.

BlitzWolf BW-MP1 Portable WIFI Led Projector Review

There are many brands and models of home theater projectors in the market now since the concept of home cinema is becoming increasingly popular, and sometimes it’s hard for customers to choose a right mini projector. For most of the people, they hope the projector can be easy to install and operate, besides, they also hope it to be small in size and wireless so it will not need much space. All in all, we compared so many projectors from different brands and this BlitzWolf BW-MP1 projector got the highest score from cost and quality.

Description:

Immerse the MP1 in darkness and bring your movies to life on the big screen. With our unique BW link technology, you can wirelessly connect your computer, iPhone and Android smartphone to the wifi wireless projector. Once paired, anything you play on your device will be shown on the projector screen. Get the popcorn, dim the lights and get the show started!

Features:

1. Enhanced LED Technology, 20% Brighter than ordinary LED.

This wireless led projector adopts the lasted upgraded LED technology and provides more brightness per watt than ordinary LED projector systems. The long-lasting lamp can operate for more than 20000 Hours.

2. WiFi Connectivity.

Connect your iPhone/iPad/Android device/Mac/PC with the wifi projector via Miracast/Air-Play without any cable. 

3. Large Screen Experience.

With a native resolution of 800*480, you can create a screen with an image size of 34-130 Inches(Recommend Distance 8.0 ft), and this wireless projector can project an aspect ratio of 4:3 and 16:9.

4. Keystone Function +-15 degrees.

Adjust the image manually with keystone to create a perfectly square distortion free screen.

5. Multiple Input Interfaces.

You can watch your favorite programs with bigger screen via VGA/HDMI/USB/SD card;connect an external speaker via the 3.5 mm headphone jack, or via the AV port, connect PC / Laptop via VGA or HDMI, connect chrome cast / fire stick via HDMI & USB 5V ports, connect DVD / cable box via AV cable, connect PlayStation PS3 PS4 or X-Box ONE Wii via HDMI cable to enjoy games on such  big screen wireless video projector.

6. Amazingly high definition

The high quality LED will offer you 1200 lumens brightness, 16 million colors and 800：1 contrast, so you will enjoy incredible real immerse.

Get these intelligent cool gadgets and upgrade your life

Xiaomi is a well-known company across the globe. It is a company with a high reputation as it produces superior quality products. Have you ever used a product from Xiaomi? Have you ever wondered why many people go for Xiaomi products? Some people say that it is because of the brand reputation, others claim that it is because of the products durability and so on. But we are going to find out by looking at the review of some of its products below.

Xiaomi pm2.5 detector

Has your search for the best air detector always ended in vain? If it has, then the solution is here with you. The xiaomi pm2.5 detector is one of the most results-oriented air detectors that you can ever come across. Unlike the ordinary, this detector is made of a high-quality ABS material which enhances its durability. This means that you can use the product for decades without it breaking apart. How accurate do you ever wish your activities to be? I am sure that you always need them 100% accurate. Well, just like what you desire, the Xiaomi pm2.5 detector detects the air quality very quickly and accurately.

Xiaomi ai speaker

The type of speaker you use has a big impact on the quality of the music output. If you want high-quality sound, then use a superior quality speaker. Have you been struggling with sound quality? If you have, then the solution lies in xiaomi ai speaker. The ai speaker features a Bluetooth system which enables you to connect your device from a distance. Unlike the ordinary speakers, the AI speaker can select your favorite song upon request. The xiaomi ai speaker can be your perfect assistant as it can act as an alarm, can update you on weather and help you find your phone.

Xiaomi water purifier

A water purifier is one of the most important gadgets that you need not miss. The xiaomi water purifier is the most reliable water purifiers that you can ever get. It is a gadget that makes tap water drinkable instantly. The purifier releases 1 liter of water per minute. It has a multichannel filter path which improves filtration efficiency. It is made of a high-quality material that makes it durable.

The above products will change your life for the better. The Xiaomi pm2.5 detector will help you detect any abnormalities in your surroundings. The Xiaomi ai speaker will enhance your sound system and the mi water purifier will ensure that your water is always clean.

