Keep the holiday spirit going all year round with help from GE Lighting’s new permanent outdoor lights, which are designed to weather the elements and work with both Alexa and Google Home.  Savant-owned GE Lighting is also unwrapping an updated version of its colored-enabled outdoor light strips, which now boast more flexible tubing that should allow for more creative designs.  Available now for $142.99, GE Lighting’s permanent outdoor lights—known officially as the Cync Dynamic Effects Outdoor Smart Eave Lights—come in a 100-foot string, with a total of 60 lights embedded onto square-shaped pucks that can be permanently screwed into place or affixed with the included 3M adhesive tape.  GE Lighting’s Smart Eave Lights come in a 100-foot string, with a total of 60 lights embedded onto square-shaped pucks.Savant Arriving with an IP65 weatherization rating (meaning they’re dust-tight and can withstand jet of water sprayed from any direction), the Smart Eave Lights can be cut to fit, and they’re also extendable to up to 150 feet.  Meanwhile, GE Lighting’s revamped Dynamic Effects Outdoor Smart Light Strip comes in two lengths: 16 feet for $79.99 (Amazon appears to be selling the 16-foot version for half-off right now), and 32 feet for $129.99.  GE Lighting says the new, more flexible light strip is now better suited to “line pathways and decks,” as well as “bend into shape-creating festive lawn and wall art.”  Like the permanent outdoor lights, the Dynamic Effects Outdoor Smart Light Strip can be cut to fit, and its weatherproof design means it can stay outdoors during inclement weather. (GE Lighting didn’t supply specifics about the light strip’s IP rating.)  Both the Cync Dynamic Effects Outdoor Smart Eave Lights and the Dynamic Effects Outdoor Smart Light Strip can glow in up to 16 million different colors as well as white-color temperatures ranging from a warm 2,000 Kelvin to a cool 7,000K, while the permanent outdoor lights have a top brightness of 2,700 lumens.  GE Lighting’s updated outdoor light strip boasts a more flexible design, making it easier to bend the strip into creative shapes.Savant The lights connect directly to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks and can be controlled with GE Lighting’s Cync app, which lets you set schedules, adjust the brightness, or select different multicolor animations (or create your own). You can even make the lights sync with nearby music sources, perfect for festive color light shows that pulse to the beat.  Both of the new GE Lighting products work with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, meaning you can control the lights with voice commands. That said, GE Lighting makes no mention of Matter, the new smart home standard that acts as the glue between the Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings ecosystems.  This article is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart lights. Read...

PowerNet says 3900 customers are without power in Southland and 1700 in South Otago. Read...

A ridge of high pressure is set to take hold over the North Island from Wednesday. Read...

The rest of the week`s weather forecast should bring some relief for parts of the country. Read...

Tens of thousands who lost power overnight in heavy wind are gradually getting supplies restored. Read...

