With these sombre thoughts in mind, today I’m turning my attention to a small and relatively cheap smoke detector/alarm, made as a collaboration between Mijia and Honeywell.

• Now before I go headlong into the review itself, it should be noted that this is certified for use in Mainland China and Hong Kong only. This doesn’t mean you can’t use it (although that also depends on the laws in your particular country), but if you did have a fire, and wanted to claim on your insurance, whilst relying on this device as your only form of smoke detection, chances are you wouldn’t be covered, as it wouldn’t be considered admissable as a certified device (unless you live in China or Hong Kong, obviously). So, it’s probably best to view this as a backup as opposed to the main sensor/alarm/detector, or better still, simply treat it as a notification device, with a regular ‘dumb’ smoke alarm as the main detector for the purposes of insurance, as well as an extra layer of safety. More is better I would suggest.

UNBOXING

The Mi/Honeywell Smoke Detector has been around for a few years now, and in that time the packaging hasn’t really changed since I bought my first unit in early 2018. The front shows the device itself, or at least what you’ll see of the device once it’s in place, with some Simplified Chinese text at the bottom that basically translates to ‘Smoke detector’ or ‘smoke alarm’.

The sides of the box are equally barren of much detail, with only the Mijia and Honeywell logos on one side, and a smoke icon with the same Simplified Chinese text as is found on the front.

Once opened, the smoke alarm is the first thing you’ll see. Underneath that is the provided CR123A battery, also known as a half-AA battery (not to be confused with the less common ER14250 battery). To complete the list of contents, you’ll find two rawl plugs and corresponding screws, two small booklets in Simplified Chinese, and two double-sided curved strips if you don’t want to mount the alarm with the screws.

THE SMOKE ALARM

The device is relatively small, although probably no smaller or larger than a standard ‘dumb’ smoke alarm. It’s circular, coming in at 90mm/3.54in in diameter, and 36mm/1.42in in depth. It weighs approximately 100g/3.52oz, so is light enough to be suspended from a ceiling without the worry that it’ll fall under its own weight. The front has a series of holes for the alarm, with an inner, elevated circle that exposes the smoke detecting sensor array. Imagine a typical flying saucer with windows atop the disc…There’s a button to set up the device, that can also be used for testing and muting the alarm when necessary.

The rear of the detector houses the battery compartment and is held in place with the backplate the slots into position with a slight turn. The two curved adhesive strips sit in the recessed areas of the backplate perfectly. You also have two screw holes if you go with the more permanent fitting option.

The alarm part of the device has an 80dB built-in siren, which might not be the loudest on the market, but in my tests, it is plenty loud.

IN MI HOME | AQARA HOME | APPLE HOME

The smoke detector can work as a standard device without the app, so if you don’t want to use the smart parts, then it still functions as required, which is great, as you wouldn’t want the device to only function if it’s connected to a network. Of course, if you want notifications, or use it in automations, you’re going to need to add it to either the Mi Home or Aqara Home apps, and as it uses the Zigbee protocol for wireless communication, you’re going to need a Zigbee hub. As this is an older device, it will work with the older Mi hub, as well as the newer Aqara hub. You’ll need the Aqara hub if you want it exposed to HomeKit, with the hub on at least 1.5.0 firmware.

If you use the Mi Home app for this device set to the Chinese Mainland server, along with the Aqara hub, it will, in turn, be exposed to Homekit and appear in the Apple Home app. In the Mi Home app, you have a few options for the device; You can automatically link the smoke detector to the alarm part of the hub without the need to create an automation. You can, of course, create separate automations, although you may want to create your automations in the Home app to control other HomeKit devices, like lights or smart bulbs, for example. There’s an option for the app to remind you to test the alarm monthly, although I’ll be honest and say I can’t ever recall getting a notification as such, so I’m not sure if it actually works, and I’ve just not noticed. The self-check function simply asks you to start the procedure and confirm if you’ve heard a loud beep from the device, to confirm both the battery is in working order, and the device is connected. In terms of where the device is situated, you can adjust it to one of three detection tolerance levels;