Small things you have never thought that necessary they will be (part 2)

In today's society, there are too many products on the market to choose from. For some popular products, we often tangle whether or not to buy. Unless it is bought by friends and strongly recommended to you. Otherwise, in most cases, people have always had an optional attitude to some non-essential goods. In fact, for some items that help to improve the quality of life and family well-being, even if they are not essential items, they can have a great impact on people's attitudes and attitudes toward life.

The following are some of the small items we have collected extensively from society. These small items are generally acclaimed and are considered absolutely not regrettable to buy:

4. smart alarm clock

Nowadays, the technology has developed so rapidly that you might never think an alarm clock can be this smart. Except for beautiful LED night light and alarm ring, the smart alarm clock will also show the weather, temperature, humidity and it can also be used as a radio, wireless music player, and a phone speaker so that you don’t need to go grab your phone at the time you wake up. What’s better, you can also set your snooze time by the smart alarm clock, no need to worry falling to sleep again.

5. Waterproof Electric Toothbrush

Are you still using a normal toothbrush instead of an electric toothbrush? Personally, I will recommend you to try the Waterproof Electric Toothbrush as it will really make your teeth brushing so much easier but you can actually feel that your whole oral cavity will be much cleaner. You will brush your teeth twice a day basically, so this is not something insignificant. To make your teeth and oral healthier, the Waterproof Electric Toothbrush with the soft brush will protect the gums from harm which is suitable for children and adults. The Electric Toothbrush doesn’t have to be very expensive but still of good quality.

6. smart thermometer

Honestly, every family should at least has a smart thermometer so that when you are having a fever, you can know it immediately instead of rushing to the hospital especially during Flu season. Except for the smart thermometer, other smart home health management gadgets will also be very helpful such as the Pregnancy Ovulation Test Strip Predicting Paper, Injury Ice Bag Aid Muscle Aches, Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Blood Oxygen SpO2 PR Heart Rate Monitor, Massager Full Body Handheld Electric and so on. If there are children or elderly at your home, consider if you need to prepare some of these.

Small things you have never thought that necessary they will be (part 1)

In today's society, there are too many products on the market to choose from. For some popular products, we often tangle whether or not to buy. Unless it is bought by friends and strongly recommended to you. Otherwise, in most cases, people have always had an optional attitude to some non-essential goods. In fact, for some items that help to improve the quality of life and family well-being, even if they are not essential items, they can have a great impact on people's attitudes and attitudes toward life.

The following are some of the small items we have collected extensively from society. These small items are generally acclaimed and are considered absolutely not regrettable to buy:

1. Smart Flower Pot

Yes, even a flower pot can be so intelligent. The Xiaomi Flora Smart Flower Pot can automatically monitor the water and fertilizer and show it clearly to you. Different colors of the led light on behalf of the plant different abnormal states. The HHCC Smart Flower Pot can also access to Mijia APP which including 3200+ plant information to help you better understand your plants. If you try to know more about your plants but you don’t know their names, you can use the APP to have a search according to the leaves.

2. rechargeable table lamp

The Portable Folding LED rechargeable table lamp has some advantages that it can’t be replaced by the normal desk lamp as you can take it anywhere you go without worrying if there is any plug. So you can use it indoor and also outdoor. It can’t also be replaced by a flashlight since this LED rechargeable table lamp gives bright and soft light without flash, so it’s good to protect your eyes. However, it’s not recommended to read under the flashlight light.

3. universal phone holder

Phone holder is of great use especially for those who love to stare at the cell phone for hours. If you are not sure which phone holder size will be perfect for your cell phone, what about a universal phone holder? The Universal Phone Stand Portable Lazy Mount is made by high-quality ABS+ Silicon and can be compatible with all phones and tablets. Compact, lightweight but sturdy enough folding flat with adjustable angles, this universal phone holder is perfect for travel too.

Getting Started the Arduino (part 3)

We talked a lot about the basics of Arduino, and for most beginners, the first step in getting started is to choose the right arduino learning kit. So, in the following, we will discuss in detail about what an arduino starter kit will contain and their usefulness.

