GoKawiilAnker’s plans for home AI focus entirely on device algorithms. Anker
Anker and its home brand Eufy came to Berlin’s IFA event well prepared with major news, including an overhaul of how the company approaches home security, and the new capabilities it wants to give devices in the coming years. I’m no stranger to AI in home security, but Eufy’s approach is unique and has the potential to be particularly advantageous for customers.
Anker’s flagship announcement is an excellent example of what I’m talking about. We saw the company’s newest MindBase hub, a home AI enabler made to connect to many kinds of other Anker and Eufy products and process their data with AI algorithms, all entirely on-device. That means no connections to the cloud, few worries about how the company will use your private data for analysis and lower costs than most AI around the home.
Using Anker’s EasyOmni Link platform, the MindBase is supposed to connect to Anker’s security, energy, cleaning and audio devices. It also has Matter support, so devices that work with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa and Google Home are also on the table. The base uses an in-house-developed LLM running on an AI chip to accomplish much of what most companies need cloud help to do.
Eufy’s shiny new security tech sports the latest advances
Eufy’s new doorbell is pricey, but it has a 3K resolution and tracking. Anker Eufy
While Anker didn’t show off everything the MindBase is capable of, we did get some more advanced looks of its security capabilities thanks to Eufy’s new security line, set for the months to come.
The MindBase itself, which is still pending price and release date info, can tap into Eufy’s new Smart Security Shield sensor with radar to detect strangers and encrypted facial data that can recognize familiar faces from up to 30 meters away. The on-device approach to facial data could help Eufy escape the privacy lawsuits similar to those facial data technologies are facing in the US.
Eufy is also releasing a new wired video doorbell, notable for its 3K resolution and AI tracking technology (meaning it can keep delivery people in view for longer, etc.). It’s set for sale at $300 later this month.
For those who want a full security setup, Eufy is also launching an eight-channel NVR system with 2K security cameras. I’m not sure how many NVR features will need MindBase to function, but Anker says the wired, fully contained kit can handle auto framing, smart video searches, cross-camera tracking and 24/7 recording.
... continue reading