• Smoke-Free Zone
• Zone for a small amount of smoke (eg a living room where someone may smoke a cigarette)
• Zone for a moderate amount of smoke (eg kitchens)

As I’ve got my Smoke alarm added to the Mi Home set to the Chinese Mainland server, this setup is the most convenient setting, where regional blocks with the Mi Home app and Xiaomi smart home products can be an issue. As far as I’m aware, you can’t add this device to any hub other than the Chinese one if you’re using the Mi Home app, but you can add it to any hub via the Aqara Home app. To add it this way, you need to be signed out of the app, which sets the app to HomeKit Mode. Once in this mode, any device listed in the Aqara app can be added to the hub, including the smoke detector. In the Aqara app, it doesn’t appear you get the same options that you see in the Mi Home app, so no smoke level settings, or monthly test reminders.

Setup via the Mi Home or Aqara home apps is as easy as it gets, and is pretty much in line with other devices in respect of adding them to the system.

IN DAY TO DAY USE / SUMMING UP

With something like a smoke alarm, it’s not easy to truly know whether it will work when the time comes, and how reliable it is until you have a fire! You can do the monthly tests of course, but in order to really know if it can detect smoke, you’re going to have to create some…err…smoke. I’m not suggesting you set your sofa on fire of course, but something like an incense stick or a slow-burning piece of card, held near the smoke sensor should soon tell you if it works. These are the kinds of tests I’ve performed periodically, just to make sure it’s fit for purpose, and so far so good. There’s always the possibility that it could let me down just when I need it, but then that’s true of any smoke alarm in theory.

I’ve had this early 2018, and so far I’m glad to say it hasn’t had to be triggered as part of a real emergency, but all the tests I’ve done, have triggered the alarm each and every time. In the time that I’ve had it, I’ve moved home once, and setting it up anew was as easy as I’d hoped, although keeping it paired to the same hub, which in turn, whilst connected to a new wifi network, still had the same SSID and password, definitely helped. Since having had this smoke detector for almost exactly two years, the battery is still showing as 100%, which is a bit suspect, although I’ve seen this with other Zigbee-based devices, like the Hue Dimmer Switch, for example, so maybe not so unusual. Some online stores claim the replaceable battery has a 5-year lifespan, so in theory, you’d only have to replace the battery once for the average lifespan of the device – it’s recommended that smoke detectors are replaced every ten years.

This is considerably cheaper than many of the other smart HomeKit compatible models available, and it’s worth noting that with the Honeywell connection, it can be taken seriously. I can’t imagine a company like that putting their name to something if it’s not any good. Indeed, First Alert’s OneLink series of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have had some terrible reviews on Amazon and considering the company’s years of expertise in the field, you’d expect better performance, which according to quite a few less than happy consumers, isn’t exactly the case. I only have a couple of Onelink Multi-sensor devices, and they’ve been very solid, so I don’t have a bad experience with their products, albeit limited to one device type.

Since the introduction of the Aqara hub, with it being the first HomeKit compatible device that also supported child devices that in turn got exposed to HomeKit, many people still ask if this is compatible, and as is evident from the review, it emphatically is. As already stated, you do need to have your hub running firmware 1.5.0 or higher, but it’s unlikely you’re running anything lower than this on your Aqara hub at this point.

So, would I recommend it? Yes, I would, with the explicit provision that it be treated as complementary to a standard ‘dumb’ smoke alarm, and as such, treated as a backup, albeit with smart connectivity. If you live in the US and want just the one device to be smart and not rely on a ‘dumb’ backup, then it would seem that First Alert/OneLink is your only option for HomeKit. If you live in the EU, you have offerings by both Eve and Netatmo, while both expensive, do look good, although they also look suspiciously alike. Both Eve and Netatmo are generally considered as reliable companies, with good products.

It should also be pointed out that as this is an older product in Mija’s arsenal of smart devices, there’s currently no replacement for this product that we’re aware of that’s also HomeKit compatible, with the only other product that works with the Xiaomi smart home system being the Aqara smoke alarm. However, apart from not being compatible with HomeKit, it’s really only designed to work in China, as it comes with a SIM card to dial out in case of an emergency, but is only compatible with Chinese telecoms systems.

