Hey, Verizon…
As revealed in FCC filings, Verizon has its very own smart display in the works. This 8” display will have a 1280x800 display and 16GB of storage, with a front facing camera (and physical shutter). Interestingly, the display will also feature 4G LTE support. While the display will be Alexa-compatible, the company has leveraged Amazon’s Alexa Custom Assistant program to specify that “Hey Verizon…” be the wake word rather than “Alexa…”. Of course, the device will support Verizon’s own BlueJeans video conferencing tool.
The NPD Take:
- Hey, Verizon…this sure is an interesting development – trying to break into a market already well served by Amazon, Google, and Facebook. Yes, the, 4G LTE will set this display apart from others…but what it be leveraged for is yet unknown. Of course, Verizon is a wireless carrier, with more than a vested interest in connecting devices to its network. But a smart display…when most people have WiFi and when Verizon itself is moving to 5G fixed internet? The onboard storage also sets this display apart, and could mean that Verizon has some unique plans for marketing this product.
Getting Wyze about Climate Control
Wyze is adding two new smart devices to its lineup, both accessories to the Wyze Home Monitoring System. The Wyze Sense Leak Sensor is a battery-powered sensor that will send a signal – with up to 500 feet range from the Wyze Sense Hub – when it comes in contact with water. The Leak Sensor is available in a two-pack for $15 and a three-pack version for $30 and is currently available for pre-order. The second device is the Wyze Sense Climate Sensor, also with a range of 500 feet from the hub, to monitor temperature and humidity. A climate sensor three-pack is currently available for pre-order for $25.
The NPD Take:
- These new sensors help round out Wyze’s Home Monitoring system, which starts with a core security package including a keypad, some entry and motion sensors, and the hub that these new water leak and climate sensors must connect to.
Govee Introduces the Lyra Floor Lamp
Govee has announced the Lyra, a new smart floor lamp that will retail for $140. The Lyra has RGBIC tech to display multiple colors at one time on the single light strip, 25 preset scene modes, 6 music modes to sync to music playlists, and the ability to choose from 16M colors to create custom lighting effects. Via the Govee app, users can share their own light patterns with the Govee community.
The NPD Take:
- The $140 price point makes Lyra much more affordable than the similar Signe option from Philips Hue, which sells for $250. In large part thanks to the pandemic and a new appreciation for home lighting, consumers have taken a strong interest in both smart indoor and outdoor lighting – the range of lighting options now available across price points playing a big role in adoption.