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Zooz makes firmware directly available to customers

Zooz recently announced via twitter customers can now download firmware updates for the Zooz Z-Wave hardware. While this isn't a friction-less process (I'd love to see the registration requirement go away), it's a major step in the right direction.

Get direct access to firmware files, extended warranty & expedited support when you join our Product Registration Portal - no need to reach out to support!

As of right now, the following devices can be registered:


  • ZAC36 Titan Water Valve
  • ZEN04 Smart Plug
  • ZEN05 Outdoor Plug
  • ZEN06 Smart Plug
  • ZEN14 Double Outdoor Plug
  • ZEN15 Power Switch
  • ZEN16 MultiRelay
  • ZEN17 Universal Relay
  • ZEN20 Power Strip
  • ZEN21 On/Off Switch (500 series)
  • ZEN22 Dimmer (500 series)
  • ZEN23 Toggle Switch (500 series)
  • ZEN24 Toggle Dimmer (500 series)
  • ZEN25 Double Plug
  • ZEN26 S2 On/Off Switch (500 series)
  • ZEN27 S2 Dimmer (500 series)
  • ZEN30 Double Switch
  • ZEN31 RGBW Dimmer
  • ZEN32 Scene Controller
  • ZEN34 Remote Switch
  • ZEN51 Dry Contact Relay
  • ZEN52 Double Relay
  • ZEN71 On/Off Switch (700 series)
  • ZEN72 Dimmer (700 series)
  • ZEN73 Toggle Switch (700 series)
  • ZEN74 Toggle Dimmer (700 series)
  • ZEN76 S2 On/Off Switch (700 series)
  • ZEN77 S2 Dimmer (700 series)
  • ZSE11 Q Sensor
  • ZSE18 S2 Motion Sensor
  • ZSE19 MultiSiren
  • ZSE29 Outdoor Motion Sensor
  • ZSE40 4-in-1 Sensor (500 series)
  • ZSE40 700 4-in-1 Sensor (700 series)
  • ZSE41 Open Close XS Sensor
  • ZSE42 Water Leak XS Sensor
  • ZSE43 Tilt Shock XS Sensor
  • ZSE44 Temperature Humidity XS Sensor
  • ZST10 Z-Wave Stick (500 series)
  • ZST10 700 Z-Wave Stick (700 series)

Jasco recently announced a similar decision, after Linus Tech Tips unveiled their struggles with Jasco hardware, which highlighted the issue of not being able to download firmware. This created enough pressure for Jasco to post the firmware on GitHub.




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Amazon addresses vulnerability in Ring app for Android

Amazon has posted an update for its Ring for Android app due to a vulnerability discovered by the Checkmarx company, which specializes in application code scanning. The vulnerability was exploiting an exposed deeplink/intent within the Ring application, allowing a bad actor to access recordings.

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Looking at a vulnerability, with the potential of getting an attacker more videos than they can investigate, the researchers decided to take it one step further by using a computer vision technology that is capable of video analysis. We could have used Google Vision, Azure Computer Vision, or any other service, but we decided to go with the excellent Amazon Rekognition service. Rekognition can be used to automate the analysis of these recordings and extract information that could be useful for malicious actors.Rekognition can scan an unlimited number of videos and detect objects, text, faces, and public figures, among other things.


To further demonstrate the impact of this vulnerability, the researchers showed how this service could be used to read sensitive information from computer screens and documents visible to the Ring cameras and to track people’s movements in and out of a room.


More details can be found on the Checkmarx website.
 

Lithe Audio’s Wireless Speaker Systems to Make U.S. Debut at CEDIA Expo 2022

LONDON — Aug. 16, 2022 — Lithe Audio, a U.K.-based manufacturer of wireless audio systems for residential and commercial installations, today announced that it will be making its U.S. debut at CEDIA Expo 2022, taking place Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 in Dallas. In booth 29093, the company will be displaying its lineup of all-in-one ceiling, surface, and garden speakers, including the star of the show — the Pro Series WiFi Multiroom Ceiling Speaker. Featuring an amplifier, connectivity, and high-quality speaker components in one device, each system requires only a power source for installation, making it simple for integrators to deliver pristine audio streaming in single rooms, distributed audio systems, and outdoors, while enabling the creation of wireless surround-sound home theater systems.