Whatever you choose to do, it’s wise to get a smoke alarm regardless of whether it’s a smart or dumb one, as you never know what might happen.

The post Mi/Honeywell Smoke Detector (review) appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

Main Features:

• Audiovisual alarms are produced when the smoke density exceeds the limit
  
• Remote alarm notifies you of the fire in time via WiFi no matter where you are
  
• Self-checking function and reminder to guarantee long-term use
• Easy installation to be used independently or linked with the upgraded gateway or air conditioning companion

Note: it is powered by CR123A cell battery (not included).
In order to achieve full functionality, you need to connect it to the gateway / air conditioning companion.

Specifications

• Brand: Xiaomi/Mijia/Mi
• Model: Mijia Honeywell
• Material: Plastic
• Color: White
• Product weight: 0.1kg
• Package weight: 0.17 kg
• Product size (L x W x H): 9.00 x 3.60 x 2.50 cm / 3.54 x 1.42 x 0.98 inches
• Package size (L x W x H): 12.00 x 5.00 x 3.50 cm / 4.72 x 1.97 x 1.38 inches

The post Mi Smart Smoke Detector appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

I’m gonna do the long version of the story. Unfortunately, the hottest of the hot smoke detectors by both Eve and Netatmo were not available in the USA, so I had to think outside the box if I wanted to get one in my hands. I started with trying to order the Eve ‘Smoke’ from companies in countries that sell it. These companies refused to ship to me. Then in October, Netatmo announced that it would be shipping its product, in the US soon.  

Now, I’m a huge fan of Netatmo because of their outside cameras working so well with HomeKit, so I couldn’t wait to try out the detector. When it didn’t arrive in October to US markets, I tried to get one shipped from Denmark. Once again, no company would ship to me. As it happens though, a school teacher living in Denmark was willing to help get one for me. He even sent some goodies. So here we are.  

“NETATMO!” Sorry for yelling, but they have great packaging. Nice, slick Chanel style (I’m more of a Dolce & Gabana guy) packaging. As for initial installation, the set up was easier than I anticipated. The smoke alarm itself comes as two pieces: a holding panel that fits to the ceiling, and of course the main body, or brains of smoke alarm itself, with the batteries. I want to note, that any idiot can do this installation, but I had three things planned, so my buddy just dry wall screwed it in for me. The usual install process is take the plate, scribble out the holes in the ceiling plate up against the ceiling and then pre-drill, then install the dry wall mounts and fit the screws in to those. You then twist the plate to fit onto the ceiling screws, drill them down tight and attach the smoke detector to the plate. A monkey using drugs could do it.

The instructions are very well laid out, and the HomeKit code is both on the inside of the smoke detector and the last page of the instructions. In terms of the batteries they are pre-installed. Netatmo claim a 10 year battery life, which is effectively the lifespan of the device itself, and as such is not replaceable. This may seem odd, but it is recommended that smoke alarms of any type should be replaced after 10 years anyway.

I do need to warn you that when you connect it to the Netatmo security app, which is standard to their platform, you will need to wait a minute for the firmware update. When I say a minute or so. Once your firmware is up-to-date, the software walks you through learning to use the device in a way anyone could understand. You add it under settings > add product and then smoke detector (in the iOS app). I don’t have an android device, but I’m told the security app works almost exactly the same on that platform too.

Once you have it added to the Netatmo app, and the firmware is updated, you can add it quickly to HomeKit in the usual manner with the provided HomeKit code. This device uses wi-fi as its main method of communication, which also allows for remote access when you’re not at home, but it also has built-in Bluetooth capabilities, which allows for remote control of the hush feature, should you not be able to reach the physical button on the device, or if your wi-fi network happens to go down at the same time that the alarm sounds. The smoke detector constantly does a self check, monitoring its battery, the smoke sensor and the wi-fi connection, and will report back if any of these three become an issue. As for the smoke alarm itself, you can actually set monthly checks to make sure the alarm itself works – after all, there’s no point in sensing smoke if it can’t let you know – the alarm is very capable, producing an 85db alarm sound.

