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Winter-proof your home: How Owl keeps you safe, cozy, and energy-smart all season long

By Lark Begin Posted Fri, Sep 13, 2024
Getting ready for winter isn’t just about digging out your cozy sweaters and stocking up on hot cocoa—it's about making sure your home is snug, safe, and ready to tackle the colder months head-on.
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Owl Wired: The Ultimate Smart Smoke Detector with Apple HomeKit Support

By Lark Begin Posted Tue, Sep 19, 2023

In today's rapidly evolving world, a smart home is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Smart home technology provides homeowners with unparalleled convenience, safety, and peace of mind. Owl Home, a pioneer in smart home solutions, has taken a leap forward with Owl Wired, a state-of-the-art smart smoke detector that has been hailed by AppleInsider as the best smoke detector with Apple HomeKit support.

Unmatched Safety Features

Owl Wired is not just a smoke detector; it's a comprehensive safety solution for your home. This innovative device is equipped with advanced sensors capable of detecting smoke, carbon monoxide, motion, sound, temperature, and humidity. This comprehensive approach to safety ensures that you're always aware of what's happening in your home, allowing for quick responses in case of emergencies.

Apple HomeKit Integration

Apple HomeKit compatibility sets Owl Wired apart in the smart home landscape. Apple HomeKit provides a seamless and secure way to control your smart devices, and Owl Wired is no exception. By integrating with Apple HomeKit, Owl Wired allows users to monitor and control their smart smoke detector and other HomeKit-enabled devices right from their iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch.

The integration with Apple HomeKit enables features like remote monitoring, notifications, and automation. Users can receive real-time alerts on their Apple devices, giving them valuable time to respond to any safety issues promptly.

Seamless Integration with Hey Google and IFTTT

Owl Wired doesn't stop at Apple HomeKit integration; it also seamlessly integrates with Hey Google and IFTTT (If This, Then That). Hey Google integration allows users to control their Owl Wired devices using voice commands, adding an extra layer of convenience and accessibility to their smart home experience.

With IFTTT integration, users can create custom automations between Owl Wired and other compatible devices or platforms. This empowers users to tailor their smart home setup according to their unique needs and preferences, enhancing the overall functionality and efficiency of their connected home.

Enhanced Inter-Connectivity

One standout feature of Owl Wired is its third wire dedicated to inter-connectivity of wired smoke detectors within a home. This additional wire ensures that all interconnected smoke detectors sound an alarm when any one of them is triggered, enhancing the safety net within your living space.

The inter-connectivity feature is crucial, especially in larger homes, as it ensures that every occupant is alerted in case of a fire or carbon monoxide detection, regardless of their location in the house.

Owl Wired: A Game Changer for Smart Homes

Owl Wired sets a new standard for smart home safety and integration. Its robust safety features, compatibility with major smart home ecosystems like Apple HomeKit and Hey Google, seamless integration with IFTTT, and enhanced inter-connectivity capabilities make it a game-changer in the smart home industry.

By investing in Owl Wired, homeowners are not only enhancing their safety but also gaining a powerful tool that provides unparalleled convenience and peace of mind. Embrace the future of smart home technology with Owl Wired, and take the first step towards a safer, smarter, and more connected home.

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Owl devices to support Matter IoT protocol

By Menan Vadivel Posted Mon, Jan 23, 2023
Matter technology is a new standard for smart home devices that allows them to communicate with each other seamlessly and securely. It is based on the Zigbee standard and is being developed by the Zigbee Alliance, a group of companies that includes Amazon, Google, and Samsung.
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Happy holidays from Owl Home!

By Lark Begin Posted Fri, Dec 23, 2022

It's that time of year again - holiday sales are upon us! Whether you're shopping for gifts for loved ones or treating yourself to something special, now is the perfect time to snag some amazing deals on a wide range of products.

From electronics and home goods to clothing and accessories, there's no shortage of options when it comes to holiday sales. Many retailers offer discounts on their products, as well as special promotions and deals, in the lead up to the holiday season. This is a great opportunity to save money on gifts for friends and family, or to treat yourself to something you've had your eye on.

One of the best ways to take advantage of holiday sales is to do your research ahead of time. Make a list of the items you're looking to purchase, and compare prices at different retailers to see where you can get the best deal. You can also sign up for email newsletters or follow your favorite retailers on social media to stay informed about their sales and promotions.