“As a British brand looking to introduce our products to the U.S. market, CEDIA Expo is a can’t-miss opportunity to engage directly with a wide range oLithe_Audio-Pro_Ceiling_Speaker _resized.jpgf residential technology integrators and distributors,” said Amit Ravat, managing director at Lithe Audio. “Visitors to our booth will experience a complete range of wireless audio systems — built on an all-in-one philosophy — that deliver unmatched flexibility, scalability, and ease of installation for integrators, while providing their clients with the exceptional audio quality they demand. Of course, all eyes will be on our Pro Series WiFi Multiroom Ceiling Speaker, which won a 2020 CEDIA EMEA Award in the Best New Hardware category and is already creating a buzz in the U.S. It’s going to be a pivotal show for Lithe Audio, and we can’t wait to meet integrators there.”

On display at CEDIA Expo 2022 will be Lithe Audio’s line of in-ceiling speakers, which feature woven glass fiber woofer cones, titanium tweeters, and Class D amplifiers pretuned for in-ceiling use, while support for Alexa and OK Google provides convenient voice control. The company’s Bluetooth 5.0 Ceiling Speaker offers a single-room solution for streaming music in kitchens, bathrooms, and hotel rooms, while its WiFi Multiroom Ceiling Speaker adds built-in support for AirPlay 2 and Chromecast for the creation of distributed audio systems in the home. The speaker is available with drivers for integration into Control4 and FIBARO control systems, with support for additional manufacturers coming soon.

At the top of Lithe Audio’s ceiling speaker line is its Pro Series WiFi Multiroom Ceiling Speaker for residential installations, of which the company will be providing live demonstrations in two listening zones at CEDIA Expo. The Pro Series offers all the same features as the WiFi speaker, while adding support for full high-resolution audio at 192 kHz, 24 bits; an optical input; and two Ethernet ports — one for a hardwired network connection, and one for daisy chaining another speaker. For additional functionality, the Pro Series is available with PoE++ and WiSA bolt-on modules. The PoE++ Bolt-On adds PoE capabilities — delivering up to 70W to each speaker — while the WiSA Bolt-On allows integrators to incorporate the system easily into wireless Dolby 5.1, Dolby 7.1, and Dolby Atmos surround-sound home theater systems. To add extra bass, the 70W WiFi Multiroom Micro Subwoofer — small enough to fit on a bookcase, under a bed, or behind a couch — will also be on display, which can be wirelessly connected to Lithe Audio’s WiFi ceiling speakers.

For areas that require high audio quality but can’t accommodate a traditional ceiling speaker, Lithe Audio’s new IO1 will be making its world debut at CEDIA Expo. Offering the same technology as the company’s WiFi Multiroom Ceiling Speaker, the IO1 can be installed in a number of configurations — including vertically or horizontally on walls, flush-mount in corners, mounted on a yard stake, and more — to meet the needs of any indoor or outdoor space. For audio streaming in outdoor areas all year long, Lithe Audio’s waterproof, IP56-rated Bluetooth Garden Rock Speaker will also be on display, which is designed to withstand the elements while blending in seamlessly with landscaping.

More information on Lithe Audio and its wireless audio systems is available at https://www.litheaudio.com/.

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About Lithe Audio
Lithe Audio is a U.K.-based company that designs, manufactures, and sells a broad range of high-quality wireless audio systems for commercial and residential AV installations, including all-in-one ceiling, surface, and garden speakers, in addition to accessories such as motorized display wall mounts. The company was founded in 2014 by the same team of professional design engineers behind the successful Retrotouch brand, and all products are developed in-house to ensure state-of-the-art solutions that deliver superb sound quality. The result is a complete lineup of unique products to meet the specific needs of integrators, builders, developers, hotels, and consumers and DIY enthusiasts.

All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
 
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