Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2: Works with Matter and HomeKit for Smart Home Connectivity

# Brighten Up Your Festivities: Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 with HomeKit and Matter Compatibility

With the holiday season on the horizon, many homeowners are starting their festive decorating, and outdoor illumination is a vital aspect of the celebration. For enthusiasts of smart home technology, Govee has unveiled an exhilarating new product: the **Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2**. This second-generation lighting option not only elevates your outdoor atmosphere but also features a noteworthy upgrade that will thrill HomeKit users—**Matter compatibility**.

## The Importance of Matter

For individuals well immersed in the Apple ecosystem, the arrival of Matter is revolutionary. Matter serves as a universal connectivity standard that guarantees interoperability among diverse smart home platforms, enabling devices from various manufacturers to operate in harmony. With the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2, users can relish bright, customizable outdoor lighting that integrates flawlessly with HomeKit. This means you can manage your lights directly through the Home app on your iPhone or iPad, or even ask Siri for assistance.

The advantage of Matter lies in its adaptability. Although you might currently utilize Apple’s HomeKit, the lights are not confined to a single ecosystem. If you opt to transition to another platform in the future, the Govee lights will still be suitable, ensuring your investment retains its worth regardless of your smart home choices.

## Sturdy Hardware for All-Year-Round Use

A prominent feature of the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 is their resilience. Crafted for permanent installation, these lights include 3M adhesive and clips, simplifying setup. They are designed to endure harsh weather, functioning efficiently in temperatures from -4°F to 140°F, and hold an IP67 waterproof rating. This means they can withstand rain, snow, and various elements without losing performance.

Boasting a lifespan of 50,000 hours, these lights are built to endure. Constructed from UV-resistant materials, they preserve their vivid colors and functionality over time, ensuring your outdoor area remains beautifully illuminated for years to come. The new Govee lights are also 55% brighter than their predecessor, providing a breathtaking variety of RGB colors for festive events and bright white lights for daily use.

## Multifunctional Lighting for Any Event

The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 are not limited to the holiday season; they are ideal for every gathering. Whether you’re marking Christmas, Halloween, or even hosting a college football viewing party, these lights can be tailored to meet your requirements. With the capability to adjust colors and brightness levels, you can craft the ideal ambiance for any event.

## Available Lengths and Buying Details

Govee’s Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 come in three lengths, enabling you to select the perfect size for your area:

– **50ft**
– **100ft**
– **150ft**

While these lights signify a more permanent setup compared to temporary options, they present a marvelous way to enhance your home’s outdoor lighting throughout the year. The blend of smart technology, durability, and aesthetic charm makes them a worthwhile investment for any homeowner eager to upgrade their outdoor area.

You can acquire the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 on

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9to5Mac Overtime Episode 028: Henny Tha Bizness Talks iPad Features and Insights

### The Influence of Jeff’s Contributions at 9to5Mac: An Exploration of Tech Education

In the dynamic realm of technology, where innovative devices and software updates appear almost daily, the necessity for clear and accessible information has never been more imperative. Leading this educational endeavor is Jeff, the director of video content creation for 9to5Mac, a prominent source for news and insights related to Apple. Since his arrival in 2016, Jeff has revolutionized how tech enthusiasts and everyday users interact with technology through his insightful and captivating video productions.

#### A Dedication to Transparency

Jeff’s methodology in tech education stems from his dedication to straightforwardness and transparency. In a field frequently laden with jargon and complicated ideas, he excels at simplifying complex subjects into easily understandable segments. His videos encompass a broad array of topics, including product evaluations, instructional guides, and comprehensive explorations tailored for both newcomers and experienced tech aficionados. By focusing on clear explanations, Jeff guarantees that his audience can effortlessly comprehend the material, empowering them to make educated choices regarding their tech acquisitions and utilization.

#### A Wide Array of Content

The scope of Jeff’s work at 9to5Mac is remarkable. His video content comprises:

– **Product Evaluations:** Jeff offers thorough assessments of the newest Apple products, emphasizing their features, advantages, and disadvantages. His evaluations assist viewers in determining if a product aligns with their requirements prior to purchase.

– **Instructional Guides:** From configuring new devices to resolving everyday issues, Jeff’s instructional videos act as crucial tools for users aiming to enhance their tech abilities. His step-by-step guidance is designed for ease of understanding, ensuring that even the most inexperienced users can gain from it.

– **Explorations:** Jeff frequently produces extensive explorations for software updates and new functionalities, guiding users through the transitions and aiding them in adapting to new interfaces with ease.

– **Written Guides:** In addition to his video content, Jeff crafts written guides that offer added context and specificity, addressing those who prefer reading to viewing.