In addition to traditional retailers, online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy also offer great deals during the holiday season. These platforms offer a wide range of products from a variety of sellers, so you can easily compare prices and find the best deal. Plus, with the convenience of online shopping, you can easily shop from the comfort of your own home.

If you're shopping for gifts, don't forget to consider the interests and preferences of the person you're shopping for. A gift that is thoughtful and personal is often more meaningful than something that simply has a big discount.

So whether you're shopping for gifts or treating yourself, be sure to take advantage of the amazing deals available during the holiday season. Happy shopping!

Need a last-minute gift idea? Owl Wired is at a limited-time discounted price while stocks last! Should you have any questions, reach out to us via info@getowlhome.com. We wish everyone a happy and a safe Holiday season ahead.

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What is Climate Change and how does it affect all of us?

By Lark Begin Posted Wed, Sep 21, 2022

With the evolution of technology, several important things have been created, like fast wifi and minimalistic cell phones. However, this same evolution allowed us to use the world in a way we never dreamed of. The result of our actions is severe and dangerous for both us and the rest of our life on this planet. Maybe the biggest danger we are facing is extreme climate change. But what is climate change, and how does it affect the environment?

What is climate change?

According to NASA, climate change describes a change in the average conditions in a specific region over a long period of time. For example, the temperature change; if a place used to be colder than it is now.

NASA scientists and other agencies observed that Earth’s surface is warming more and more, so our planet is becoming hotter by the day. Several of the warmest years on record have happened in the past 20 years, which is a bad sign. It seems unbelievable, but 2020 and 2016 are tied together in the first position as the warmest years on record.

The effects of climate change on us

As you can imagine, these abrupt changes in our planet’s climate have profoundly changed its nature and our lives. Heat waves are becoming common in Europe and North America, making countries such as Canada and Holland go through a heat of 50°C. Several animals and people have died from heat stroke this year, and this is still one of the coldest years since the tendency is to get hotter and hotter.

From 1901 to 2020, global temperatures rose about 1.1°C, making the sea level rise and weather patterns such as flooding and snowing change. These changes significantly affect our food availability, mortality, worker productivity, infrastructure, ecosystems, diseases, society, economy, and more.

The situation is pretty severe and scary. There are some things we can do to make it better so we can survive these changes, like save energy at home, take public transport or walk/cycle, eat more vegetables and less meat, recycle, reuse, reduce, repair, stop to use energy that comes from gas, oil or coal, switch to an electric vehicle, vote consciously on politicians that care about the climate change, etc. Overall, it’s in your best interest to research climate change and do what you can in this fight.

Help combat climate change

To help combat climate change, we can find ways to use smart technology in our homes to be more energy efficient. Owl Home is a device with several sensors that help detect smoke, carbon monoxide, temperature, humidity, sound and motion. It helps you keep your house safer and healthier. 

A wifi security system is a great way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of carbon monoxide, smoke and humidity. Our product supports Apple HomeKit and is the perfect device for your home and family. Get your Owl Home today.

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Owl Wired featured on New York Times

By Lark Begin Posted Mon, Sep 06, 2021

The Owl Wired was recently featured in the New York Times in an article titled "Best Smart Smoke Alarm"

The Owl Wired isn’t just a smoke alarm; it also can detect carbon monoxide, motion, noise, temperature, and humidity.

The Owl Wired is a security system that comes with five different sensors:

  1. Photo-electric Smoke Sensor
  2. Electrochemical CO Sensor
  3. Microwave RADAR Motion Sensor
  4. Microphone with a Physical Power Switch
  5. Temperature & Humidity Sensor

These sensors can detect smoke, carbon monoxide, sound, motion, temperature, and humidity.

What other features does the Owl Wired have?

  • The Owl Wired also has the ability to become Wi-Fi connect, which gives you access to your data through your own Owl Home mobile app.
  • The owl sensor comes equipped with a built-in siren, and customizable multi-color LED ring to alert users of potential dangers in their house.
  • The Owl Wired comes with a sealed lithium-ion battery that can power the device for months on end in the case of an emergency power outage.
  • It offers software updates so that your owl is always equipped with the latest security and power efficiency improvements.
  • The Owl sensor is an intelligent device that knows when to detect strange movements in your house and alert you when it feels there is danger.
  • We use end-to-end encryption in every Owl so that your security and privacy are always protected no matter what.
  • The Owl Wired has the ability to connect to multiple traditional smoke alarms at a time throughout your house so that you can be informed by phone of smoke in any part of your house.
  • You can charge your Owl Wired through its built-in USB port so that you can charge in your Rv or during outdoor use.
  • You can customize the volume and sound when an alert is triggered through the Owl Home mobile app.

