How Can You Get Smart Lights on a Budget?

This week’s edition of Installer No. 96 dives into the latest trends in technology, gaming, and smart home innovations, featuring standout products like Hollow Knight: Silksong and new Philips Hue smart lights. With insights from Paulus Schoutsen, founder of Home Assistant, and recommendations from the community, this newsletter is packed with fresh updates and tips for enthusiasts.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Philips Hue introduces affordable smart bulbs, starting at £25 each.
• The highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally been released.
• Instagram launches an official app for iPad, focussing on video content.
• Peacock’s The Office spinoff has been well-received and renewed for a second season.
• New tech products include the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE and Remarkable's digital notepad.

The Drop: Exciting New Releases

Philips Hue Essentials

Philips Hue has expanded its product lineup with a new range of affordable smart lightbulbs. Starting at just £25 each, or £15 when purchased in a four-pack, these bulbs are significantly cheaper than the flagship colour-changing options. Additionally, Signify, the parent company, has unveiled a new bridge, more lighting options, and a wired video doorbell, making smart home integration more accessible.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

After years of anticipation, Team Cherry has finally released Hollow Knight: Silksong. Early reviews suggest that it lives up to the high expectations set by its predecessor. Gamers will find a rich world filled with challenges, and exploration remains at the heart of this sequel. If you discover who voices a character in the game, especially if it's Stardew Valley creator Eric Barone, please share your findings!

Instagram for iPad

Nearly 15 years since its launch, Instagram has finally launched an official app for the iPad. This new app takes a video-centric approach, prominently featuring a feed of short-form Reels as soon as users log in. Android tablet users can anticipate a similar update soon, according to Meta.

The Paper: A Spinoff of The Office

Peacock has released a spinoff of the beloved series The Office, titled The Paper. Although it may take a few episodes to find its footing, early reviews indicate that it has potential, and it has already been renewed for a second season, suggesting confidence from the network.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

Samsung has introduced its latest model in the Fan Edition (FE) line, the Galaxy S25 FE. This new iteration is both thinner and lighter than its predecessor, borrowing design elements from the S25 Edge. The company has also launched new S11 and S11 Ultra tablets, complete with a redesigned S Pen, enhancing the user experience.

Remarkable Paper Pro Move

Remarkable's new digital notepad, featuring a slim 7.3-inch E Ink screen, is designed for portability. This innovation appeals to those who prefer the tactile experience of writing while enjoying the benefits of digital storage. For fans of small notebooks, this could be an exciting new tool.

Chipolo’s Loop and Card Tracker

Chipolo has introduced the Loop and Card trackers, both of which come with rechargeable batteries lasting up to six months. These devices integrate seamlessly with Apple’s Find My network and Google’s Find Hub, providing an efficient solution for keeping track of personal items.

Mophie Max Headphones Charging Stand

Mophie has unveiled a new charging stand that can charge both AirPods Max and AirPods Pro simultaneously. To charge the AirPods Max, users simply need to plug in a USB-C dongle and place the headphones in the stand. Although priced at £150, the convenience it offers may justify the cost for many users.

Screen Share: Paulus Schoutsen's Homescreen

This week, we feature Paulus Schoutsen, the founder of Home Assistant and president of the Open Home Foundation. With the recent influx of smart home news from the IFA 2025 conference, it’s intriguing to see how an expert in the field utilises their smartphone day-to-day.

Paulus's Smartphone Setup

Paulus currently uses an iPhone 15 Pro, with a minimalist approach to his homescreen. He favours a Smart Stack widget that displays battery, calendar, weather, and photos while avoiding social media apps to limit distractions. Instead, he accesses Bluesky and Mastodon through web browsers, which he finds less engaging.

Key Apps and Features

Paulus has tailored his phone for productivity and efficiency. He uses Obsidian for notes, enjoying its flexibility and organisation capabilities. By employing Claude AI for programming tasks, he efficiently completes projects while managing his schedule. He also utilises Arc for browsing and managing bookmarks across devices.

Current Interests

Paulus is enthusiastic about several topics, including AI developments, notably Claude Code, and smart home technology, particularly the new Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2 antenna. He also values spending time with family and travelling, taking advantage of remote work opportunities.

Crowdsourced Recommendations

This week, the Installer community has suggested a variety of interesting content and products. Here are some highlights:

• “Some sequel to an indie game about a bug.” — DuckInAPond
• “I got tired of streaming music so I bought a DAP and started collecting FLAC files.” — William
• “I watched a documentary about Python, the programming language, and found it surprisingly engaging.” — Hayley
• “I’ve been trying a new RSS app but realised my existing solution is better.” — Chris
• “I’m enjoying architecture and interior design videos on YouTube.” — Sunlight Express

Industry Trends: Insights from IFA 2025

The IFA 2025 conference in Berlin showcased several innovative products, including advanced robot vacuums capable of climbing stairs, cutting-edge smart lights, and new audio technologies. This year's event has drawn comparisons to CES, highlighting its significance in the tech calendar. For those interested in the latest developments, comprehensive coverage from the event is available.

As we continue to explore advancements in technology and smart home integration, it's essential to stay informed about new products and trends. What innovations are you excited about? How are you integrating technology into your daily life? #TechTrends #SmartHome #Innovation

FAQs

What are the key features of the new Philips Hue smart bulbs?

The new Philips Hue smart bulbs are designed to be more affordable, starting at £25 each. They offer easy integration into smart home systems and improved energy efficiency compared to their premium counterparts.

When was Hollow Knight: Silksong released?

Hollow Knight: Silksong was released recently after years of development. It has received positive reviews for its gameplay and expansive world.

What is unique about the new Instagram app for iPad?

The new Instagram app for iPad is video-focused, displaying a feed of short-form Reels upon opening. This marks a significant shift in how the platform is experienced on larger screens.

What is the price of the Mophie Max Headphones Charging Stand?

The Mophie Max Headphones Charging Stand is priced at £150 and allows users to charge AirPods Max and Pro devices simultaneously.

What are the benefits of using Obsidian for note-taking?

Obsidian offers a flexible and organised way to manage notes using Markdown files. It allows users to create interconnected notes and quickly access information without the limitations of standard note-taking apps.