The Z-Wave Alliance has released the 2024A Z-Wave Specification Package, which includes new User Credential Command Class features, as well as new User Credential Control Specifications. The Alliance has also published a new Z-Wave Reference Application Design (ZRAD), a publicly available repository of data including detailed schematics and reference designs to help developers create Z-Wave products with enhanced range capabilities using Z-Wave Long Range.

The 2024A Z-Wave Specification Package includes several documents that have undergone an Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) review as well as clarifications and fixes to the User Credential Command Class (CC) and the User Credential Control Specification. It also includes minor clarifications in the Association v4 and MAC v5 Command Classes.

The Z-Wave User Credential Command Class (CC) is a specification within the Z-Wave protocol that defines how user credentials, such as passwords or PIN codes, are managed and communicated between devices in a Z-Wave network. Exclusive to Z-Wave, this Command Class update provides a standardized way for smart locks to handle user authentication in access control, ensuring secure and reliable operation within a Z-Wave smart home network. Key aspects include:

Credential Management: It allows devices such as smart locks to create, modify, and delete user credentials. This includes defining the type of credential (e.g., PIN code, password), its validity period, and any associated permissions.

Security: The Command Class ensures that user credentials are transmitted and stored securely within the network. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the smart home environment.

Interoperability: By following the specifications of the User Credential Command Class, different Z-Wave devices can work together seamlessly to manage user access. For instance, a smart lock from one manufacturer can understand and use the credentials provided by a smart home controller from another manufacturer.

User Control: It allows users to control who can access their Z-Wave network and devices. For example, homeowners can add or remove users and set different access levels for family members, guests, or service personnel.

Automation Integration: The Command Class can be used in conjunction with other Z-Wave Command Classes to create sophisticated automation scenarios. For instance, unlocking a door could trigger a series of events, such as turning on lights, adjusting the thermostat, or disarming a security system.

The Z-Wave User Credential Control Specification outlines the standards and protocols for managing user credentials within a Z-Wave network. It defines how devices should handle, store, and communicate user credentials such as PIN codes, passwords, or biometric data to ensure secure access control and authentication. The key components are:

Credential Types: Defines the different types of user credentials that can be used, such as numeric PIN codes, alphanumeric passwords, and biometric data.

Credential Management: Specifies how to create, update, and delete user credentials. It includes procedures for adding new users, changing existing credentials, and removing users from the system.

Access Control: Establishes how user credentials control access to devices and services within the Z-Wave network. This involves setting permissions and access levels for different users.

Security Protocols: Outlines the security measures required to protect user credentials. This includes encryption standards for transmitting credentials, secure storage practices, and methods for verifying the authenticity of credentials.

Interoperability: This standardization ensures that different Z-Wave devices can work together seamlessly when managing user credentials. It allows devices from various manufacturers to understand and use credentials consistently.

Event Logging: Describes how to log events related to credential use, such as successful and failed authentication attempts. This is important for auditing and monitoring the security of the network.

User Interface: Provides guidelines for user interfaces that manage credentials, ensuring they are user-friendly and secure.

Error Handling: Defines how devices should handle errors related to credential management, such as incorrect PIN entries or expired passwords.

By adhering to the Z-Wave User Credential Command Class and User Credential Control Specification, Z-Wave devices can offer robust, secure, and interoperable user authentication and access control, enhancing the overall security and user experience of the smart home network.

Z-Wave Reference Application Design (ZRAD) Now Publicly Available

The Z-Wave Alliance has announced the public release of the ZRAD (Z-Wave Reference Application Design). Created by Z-Wave wireless IoT expert Eric Ryherd (AKA Dr. Z-Wave), ZRAD is an open-source reference design of a best-in-class RF range device. ZRAD aims to accelerate time-to-market for Z-Wave products by providing a simple-to-follow application design example complete with detailed step-by-step instructions for implementing Z-Wave technology and the latest available features, such as Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR).

ZRAD is a game-changer for the Z-Wave community, dramatically lowering the barrier to entry for development and providing a clear path from concept to product. ZRAD offers the tools required to leverage the full power of Z-Wave technology and ZWLR. It is a publicly available repository of data, including detailed schematics and reference designs, to help developers create Z-Wave products with enhanced range capabilities. This free offering offers a streamlined alternative to complex, all-encompassing developer kits, focusing on simplicity and practicality for the developer.

The ZRAD design features a USB controller with a best-in-class RF range. It achieved over 2 miles of successful transmission in line of sight (LoS) testing and yielded exceptional performance in noisy urban environments with over 1 mile of successful transmission. The design can be implemented as both a controller connected to a computer or as an end device with battery power, enabling the development of versatile applications.

For More Information: http://z-wavealliance.org

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Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, has unveiled its Music Frame in India. A wireless speaker that looks like a work of art, the Samsung Music Frame comes with new features such as Dolby Atmos and wireless music streaming at just INR 23,990.

