Thomas Ricker

Deputy Editor

Thomas RickerApr 3, 2025

Homey energy monitoring is now live.

The beta functionality is now available for all users of the LG-owned Homey smart home platform to track and monitor energy use from compatible smart devices such as plugs, appliances, thermostats, and EV chargers. The €39 Homey Energy Dongle is also shipping in Europe to monitor per-second home energy consumption when plugged into the P1 port of smart meters.

<em>The Energy tab in the Homey app.</em>

<em>Homey Bridge, Homey Pro, Mobile app, and Web app.</em>

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The Energy tab in the Homey app.

Image: Homey

Amazon is ready to launch its Starlink competitor

Thomas RickerApr 3, 2025

Improved Netflix gets a limited Samsung rollout.

Owners of older Samsung TVs, even 2024 flagships, will have to wait to experience Netflix in HDR10 Plus for improved tone and brightness levels. According to Samsung:

HDR10+ content on Netflix will be accessible on 2025 Samsung Neo QLED, OLED and Lifestyle TVs — as well as 2025 and 2024 monitor models — with support for additional models in the future.

Hopefully “the future” isn’t too far away.

Thomas RickerApr 2, 2025

Quick review of Peak Design’s Outdoor Sling.

It can be used on its own but I found it to be the ideal companion to PD’s Outdoor Backpack I reviewed. Detach the padded cross-body strap and the $59.95 2L Outdoor Sling can be secured to the shoulder straps of the backpack where it acts as a chest pouch for quick access to a wallet, keys, drone, phone, glasses, and compact camera. Another advantage the Peak Design ecosystem of bags, packing cubes, and accessories that are designed to work together.

<em>It makes for very quick access to things like a selfie drone.</em>

<em>Its two liter capacity holds a lot. PD also sells a 7L version.</em>

<em>A rear pocket is great for carrying trail snacks for me and my dog.</em>

<em>The long zip cords make them easy to use with gloves.</em>

<em>A closer look at the custom weatherproof zippers from Peak Design.</em>

<em>The gear loops on the Outdoor Sling make it easy to attach using the gear and sternum straps already included with the Outdoor Backpack.</em>

<em>Securing the sling to the backpack shoulder straps.</em>

<em>The sling hangs loosely across the chest so I still used a sternum strap to keep the backpack’s shoulder straps taut on long technical walks.</em>

<em>A closer look at the gear loop on the sling shown attached to the cross-shoulder strap it ships with.</em>

<em>It works as a traditional sling, too.</em>

<em>It can also be thrown over the </em>back.

<em>Peak Design uses an “Ultralight Terra Shell™ 210D” ripstop exterior fabric that’s weatherproof, 100 percent recycled, and Bluesign approved.</em> <em>It’s very lightweight at 177g (0.39 lbs).</em>

<em>The sling’s cross-body strap has a buckle for easy open and close.</em>

<em>The cross-shoulder strap length can also be adjusted at the bag itself with these locking buckles. It also allows for waist-carry if that’s how you roll.</em>

<em>Yes, it has a (plastic) key lanyard.</em>

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It makes for very quick access to things like a selfie drone.

How to calculate your home battery needs for the next blackout

Thomas RickerApr 1, 2025

Finally, an e-bike that charges off USB-C

Thomas RickerApr 1, 2025

Thomas RickerMar 31, 2025

Nokia wins another patent fight.

Amazon has agreed to license Nokia technologies for its video streaming services and devices, resolving a lawsuit initiated back in 2023 by the former mobile phone giant. Apple, Oppo, Reddit, HTC, RIM, Withings, Viewsonic... you name it, have all gone through this in one way or another.

Nokia and Amazon sign patent agreement

[globenewswire.com]

Thomas RickerMar 31, 2025

How astronomers cope with all those Starlink satellites.

SpaceX has launched over 7,000 low earth satellites that have disrupted astronomical observations. Another 70,000 LEO satellites are expected to launch before 2031 from SpaceX and its competitors including three 10,000 mega-constellations originating from China. Scientific American explores how astronomers are dealing with the challenge and planning for the future.