A raft of weather alerts are in place for Tuesday as a stormy weather system passes over the country. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Sun-tracking solar panel extends battery life Radar-assisted motion detection reduces false alerts Subscription-free local storage Cons Limited to two motion-detection and two privacy zones No cloud backup or NVR option Our Verdict If you can mount it where it can harvest a steady supply of sunlight, the Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K’s tracking solar panel makes it one of the few outdoor cameras that can run truly unattended, capturing crisp 4K-resolution video as a bonus. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K Retailer Price $99.98 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices For many households, outdoor cameras are the front line of home security. The devices watch over driveways, porches, and backyards, catching activity that doorbell cameras often miss. Baseus enters this space with two solar-powered models: the S1 Lite, a budget option with 2K resolution that I reviewed in September, and the higher-end model S2 reviewed here, which is aimed at buyers who want more muscle–including 4K resolution. The Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K review is the company’s flagship security camera, offering sharper video, smarter motion detection, and an unusual solar panel that tracks the position of the sun to keep its battery topped up around the clock. Design and features The S2 is bigger and heavier than its S1 Lite sibling, measuring 6.5 × 2.8 × 3.0 inches and weighing just over a pound. The housing is made of polycarbonate with a clean white finish, and the solar surface is attached to its top (it’s not integrated into the camera body itself, as we’ve seen on some competing cameras). Baseus says the panel is coated with ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene), a durable fluoropolymer that boosts UV transmission, so the panel pulls in more sunlight. The camera boasts an IP67 weatherization rating—meaning it’s completely dust-tight and that it can withstand immersion in water for up 30 minutes (don’t miss our IP code decoder to learn more about ingress-protection codes). Baseus the camera has an operating temperature range of -4 degrees Fahrenheit to 122 degrees F (-20 to 50 C), making it durable enough for year-round outdoor use. Its lens and 8-megapixel image sensor capture video in 4K Ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels). Its 145-degree field of view is wide enough to cover a driveway or large portion of a yard, and there’s 8x digital zoom for closer inspection. Baseus claims you can expect usable detail out to about 12 meters (39 feet). In the dark, its built-in spotlight helps deliver full-color night vision, while its black-and-white night vision extends visibility even farther. The Baseus S2’s solar panel rotates to track the sun so the battery stays charge around the clock.Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Where most budget cameras rely solely on passive infrared (PIR) sensors for motion detection, the Baseus S2 combines PIR with radar detection. Baseus says this dual system cuts false alerts by as much as 99 percent. On top of that, the camera’s onboard AI can distinguish between people, vehicles, pets; there’s facial recognition, too. The camera is powered by a 7,800 mAh battery that’s continually recharged (assuming there’s sufficient sunlight) by an attached solar panel. This Baseus model differs from similarly equipped cameras in that the panel will rotate up to 40 degrees to either side of its barrel-shaped enclosure to follow the sun as it moves across the day. Baseus says this nearly doubles its charging efficiency compared to a fixed panel. Video recordings are stored locally on a microSD card in capacities up to 512GB, so there are no subscriptions to worry about. Baseus doesn’t even offer an optional service for storing video in the cloud, but you’ll need to provide your own microSD card. Baseus uses AES + RSA encryption to keep these recordings secure. The Baseus S2 is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Setup and performance You’ll need the Baseus Security app to set up the S2. The app will walk you through adding the camera to your Wi-Fi network in just a couple of minutes, and it will then help you find the optimal installation location by displaying signal strength before you mount it. The cameras comes with the necessary screws, but you’ll need to provide the screwdriver or a drill. The camera stores its video recordings on a user-provided microSD card, which slots into the underside.Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Daytime video is crisp, with true 4K resolution bringing out details that often blur at lower resolutions. The 145-degree field of view was more than enough to cover the front gate to my yard. With spotlight motion detection enabled, the spotlight would kick on when the camera detected activity, capturing color video provided there was at least some ambient lighting. Switch to standard black-and-white night vision and you still get clear, detailed video that’s good enough to make out faces and movement, even in near-total darkness. The dual PIR and radar system kept motion notifications manageable in my testing. The onboard AI did a solid job of distinguishing between people, vehicles, and animals, and you can further stem the alert tide by enabling activity and privacy zones where motion will be ignored, although you’re limited to two of each. The Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K’s solar panel is its standout feature. I was fortunate to have sunny conditions during my testing period, which enabled the battery to support round-the-clock operation. When the weather is less accommodating, you can take the camera down—it unscrews easily from its mount—and charge it with a user-provided AC adapter and the USB-A to USB-C cable you’ll find in the box. The Baseus Security app provide camera controls and mode presets—that make it easy to change how the S2 behaves. Michael Ansaldo/Foundry The Baseus Security app is responsive and well laid out. Live view and replay modes load quickly, and you can toggle the spotlight, talk through the camera, or adjust notifications with a couple of taps. You also get mode presets—Home, Away, Schedule, and Disarmed—that make it easy to change how the camera behaves, or you can create your own custom modes if those don’t fit. Drawing activity and privacy zones is straightforward, and a sensitivity slider makes it easy to fine-tune alerts. Should you buy the Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K? At $199.99 (discounted to $129.99 on the Baseus site and just $99.98 at Amazon at the time of this review), the Baseus S2 is priced in the midrange, but it offers more than you usually get at those prices. The sun-tracking solar panel is the most obvious differentiator, but its 4K video resolution, radar-assisted motion detection, and subscription-free local storage, are all pretty appealing. All that said, it’s worth remembering that with no backup solution for recorded video (there’s no cloud service, and the camera doesn’t support ONVIF or any of the other protocols that would make it feasible to store its video recordings on a NAS box or NVR (network video recorder), you will lose any forensic evidence if a burglar steals the camera. If you can give the panel steady sunlight, the S2 is an appealing choice for anyone who wants sharp footage and reliable detection without another monthly bill. Read...