 The stylish wireless speaker blends seamlessly into living spaces like never before by doubling as a picture frame. Just like a real frame, the Samsung Music Frame allows users to display personal photos. Listening to music while looking at a framed photo of a precious memory or a piece of art adds new levels of depth to users’ experiences.

 The Samsung Music Frame will be available across Samsung.in and Amazon.in and across select offline stores. “Modern consumers are increasingly seeking products that not only blend functionality and aesthetics but also add visual appeal. This trend is driven by a desire for products that reflect their personality and style, and enhance the overall ambiance of their living space. The new Music Frame epitomizes exceptional technology in the form of a picture frame with its unique, elegant design while delivering a cinematic audio experience,” said Mohandeep Singh, Senior Vice President, Visual Display Business, Samsung India.

 The Music Frame offers users the convenience of wire-free listening while delivering superior sound quality that fills any space with rich, clear audio. Its personalized, framed artwork enhances home decor, reflecting Samsung’s passion for leveraging cutting-edge technology to elevate living spaces. This makes it a powerful addition to any household, providing stunning visual appeal and exceptional audio performance, all in one elegantly crafted device.

Dolby Atmos Technology

Immerse in a three-dimensional audio experience that surrounds from every angle, creating a lifelike soundscape that enhances listening pleasure. Be it watching a movie, listening to music, or playing games, Dolby Atmos technology elevates the audio experience to new heights, pulling users into the heart of the action.

 Consistent Sound Quality

Enjoy balanced and consistent audio quality from any corner of the room, ensuring an optimal listening experience regardless of location. The speaker eliminates uneven sound distribution and promotes crystal-clear audio throughout the room, making every seat the best seat in the house.

 Effortless Control

The Music Frame offers effortless control with built-in voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. Users can simply speak commands, and the Music Frame responds, enabling play, pause, track skipping, and volume adjustment without any manual intervention. This feature provides hands-free convenience and seamless control over the audio experience.

 Personalized Sound Optimization

Tailor the audio experience to the specific room environment with advanced room analysis and optimization technology. SpaceFit Sound Pro analyzes the acoustics of the room and adjusts the sound output accordingly, ensuring optimal audio quality tailored to the space. This technology transforms one-size-fits-all audio into personalized sound perfection

 Q-Symphony Integration

Users can utilize Q-Symphony for richer stereo sound by placing two Music Frames on either side of their TVs. For surround sound, users can place a soundbar in front of their TV and a Music Frame on the opposite wall to act as a rear speaker. With the SmartThings app, users can set the equalizer settings to their preferences.

Adaptive Audio Performance

Experience audio that adapts to the content in real time, delivering clear voices and detailed sounds optimized for every scene and volume level.

For More Information: www. news.samsung.com

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Addressing increased bandwidth due to new standards, Blustream has announced two new USB3 devices to enable AV integrators to distribute and switch USB-C data signals with ease.

The first solution being introduced is the UEX3C-KIT, a USB extender kit utilising HDBaseT technology to extend USB 3.2 Gen1 signals up to 100m over a single CAT cable.

It allows up to two USB devices to be connected to a single USB host with support for a transmission data bandwidth up to 5Gbps.

The UEX3C-KIT is backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices and provides bi-directional Power over Cable (PoC).

The SW12USB is the second device to be unveiled. It is a USB 3.2 Gen2 10Gb switcher, supporting four USB devices that can be switched to two USB-C host connections.

It also supports auto switching between host devices using signal sense, or manually controlled via the front-panel push buttons, Web-GUI, TCP/IP.

For More information: www.blustream.co.uk

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Portronics, India’s beloved gadgets brand, proudly announces the launch of Power Plus, a compact and reliable mini UPS designed specifically for Wi-Fi routers. Addressing the frequent challenges of load shedding and voltage fluctuations, Power Plus ensures seamless internet connectivity by providing uninterrupted power to Wi-Fi routers during electricity disruptions. With Power Plus, stay connected during power outages and enjoy hassle-free online experiences.

The Portronics Power Plus houses a 2000mAh battery inside its compact frame. Set up is easy and does not require any technical expertise. It must be connected between a 12-volt (DC) Wi-Fi router and the main power outlet. The Power Plus supplies power from the mains to the Wi-Fi router via one of two standard connectors—2.1mm and 5.5mm DC pin—at all times. When there is an outage, the Power Plus’ battery instantly kicks in to keep the Wi-Fi functional for up to four hours.

