Xiaomi Ecosystem: Five New Smart Home Gadgets

The updated Xiaomi smart socket is offered on the market in two versions: with support for data transmission via Wi-Fi or ZigBee protocol. In comparison with the first generation, both variations of the device lost the USB port, but got protective curtains from children, which allows you to safely use it in the children's room. However, a non-standard H-type plug is provided, and the use of adapters makes the initially compact gadget bulky.

The device is easily synchronized with both one smartphone and the whole smart home system. Using the Mi Home app, you can remotely turn on and off the outlet, set a work schedule or set a timer. These options will be useful if, for example, you forgot to turn off the kettle, you want the system of electric underfloor heating to create a comfortable microclimate by your return from work.

The version with support for the ZigBee wireless protocol, unlike the Wi-Fi outlet, must be connected to the Xiaomi Multifunctional Gateway smart home gateway (sold separately or bundled with the Smart Home alarm). But it also allows you to measure the energy consumption of the device and monitor energy bills more efficiently. Also, the outlet can be used in various scenarios of a "smart" home (for example, turning on the air conditioner when the temperature in the room rises).

The compact device is made of heat-resistant plastic that can withstand temperatures up to 750 degrees. In case of power surges or temperature rise, the socket turns off automatically by sending a notification to the smartphone.

Xiaomi Mi Smart socket 2 operates in a wide voltage range (from 90 to 250V), withstands a power of 2200 watts (current up to 10A), which makes it compatible with most household appliances, with the exception of powerful ovens, some types of climate technology.

The minus of the outlet is the control plugin in the Mi Home application that is not translated into Russian when downloading "over the air". If you have root rights, you can pre-install the Russified version on your smartphone. Otherwise, Xiaomi Mi Smart socket 2 is capable of becoming both a separate assistant and one of the mandatory links of the smart home ecosystem.

The lighting device from Xiaomi is positioned as a bedside smart lamp and is one of the sales leaders in its category.

The device has a cylindrical shape with a metal base and a matte plastic lampshade. The exterior of the lamp is quite versatile, so it will easily fit into various modern interiors, including hi-tech, minimalism, pop P/N And given the compactness and light weight (less than 700 grams), it is not difficult to take the lamp with you on trips.

The basis of the device is an Osram LED module with 14 LEDs. Their total power is 10 watts (maximum brightness 300 lm), which is equivalent to the operation of a 100-watt incandescent lamp. The working resource of the module is 20K hours.

You can control the Xiaomi Yeelight Bedside Lamp using sensors placed on the top of the lamp. There are buttons for switching on and changing modes, as well as a touch slider for changing brightness, colour temperature for white glow (from 1700 to 6700 K) or backlight colour.

Thanks to the built-in Bluetooth module, additional control capabilities are opened from a smartphone or tablet. Using the Mi Home app, you can choose any colour from the 16 million available, set different effects and lighting scenarios (for example, for watching movies, a romantic setting). In addition, the timer for turning on the lamp is set in the settings, pairing with other devices is performed, for example, fitness trackers or Xiaomi smart home gadgets.

The interface of the management plugin in Mi Home is English. But there is also an alternative Yeelight application translated into Russian.

The shortcomings of the Xiaomi Yeelight Bedside Lamp include a rather short power cord and the need to use an adapter for a plug. The disadvantage of the lamp is its rather high price, although if you want to save money, you will probably have to abandon smart models altogether. Otherwise, the lamp is perfect for the role of additional lighting for those who are interested in a device with remote control and flexible settings.

The sonic toothbrush is made of matte plastic. On the market, in addition to models in the basic white coloring, there are options in black and pink. The case complies with the IP67 protection standard, which allows you to use the device in the shower.

Xiaomi Mi Soocare X3 is a smart device that supports synchronization with a smartphone. To expand the functionality of the settings, you can install an application for a "smart" Mi Home or a highly specialized Soocare software. Both variants have Russified versions, however, there are Chinese characters and translation mistakes in Mi Home, but given the intuitiveness and simplicity of the interface, this will not make it particularly difficult to operate.

Through the application, it is convenient to monitor the wear of the nozzle, track the time and quality of brushing (according to the manufacturer, the cleanliness of the oral cavity is analyzed by a special ST G-Sensor). Soocare also provides an interesting tab with awards for various achievements. Perhaps, if earlier you were not willing to brush your teeth before going to bed, then this option will become an additional motivation.