Of course, except for the main Arduino compatible development board, the Basic Starter Learning Kit will basically include:

1. Prototype extension board: with the Double Sided PCB Board Prototype Panel Universal Circuit Glass

2. Breadboard: The original intention of the birth of breadboard, is to provide a temporary build circuit board, try to adjust the circuit connection without welding work abutment.

3. Motor and motor driver board

4. LEDs

5. Different sensors：Vibration Sensor, Flame sensor, temperature sensor, light sensor and so on

6. Infrared receiver

7. Photoresistor

8. Passive buzzer (piezo buzzer) and Active buzzer (tone generator)

9. Remote Control: the Wireless Remote Control Switch is a learning code wireless remote control switch (receiver), the output way /working way can be changed as you like, it is easy to match the transmitter. It has 4 Relays which can make the equipment turn or reverse, on/off and so on come true. The volume is small and the performance is stable and reliable, high receive sensitivity.

10. Heating module: The higher the voltage, the greater the heating current and the effect is better.

11. Radio Receiver: the Radio Receiver Module adopt the advanced technology of DSP and FM modulation PLL to make the sound more realistic, more stable performance, long working hours without frequency offset.

12. Other things like the Key cap, Key switch, Adjustable potentiometer, Jumper cap, Screen, servos, Component box, DuPont line, Breadboard line, 8*8 dot matrix, eight-segment tube, IC 74HC595, Battery, resistor plug, pin header, USB cable and so on.

Except for the Basic Starter Learning Kit, there are other more Arduino Compatible Kits like the diy arduino kit, the DIY Digital Kit for Digital Oscilloscope, DIY LED Kit and so on. The diy electronics kit can be used in alarm clock, festival decoration, LED lights and so on.

Getting Started the Arduino (part 2)

What is a microcontroller

Before we know more about Arduino, we need to seriously teach the concept of "microcontroller."

Single-Chip Microcomputer, also known as Microcontroller, is a Microcontroller Chips that integrates a central processing unit, memory, Timer / Counter, various input / output interfaces and so on. Compared with general-purpose microprocessors used in personal computers, it emphasizes self-provisioning (without external hardware) and cost savings. Its biggest advantage is small size, can be placed inside the instrument, but the storage capacity is small, the input and output interface is simple, low function with the arduino ic chips.

The type of control system

1. I / O board

For example PicoBoard, Phidget. Although these devices can not be programmed directly, you can control their Input and Output through a desktop programming environment such as Scratch, Processing, or Flash.

2. Programmable module

Such as Arduino, BASIC Stamp. These devices, once programmed, can operate independently of the computer. There are many electronic Arduino Components on the programmable module: communication, power management(Power Supply Module), connectors... They have more scalable content than I / O boards and are more convenient than bare-chip processors. For most people, learning from this level is the best.

3. Bare-chip processor

For example, Propeller, PICAXE. You have to get all your support circuits and connections yourself, but they're cheaper. In general, they are more suitable for the more experienced hobbyist.

4. Single-board computer

Experienced programmers might feel excited about boards like the Beagle Board and the Raspberry Pi. Actually, I will not recommend for beginners with no programming foundation to get started. For programming beginners, direct access to the Linux command line is difficult.

Arduino's software development platform

Arduino Development Board has a major feature that is different from the I / O board - it is programmable, which means that Arduino specific functions on the microcontroller can be repeatedly changed. The program written by Arduino is called "sketch."

Arduino Extension Module Board 

In summary, Arduino Development Board is only the core control module can be programmed, so it needs the cooperation of other expansion modules. There are countless expansion modules available on the market for Arduino: Common sensor modules are similar to Heating Module, Power Supply Module, Radio Receiver Module, Wireless Remote Control Switch, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, etc., common actuator modules are servo motors, buzzers, LEDs and so on.

Arduino Control Board usually provides enough digital/analog input and output PIN, used to connect these expansion modules. So, a great part of learning to use Arduino is to pick the right extension module and diy electronics kit for your project, connect it to the Arduino module board correctly, write the correct driver using the Arduino IDE, and continue debugging until it succeeds.

Getting Started the Arduino (part 1)

Since 2011, Arduino has witnessed trend movements such as Maker Movement and Open Hardware Movement. From quantity to qualitative change, it has indeed become an endorsement label for these ideological movements with such terms as 3D printing and UAV. Its representation is comparable to the impact of the LSD on the Counterculture movement of the United States in the late 1960s.