The Power Plus also boasts built-in safety features, designed to protect the router and itself from overcharging and undervoltage following temporary power outages. With its user-friendly design and advanced protection mechanisms, the Power Plus offers a dependable solution to keep your online activities running smoothly, making it an essential addition to any home or office setup

For More Information: https://www.portronics.com/

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Lauritz Knudsen, owned by Schneider Electric Group, aims to invest approx. Rs 850 crore over the next three years to position itself as a significant player in the electrical sector. In 2020, Schneider Electric acquired L&T Switchgear, Larsen & Toubro’s electrical and automation business and as part of a rebranding exercise, L&T Switchgear will now be known as Lauritz Knudsen.

Lauritz Knudsen plans to strengthen its core low and medium voltage business, even as it will build capabilities in the new energy domain encompassing renewable power generation and e-mobility solutions, serving varied segments including infrastructure, industries, buildings, homes, and agriculture. Lauritz Knudsen’s vision prioritises innovation and excellence, offering varied choices to its customers. This will accelerate the brand’s mission to drive innovation, addressing the needs of India and globally.

Lauritz Knudsen, formerly L&T Switchgear, boasts a robust manufacturing footprint spanning 2.1 million sq. ft. of factories and a nationwide presence encompassing over 33 offices across 500 cities. It has trained over 4,00,000 professionals through its six strategically located training centres in Pune, Delhi, Vadodara, Lucknow, Coonoor, and Kolkata.

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Samsung Electronics announced SmartThings Pro and Next-Generation Display Technologies for its award-winning digital signage lineup at InfoComm 2024. Samsung showcased SmartThings Pro, an evolution of SmartThings with business-focused capabilities; Samsung Color E-Paper, an ultra-low power, lightweight and slim digital paper display; exclusive new generative AI functions for the Interactive Whiteboard (WAD series); and the new Samsung Business TV BED series, a UHD TV with flexible functionality for businesses across different sectors.

“We are pleased to introduce a variety of new solutions, services and products at this year’s InfoComm,” said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics.

SmartThings Pro extends Samsung’s hyper-connected smart home technology to busie overall business experience. To better support business-to-business (B2B) customers, SmartThings Pro offers customizable application environments, enhancing sustainability, automating operations and improving Programming Interfaces (APIs) for seamless integration. It also features AI Energy Mode, an intelligent power-saving technology that reduces energy consumption based on ambient brightness, content analysis and motion detection. This energy-saving algorithm is available for Samsung products connected to the SmartThings Pro ecosystem.

Additionally, SmartThings Pro enables users to check the connection status of various IoT devices through a user-friendly dashboard. This dashboard provides AI to analyze connected devices, helping users use their devices more efficiently and adopt energy-saving practices.

Beyond individual users, SmartThings Pro will also improve the general operations of connected devices in corporate environments, including SMART Signage, hospitality displays, air conditioning systems, digital appliances and much more. It also helps corporate clients manage various environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and lighting more effectively by linking various IoT products. It also integrates sensors like cameras to enhance monitoring and control capabilities. These features help users automate daily configurations and setups, resulting in more efficient and sustainable operations while reducing overall business costs.

“We will further enhance Samsung’s IoT solutions for the B2B market through SmartThings Pro,” said Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President at Samsung Electronics. “Our customized solutions strengthen display performance in apartment buildings, residential spaces, public facilities like schools and commercial spaces like retail, hotels and offices. SmartThings will not only improve performance for these operators, but it will reduce cost.”

 The new product offers a more eco-conscious alternative to traditional promotional methods while delivering the high-visibility signage businesses need. The Samsung Color E-Paper operates at 0.00W1 when displaying static images and consumes significantly less power than traditional digital signage when changing images. Additionally, managers can remotely control the Color E-Paper, setting schedules to save energy with automatic wake-up and sleep times.

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Hisense has joined the 8K Association (8KA), connecting with other leading companies in a cross-industry group dedicated to fostering the growth of the 8K ecosystem.

Hisense’s affiliation with the 8KA underscores its dedication to delivering superior visual experiences to consumers worldwide. As a global leader in television manufacturing, Hisense’s participation in the 8K ecosystem aligns with its ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the consumer electronics sector.

“Hisense’s membership in the 8K Association marks a significant step in our ongoing mission to enhance the home entertainment experience,” said David Gold, President, Hisense America and Hisense USA. “We are eager to contribute to the 8K ecosystem and collaborate with other industry leaders to accelerate the integration of 8K technology into the home entertainment experience.”

Hisense’s commitment to 8K technology is not new. The company has been investing in research and development to improve the resolution and image quality of its televisions. This membership will further strengthen Hisense’s position as a leader in the television industry and will allow the company to have a more significant influence on the development and deployment of 8K technology.

The 8K Association has experienced substantial growth in its membership, with companies from diverse sectors of the 8K ecosystem joining to shape the future of 8K content. Hisense’s membership in the 8KA reaffirms its commitment to leading technological advancements in the television industry.

“Hisense’s addition to the 8K Association expands our collective of industry leaders,” said Mike Fidler, executive director of the 8KA. “Their dedication to innovation and excellence in consumer electronics will be instrumental in our shared efforts to promote 8K technology and its benefits.”