How do I set up my Owl Wired?

Setting up your Owl Wired is intuitive and straightforward; all you need to do is install the backplate to the ceiling by using the screws we provide.

Next, you turn on the owl sensor in the back and connect it to the power source.

Finally, you download the Owl Home mobile app and customize your device to your preferences.

You can preorder your Owl Wired now and expect it to be delivered in October 2021.

New York Times had this to say about the Owl Wired, "Owl Wired is an all-in-one wired smoke, CO, motion, noise, temp, and humidity detector for $169 from Canada-based startup Owl Home. It can interconnect with traditional wired alarms and the company promises HomeKit, Google, Alexa, and IFTTT support. Pre-orders are open now, and the device should ship in October, but it doesn’t yet have UL certification. We will update this guide when we have tested it."

As you can see, the Owl Wired is the best all-in-one smart smoke alarm in the market today. It is here to keep your home safe and secured with its five different sensors that detect smoke, Carbon Monoxide, Smoke, Motion, Sound, Temperature, and Humidity.

We keep your data safe with end-to-end encryption for internal and external communication. It comes equipped with an internal backup lithium battery that lasts up to three months that keeps you protected during power outages.

Give us a call today at +1 (613) 973 4834 or send us an email at info@getowlhome.com to preorder your Owl Wired and ask us any questions you may have.

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Owl Wired available for pre-order now!

By Lark Begin Posted Mon, Sep 06, 2021

Available on pre-order is a revolutionary, cutting edge gadget for users that want a built in alarm, noise, motion, smoke, carbon dioxide, temperature and humidity detector in one compact, aesthetically pleasing package. You have the option of getting the Owl Wired home security system in either black or white colours, with either having smart owl sensors to keep your home safe, wi-fi compatibility with the help of Owl devices for timely detection, and a powerful backup lithium ion battery that can power the device for up to a few months during power outages. With a customizable LED ring and a loud alarm buzzer, you will not miss any alerts from this easy to install all in one Owl security system. 

Don’t take our word for it, Owl Wired has been featured in many tech sites this year and we have snippets of the reviews below. 

Accessibility

One of the many things that make the Owl Wired home security system stand out from others before it is the level of customization, ease of use and accessibility. As soon as the device is powered on, it connects with the onboard Bluetooth technology to set up the sensors. Also, the Owl Home mobile application allows the user to control and customize the alerts, like the alarm volume for example. This coupled with the Owl Platform gives users the ability to write their own applications for even more customizable options. 

Owl Home is opening preorders for its first HomeKit-enabled device, the Owl Wired. This is an all-in-one smoke, carbon monoxide, motion, noise, temperature, and humidity detector to help monitor your home. It is wired and mounted in your home and is able to report back all of those sensors to the owl app as well as to HomeKit

Apple Insider

Futuristic and Timeless

A big hit among the people that have reviewed this gadget is the simple but effective design. The dimensions of the device make it an easy fit into any room, and the style means it does not stand in the way of the overall outlook of your living space. 

The designers also envisaged a future where the Owl Wired can trigger other smart home devices. For instance, you could create an app that’ll trigger your coffee machine when the Owl Wired detects movement.

MakeUserOf.com

To learn more about the Owl Wired, visit getowlhome.com

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Carbon Monoxide Leak and the Texas Natural Disaster

By Lark Begin Posted Mon, Sep 06, 2021

While some Texas residents are burning old furniture in an effort to stay warm, others are becoming so desperate that they are bringing grills and generators inside to stay warm. Sadly, this is leading spikes in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in the state. 

Due to the persistent power outages in Texas, people are desperately looking for some way to stay warm. Some people are using grills, generators, and other heat sources that contaminate the air with carbon monoxide. This is leading to carbon monoxide poisoning throughout the state. 

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is not visible to the naked eye nor can you smell it. Usually, you will only know that your home has been contaminated by the gas after showing signs of CO poisoning. The symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, and shortness of breath. Grills, campfire stoves, generators, and car engines release carbon monoxide and contaminate the environment. 