Although later products claim to have more robust performance than Arduino, others have smaller volumes, none have so far surpassed Arduino in terms of popularity and community size. Today's Arduino, just like a "classic", a spiritual representative, not just a microcontroller platform. When many beginners ask why we all recommend getting started with Arduino instead of the other platforms, the answer is, it can be said that learning Arduino is not only to master a skill but also a classic paradigm of open source hardware and an understanding of the spiritual pursuit behind Maker Movement.

What is Arduino

Arduino is an open-source single-chip micro-controller, users can connect the Arduino Control Board to a variety of Arduino Components, such as LED lights, speakers, motors, switches, temperature and humidity sensors, infrared transmitters and receivers, LCD Display and so on. Arduino can perform a wide range of automation applications with just a few simple automation programs.

Why Arduino?

1. Cheap

Compared to other monolithic development platforms, Arduino development board is relatively cheap.

2. Cross-platform development environment

Arduino IDE can be run on Windows, Macintosh OSX and Linux operating systems.

3. Simple and clear development environment

Arduino's development environment is easy for beginners. Arduino is based on the Processing development environment, which makes it easier for non-electronics professionals to learn programming.

4.Open the source code

Arduino's IDE(Integrated Development Environment) is released as an open source code, advanced users can modify it. Development Board and expansion arduino module follow the "Creative Commons license agreement" issued under the premise, designers can make their own arduino modules, the corresponding expansion, and improvement.

Arduino is not perfect

Of course, Arduino also has its own limitations as a tool. It is not a panacea, for examples, Arduino most of the ethnic groups have limited computing power, most of them are not designed to deal with network solutions. So when your project requires strong computational power and network processing power, you can decisively change to Arduino Due, Arduino Yún, Banana Pi,

Raspberry Pi, Intel Edison. You can also find wholesale raspberry pi online. All in all, Arduino is a classic learning platform for beginners. It is more suitable as a low-cost sensor or executive end.

How to start your fantastic 3D Printer journey? (part 3)

At the last part, let’s talk about an interesting topic - how to 3D printing robot. I guess many of you are interested in this topic since 3D printing robot is a very popular trend and it attracts more and more amateurs to involve in the 3D printing creation.

3D printing robot is another interesting experience, but it's a lot more complicated to program and assemble than simply printing small objects, but there are detailed production steps on the project page. Even if you are less professional in this area, you can do it yourself.

The 3D printing robot is mainly divided into two parts: a part that can be printed in 3D and a part that can not be printed in 3D Printer. Specified 3D Printer Parts can be made by 3D printing materials, but other parts such as circuit boards, motors, bolt nuts are externally obtained. If you are a senior DIY creator, you can make the original 3D robot completely autonomously. For most first-time 3D Printer users, there are many open source 3D robotics projects online.

Step 1

Use GitHub as an example, we first find on the site you want to try the 3D printing robot works. Most 3D printing components on GitHub are built on OpenSCAD, so 3D modeling can be done as long as the copy code is entered into OpenSCAD. After the 3D modeling is completed, the 3D Printer is delivered by the previous steps to print.

Step 2

Then, we look at other parts needed in the parts list, such as motors, circuit boards, Bluetooth modules, and bolting nuts. Most open source projects will place purchase links for parts. With the circuit board with the chip can be imported into the circuit board, where the need for certain expertise and related equipment like 3D Printer Module Board and 3D Printer Expansion Board, but not too complicated. You can go online to find a variety of tutorials, watching while doing, or to ask other experienced users.

Step 3

The final is the assembly, all the components and the 3D Printer Accessories in accordance with the assembly instructions provided on the web page, then complete your robot! Here is a test of your own hand working ability.

Step 4

Of course, you can also modify this project on your own, make your own 3D small robot on this basis by some novelty gadgets like the latest 3d stereoscopic printing pen for Art Crafting. Production of a 3D printing robot takes about 10 to 20 hours, after all, it will be a new means of recreation and leisure, and you can also learn a lot of new knowledge from the whole process.