For More Information: 8kassociation.com 

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Samsung Electronics announced that its SMART Signage QxC has been honored in the prestigious “Green Signage – Hall of Fame” by invidis, a German digital signage consultancy.

The “Green Signage – Hall of Fame” recognizes sustainable digital signage products from display manufacturers around the world. This year, Samsung’s SMART Signage QxC series — specifically the QH55C model — has been recognized for reducing 168 listed carbon footprint metrics.

Samsung remains committed to eco-conscious initiatives across the product lifecycle, exemplifying its sustainability efforts with the latest SMART Signage Q series (QHC, QMC and QBC).

These SMART Signage Q series models feature an Eco Sensor feature that adjusts screen brightness based on the surrounding environment, allowing users to manage power consumption more efficiently. Additionally, the rear covers on these models contain 10% post-consumer materials (PCM) to reduce the use of regular plastic during manufacturing.

Apart from this “Hall of Fame” honor, the Q series has achieved several other notable certifications including:

·        Carbon Footprint certification from TÜV Rheinland – Making the Q series the first signage model to receive this award

·        ENERGY STAR 8.0 certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Recognizing the series’ energy efficiency

·        Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) certification from the Global Electronics Council – Acknowledging the series’ eco-conscious design and manufacturing processes

 For More Information: https://news.samsung.com

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Samsung SmartThings has announced the addition of the Shelly Qubino Wave Plug US to its smart home ecosystem. The Qubino Wave Plug is a Z-Wave smart plug that utilizes the latest Z-Wave chip generation (S800), one of the most popular standardized technologies for smart homes worldwide. The Qubino Wave Plug US smart plug enables automation and remote control of any connected electrical appliance at home while monitoring its power consumption.

“We are delighted to introduce the first Shelly product into the SmartThings ecosystem,” said Svetlin Todorov, CEO of Shelly USA. “Our dedication to enhancing the smart home experience is being recognized by leading global brands, like Samsung, affirming that Shelly is on the right path of innovation. We look forward to integrating more of our compatible devices with the SmartThings platform coming very soon, offering IoT users worldwide unique opportunities to optimize their energy usage and welcome greater ease and comfort into their homes.”

By using Z-Wave, smart home products can seamlessly communicate with each other, regardless of their brand or platform with the help of the SmartThings app. Through this strategic partnership, Samsung and Shelly are lowering barriers to entry into the IoT world and enabling users to harness the benefits of seamless integration of smart home technology.

“Through our partnership with Shelly, we are lowering barriers to entry and enabling everyone to harness the transformative benefits of smart home technology,” said Mark Benson, Head of SmartThings U.S. “Accessible smart home technology is not just about convenience; it’s about empowerment and making everyday life simpler and more manageable.”

Features of the Shelly Qubino Wave Plug US Z-Wave smart plug with power monitoring

·        Manage power supplies of up to 1800 W at 15 A

·        Plug & Play installation (compatible with standard Type B sockets and plugs)

·        Measures power consumption of the connected appliance

·        Extremely low power consumption: < 0.3 W

·        Z-Wave frequency band: 908.42 MHz (US region)

·        Latest technology: Z-Wave 800 Series

·        Automatic set-up with SmartStart

·        Security 2 Authenticated for the highest level of security

·        Over-the-air firmware updates

·        Works with Z-Wave-certified gateways and over 4,000 Z-Wave devices

For More Information: www.shelly.com.

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TENSE has officially joined the MDT Group, marking a significant milestone in its journey to provide users with the highest quality design for smart home automation. MDT will strengthen the growth opportunities of TENSE worldwide. Their premium, handmade switches, and control products will reach new heights in this partnership. MDT Technologies GmbH CEO Roger Karner and TENSE founder Joen Adriaen are very positive about this move and are welcoming a new era of KNX premium design switches.

The German manufacturer MDT Technologies develops and produces KNX products in Engelskirchen (near Cologne) in Germany. Thousands of products leave the plant every day, and 93% of all MDT products are immediately available from stock. With MDT, there is no long wait for your KNX products, not even for bulk orders. 

This is made possible thanks to the flexibly organised production, which is geared towards demand. More than 100 employees at the site manufacture the KNX components at various production levels. Obviously, product quality is the top priority for the employees. Each individual product is put through several different quality tests during the production process. By doing this, MDT ensures that the customer gets the best possible result. The three-year extended warranty that applies to all MDT products shows how confident MDT is in its own product.

MDT’s development department in Engelskirchen is constantly working on further innovative products and smart new functions. A good example is the popular MDT Glass Push-button II Smart: With the new series, the product has received an extensive update. The KNXperts have once again focused on the greatest possible added value for customers. 

For More Information: www.mdt-group.com

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