Pawport is back at CES with the latest version of its smart pet door, now offering a two-door system for improved security, sleek aesthetic options, and a suite of features designed to make it easier to let pets out while still keeping homes safe and energy-efficient. The Pawport Smart Pet Door is designed to seamlessly retrofit onto existing pet doors, instantly transforming traditional models into high-security, app-controlled devices. Paired with a lightweight, waterproof smart collar tag, the Pawport system uses motion-based proximity detection to open doors automatically for authorized pets only. The companion app enables remote management, customizable curfews, pet activity tracking, and voice control integration. For new installations, an Outdoor Pet Door and Tunnel System creates a two-door configuration that works in tandem with the smart indoor door. Made of high-grade steel and aircraft-grade aluminum, this weatherproof system promises protection against intruders, pests, and thermal leaks. Together, the two doors offer an additional level of security for pet entryways, along with tamper alarms and solid deadbolts. Pawport Pawport’s new pet door comes with 13 options across three series: Standard, Designer, and Signature. The more affordable Standard Series utilizes steel and composite plastic with durable paint finishes, while the Designer Series incorporates premium scratch-resistant materials in a variety of neutral and color options. Finally, the Signature Series adds textured facades that mimic natural wood grain. The Pawport Smart Pet Door’s advanced features include pet-specific curfew and weather detection settings, which automatically prevent access during inclement weather or at designated times. Pet tracking insights provide real-time notifications and detailed data on your pet’s movements, while sensitivity gauges help to prevent accidental closures on pets. A lockable top panel is designed to keep small children from accessing the controls. The system can be powered through USB-C, a hard-wired kit, or an optional solar panel to extend battery life, while an optional rechargeable battery pack can keep the system operating during a power outage. The Pawport app offers control over the color and brightness of built-in LED lights, allowing homeowners to tailor the Smart Pet Door’s appearance. Pawport also offers accessories like premium matching collars, adjustable outdoor ramps, and the PawMat turf mat for paw cleaning. Available in three sizes, the Pawport Smart Pet Door starts at $499 and will be available in early 2025. Read...

The new weather is set to whip up waves today but it shouldn`t cause the same disruption as the recent southerlies. Read...

Aqara announced an array of new smart home devices at CES 2025, including its first in-wall touchscreen control panel. The Matter-compatible controller works with the company’s new dimmers, switches, and sensors to deliver Aqara’s most advanced suite of hardware for in-home lighting, climate control, home security, and power management. The Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus is Aqara’s first in-wall control panel. The device’s 6.9-inch touchscreen offers centralized control for smart homes and can function as either a Zigbee hub or a Matter bridge. The S1 Plus features an understated design that should blend with almost any home decor. The Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus is desgined to be mounted on the wall. Aqara Users can manage lights, cameras, thermostats, and other devices directly from the panel’s touchscreen, eliminating the need for constant smartphone interaction. Launches are planned for Europe this month, with a North American rollout later in 2025. Aqara’s new Touchscreen Switch S100US offers hybrid controls that combine traditional mechanical switch functions with the versatility of a 1.3-inch touchscreen. The S100 US integrates presence and light sensors for adaptive functionality, and dual-band Wi-Fi and Thread connectivity allows the S100 to support Matter and work as a Thread Border Router. The Aqara Touchscreen Dial V1, meanwhile, features a 1.3-inch round touchscreen with a rotary user interface for intuitive adjustments to up to two wired light fixtures and multiple wireless smart devices. The Dial V1 can also control a thermostat, open or close smart curtains or shades, and adjust the dimming level of lighting fixtures. The EU version will be available later this month with a U.S. version to follow later in 2025. Aqara also announced the upcoming release of its Light Switch H2 and Dimmer Switch H2. These next-gen switches, which support Thread and Zigbee connectivity, ensure compatibility across various smart home platforms, including Matter. The EU versions of the Light Switch H2 and Dimmer Switch H2 will be released later this month. Buyers in the U.S. will need to wait until a little later in 2025. New sensors and hubs to expand interoperability Aqara’s Presence Sensor FP300 uses both passive infrared (PIR) and millimeter wave (mmWave) technology for precise motion detection.Aqara Aqara is expanding its Matter-enabled sensor portfolio with the Presence Multi-Sensor FP300 and the Climate Sensor W100. The FP300 combines passive infrared (PIR) and millimeter wave (mmWave) sensing for precise motion detection. It’s also equipped with light, temperature, and humidity sensors. The Climate Sensor W100 tracks indoor room temperature and humidity, along with a secondary set of data, such as the current weather conditions or readings from a separate Aqara sensor mounted in another room in the home. Both the Presence Multi-Sensor FP300 and the Climate Sensor W100 support both the Thread and Zigbee protocols. The Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410.Aqara Aqara’s all-new Doorbell Camera Hub G410 boasts 2K video resolution, end-to-end encryption with HomeKit Secure Video support, and Matter compatibility, with dual-band Wi-Fi, Thread, and Zigbee radios onboard. An integrated mmWave sensor enables on-device presence detection and facial recognition. The doorbell can operate on either battery or wired power, and it can store its recordings either locally or in the cloud. Lastly, the all-new Aqara Hub M100 look like it will be a successor to the Aqara Hub M3 we reviewed last August. Aqara describes it as an “entry-level Matter controller” equipped with Wi-Fi, Thread, and Zigbee radios enabling it to connect to any product in Aqara’s lineup; plus, hundreds of third-party Matter devices. It can also operate as a Thread border router. Read...

Elon Musk`s calls for Nigel Farage to be replaced as Reform UK leader, and weather disruption leads the papers. Read...

Forecasters are warning there could be considerable travel disruption caused by the wintry conditions. Read...

Forget the sunscreen and pass the brolly for much of the North Island today as rain dampens holiday fun. Read...

The bad weather has been a `bummer`, and there`s more in store - but don`t worry, all is not lost. Read...

Much of the UK is facing a cold snap, so here are some tips to cope with low temperatures. Read...

Delays and cancellations related to British weather may become more common. Read...

Cold weather payments are available to some people after seven days of below-zero temperatures. Read...