How to start your fantastic 3D Printer journey? (part 2)

3D modeling process

Almost all 3D modeling software available on the market can produce 3D models for use with 3D printers, including established CAD software such as AutoCAD, Solidworks, or CGMAX, 3DMAX, Maya, and more. However, for non-professionals, these software are too expensive and inconvenient. At present, modeling mainly uses some free open-source software, such as OpenSCAD, Tinkercad, Meshmixer and so on. In particular to mention OpenSCAD here. OpenSCAD can be programmed through the preparation of code, as long as the relevant code input can generate graphics. At present, many websites take this code as an open source form. For Reprap, of course, 3D Printer Motherboard is a must.

As to open-source 3D Printer Module Board, we have to mention the DIY Arduino 3D Printer module board as we all know the general applicability and authoritative position of Arduino. There are many like the Arduino CNC Shield V3 which is a motor driver expansion board for 3D Printer.

3D Printer slice

Before the original graphics file into the 3D printer, must be through a control software processing, the graphics "slice." Most of this software is also open source, so there are many choices, common with Cura, makerwat, Repetier, slic3r, etc., users can choose the software that is suitable for their own 3D printing equipment. So a high-performance 3D Printer Controller is very important.

The process of printing

For now, print a small project takes about ten to dozens of minutes, you can wait for a cup of coffee patiently. 3D printed finished products, according to the different 3D printer accuracy, print out works of different roughness. In addition, after all, the hardening process of the material is not completely controllable. In the printing of more complex works, the overflow and deformation of the material are often inevitable. Therefore, you should modify according to the actual situation for the latter part of grinding and modification.

For beginners who are involved in 3D modeling, there are a large number of ready-made products available on the web that can be used as a starting point for learning. Thingiverse is one of the largest sites, in addition to the old open source site GitHub, you can also find a lot of work there.

How to start your fantastic 3D Printer journey? (part 1)

The birth of a 3D printing model includes: concepts/ideas, design models, model slices, print models, post-processing.

1. Design model

3D printing models can be generated using computer-aided design software including 3D scanners. With 3D scanning, electronic data about the shape, appearance, etc. of a real object can be generated and analyzed. Based on the data obtained from 3D scanning, a 3D computer model of the scanned object can be generated. Regardless of the 3D modeling software used, the generated 3D Printer models (typically .skp, .dae, .3ds, or other formats) need to be converted to formats such as .STL or .OBJ for the DIY 3D Printer to read.

Before STD format files can be used to print 3D models, error checking is required. This step is often referred to as "correction." Common mistakes include: the surface is not connected to each other, or there are gaps in the model. Netfabb, Meshmixer, or both Cura and Slic3r are common fixing software.

2. Model slice

With the fix, users can use the slicer software to convert the model represented by the STL file into a series of layers and generate G-code files, including custom instructions for some 3D Printer (FDM 3D Printer wholesale). Next, users can print G-code files using 3D printing client software. In practice, 3D printing client software usually has a variety of open source slicer programs to choose from, such as Skeinforge, Slic3r, and Cura. There are Simplify3D and KISSlicer for non-open source slicer programs. 3D printing client software is Repetier-Host, ReplicatorG, and Printrun / Pronterface.

It should be noted that there is a commonly used software called Gcode viewer. The software can modify the GCode print model in different ways (for example, in different postures, such as standing or lying down) to save 3d printer plastic and 3D Printer Supplies.

3. Print the model

The main difference between the different incremental processes is the lamination method and the 3d printing materials used. Some processes are delaminated by melting or softening materials such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM) or Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Deposition Molding (FDM) or FFF. Still, there are other processes utilize different technologies to process liquid feedstocks, such as SLA. Under LOM, raw materials (paper, polymer, metal, etc.) are sliced into layers for recombination.

4. Post-processing

After the model is printed, there is usually a glitch or rough cross-section. At this time the model needs to be post-processed by some 3d printer diy kit. Use model scissors, needle-nose pliers and graver to support, glue / assemble with adhesive, use Atomite, 502+ talcum to fill the soil, use spray paint, oily marker, acrylic paint, gouache brush, Line pen, 3D Printing Pen and other tools to color and the 3d printer kit you like.