Latest news with #homeSecurity
CNET
10 hours ago
- Business
- CNET
Secure Your Home and Save $131 With This Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit Deal
If you want to keep your home as safe as possible, a good home security system is hard to beat -- and it gets double points if it's smart. There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a DIY home security system, and Ring's products are some of our favorites. Right now, Amazon is offering the Ring Alarm 14-piece kit with a sizeable 40% discount, slashing the price to just $199 for a limited time. That's $131 less than the usual retail price. You don't need to enter any discount codes or clip any coupons to enjoy this deal, but you do need to be an Amazon Prime member, so make sure to keep that in mind. This 14-piece kit includes a base station, two keypads for easy control, eight contact sensors to secure all doors and windows, two motion detectors to cover key areas, and a range extender to ensure your entire home is protected. Setting up the system is fairly straightforward, and you can control it using the Ring phone app. The alarm will send notifications to your device every time it suspects unusual activity. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. You also have the option to choose from three modes based on your needs: Disarmed, Home and Away. The Disarmed mode turns off all sensors, the Home mode disarms interior sensors, and the Away mode activates all sensors for full protection when you're out. Note that some of these features are only available with the Ring Protect Pro subscription. And in case you are considering upgrading your entire home security system, the Ring battery doorbell is a great option for a video doorbell. Why this deal matters Ring makes some of the most popular smart home cameras and doorbells, so it makes sense that it would be a good option for a security system. This 14-piece kit comes with everything you need to get up and running, and now is your chance to bag one at a great price, too. Just keep in mind that this deal is unlikely to stick around for long.
Gizmodo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
The Ring Doorbell Is 50% Off, Plus You Get a FREE Ring Indoor Cam for Early Prime Day
Amazon's Prime Day deals have arrived early, and this year the bargains aren't just for Prime members: anyone can reap deep discounts on Amazon devices including the top-selling Ring family. The ring battery doorbell is a current top seller in its category and is on sale for $99. It's a great value on its own, but Amazon went one better and put together a bundle that's nearly irresistible: You can get both the ring battery doorbell and the ring indoor cam 2nd gen right now for just $69. That's cheaper than you'd pay for the doorbell by itself, and you're getting the indoor camera basically for free. See at Amazon This bundle is at an all-time low price, which makes it one of the best home security deals you'll find on Amazon. The bundle's list price is $139, so you're saving $70 right off the bat. With a 4.8 out of 5 rating from over 700 reviews, this deal is hard to resist. The ring battery doorbell included in this bundle is the latest version of Ring's best-selling video doorbell. It features head-to-toe video which offers 66% more vertical coverage compared to previous models. This lets you see more of what's happening at your doorstep,. With two-way talk and live view, you can see and speak to a person at your door via your phone directly, whether at home or not. Installation is simple—just charge the doorbell, snap it in, and sync it with your phone. There is no need for complicated wiring or professional installation. The doorbell is user-friendly, so you can install it in minutes. The ring indoor cam 2nd gen adds a security layer inside your home. You can observe what's happening internally, look in on pets, or keep an eye on other rooms from anywhere using the Ring app with this camera. The camera also supports 24/7 recording with a compatible Ring Home subscription which lets you scroll and view footage at any moment. Both of these cameras are compatible with Alexa, so you can hear custom notifications on your Echo Dot or start live video feeds with your Echo Show. Hands-free integration makes it even easier to keep up with your home using voice commands and smart displays. Don't miss the opportunity to keep your home secure at a historically low price point, this deal won't last long. See at Amazon
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Jim Cramer on Arlo Technologies: 'Wait for a Buyback Before You Buy More'
