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Automate your basic devices with two TP-Link smart plugs for $25

TP-Link HS110 smart plug

Today’s the day to turn that dumb coffee pot or lamp into a smart device. B&H Photo Video has a great sale today for a two-pack of the TP-Link HS110 Kasa Wi-Fi Smart Plug for $25. That’s close to Amazon’s $20 price on Prime Day 2018, but that sale price was for a single device. B&H’s sale ends just before midnight Eastern time on Tuesday night.

The HS110 packs 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and works with Google Assistant and Alexa devices. As with other TP-Link smart devices, these plugs don’t require a hub to work. Instead, you download TP-Link’s Kasa app, connect the plugs to your home Wi-Fi via your phone, and you’re done (at least until the power goes out and you have to reset them).

Once they’re set up you can use remote access to activate a light or whatever you’ve got plugged into it. Or you can schedule specific times for the smart plug to activate your electronics. This smart plug also comes with energy monitoring built-in, which is great for anyone curious about how much power they’re using up with that coffee pot or gaming console. One downside: The HS110 is bulky, taking up both plugs in a two-jack outlet.

We balked at the original $40 asking price in our TP-Link HS110 review, but those qualms disappear when you can snag two of them for just $25.

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Panasonic announces Eluga Z1 and Eluga Z1 Pro with big batteries

Panasonic India launched two upper mid-rangers earlier this month and now introduced two entry level handsets to continue the expansion of its portfolio – Panasonic Eluga Z1 and Panasonic Eluga Z1 Pro pack Helio P22 chipsets, AI Face Unlock, and big batteries.

Both devices share the same 6.19” notched screen with HD+ resolution and Dragon Trail Pro protection glass on top. The main camera is 13 MP + 2 MP, while the front-facing shooter is 8 MP, both setups coupled with an LED flash. The regular Eluga Z1 has 3 GB RAM and 32 GB internal storage, while the Eluga Z1 Pro comes with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage; both with a microSD slot for up to 128 GB more.

The battery is 4,000 mAh, which sounds impressive, but it is charged through a microUSB port on the bottom. The OS is Android 8.1 Oreo which Panasonic coupled with Arbo Hub. The pre-installed app promises “go-to solutions for all needs” like booking cabs, comparing fares, live cricket updates, news reports, paying the bills, weather updates, etc.

Panasonic Eluga Z1 (Pro) Panasonic Eluga Z1 (Pro) Panasonic Eluga Z1 (Pro) Panasonic Eluga Z1 (Pro)
Panasonic Eluga Z1 (Pro)

Dimensions of the phone are 157.2 x 76.3 x 8.1 mm with a weight of 169 grams. The back panel and the rim of the Eluga are from metal and arrive in three colors – Black, Gold, Blue. The regular Z1 costs INR14,490, while the Z1 Pro goes for INR17,490. Both will be available at offline retailers starting October 31.

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Samsung teases the Galaxy A8s with a camera hole in the screen

In a recent change of strategy, Samsung decided to start implementing new tech into the mid-range lineup if it’s available, rather than withhold stuff so flagships can get it first. And with the recent quad and triple camera Galaxy A9 (2018) and Galaxy A7 (2018) smartphones, it looks like the company is already executing its plan.

And to top it off, the company just teased the arrival of Galaxy A8s at the end of the Galaxy A9s and A6s announcement event. The new phone will be a first of its kind with a hole in the upper left corner of the display. The hole is for the front-facing camera and will most likely integrate the rest of the sensors as well – for proximity and ambient light.

This would eliminate the need for a notch, preserve screen real estate and allow for an almost bezel-less full-screen experience. The spokesperson on the stage restrained from disclosing more about the phone, so specs, availability and price are yet a mystery but we will probably hear more about it soon enough.

[“source=cnbc”]