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Get Your Segway on the Installment Plan

Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
This tiny smart puck can control your smart home without the need for mobile apps
The Linxura with four buttons on the screen.

My home is overrun with smart gadgets, and the main way I interact with them is through my smartphone. This is usually a robust way to control my gadgets, as my phone is never far from my side -- whether I need to toggle my smart lights, adjust my air purifier, or change the thermostat, my smartphone lets me tackle most of these tasks in a matter of seconds. However, having a physical button to perform these actions would certainly be preferred. Instead of diving into apps and wading through menus and automations, a physical controller would perform actions at the press of a button, much like a remote works for a TV.

That’s the idea behind the Linxura Smart Controller -- a disc-shaped object that lets you perform a long list of actions at the press of a button. After syncing it with your smart devices, you’ll no longer need your companion mobile apps. Just tap or double-tap its outer ring, and you can toggle hundreds of different products. I’ve been testing it out in my home, and while I think it’s a fun device, it falls short in a few areas. But if you’re craving a physical remote for your smart home, there’s good reason to take a closer look at the innovative gadget.
Simple, but tedious setup

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Get two Blink Outdoor 4 security cameras for only $99, but hurry!
The Blink Outdoor Camera 4 mounted on a brick wall.

Every home would be a bit safer with security cameras installed. If you haven't bought some yet, you should take advantage of Best Buy's $81 discount for a two-pack of the Blink Outdoor 4 wireless security camera. From the bundle's original price of $180, it's down to only $99, but the savings aren't going to last long. There are only a few hours left before the deal ends, so if you want to get these security cameras for much cheaper than usual, you're going to have to hurry with your purchase.

Why you should buy the Blink Outdoor 4 wireless security camera
The Blink Outdoor 4 is extremely easy to install -- just follow the instructions on the Blink app that you can download to your smartphone. You'll be using the same app to look at the live feed through the security camera, and to access advanced features such as setting up motion zones. The security camera takes videos at 1080p HD resolution, and you'll be able to see in the dark with its infrared night vision. You can use the Blink Outdoor 4's two-way audio to communicate with visitors and delivery people, and it works with devices that are powered by Amazon's Alexa for easier integration in your smart home system.

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Your Google TV can now control smart home devices
The Home Panel on Google TV Streamer.

In late September, Google announced a new feature for Google TV called the Home Panel that would make it easier to control all of your (compatible) smart home devices from a single location. The feature first appeared on the Google TV Streamer and then later on Chromecast, but it has now rolled out to Google TVs from other companies including Hisense, TCL, and others.

The Home Panel offers a lot of utility. It shows your lights' current brightness level, the volume level of speakers, and even live streams from security cameras. The demo video Google has on its blog shows that the user can even adjust the thermostat. All of this is done through the remote, so you don't even have to get up off the couch.

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