Arlo Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ARLO) is one of the 12 stocks on Jim Cramer's radar recently. The company was extensively discussed by Cramer during the episode as he said: 'Where do I come down on the stock? Oh, here's the problem: It's tricky to analyze a company like Arlo Technologies because there's a lot of competition in the home security space. We're not just talking about mom and pop outfits here. We're talking about serious, established companies like ADT and mega-cap technology outfits that have stretched their tentacles into home security, think Google Nest, Amazon Ring. That said, Arlo's stock is darn cheap compared to its growth rate. Company's earnings expected to grow at 55% clip this year, yet the stock only sells for 27 times earnings. Where I'm from, that's a steal. While competitors like ADT trade at a much more modest 10 times earnings, they also have much slower growth rates. A close-up of a smart connected device, with code written in the background. Arlo Technologies (NYSE:ARLO) provides cloud-based security solutions through a range of smart cameras, doorbells, and monitoring systems, supported by subscription services that include video recording, emergency response, and professional monitoring. The company's product lineup features high-resolution video, wide field of view, advanced detection capabilities, and remote access tools for both personal and business use. While we acknowledge the potential of ARLO as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
The best solar garden lights, with advice from a Gardener's Question Time expert
The best solar garden lights come in a range of colours and designs to brighten up your outdoor space, whether you choose stake lights for highlighting borders, decorative lights for the fence or a pretty lantern for the table. As well as creating ambience when entertaining, some solar lights for the garden can be used for a more practical function to add an extra layer of security around your home. Solar garden lighting can, however, be a little hit and miss – shining brightly one day, then looking as dull as a scorched August lawn the next. But with advice on how to buy and how to care for your lights throughout the year, you can enjoy the best solar garden lights for more than a single season. Below, I've tested a selection of this year's most eye-catching solar garden lights that you can buy online. You can read my full reviews further on, followed by answers to some frequently asked questions by Gardener's World expert panellist Matthew Wilson. But if you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at my top five: What are the best solar garden lights? At a glance How to choose the best solar garden lights There are lots of different solar garden light designs on the market. In this list, you'll find novelty designs, 'festoon' string lights for trees, fences and gazebos which look like a string of traditional lightbulbs and solar lanterns to add magic to the lawn. There are stake lights for showcasing your best flower borders and motion-sensor solutions for the garden path. Award-winning garden designer and Gardener's Question Time panellist, Matthew Wilson, also has five tips on the best ways to use solar lights in your garden: Use a mixture of lights – festoon, spike and uplighters, for example – to create different effects. Don't rely on solar lights to provide 100 per cent fool-proof security lighting. It feels like too much of a risk. Motion-sensor lights are best used as an add-on – rather than as the main feature – in your security set-up. Combine solar lights with other light types, such as plug-in/rechargeable lamps, candle lanterns and so on. Don't mix bulb colours – a mix of warm whites, cool whites and blue whites don't really look good together in a garden setting. Use more lights with lower lumens (the unit which measures the amount of light emitted) to create a glow, rather than a few bright lights that will make you feel uncomfortable, disrupt wildlife and annoy the neighbours. How we test solar garden lights During my 20 plus years as a journalist I've reviewed everything from the best cordless lawn mowers to the best bee hives for urban beekeeping. Combining my love of gardening and technology by testing the best solar garden lights has been a treat. For help in choosing them, I followed Wilson's advice, opting for ambience over brightness. I was looking for charming glows, twinkles and flickers, not glare. I set the lights up in a sunny border in my garden and assessed each light on visibility, design, functionality and aesthetic appeal. After a full day of sunlight, I monitored how well each design lit up after dark and checked in on them at three in the morning to see if they were still shining as brightly as they did after sunset. I've been testing solar lights for a few years now, so I've also highlighted any changes I've seen over time where relevant. Read on to discover which designs I thought stole the show and will add style to your garden this season. If you're upgrading your outdoor space, don't forget our guides to the best garden heaters, best garden chairs and best rattan garden furniture. There's also a new guide to the best fire pits for even more after-dark ambience. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best gardening product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Best solar garden lights 1. Best Buy Solar Lights: Geemoo 6-Pack Solar Flickering Dancing Flame Lights Score: 10/10 We like: The impressive warm glow of these solar garden lights, which come in a great-value pack of six With their fiery, flickering glow, you could be forgiven for thinking that these solar-powered stake lights are candle-lit. They are powered by a high-end polysilicon solar panel with a built-in rechargeable battery. They can light up for up to 10 hours in summer, once fully exposed to the sun. I thought these solar-powered lights stood out from the crowd due to their noticeably eye-catching glow. When I looked out of the window in the middle of the night, they were the most prominent and attractively hued solar lights shining in my garden. They were also easy to assemble and good value as they come in pack of six. Although their black plastic waterproof frames don't look or feel like the most premium lights I've seen, I think they are great for lighting up garden paths and flower borders. Key specifications 2. Best Value Solar Lights: Lutec Fia Solar Wall Light As a firm fixture on the garden wall or fence, this Lutec solar wall light claims to shine bright for up to 10 hours a night and did so on test. It comes with screws and as an amateur DIY-er, I found it easy enough to fix into place. It has a heavy-duty aluminium frame and LED filament bulb and I think its subtle industrial styling would fit into both urban and country settings. It brightened up a dark corner with a warm 200 lumen glow, but I think that if you fix a few along a wall with ample spacing between, it would provide an attractive way to lighten up a path or driveway. Every time I look out of the window and catch a glimpse of it, I'm half expecting Mr Tumnus to pass by. Key specifications 3. Best Solar Lantern: Rockett St George Pretty Stars Gold Outdoor Solar Light As solar lanterns go, this is one of the most striking designs I've discovered. Described by Rockett St George as 'the glow-up your garden has been waiting for', the twinkling star-shaped light pattern projected through the star cut-outs come dark is certainly impressive. The gold metal design feels well-built and of premium quality. The solar panel sits in the top of the lantern and once it has been in the sun for six hours, the lantern will shine in the dark for up to eight. It's an eye-catching decorative fixture in daylight too, and while at 34 centimetres high, it's quite large, it's lightweight and comes with a handle for easy transportation – you'll just need a large enough patio set. I've also been quite protective of mine, bringing it in at night to store on the windowsill, where its starlight flickers magically around the window. Key specifications 4. Best Solar Fence Light: Garden Trading Solar Festoon Light String With so many solar festoon-style string lights on offer online, it can be daunting to know which model to pick, but I think this Garden Trading design stands out for a number of reasons. For a start, you get up to 20 bulbs that are conveniently spaced apart on a single 12.5-metre string (many just have 10). The vintage design looked good along my garden fence, but I think they would work equally well along the trim of a gazebo or nestled loosely in tree branches. While they weren't the brightest lights in my test – possibly due to just how many bulbs were working off one small solar panel – I liked the way you can switch between light modes, which included a static and a twinkling setting. Key specifications Size: 3m of cable between solar panel and first LED bulb Colour modes: Warm white Warranty: Unspecified Dual power charging (USB and solar): No 5. Best Solar Fairy Lights: Solar Centre Lumify Warm White & White USB Solar Fairy Lights If your garden needs some instant summer sparkle, these lights will do the trick. While it's not essential, Lumify suggests fully charging the battery via USB for around four hours before using the lights for the first time, as this gives them a boost on first use and means they will run for 12 nights from a single charge without needing the sun. Alternatively, you can leave the solar panel to charge for three days prior to first use with the lights switched off. There are 300 LED lights in this pack and much like putting Christmas lights on a tree, there's a spaghetti junction of cables to contend with. You'll need to have a clear plan on where to install them. I scattered them around a large garden bush and come nightfall, the fairy lights sparkled brightly for eight hours on a timer. There is an optional power-saving mode that reduces the brightness too. I didn't see much difference in the two, so left it at full power and prayed for more sun to work the solar magic. Key specifications Size: 2m of cable between solar panel and first LED bulb Colour modes: White, warm white and blended white Warranty: 1 year Dual power charging (USB and solar): Yes 6. Best Solar String Lights: Appam Solar Powered Warm White 300 Integrated LED Outdoor String Lights These string lights add surprising interest to a tired-looking fence and would divide up an area of patio or drape around a gazebo just as effectively. The design has 10 strings fitted with LED lights each 10cm apart from the next and hanging down by a generous 250cm, meaning they'll suit tall