According to NPR, the Houston police reported two carbon monoxide poisoning fatalities in a single day. A family of four was poisoned after running their car in the garage attached to their home to stay warm. The woman and one of the children did not survive, while the man and other child were taken to the hospital to get taken care of. CO poisoning can cause brain damage and even death in a matter of minutes. 

How to Stay Safe

In order to stay safe from the deadly gas, it is important to take stock of your own home. Always check the status of fire extinguisher and CO detectors. If your carbon monoxide detector does not operate without power, perhaps getting a battery operated one is a good idea in the event of power outages. While this might seem like common sense, people often forget to keep those things in check and that could cost a life. 

Since we cannot detect carbon monoxide ourselves, alarms like the Owl Wired are a good investment. The Owl wired is a smoke, carbon monoxide, motion, noise, temperature, and humidity detector with a built-in alarm. It features a backup lithium-ion battery so it will continue to function during power outages for a few months. Owl Wired is easy to install because it has embedded magnets that secure the censor to the wall. You simply mount the device, connect to the power source, and configure it using the Owl Home mobile app. 

It is extremely important that you and your loved ones are safe. That is why forgetting to do something so simple like checking your carbon monoxide detector is so important. What is happening in Texas is not easy for anyone living through it, but you and your family’s life is important. Stay alert and be careful with the devices you use to stay warm. In case of symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, call the Texas Poison Center Networks. 

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5 Tips to Secure your Smart Devices

By Lark Begin Posted Mon, Sep 06, 2021

When it comes to security, we all want the very best. We want it for credit card transactions, Wi-Fi, our devices, and even our cars. This is especially true for our homes and the people we love within them. 

With multiple technologies available to us such as a motion detector alarm, thermostats, phones and tablets, smart cars, and smart refrigerators, we must be vigilant when it comes to security. 

Firstly, having the best in-home surveillance system is a must. Owning the best in class means that your family will be protected. Subsequently, securing your smart home and IoT devices in the easiest and safest possible way is a vital part of the process. 

Take a look at the tips we have put together to help you along the way.

Setup up a secure router

Your router is the key to ensuring your smart devices are properly protected. Think of your router as the first rung of a ladder towards ensuring the highest levels of protection for your smart home and IoT devices. 

Set up a new network for your smart home and IoT devices. Lots of routers allow you to do this as an extra safeguard. This means you can keep smart devices completely separate from regular use of wi-fi by friends and family. 

 

Use secure passwords and multi-factor authentication

Where possible, don’t use the same password for everything. Strong and unique passwords are essential to ensuring as many possible layers of security are added to prevent any hacking incidents. Password managers are your best friend!

If you have internet banking or a google account, you might already be familiar with multi-factor authentication. If not, think strongly about ensuring all accounts have this as an added extra. It simply means that you demonstrate multiple evidence that you own the account. 

 

Keep your software up-to-date

This covers a multitude of sins! Check that all of your smart home devices are updated regularly. This includes your router. You may need to check manually every other month that no updates are pending. It’s also important to know that the equipment used has both the latest hardware and software technology available. 

 

Disable the features you don’t need

Most smart and IoT come with many settings on default. Make sure to check what’s enabled and turn off anything that isn’t needed. Remote access can be disabled if you are home. 

 

Watch for power outages

Check all devices if you have a power outage that can cause a return to default settings. Better still, choose devices that have backup batteries for such an occasion. 

While we live in a digital age with awesome technology, we still need to keep up to speed to ensure we are protected. It’s up to us to make informed decisions. Thankfully we have access to the best in class when it comes to smart home devices. 

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The chip shortage and how Owl Home is persisting through

By Lark Begin Posted Mon, Sep 06, 2021

It is unfortunate to report the current global semiconductor shortage, however it is important to outline the situation so the real world impacts can be further anticipated and understood. 

Chip Fabrication

Chips are used in a plethora of devices to store data, from medical equipment, to smartphones, to digital cameras, to car brakes, etc.

Semiconductor components are extremely important to the integrated circuit chips, in order to conduct the electricity needed to function.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC, is one of the world’s leading chip fabrication foundries and mega suppliers. They supply companies like Apple and Qualcomm.

Because the world, including us at Owl Home, relies on TSMC for the distribution of their chips, this shortage has brought the spotlight onto them. 

