Build a smart home: Samsung SmartThings Starter Kit UK version set-up #ThinkSmartThings

Following my unboxing video, today I am going to show you how to set-up the Samsung SmartThings. 

When we about smart home, many of us will think that it’s a thing of the future, probably even next century, while the rest think that smart home need several men in several vans, took days to set-up and cost thousands. Samsung SmartThings are none of those. You can buy them today and you don't have to sell you kids to pay for it. It takes no IT or engineering knowledge to set-up. 

NOT ALLOW THE USE OF SAVED CREDENTIALS TO LOG ON TO THE REMOTE COMPUTER

If you're a system administrator working with remote desktop a lot within a somewhat restrictive domain environment, you may be frustrated by the following message:

There are a few tutorials on the net that say to remove this you just need to go into Group Policy and disable 'Do not allow passwords to be saved', unfortunately that isn't what this error message is related to. Instead, we need to change another part of Group Policy.

Hit Win+R to bring up the 'Run' dialog, enter 'gpedit.msc' and hit OK.

Go down the tree into Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Credentials Delegation.

Now, you need to allow Allow delegating saved credentials and Allow delegating saved credentials with NTLM-only server authentication. For each, you'll also need to allow a set list of servers that are explicitely allowed to save credentials, you can enter IP Addresses, Server hostnames, AD Domain name wildcards, or just any old wildcard. