The startup, founded by accountants who worked at Flexport, Miro, Hopin and Thrive Global, automates the difficulties of prepping financial statements.
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HomeKit Weekly: Investigating the Function of UWB Technology in Aqara’s Latest U400 Smart Lock
# The Aqara UWB Smart Lock U400: A New Benchmark in Smart Lock Innovation
Smart locks have transformed home security by removing the reliance on conventional keys. Nonetheless, many still lack convenience, particularly during instances when your hands are occupied. The advent of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology aims to resolve these problems, with the Aqara UWB Smart Lock U400 leading this advancement.
## What is UWB, and Why Is it Important?
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology is a short-distance wireless communication standard that delivers accurate location tracking. It is the same technology utilized by Apple for Precision Finding in AirTags. The Aqara U400 harnesses UWB to ascertain not only your closeness to the lock but also your precise direction, improving the auto-unlock feature that numerous smart locks currently offer. Unlike traditional Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, UWB ensures a more dependable and seamless experience, positioning itself as a likely standard for future smart locks.
## Matter over Thread with Aqara U400
The Aqara U400 operates on the Matter over Thread protocol, significantly boosting its functionality. Thread is quicker than Bluetooth and does not congest your Wi-Fi network, enabling rapid responses in the Home app. This capability is especially advantageous for households with diverse ecosystems, allowing Android users to manage the lock via Google Home or Amazon Alexa, while Apple users benefit from complete integration with HomeKit.
### Key Attributes
– **Home Key**: Users can tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door, offering an alternative to auto-unlock.
– **Fingerprint Scanner**: A biometric scanner is embedded in the keypad for enhanced security.
– **Passcode**: A concealed touchscreen keypad illuminates for guests, with passcodes overseen through the Home app.
– **Physical Key**: The lock features a rekeyable keyway, compatible with existing house keys.
## Power
The Aqara U400 uses a rechargeable lithium battery, rated for about six months per charge. While some users may prefer standard AA batteries for easy replacement, the addition of a USB-C port allows for convenient charging without the need to detach the lock from the door. This feature is particularly handy for those who might have a portable power bank available.
## Conclusion on Aqara U400
The Aqara U400, alongside the Level Lock Pro, signifies the apex of smart lock technology currently on the market. With its integration of Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Matter over Thread, and user-centric features like PIN code management in the Home app, it establishes itself as a top choice for smart home aficionados. The synergy of these technologies makes administering a smart lock through Apple Home more effective than ever.
For those looking to enhance their home security, the Aqara U400 is available for purchase on [Amazon](https://amzn.to/4tbtPzC).
“Upgrade Your Tires with This Budget-Friendly Smart Device Before Buying New Ones”
underrated smart car accessory you can add: An aftermarket tire pressure monitoring system, such as the Tymate TM7 Wireless TPMS. This budget-friendly add-on performs the same essential function as an OEM TPMS, turning your tires into smart ones without a hefty expense.
Say goodbye to manual tire pressure assessments
The $45 Tymate TM7 TPMS is a fantastic gadget to enhance your old car’s power outlet. The display unit connects to a 12V port, while the accompanying four sensors attach to the tire valves.
“Ethan Hawke’s Horror Film Helmed by Marvel Icon Rises in Popularity on Netflix”
If horror enthusiasts visit Netflix this week, they’ll discover a message from Scott Derrickson, the director of Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” and a filmmaker adept at terrifying audiences. The mind behind “Sinister” and “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” currently has one of his films — “The Black Phone” — positioned at number nine on the streaming service at this moment, and it’s certainly worth a viewing. The 2021 horror movie features Mason Thames (from the live-action “How To Train Your Dragon”) alongside the delightfully deranged Ethan Hawke, who starred in the widely underrated time-travel film “Predestination.”
Based on a short story by Joe Hill (who also created “Locke & Key” before its adaptation by Netflix), “The Black Phone” takes place in 1978 and centers around Finney Blake (Thames), the latest victim of a local child murderer known as “The Grabber” (Hawke). Trapped in a desolate basement with nothing but a mattress, a toilet, and a disconnected black phone for companionship, Finney reflects on what could be his remaining days.
That is until the phone starts to ring, and the previous victims of The Grabber are on the other end, providing Finney with guidance from beyond the grave on how to escape the man who ended their lives. What ensues is a suspenseful horror tale that has led to a sequel, and if the actor behind the franchise’s killer gets his wish, a third installment may follow.
Ethan Hawke is keen to descend into hell in The Black Phone 3
In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly after the release of “Black Phone 2” (also helmed by Derrickson), Hawke expressed desires to reprise his role as The Grabber after the sequel premiered on October 17, 2025. “I would love to go to hell with the Grabber. That’s my aspiration,” Hawke shared. “I’d want to explore who he is. That would be my dream for the third installment, to make it a character study about what shaped him, who he is now, and how he’s invading other people’s nightmares.”
From the sounds of it, the actor behind the “Black Phone” franchise villain hopes to rival Freddy Krueger, but it ultimately depends on whether there’s enough demand from fans to make it happen. Sadly, “The Black Phone 2” faced challenges in matching its predecessor’s box office success, earning just over $132 million, while the original amassed over $161 million.
Nonetheless, that’s not worth getting too worked up about, considering the sequel had a production budget of $30 million. Perhaps there might be some extra cash lying around to answer the phone one more time. Speaking of underappreciated horror films, check out what’s available for you on Hulu thanks to Kristen Stewart.
Everything is Gambling Now: Latest on Prediction Markets like Polymarket and Kalshi
Prediction markets will let you bet on just about anything, from how many tweets Elon Musk will post this week to the next president of the United States, with predictions sometimes showing shockingly (or suspiciously) spot-on accuracy. Polymarketâs CEO Shayne Copland has even claimed that prediction markets are âthe most accurate thing we have as […]
Liberty Mobile Rebranded as Trump Mobile in Gold Foil
Where’s the Trump phone? We’re going to keep talking about it every week. This week, we explain how the presidential phone company connects to an older company that’s really running the show. We’ve long known that Trump Mobile was linked to Liberty Mobile, a carrier that’s traded for years using freedom-themed branding to sell cheap […]
Tesla Fails to Overturn $243M Autopilot Verdict
“The grounds for relief that Tesla relies upon are virtually the same as those Tesla put forth previously during the course of trial”
Ukrainian Man Imprisoned for Identity Theft Aiding North Koreans in Securing US Company Jobs
A Ukrainian man has been sentenced for helping North Koreans gain fraudulent employment at dozens of U.S. companies and funnel that money back to the regime to fund its nuclear weapons program.
Great News for xAI: Grok Excels at Answering Questions About Baldur’s Gate
A new report from Business Insider reveals that high-level engineers at xAI were pulled off other projects to make sure Grok could answer detailed questions about the video game “Baldur’s Gate.”
According to reports, OpenAI’s inaugural device crafted by Jony Ive bears a resemblance to HomePod 2.0.
**OpenAI’s Hardware Aspirations: The Smart Speaker and More**
OpenAI is stepping into the hardware realm, partnering with acclaimed designer Jony Ive to create a new series of devices. A recent article from *The Information* indicates that the first product set to debut is a smart speaker, expected to arrive on the market early next year.
### Smart Speaker: The Initial OpenAI Offering
The smart speaker, projected to be priced between $200 and $300, will showcase cutting-edge features, including a camera that can collect data about its users and the environment. This capability might enable the device to identify objects and even partake in discussions occurring nearby. Furthermore, the speaker will utilize facial recognition technology akin to Apple’s Face ID, allowing users to make purchases simply by recognizing items.
### Additional Products in Progress
Aside from the smart speaker, OpenAI is allegedly developing two other groundbreaking products: smart glasses and a smart lamp. These gadgets are part of a wider strategy to weave AI into everyday items, enhancing user engagement and experience.
### Collaboration Dynamics
The collaboration between Jony Ive and OpenAI is intricate. While Ive continues to manage his design firm, LoveFrom, which is tasked with crafting potential designs for OpenAI devices, the actual development of hardware and software is overseen by OpenAI’s internal team. This split of responsibilities has led to some friction, with reports of delays in design updates and communication challenges between the teams.
Additionally, merging members from the Io team, acquired by OpenAI, with the current hardware team has posed further challenges, complicating the development process.
### Competitive Environment
As OpenAI gears up to release its smart speaker, the competitive environment is intensifying. Apple is also pushing its own AI initiatives, which include a lineup of wearables and new HomePod products. The competition between these two technology behemoths will be closely monitored as they both strive to innovate within the AI-focused hardware sector.
### Conclusion
OpenAI’s entry into hardware, commencing with a smart speaker designed by Jony Ive, signifies a notable advancement in the integration of AI into consumer products. With sophisticated functionalities and an emphasis on user interaction, the forthcoming products may transform how consumers interact with technology in their everyday routines. As the launch nears, excitement for these devices is anticipated to increase, sparking discussions regarding their possible influence on the market.