A powerful Tasman Sea storm is continuing to lash much of the country, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and snow. Read...

It is likely the state of emergency in Southland and Clutha will remain in place into next week, officials say. Read...

I don’t know how your tech drawers look, but mine are filled with wires I’ll likely never use again because technology has advanced quite a bit. Thankfully, USB-C seems to be here to stay since there is no wrong way to plug these things in. It’s not just smartphones, tablets, and laptops that use these, however, but also a long list of gadgets. We’ve scoured the market for hidden gems: 13 gadgets that will make you think “Wow, I didn’t know I needed that, but it will make my life so much easier!” Let’s dive in and see what cool devices you’ll be able to use your type-C cables and ports with. Unihand rechargeable hand warmers Unihand As the weather is getting colder, you sometimes wish you could warm up your hands a bit faster. Well, these $18 hand warmers are rechargeable and perfectly ready to keep your fingers toasty for up to 20 hours on a single charge. These gadgets feature a temperature sensor chip that helps you pick one of three temps for precise control. There are plenty of colors to choose from, too. Wowstick 1F+ mini electric screwdriver Wowstick If you often have to fiddle around with your computer or other gadgets, this Wowstick mini electric screwdriver may be just what you need. This pen-shaped screwdriver features three LED lights so it’s easier to see what you’re working on and rotates 200 times per minute so you can finish the job faster. The screwdriver has a stylish base so you can hold it on your desk, and a whole collection of 56 aluminum alloy bits. The screwdriver can be charged via USB-C and it can last for hours. This super fun electric screwdriver usually goes for $41. Anker Nano Power Bank Anker One thing you need to have in you bag/pocket/backpack is a power bank because you never really know when your phone will fail you and cry for a recharge. Well, the Anker Nano power bank is tiny enough to fit just about anywhere. It comes with a foldable USB-C connector and a port on the side so you can charge two devices at once if you need to. The 5,000mAh capacity is just about enough for a full phone recharge, so it will be great in a pinch. It’s also only $30, but we’ve seen it as low as $16. Endoscope camera with light Ennovor Although it’s not something you’ll use every day, this Ennover endoscope camera can definitely come in handy. You just plug it in your phone, install and app, and see everything your camera does. Our team swears by it, using it for finding whatever they dropped behind the desk, while working on the car, or looking for pipe leaks. Since it has an IP67 rating, you can even plop it in your aquarium. The camera comes with a 16.4ft semi-rigid cable and several accessories, including a hook, magnet, and a mirror. You can get this one for $17 right now. Blukar flashlight Blukar I don’t care who you are—you need a flashlight. The smaller, the better, because you get to shove it into any pocket. This model from Blukar comes with a built-in 1800mAh battery that you’ll recharge with one of those many type-C cables you have in that tech drawer we were talking about. It can work for up to 16 hours on a single charge, which is pretty decent. There are four different lightning modes to cycle through, including one that will help you signal for help. Plus, one of these is less than $8, so no excuse to pass on this one. Heat It insect bite healer Anyone plagued by mosquitoes in the summer will be particularly pleased with this ingenious gadget. This tiny device, which can be easily connected to your smartphone via USB-C, can significantly reduce the itching of bites and stings with targeted heat. You simply charge the small Heat It bite healer via the app and then hold it on the bite. The heat then does the rest, breaking down the proteins in the mosquito bite that cause the area to swell, itch, and hurt. A true must-have for summer, and it costs only $20 when on sale. A tiny air pump Also perfect for summer is this small