fences. Installation was easy; I hammered a few nails in and draped the top of the cable over them to fix it in place. The string lights cascade down freely. While it's hard to say how well they will last after one season, I found them shining warmly and vibrantly every night and at this price, I don't think you can go wrong this summer. At under £15, they make an excellent change from the standard solar stake or festoon lights you generally see brightening up a garden at night. There's also a generous two-year warranty to fall back on. Key specifications 7. Best Security Solar Light: 4lite Solar LED Bollard Light Score: 9/10 We like: The powerful 230 lumens, 10m sensing distance and two motion detector modes This motion-sensor aluminium LED bollard light is modern in design and great for paths and lawns to add an extra layer of security around your home. You can set it to be on all the time after dark, or so that it just comes on when you walk near it. It has a maximum sensing distance of 10 metres and lit up in a bright and cool white each time I approached. It's not the prettiest solar light I tested, but definitely practical. Key specifications 8. Best Solar Stake Lights: Cox & Cox Four Solar Tiered Stake Lights These stake lights come as a set of four with a warm white bulb inside that lasts for up to six hours after dark. Each light has an attractive matte black plastic finish with a clear ribbed lantern top that's removable and hides the light switch. The black frame feels solid and the stakes piece together smoothly for a simple set-up. The stake tip that stabs into the earth feels robust too, making all the difference if you're trying to place it in tough soil. I put them evenly around my borders and they looked lovely, lighting up the flowers and foliage come nightfall. They also help to establish a barrier between the grass and the flowerbed, so the kids think twice before they go trundling over my flowers to retrieve their rogue football. Key specifications Size: H 30.5cm, D13.3 cm Colour modes: White Warranty: Not stated. Dual power charging (USB and solar): No 9. Best Decorative Solar Light: Fallen Fruits Tulip Bazaar Solar Lantern The Tulip Bazaar lantern comes in a soft sage green finish that adds a touch of Moroccan style to a garden, patio or balcony. It arrives packed flat in the box with a built-in solar unit and a metal frame that you insert inside to fill the lantern out. A metal hook slips onto the frame so that you can display it on a fence hook or tree branch. It's made from a durable material called Tyvek, which is designed to be weather-resistant and limit tearing or fading. But as it's lightweight, I would be inclined to bring it indoors on blustery days, so that it doesn't blow away. The warm glow this lantern emits at night, however, is stunning and its single solar light stayed on for over four hours. I think it looks good on its own, but even better in a set with the similarly styled Fallen Fruits Oval Paisley Solar Lantern or the Fallen Fruits Oval Mosaic Solar Lantern. Key specifications 10. Best Solar Border Lights: Zink Maltby Outdoor LED Solar-Powered Path Lights This set of four path lights is easy to stake into the ground but comes with screws for deck-mounting too. Two meters of black cable links each stake light, but I disguised this relatively well in my overgrown flowerbed when I was setting up. With enough sunlight, the charging time for these spots is up to 10 hours and they stay on for up to 11 hours at a time. Unlike any of the other solar lights I've tested here, these lights comes with a remote control that operates from up to five meters away. This meant I could make use of the eight lighting modes, including the coloured light setting. There's also a fading warm white light, an alternating coloured light and warm white mode and a flashing colour option that's great for a bustling garden party. Key specifications 11. Best Solar Table Centrepiece: Solar Helsinki Lantern This sophisticated black lantern is 31.5cm high and 19cm wide and I think works well on a tabletop, for use on a patio, or next to a flowerbed. Its legs are sturdy and while I would have preferred a warm light as opposed to a bright light, its run time of up to six hours didn't disappoint. Its stand is a little fiddly, so you'll need a solid base on which to place it. While my sample didn't last more than two seasons, I think if it's kept out of the rain and protected from the elements when not in use, it should last longer. Key specifications 12. Best Tree-hanging Solar Light: Solar Company Solar Bug Light – Smart Garden Bumble Bee Score: 8/10 We like: How easy they are to hang and how brightly they shine We don't like: The wires are a little flimsy Great for adorning trees and adding charm to the fence, these cute bumblebee solar lights measure 14cm in height. There's also a ladybird option. I hung a few from my pear tree and was impressed at how brightly they glowed after dark. Try not to pull on the wires, however, as they do easily stretch and will hang low. Key specifications Size: H 10 cm, W 10 cm, D 7cm Colour modes: White Warranty: 1 year Dual power charging (USB and solar): No 13. Best Colour Hanging Light: SOLARBABY Solar Flowers If the sun has dried up your flowerbeds, give them a burst of colour with this set of four flower stake lights. They look surprisingly like real flowers during the day and can provide a colour-changing light show at night. Not as fun as RHS Wisley's, but one I thought was worth waiting for after a full day of sun. I've had these in my garden for a couple of years but the flower colour started to get bleached by the sun and the lights eventually diminished, so think of them as an annual solar flower rather than a perennial. Key specifications Size: H 44cm, W 9cm per stem (pack of 4) Colour modes: Multicoloured Warranty: No Dual power charging (USB and solar): No 14. Best Solar Light for Pot Plants: Dakota Fields Alyvea Black Solar Powered Pathway Lights These are described as pathway lights, but I preferred to use them to brighten up my doorstep pot plants. The stems are quite small, which is something to consider if you're borders are overgrown, as they might get lost within. The colourful lights shine brightly, however and the multi-coloured effect makes a refreshing change from standard warm white lighting. The tips of the plastic stakes feel a tad flimsy, so be careful inserting them into the ground as I expect they might break with too much force. But they're a good pick for some fun and colourful lighting in a modest-sized garden. Key specifications 15. Best Solar Festoon Lights: 4Lite Antheia Solar Traditional Festoon These festoon lights are part of a wider 'Antheia' range, so you could kit your garden out with coordinated spike lights and wall lights, too. Some even have in-built motion sensors for added security and all come with the same pleasingly warm white light. The ones I tried seemed well built and proved reliable, with robust bulbs and a cable that's secure enough to withstand the British summertime. I hung these festoon lights on the fence and they brightened up the area until the early hours of the morning. Key specifications Solar garden lights FAQs What are the brightest solar garden lights and how bright should they be? 'Around 100 lumens will create a soft light on a pathway,' says Gardener's World expert panellist Matthew Wilson, 'while 150 lumens would work for an outdoor dining space.' Do solar garden lights work in rain and in winter and how long should they last? Solar technology certainly should work in the rain or on shorter winter days but Wilson says: 'Ultimately, we're asking a small solar panel to do quite a lot of work.' It's better to think of solar lights as soft ambient lighting and have more of them, augmented with other light sources, he explains. 'The solar lights I have in my garden typically stay on for around three to six hours after dusk in summer but only 30 minutes in winter – it all depends on how much sunlight there is and how efficient the solar panel you choose.' How do you clean and care for solar garden lights? A typical solar light comes with a solar panel, rechargeable battery and lamp. Some also have a backup USB charging feature. 'With exposure to the elements, outdoor solar lights can get damaged, rust over and their wires can break,' says Wilson. 'If your solar light stops working, it may be that the battery has worn out, so it's worth checking to see if you can replace it with a rechargeable battery.' To get the best from your light, make sure your solar light panel is clean. Brian Davenport from The Solar Centre – which Wilson recommends as a good quality retailer – advises cleaning the solar panel from time to time with a soft, slightly dampened cloth to prevent the build-up of dirt, debris or snow. Also, check the solar panel is in direct sunlight during the day as they can easily get knocked about by wind, rain, pets or garden wildlife. An average solar collector needs around eight hours of sunlight for the best results after dark. 'Take your lights inside over winter if possible or when sustained bad weather is on the horizon,' suggests Wilson. 'The reality is that solar lights rarely have the kind of high-quality weather proofing to make them last, which is why they need a little attention when the forecast looks bad.'
CNET
2 days ago
- CNET
WhatsApp Brings Meta AI-Powered Summaries to Your Texts
Tyler Lacoma Editor / Home Security For more than 10 years Tyler has used his experience in smart home tech to craft how-to guides, explainers, and recommendations for technology of all kinds. From using his home in beautiful Bend, OR as a testing zone for the latest security products to digging into the nuts and bolts of the best data privacy guidelines, Tyler has experience in all aspects of protecting your home and belongings. With a BA in Writing from George Fox and certification in Technical Writing from Oregon State University, he's ready to get you the details you need to make the best decisions for your home. On off hours, you can find Tyler exploring the Cascade trails, finding the latest brew in town with some friends, or trying a new recipe in the kitchen!
