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The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has just announced the release of Zigbee 4.0, integrating security and interoperability improvements, as well as the Suzi Zigbee’s Sub-GHz feature operating in the 800 MHz (Europe) or 900 MHz (North America) band for longer range and lower interference compared to the traditional 2.4 GHz band. Highlights of Zigbee 4.0 release: Simplified certification processes Enhanced information exchange for smart home solutions. Formalized Parent Selection, Unique Link Key Monitoring, and Trust Center Connectivity improve network resilience Standardized network-level retries, more reliable data polling for sleepy end devices, and expanded use of APS acknowledgements increase overall network performance and reduce message loss. Sleepy-to-sleepy communication using Coordinated Sample Listening (CSL) allows direct, low-power exchanges between devices, optimizing energy and further extending battery life Security updates aligned with evolving international security standards Dynamic Link Key, Device Interview, and Smart Energy Authentication Level Control for stronger device authentication, selective communication […]
Linux 6.17 has just been released on LKML: No huge surprises this past week, so here we are, with kernel 6.17 pushed out and ready to go. Below is the shortlog for just the last week – not the full 6.17 release – as usual. It’s not exciting, which is all good. I think the biggest patch in there is some locking fixes for some bluetooth races that could cause use-after-free situations. Whee – that’s about as exciting as it gets. Other than that, there’ the usual driver fixlets (GPU and networking dominate as usual, but “dominate” is still pretty small), there’s some minor random other driver updates, some filesystem noise, and core kernel and mm. And some selftest updates. This obviously means that the merge window for 6.18 will open tomorrow, and I already have four dozen pull requests pending. Thanks to the proactive people – you know who […]
SeeedStudio sent us a tiny Smart IR Remote hub for review: XIAO Smart IR Mate, or XIAO IR Mate for short. At first glance, it looks like any other WiFi IR blasters, but what makes it interesting is that the device is built on an open architecture using the XIAO ESP32C3 module and runs on ESPHome, working natively with the Home Assistant open-source home automation platform. As usual, SeeedStudio gives access to the source code, so it’s super convenient if you want to tweak the functions yourself to fit various needs. For those who are new to Smart IR, it’s a device that acts as an infrared (IR) control hub. The idea is to let you control legacy IR-based devices (old TVs, air conditioners, stereos, etc.) via a Smart Home system. We did several tests with several devices we had lying around, namely a Hatari oscillating fan, a Dyson blade-less […]
The Starter Kit GenX320 is a power-efficient, event-based camera designed for the Raspberry Pi 5 that detects events with a latency of less than 150 μs, or the equivalent of about 10,000 FPS. The Prophesee GenX320 sensor offers a 320×320 resolution and a >140 dB dynamic range. The kit connects to the Raspberry Pi 5 like the official camera modules, through the MIPI CSI-2 connector. Starter Kit GenX320 specifications: Sensor – Prophesee GenX320 1/5 inch format event-based vision sensor Resolution – 320×320 array of 6.3μm contrast detection pixels Event Rate – ~10,000 FPS equivalent Latency – <150 μs at 1,000 lux, <1,000 μs at 5 lux Dynamic Range – >140 dB Host interface – MIPI CSI-2 (D-PHY) connector Power Consumption -<50 mW Camera (two variants) M12 mount Focal length – 1.8 Focal ratio (f-stop) – f/2.8 fixed iris FOV – 76° diagonal, 58° horizontal, 58° vertical IR cut filter – […]
Designed by Altware Dev Shop in the US, the Blackout Comms is an off-grid, LoRa-based encrypted mesh communication system built around ESP32 for texting and GPS location sharing without the need for any cellular networks or internet. The device uses asymmetric encryption and digital signatures for secure communication during blackouts, emergencies, or in remote areas where connectivity is unavailable. The device seemed a little bit pricey at first, but the complete kit includes two customized T-Deck communicators and one Altware Link/Node, all pre-configured and ready to use. Each communicator features a DFRobot GPS, Adafruit DS3231 real-time clock, 5000 mAh battery (≈48-hour runtime), external antenna, and PETG printed case, while the Link/Node integrates its own GPS, RTC, 3000 mAh+ battery, and antenna for cluster support. The system forms a private cluster with encrypted, frequency-hopping communication, signed delivery confirmations, and distributed mesh caching. Beyond messaging and location, it also supports proximity/motion sensing […]
M5Stack Stamp-S3A, also known as M5StampS3A, is an update to the M5Stamp S3 ESP32-S3 module introduced in 2023 with an optimized antenna design, lower power consumption, a larger user button, and a different logic for the RGB LED control. Other features remain the same with 8MB Flash, RGB LED, input button, and 23 GPIOs all in a tiny 26 x 18mm form factor. Two versions are available: the Stamp-S3A without pre-soldered headers and the Stamp-S3A PIN1.27 with headers soldered on the board and an orange heat-resistant cover. M5Stamp-S3A specifications: WiSoC – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3FN8 CPU Dual-core 32-bit Xtensa LX7 microcontroller with AI vector instructions up to 240MHz RISC-V ULP co-processor Memory – 512KB SRAM Storage – 8MB flash Wireless – 2.4GHz WiFi 4 (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth 5.0 LE + Mesh Connectivity 2.4 GHz WiFi 4, 20 MHz and 40 MHz bandwidth, IEEE 802.11 b/g/n protocol, up to 150 Mbps Bluetooth 5, […]
PCBWay, founded in 2014, has emerged as a global electronics manufacturing powerhouse, offering solutions spanning PCB design, fabrication, assembly, 3D printing, and CNC machining. This year marks their 11th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, they’ve launched a series of promotional activities. Let’s get some coupons and win free gifts right now! Join the event: https://www.pcbway.com/activity/anniversary11th.html Promotion Period: 2025.6.18 – 2025.7.18 Sneak Peek: Ongoing Activities! Exclusive Coupons As a token of appreciation, they’re offering 9 base coupons plus up to 10 extra ones, totaling up to $485. With limited quantities available, don’t miss the chance to enjoy PCBWay’s high-quality services and save on your orders! Special Offers Cost-effectiveness has always been a priority for customers. Recognizing this, they provide great discounts on PCB & 3D orders, with savings of up to 60%. Get your 10 PCBs at only $5 now. Meanwhile, their module store is joining the celebration with special deals. […]
