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It can be very convenient to have all the lights in your home or in a room switched on automatically. Of course, you can set a fixed switch-on time for a device or group but it may be desirable to have this time adjusted according to the season. For example, based on the daily changing time of sunset. In the example below we show how to set this. We take as a goal that the group of lamps named Desk, automatically switch on, 30 minutes before sunset. It is important that a location is set in the Hihome App since the location determines the automatic determination of the sunset time, per day. The images in this example are screenshots in the Dutch language. If you have set another language, it will be different in terms of language, but visually equivalent. 1. In the main screen, choose Smart 2. Choose > Create scene/or press + 3. In this example, we want to enable based on time of sunset, so we choose the Weather Change category. 4. Next, select Sunrise/Sunset. 5. Select Sunset > Select 30 minutes before sunset to follow this example. In this example, the lamp turns on 30 minutes before sunset. Of course, you can choose whatever you want. Note, choose your location. Your location determines the sunset schedule. 6. Now the trigger of automation has been created. Next, choose what to do by clicking the + at Dan. 7. In this example, we want a lamp to turn on > Run the device 8. Select the corresponding lamp, or group, and select ON. 9. Now see the overview of the assignment you created. Choose save when you are satisfied. 10. Confirm your choice and start using. Done!    

Hihome can help. Before you know where savings can be made, it is important to know what appliances consume. The old adage 'measuring is knowing' is now super topical. 

Smart devices connect to the internet via WiFi. The Hihome products are equipped with a chipset that exchanges data with the Hihome Cloud. Hihome uses the Tuya platform. Tuya is the world leader in IoT / Smart Home technology. With offices in China, the US and Europe, Tuya serves the different markets. The cloud server that serves the devices in Europe is located in Frankfurt, Germany. In Europe, and especially in Germany, there are very high demands for ensuring Privacy. All traffic between the devices and the servers is encrypted. You can be confident that data is stored, used and disposed of in accordance with the GDPR directive. The strength of the partnership between Hihome and Tuya is reflected in a reliable Smart Home platform in which product and service blend seamlessly.

Time switches, timers, time switches or whatever they are called, we have known about them for many years. The really old models were electromechanical. A small motor caused the clock to rotate. This also gave a typical soft and humming sound. Setting the clock was quite a hassle because small pins had to be inserted at the desired switching times. Another disadvantage was that when the power was cut, the timer stopped and thus disrupted the programme. Later came the digital versions. Often equipped with a mini LCD display to see what the settings are. Most of the time, without a magnifying glass, it was impossible to see what was being set and repeatedly pressing mini buttons was also inconvenient. Fortunately, we now live in the IoT era. Thanks to affordable Wi-Fi modules and cloud technology, it is possible to create smart plugs, also called Smart Plugs. These usually work via the existing Wi-Fi network but alternative protocols such as Zigbee are also available. One of the biggest advantages of Smart Plugs is to avoid the inconvenience of old-fashioned time switches, as described above. You operate and program a Smart Plug via an App on your smartphone. You can also combine several Smart Plugs in a group so that you can program and operate everything at once. So get rid of those old timey clocks and make your life easy. The better versions of smart plugs also make it possible to measure your energy consumption. Very instructive and helpful in saving on energy costs. An additional advantage is that you can create smart scenarios based on power consumption. For example, switching off the charger of your E-Bike. (See article with programming example). And if you are not at home and still want to control or program the lighting, you can. Super convenient!    

Burglary prevention tips After this strange period in which Corona has kept us chained to our homes, many are more in need of a holiday than ever. Fortunately, it is possible again. Because everyone was at home, the burglars' guild had a lean time. The chance is high that the number of burglaries will increase because people are going outside in droves. Therefore, here are some tips for your burglary prevention check. You can live safely with these tips; Make yourself at home. With smart wifi lights you can give the impression that you are at home. Create a time schedule in which lamps are turned on when it gets dark and off again when it is time for bed. This includes outdoor lights, bathrooms and bedrooms. Replace any 'dumb' lights with Smart ones and programme in switch-on and switch-off times. Make a group of several lamps so that you do not have to do the settings for each lamp separately. Hihome smart lights If you have twilight lamps that already contain several small LED lamps, for example, use a smart WiFi plug. Also with plugs you can make groups and set schedules. They are actually the replacements for the old-fashioned time switches. Great for burglary prevention. Hihome Smart Plugs An alarm system is of course also a good way of preventing burglary. The disadvantage is that this often entails higher costs. You can also make it simpler by using wireless movement sensors and window/door contacts. This way you set up your own alarm system and get a notification on your smartphone when movement is detected or when a window or door is opened. So you can take action quickly. Simple and inexpensive burglar alarm for window and door. Hihome Sensors To check remotely whether everything is OK, you can use a Smart camera. This way you can see if everything is OK at home, wherever you are. You can also record images to local SD memory or cloud storage. Very safe and convenient. Remotely see if everything is alright at home. Great for your well-earned rest. Hihome Smart Cameras With Hihome products you can quickly, easily and economically prevent burglaries and improve your sense of security and peace of mind. Start now and do your burglary prevention check so that when you are in the car on the way to your holiday destination, you have no worries. You can also quickly check whether you turned off the coffee machine, and if you didn't, you can still do that. Did you close the bathroom window? Hihome helps. Have a nice holiday.

As Hihome aims to make Smart Home easy, some of the new 2021 Gen2 range is now equipped with a Bluetooth Low Energy module. This addition to the WiFi module (WiFi is still the connection protocol) makes it much easier to pair a product. When installing a Gen2 product it will be automatically detected in the Hihome App. Just tap the (+) in the right top corner and the new device will automatically appear.  

Energy monitoring with a smart plug For many reasons, it can be interesting to know the power consumption of an appliance, lamp or device. It can be surprising to know how much or how little energy is consumed, and it gives a good insight into the costs and environmental impact of your household. Awareness can help make better decisions.Hihome Smart Plugs and Smart Strips have an Energy Monitoring chipset that continuously measures power consumption. When you use the Hihome App, you can read the current and historical consumption in kWh. Hihome helps you to reduce your consumption, save costs and helps you save the environment.Note: The measurement accuracy may have a deviation of 5%.  

Smart devices connect to the internet via WiFi. The Hihome products are equipped with a chipset that exchanges data with the Hihome Cloud. Hihome uses the Tuya platform. Tuya is the world leader in IoT / Smart Home technology. With offices in China, the US and Europe, Tuya serves the different markets. The cloud server that serves the devices in Europe is located in Frankfurt, Germany. In Europe, and especially in Germany, there are very high demands for ensuring Privacy. All traffic between the devices and the servers is encrypted. You can be confident that data is stored, used and disposed of in accordance with the GDPR directive. The strength of the partnership between Hihome and Tuya is reflected in a reliable Smart Home platform in which product and service blend seamlessly.

Setup the connection between Google Home and Hihome For easy guidance to connect your Hihome product to your Google Assitant and Nest Hubs, we have created a manual. Please visit support.hihome.eu for a manual.