Tag Archives: Switchmate

Luzi is a smart lamp that will improve your sleep


Luzi isn’t just a smart lamp that helps you sleep better, it may very well be the smartest lamp ever made.


If it’s up to one Palo Alto startup, sleepless nights may finally become a thing of the past. That’s because they have developed a new sophisticated smart lamp specifically designed to improve an individual’s quality of sleep, while giving its users bedside control of the devices around them.

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The Luzi Smart Lamp is an advanced sleep system that uses the combination of therapeutic light, personalized sound and voice commands to help users ease into their nightly slumber much faster and wake up more refreshed. What’s more, its creators have put an entire control station on the nightstand, enabling its users to light up the room, tell it the time that they would like to be woken, as well as sync the tower with other smart home appliances.

In addition to a touchscreen display that doubles as an alarm and a personalized clock face that can show things such as temperature, weather reports and the date, Luzi boasts four USB ports capable of powering multiple phones and tablets, Qi and PMA-certified wireless charging capabilities, and even a charging stand for Apple Watch owners. Embedded with LEDs, the lamp can adjust between various colors from a warm, orange glow to a soft, white light. According to its creators, the accessory emulates natural daylight to keep a user’s circadian rhythm in check and assist in soothing them to sleep. Throughout the night, the system functions by maintaining the user’s ideal sleep state, whereas by morning, Luzi uses new sounds and light to gently wake the user.

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“Luzi is the most advanced smart lamp ever made,” explains Joel Burke, co-founder and CEO. “Studies have found a direct correlation between the quality of one’s sleep with various health problems. Our expectation is that Luzi will help to remedy these issues and promote better sleep habits.”

Meanwhile, Luzi is equipped with a microphone that listens to voice commands and automatically detects snoring, along with built-in Bluetooth speakers to talk back and a temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature of a room. Designed with the Internet of Things in mind, the unit is compatible with a plethora of third party smart gadgets like Switchmate, Fitbit, LifeQ, Lockitron and Luna, which means users can interact with their connected home by voice, too.

Ready for a good night’s sleep? Head over to Luzi’s Indiegogo campaign, where the team is currently seeking $50,000. Delivery is slated for March 2016.

Switchmate makes any light smart in seconds


Smart lighting with a snap!


From startups to major brands, it seems like just about everyone has embarked on the smart lighting train. In fact, we’ve seen everything from lights that can set the mood, to lights that can sync up with TV shows, to lights that can give off the impression of a lived-in home. And while smart bulbs continue to proliferate, they all possess one of the same two options when it comes to installation. Homeowners could either use a plug-in module or remove and replace a ‘dumb’ light switch entirely.

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That was until Switchmate came along. The Palo Alto-based startup — which recently launched on Indiegogo — is hoping to change the game with its solution that easily fits over an existing switch by magnetically securing to the screws. This means no wires, no tools, no headache! As you can imagine, not only for homes, the market for the Switchmate includes renters and those who lack handyman skills.

Once affixed to the wall, you can simply pair it with a mobile device over Bluetooth and automate your switch in a matter of seconds. This allows you to turn the lights on with a tap of your phone, a press of its button, or at scheduled pre-set times. In other words, you’ll never have to get out of bed or come home to a dark house again. What’s more, Switchmate can be used to control any appliance, as long as it features an on/off toggle.

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As seen back at CES 2015, Switchmate is comprised of a plastic faceplate, a servo motor and a Bluetooth Low Energy module, along with a few magnets and a button. On its own, the solution can be operated from an iOS or Android phone via BLE. However, for those instances beyond its 200-foot range, the startup says it is currently working on developing its own hub and expanding its lineup of products. This will enable users to control their lights (or other in-home devices) anywhere that there is Internet access.

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Recently launched on Indiegogo, the team has already doubled its initial goal in a matter of days. Want a Switchmate of your own? Hurry over to its official campaign page here.

16 smart crowdfunding campaigns you may want to back this week


Every Friday, we’re taking a look at some of the smartest, most innovative projects that have caught our attention on Kickstarter and Indiegogo over the last seven days. 


Podo

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This wireless, re-stickable camera can turn any surface into a photo booth. Podo is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Switchmate

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This solution simply snaps over a standard switch, pairs with a mobile device and automates your lights in seconds. Switchmate is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

The Monolith

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The first and only skateboard to be outfitted with motors in the wheels is also embedded with Bluetooth Low Energy. Inboard Action Sports is currently seeking $100,000 on Kickstarter.

LowoTec

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This pair of devices allows users to tailor their teleworking needs in both a flexible and secure manner through zero-configuration hardware VPN. LowoTec is currently seeking €120,000 on Indiegogo.

AmbyGear

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The world’s first smartwatch for kids not only teaches life lessons, it keeps them safe. Ambit Networks is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Freiya

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This smart can connects to your smartphone to help monitor your flowers and let you know when it’s time to water them. Freiya is currently seeking $48,000 on Kickstarter.

PancakeBot

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This first-of-its-kind machine lets users design and print out custom pancakes. PancakeBot is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Stryd

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This device enables runners to accurately measure power levels across any type of terrain using the sports watches and mobile devices they already wear. Stryd is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Keys

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This keyboard that lets you learn, play and create music using LED lights and gestures. Opho is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Artiphon

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This touch-sensive digital fretboard can be played like a guitar, piano, violin, drum machine and lots of other instruments. Artiphon is currently seeking $75,000 on Kickstarter.

iSensor HD Patio

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This weather-resistant, remote-controlled outdoor camera you monitor the outside of your home from anywhere in the world. Amaryllo is currently seeking $1,000 on Indiegogo.

Plugzee

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This tiny device brings Bluetooth functionality and high-resolution audio to any speaker. Plugzee is currently seeking $10,000 on Indiegogo.

Splash Drone

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This waterproof UAV features a live video feed, payload release mechanism, emergency flare system and camera stabilization gimbal. Splash Drone is currently seeking $17,500 on Kickstarter.

Quell

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This wearable device attaches to your upper calf and stimulates your brain’s natural opiates to relieve chronic pain. Quell is currently seeking $100,000 on Indiegogo.

Baby Check

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This wearable monitor can track a baby’s temperature, body position, sleep and medicine administration using a companion mobile app. DK Tek Innovations is currently seeking $35,000 on Kickstarter.

Yerka

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This integrated system will make your bike “unstealable,” along with soon-to-be added Bluetooth connectivity that’ll give you the ability control its lock from your smartphone. Yerka is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Did you happen to miss last week’s notable campaigns? If so, you can check them out here.