#### A Reach That Connects

The influence of Jeff’s efforts is evident in the impressive number of views his videos have amassed. With hundreds of millions of views, it’s obvious that his content strikes a chord with a large audience. This reach not only indicates the need for quality tech education but also underscores Jeff’s talent for engaging viewers on a personal level. His captivating presentation style and relatable manner transform learning about technology into a pleasurable experience.

#### Creating a Community

Beyond merely imparting knowledge, Jeff’s efforts cultivate a sense of belonging among tech enthusiasts. By inviting viewers to subscribe to the 9to5Mac YouTube channel, he establishes a forum for continuous conversation and interaction. This community aspect empowers viewers to exchange their experiences, pose questions, and learn collaboratively, further enriching the educational journey.

#### The Prospects of Tech Education

As technology progresses, so will the strategies for educating users about it. Jeff’s commitment to generating high-quality, accessible content positions him as a frontrunner in the tech education sector. His capacity to adapt to emerging trends and technologies ensures that his audience remains informed and engaged.

In summary, Jeff’s position as the leader of video content production at 9to5Mac exemplifies the significance of effective communication within the tech sector. By demystifying complex subjects and offering invaluable resources, he has made a considerable impact on how individuals learn about technology. For anyone wishing to keep abreast of the latest developments in tech, subscribing to 9to5Mac on YouTube is essential. Jeff’s videos are not merely informative; they provide a pathway to comprehending and embracing the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

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Investigating the Prospects of a Travel-Oriented Apple Card: Perspectives from 9to5Mac

# The Apple Card’s Future: A Premium Travel Credit Card on the Horizon?

Recently, the Apple Card marked its fifth anniversary, stirring up conversations about its future and potential transformations. Although the current version of the Apple Card has its advantages, it has not significantly boosted Apple’s profits. As the technology leader seeks to bolster its role as a services provider, launching a high-end travel credit card might be a wise strategy.

## Current State of the Apple Card

Introduced in 2019, the Apple Card is a simple credit card that charges no annual fee. It offers 2% cash back on purchases made via Apple Pay, with a higher 3% cash back on purchases from Apple and select partner vendors. While appealing, these benefits lack the thrill and competitive advantage found in other credit card offerings.

From a financial standpoint, the Apple Card has presented difficulties for Goldman Sachs, the issuing bank, which has reportedly faced losses exceeding a billion dollars. With Goldman Sachs aiming to dissolve its partnership in the coming months, it may be the perfect moment for Apple to reassess its credit card approach.

## The Competitive Landscape

In the realm of general-purpose travel credit cards, prominent players like Chase, American Express, Citi, and Capital One lead the pack. These cards often require users to manage several accounts to maximize rewards, which can be a hassle. Apple has the chance to streamline this experience by introducing a unified travel credit card that appeals to a wider audience.

For example, the Chase Trifecta merges the Chase Freedom Unlimited, Freedom Flex, and Sapphire Preferred, allowing users to accumulate points across various categories while consolidating them into a single rewards ecosystem. Apple could design a similar framework, making it more straightforward for users to earn and redeem rewards.

## Potential for Apple Card Pro: A New Age of Rewards

An envisioned “Apple Card Pro” could concentrate on travel rewards while keeping some features of the current card. It could offer a structure where users earn 1x points on all purchases and 2x points when utilizing Apple Pay. Furthermore, Apple could boost the card’s attractiveness by providing 3x points on dining and travel expenditures, doing away with the necessity for multiple partnerships with different merchants.

Setting a competitive annual fee of approximately $299, similar to the American Express Gold Card, could be ideal. To further captivate users, Apple could introduce premium benefits, such as airport lounge access, which is increasingly desired by frequent flyers.

## Travel Perks

To boost the allure of the Apple Card Pro, forging alliances with airport lounge networks like Priority Pass could prove transformative. This would give cardholders entry to over 1,600 airport lounges globally, positioning it as one of the more economical cards to provide such a benefit. Limiting access to around 12 visits annually would still afford users plentiful opportunities to enjoy this feature while allowing Apple to benefit from the annual fee.

Additionally, Apple could create a centralized travel portal that simplifies the search for point redemptions across various partners. This would ease the frustration of navigating multiple sites to locate the best value for point transfers, enhancing the user experience.

## Final Thoughts

As the Apple Card nears a critical turning point in its development, introducing a high-end travel credit card could align with the company’s overarching strategy of expanding its services portfolio. By concentrating on travel rewards, simplifying user interaction, and offering attractive benefits, Apple could draw in a new group of customers while reinvigorating its credit card program.

Would a travel-centric Apple Card motivate you to enroll, or do you see a different path for Apple’s credit card strategy? Share your opinions in the comments below.

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