How It All Started

Various factors and errors led to the cumulative effect that is now the global chip shortage crisis, with the automotive industry being hit especially hard. Those factors include;

  • The Pandemic: Demands for chipped electronics like laptops and tablets skyrocketed when the workforce transitioned to remote/from-home dynamics. This leads to certain industries (personal tech) dominating the market stock of chips and leaving none for those less affected by the pandemic (automobiles, military, etc).
  • Overcompensation Consequences: When the shortage began, companies like Apple panicked and placed massive orders, hoarding the supply and manufacturing labor and preventing workers from fabricating other future orders. Think the toilet paper shortage at the beginning of the pandemic.
  • Trump’s Trade War With China: the situation was further exacerbated by the policing of foreign imports. He blacklisted growing Chinese chip companies like Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, suppressing market production.
  • Lack of Business Continuity Planning: the inability to project potential cumulative consequences forward (re: pandemic, changes, etc) lead to full cancellations in business supply chains at the start of lockdowns. Those chains moved on to bigger and better things in the meantime and are now being held in those high-demand industries. Others who forecasted better aren’t as desperate.

How the Shortage Impacts Us

Unfortunately, Owl Home, we rely heavily on chips, much like the rest of the world. Our devices use ICs to perform sensor detection, radio communications, data processing, and storage. 

Without companies like TSMC running smoothly we could see significant production deceleration.

Some predict the shortage is to stretch into 2023, causing billions in loss. 

How are We Handing

To avoid as much impact as possible we have been proactive since the beginning. 

We began purchasing items with foreseeable shortage potential ahead of time in larger supply than usual. We consulted with manufacturers to understand the patterns they were beginning to see on their ends in order to best anticipate our needs and business continuity.

We also started dealing with domestic manufacturers rather than overseas imported parts. 

We are certainly doing our best in a dire situation to stay afloat. Many of our products use this technology, and these events have reminded us to never take anything for granted. 

We at Owl Home appreciate your continued support and business, and we hope to meet each and every single production demand. We’re proud to say our efforts have paid off thus far. 

Click here to learn more about simplifying your home technology. 

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5 Reasons Why You Should Have a Home Security System

By Lark Begin Posted Sat, Jun 12, 2021

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner, or someone who is looking to make upgrades to their current residence, protecting your biggest investment is crucial. 

The best way to do that is by having a high-tech home security system.

But not only does a security system protect your home, but it also has many other purposes. If you’re curious to find out what those are, continue reading to find out the top five.

1. Reduce Homeowners Insurance Costs

Homeowners’ insurance is expensive but necessary. Any way a homeowner can find to reduce their insurance costs is vital. It can save you a ton of money.

The title speaks for itself on this first one.

By installing a home security system, you can reduce your homeowner’s insurance cost by up to 20%. A home security system protects your investment and your wallet.

2. Protect Your Loved Ones

Investments are not always monetary. One of the most important investments anyone will have in their lifetime is their investment into their family.

A home security system can help keep your family safe from potential intruders.

Whether it’s your partner, kids, or elderly parents, protecting your loved ones is always worth the monetary investment into a home security system.

3. Prevent Criminals From Entering

Criminal activity can happen in any neighbourhood. That is a scary thought many of us do not want to grapple with. It causes us to worry about our safety.

But with a home security system, your level of safety significantly increases.

Criminals and intruders often scope out houses before attempting to enter them. They do this to ensure that nobody is home and that there are no vicious dogs present. They also do this to see if they can spot a home security system. The last thing a burglar wants to do is set a loud alarm off or get caught on video. 

Because of this fact, home security systems ultimately help prevent unwanted entry into your home.

4. Protect Your Personal Belongings

Although we most worry about intruders coming in to harm our loved ones, we must also consider our valuable personal belongings. If you own luxury and high-valuable items, your home will catch the eye of a local burglar.

Until they hear and see your home security system.

By installing a home security system, you’re not only protecting the ones you love most and the structure of your home. You are also protecting all of the belongings you put your hard-earned money into.

5. Keep Your Peace of Mind

And last but certainly not least, having a home security system can greatly relieve your anxiety and keep your peace of mind. You’ll no longer have to worry about common threats while you’re out doing daily activities.

 

If you’re interested in installing a state-of-the-art home security system, then you need to get the Owl Wired.

Our home security system detects motion, smoke, carbon monoxide, temperature, and humidity. 

Owl Wired is one of the most affordable and easy-to-use systems on the market today.

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