On a day-to-day level there isn’t much to think about, since we don’t set off fires often enough to notice that sort of thing. However, I did try some simple automations. For example, I’ve created ab automation so that when smoke is detected, HomeKit turns the lights on and unlocks the doors. As mentioned before, as the alarm is capable of 85db of sound, when the detector goes off it is extremely loud and pretty high-pitched. Once you press the button on the detector, it “hushes it” for 15 minutes which shows up on the Netatmo security timeline. It can be turned back on via the app or pushing the same button if you are certain you are done burning the lasagna.

In HomeKit, which is how we automate the devices in these parts, it shows up as a single smoke sensor, so automating it couldn’t be easier. As always you can’t automate “secure” automations outside of Apple’s main home app, however all other automations seem to play nice with the device. I honestly wish I had another smoke alarm that was HomeKit compliant that I could sort of ‘pit’ this one against, but that isn’t the case.  Having said that, It has been a fun device and it is a way better looking and efficient device than any of the other smoke alarms I cheated on… 

The post Netatmo Smoke Alarm (review) appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

The post First Alert/Onelink Hardwired Smart Smoke + CO Alarm appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

The post First Alert/Onelink Battery Powered Smoke/CO Alarm appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

• Wi-Fi and Apple HomeKit-Enabled for Unparalleled Protection

Compatible with iPhones and iPads using Apple iOS 9.0 or later, the First Alert Onelink Wi-Fi Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm helps ensure you are informed if there is a smoke or carbon monoxide emergency in your home. This CO smoke detector combo will immediately send a notification to your device that lets you know what type of danger is present and where it is in your home. Also, you can silence false alarms or test alarms from your device with the simple press of a button. The alarm is Apple HomeKit-enabled to work with other compatible HomeKit accessories. Privacy is built-in to the alarm and data is always encrypted.

• Dual Sensors Guard Against Danger

The First Alert DC10-500 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm features a photoelectric sensor that detects the smoke most commonly produced by smoldering fires, providing sensitive detection while minimizing false alarms from cooking smoke or shower steam. The advanced electrochemical CO sensor detects carbon monoxide leaks from multiple sources, such as faulty fuel-burning appliances, blocked chimneys, and generators running inside or too close to homes.

• 10-Year Sealed Battery for Continuous Protection

The built-in 10-year sealed battery ensures the alarm is always operational, even when the power goes out. This internal battery eliminates the need to replace the battery during the lifetime of the alarm. This CO and smoke detector is designed to last for 10 years, the longest time permitted by the National Fire Code.

• Alarm Announces Where Danger Is

This carbon monoxide smoke detector features Voice with Location technology, which audibly announces the programmed location of the unit as well as which type of danger is detected. If multiple Onelink Wi-Fi Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms are used together, they can communicate with each other using a Bluetooth mesh, causing every alarm in the system to sound when one is triggered.

https://www.firstalert.com/product/wi-fi-photoelectric-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarm-with-10-year-battery-apple-homekit-enable/

The post First Alert Onelink Wi-Fi Smoke & CO Alarm – Battery Powered appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

Away from home?
It doesn’t matter how loud a powerful 85dB alarm is when you’re away – how will you hear it? The Netatmo Smart Smoke Alarm eliminates this worry by providing smoke alert notifications in real-time, whenever the alarm is set off, straight to you and your family’s smartphones.

Did you know many fires occur in homes where the smoke alarm batteries have run out?
The Netatmo Smart Smoke Alarm is equipped with a unique 10-year built-in battery meaning you’re protected and secure right up to the recommended 10-year alarm replacement deadline. With a battery that won’t let you or your home down, the Netatmo Smart Smoke Alarm keeps you protected for the full lifetime of the product.

Losing sleep to annoying battery alerts from your smoke alarm at night?
Sleep easier without worrying about batteries thanks to the Netatmo Smart Smoke Alarm’s full 10-year lifetime battery.