air pump from Cycplus, which fits in any bag while on the go. Not only can it inflate a bicycle tire in two minutes at the touch of a button, but it’s also USB-charged. According to the manufacturer, it’s suitable for mountain bikes, road bikes, motorcycles, and even cars! In addition to being an air pump, this practical gadget can also be used as a flashlight or power bank for on-the-go use — all things that come in very handy on a bike ride. And at just $57 (although we’ve seen it for as low as $35) it’s highly recommended if you need quick help with a flat tire. USB-C mini fan These little fans are also pretty ingenious; you can easily carry them in your pocket in the summer and quickly use them whenever you need them. Anyone who’s ever sat on a crowded subway train in 30-degree heat and wished for at least a little fresh air will love this gadget. The mini fan, which costs just $20, has a USB-C port and can be easily powered by power banks, computers, laptops, or USB chargers. There are even smaller and cheaper fans available that can be connected directly to your phone, costing under $10 each. But these also provide less powerful airflow, so we recommend the standalone version. Reading light with a book clamp Anyone who enjoys reading a lot, sometimes late into the night, will appreciate this little gadget: a reading lamp that you can simply clip onto your book. It may not be groundbreaking, but with a total of three color temperatures and five different light modes, you can individually adjust how much light you need for reading. The Gritin reading lamp costs just $8 on Amazon and features a 1200 mAh battery that lasts up to 80 hours depending on usage. Afterward, you can easily recharge it via USB. You can swivel the neck of the lamp back and forth as desired, and there’s even a small charging indicator. What more could you want? External DVD Drive Amicool If your laptop is like mine and lacks a DVD drive, then this little gadget will come in handy for you. This Amicool external DVD drive uses a USB-C (or USB-A) to connect to your laptop and give yout he optical drive you sometimes need. It can read and burn DVDs and CDs with ease, allowing you to install software, copy files, back up data, play games, and so on. You won’t even need to install drives as this thing is plug and play. While this thing’s usually $29, you can often get it for around $20, which is an absolute bargain. Samsung flash drive Samsung The vast majority of flash drives have a USB-A connector, but this one from Samsung has a Type-C connector. With transfer speeds of up to 400MB/s, you’ll move files around in no time. The beauty of this thumb drive is that you can even pop it in your smartphone to record 4K vids directly on it. The Samsung Type-C flash drive comes in multiple storage options, starting at 64GB and up to 512GB and they start at $14. The 256GB version, for instance, is $27 at the time of writing. Type-C microSD card reader Ugreen Most laptops nowadays don’t come with a card reader anymore (I know mine doesn’t), so finding other ways to get data off those little buggers is a must. Whether you need to pull data off your dashcam’s card or if it’s from your camera, this tiny Ugreen USB-C microSD reader will work just fine. This reader is tiny enough that you should probably put it on a keychain of some kind. If you’d rather a slightly more versatile version, Ugreen has a model that also works with SD cards and features both USB-C and USB-A connectors. Any of these will cost you less than $10, so they’re worthwhile investments. USB-C to HDMI adapter Anker If your laptop has a USB-C port but you haven’t updated your monitor in ages, your display won’t feature a Type-C port. This Anker adapter fixes this problem for you, enabling you to connect the regular HDMI cable you plug in your monitor with this gadget. The adapter supports resolutions of up to 4K at 60Hz, which is pretty awesome. This is also a nifty way to connect your phone or tablet to your monitor or TV. This thing’s $20, but we’ve seen it as low as $12. Editor’s note: This article was originally published on May 16, but was updated to include additional devices. Read...