The brush has four modes of operation, and you can set the desired one either using the button on the case or in the application settings. The standard one is suitable for most users (the head oscillation frequency is up to 31K per minute), the sensitive one is recommended for owners of implants, crowns and braces. The "gum care" mode ensures careful handling and is suitable for beginners, those who have recently had their teeth removed, gums often bleed, and "whitening" helps to cope with serious plaque, including smokers and coffee lovers (the maximum frequency of vibrations is assumed here — up to 37.2K per minute).

By default, the timer is set for 2 minutes, but you can increase the cleaning time in the application.

Xiaomi Mi Soocare X3 is powered by battery. Its charge lasts for 100 minutes (up to 50 sessions). The docking station included in the package serves as both a stand and a charger for a toothbrush. It takes 16 hours to fully replenish the battery capacity. You can track the current state of charge both by the light indicator on the case and through the application.

According to reviews, Xiaomi Mi Soocare X3 effectively handles with its main function without damaging sensitive gums, and additional smart options only add advantages to the device.

Among the available security solutions, the Xiaomi alarm kit is becoming increasingly popular. All its components are made in a stylish design, they are compact, so they can remain invisible to outsiders. But the sensors are not protected from various external influences, ranging from the tricks of pets, and ending with vandalism or theft. And the system does not warn that some element has disappeared or is faulty.

The "brain" of Xiaomi Smart Home is the gateway or central, to which sensors and other devices are connected. The device supports ZigBee and Wi-Fi data transfer protocols, has a built-in siren, performs the function of a night light with a choice of one of 16 million colours, and also allows you to listen to online radio on your smartphone.

The kit includes 2 wireless sensors (movement and opening of doors or windows), a smart socket and a Mijia Wireless Switch button. The latter can be used to remotely turn on/off devices, as a doorbell, or to transmit various alerts. The button recognizes single and double presses, long hold.

To interact with the alarm system, you need to install a proprietary Mi Home application. Its English-language version contains Chinese characters, which creates certain inconveniences during operation. But in general, support for wireless communication and the P2P protocol eliminates any difficulties with network settings and the procedure for connecting sensors.

Xiaomi Smart Home is easy to expand by purchasing and connecting additional devices. These can be other motion and opening sensors, as well as smoke, temperature, pollution sensors, etc. The system can also be combined with video surveillance cameras and various devices of the Chinese brand's "smart" home concept.

The disadvantages of the kit include dependence on electric power. When it is turned off, the alarm system will not be able to perform security functions. But given the low cost of Xiaomi Smart Home against the background of analogues and wide scaling possibilities, the kit will interest those who are thinking not only about the security of property, but also about the introduction of various smart functions at home.

The second generation of the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner looks little different from its predecessor Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner: only the position of the main controls on the front of the device has been changed. But in functional terms, the difference is not difficult to detect. The vacuum cleaner has become lighter (3.5 kg), quieter (noise level 67 dB instead of 72 dB) and faster in operation, and also supports the polisher mode. To implement this function, a special water tank and microfibre are provided on the bottom of the device. It is recommended to change the liquid and clean the sponge every hour, and the overall effect is closer to wiping the floor for moisture, and not to a full-fledged sink.

Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner 2 is equipped with a laser rangefinder that scans the space every 5 seconds and forms a map of the room online to avoid obstacles. Additionally, there are 13 sensors, including collisions, altitude changes, pressure, dust, etc. They, together with large wheels and adjustable suspension, allow the vacuum cleaner to overcome small thresholds (up to 20 mm high), not get stuck under furniture, adapt to the type of surface in order, for example, to increase the suction force on carpets.

When the battery charge level decreases, the vacuum cleaner returns to the dock on its own. The total time of the charging process is 3 hours, and the battery life depends on the type of cleaning and ranges from 1 to 2.5 hours.

It is more convenient to control Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner 2 from a smartphone by installing the Mi Home and/or Mijia application. Here you can view the generated map of the room and the history of the robot's movements, set the work schedule, specific cleaning areas, etc. The disadvantage of the applications is the lack of official Russian-language versions and the abundance of Chinese characters in the interface, which somewhat complicates remote control.

The main maintenance of the vacuum cleaner is reduced to cleaning the dust collector and wiping the case. In addition, the HEPA filter, which is equipped with the model, can be washed.

According to users, the robot vacuum cleaner is able to collect various pollutants daily, including dust invisible to the eye, crumbs of food, pet hair. Since Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner 2 does all this independently and is controlled remotely, it deserves special attention of those who want to implement the concept of a "smart" home.