Do you ever need re-assuring that your smoke alarm is working correctly?
The Netatmo Smart Smoke Alarm constantly performs autonomous battery and overall performance tests, generating self-check reports that are sent directly to your smartphone to read at your convenience.

Burned toast set the alarm off by accident?
No more rushing to turn the alarm off manually – simply silence the alarm from your smartphone.

Create smart home scenarios with HomeKit
Switch on all your smart lights when smoke is detected to make sure the whole house is alerted.

Effortless to install
No more worrying about wiring alarms in. Simply screw the Smart Smoke Alarm into the ceiling wherever you need it, and you’re ready to protect your home. Simple.

The Smoke Alarm for complete peace of mind

• 85DB ALARM
• WI-FI FOR REMOTE ALERTS
• BUILT-IN BATTERIES WITH A 10-YEAR LIFE SPAN
• INTEGRATED LED FOR STATUS INFORMATION
• BLUETOOTH LOW ENERGY FOR HUSH FUNCTION AND HOMEKIT COMPATIBILITY

The post Netatmo Smoke Alarm appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm for Home Protection

Add intelligent protection to your home with the Onelink Smoke & Carbon Monoxide alarm. The 2-in- 1 alarm detects both smoke and carbon monoxide and will notify you if something is not right in your home, whether home or away. The alarm also tells you the type and location of the danger and wirelessly interconnects with other compatible alarms.

• Mobile Connectivity Through the Onelink Home App

With the Onelink Home app you can test and silence your alarm and adjust your nightlight color and brightness through your phone or tablet.

• Voice Alerts

The Onelink Smoke & Carbon Monoxide alarm has voice location technology. In an emergency, the 2-in-1 alarm will tell you the type and location of the danger. It also wirelessly interconnect with other compatible alarms and if one sounds, they all sound.

• Battery-Operated

The Onelink Smoke & Carbon Monoxide alarm is battery-operated and has an easy access battery door for convenience. The alarm requires 4 CR123 batteries and will let you know when it is time to replace.

The post First Alert/Onelink Smoke & CO Alarm – Battery Operated appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm for Home Protection

Add intelligent protection to your home with the Onelink Smoke & Carbon Monoxide alarm. The 2-in-1 alarm detects both smoke and carbon monoxide and will notify you if something is not right in your home, whether home or away. The alarm also tells you the type and location of the danger and wirelessly interconnects with other compatible alarms.

• Mobile Connectivity Through the Onelink Home App

With the Onelink Home app you can test and silence your alarm and adjust your nightlight color and brightness through your phone or tablet.

• Voice Alerts

The Onelink Smoke & Carbon Monoxide alarm has voice location technology. In an emergency, the 2-in-1 alarm will tell you the type and location of the danger. It also wirelessly interconnect with other compatible alarms and if one sounds, they all sound.

• Hardwired Alarm with Easy Setup and Installation

The Onelink Smoke & Carbon Monoxide alarm is a hardwired alarm with easy adaptor plugs included. There is no need to rewire, allowing for quick and easy installation.

• Battery Backup for Continuous Protection

The Onelink Smoke & CO Alarm is equip with battery back-up for protection during power outages.

The post First Alert/Onelink Smoke & CO Alarm – AC Power appeared first on Homekit News and Reviews.

• Intelligent 2-in-1 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarm sends alerts to mobile devices, and tells you the type and location of emergency in your home.
• High-end speakers provide immersive, omni-directional audio with crisp vocals and powerful bass; noise-cancelling microphones hear you from any direction, even while playing music.
• With built-in Alexa Voice Services, Onelink Safe & Sound can play music, news, or audio books; hands-free voice commands let you control smart home devices, lights, locks, and more.
• Safe & Sound is a hardwired alarm that connects easily to electrical systems using the included adapter plugs so you don’t have to rewire.
• The Onelink Home companion app allows you to test and silence your alarm, control entertainment and adjust your nightlight color and brightness through your phone or tablet.

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