Level Up With a New Lock from Level
Level has launched its latest HomeKit-enabled smart lock, the Level Touch. This touch-enabled lock differs in design from Level’s other lock, the Level Bolt, in that it completely replaces an existing deadbolt lock with its included inner lock mechanism and deadbolt, as well as key lock and touch-sensitive thumb turn. Unlocking and locking can be done automatically via Bluetooth from a smartphone, or by touch, with an NFC-enabled keycard. The new lock is currently available for pre-order on Level’s web site for $329.
The NPD Take:
- Level gets high marks for aesthetics, ease of installation, and other perks. Its biggest issue today is generating consumer awareness while having limited retail distribution…and securing retail distribution as a relative newcomer.
Meet the Google “Concierge”
Google is partnering with various hotels to bring its Nest Hub smart displays to hotel rooms across the US, and beyond. Hotels will be able to outfit the displays with customized, branded display panels from which guests can get information (“Hey Google, what time is hotel restaurant open until?”), request services (“Hey Google, ask my hotel for extra towels”), and access different features such as self-checkout. Guests will also be able to access YouTube, play their own music via Bluetooth, and control lights and other devices via the displays.
The NPD Take:
- In this day and age, contactless communication is taking on a new level of importance. “Connected” hotel rooms that enable guests to access their own music and video content are on their way to becoming a standard, while automated perks like smart blinds or lighting are infiltrating the high-end boutiques. This partnership seems like a win/win for Google (bigger installed base, more consumer awareness of displays) and hoteliers (better customer service).
iRobot’s IQ Improvement
As consumers have been spending more and more time at home, they apparently have come to demand more from their robots, so says iRobot. Born from this demand is their new intelligence platform, the iRobot Home Genius Intelligence, which the company says aims to change the way customers interact with their networked robots and may become the integration point for the smart home. The new platform connects Roomba and Braava jet for coordination across both devices, and increases their intelligence to know what zones in a home to avoid, recommend seasonal cleaning changes as well as schedules (such as cleaning under the kitchen table after dinner time), and tie into event-based automation. iRobot will also roll out (at some point) more smart home integrations so your robot will know that it should vacuum and mop when the garage door opens and your car leaves.
The NPD Take:
- iRobot says that 70% of Roomba owners have, on average, three other smart devices in their home. The robot vacuum (or the robot vacuum’s app) becoming the integration point for the smart home, however, seems a bit audacious at this point…given that neither Google nor Amazon can claim to be the de facto for smart home control. Nevertheless, the integration within iRobot’s portfolio across Roomba and Braava is a welcome addition, as is integration with other smart home devices.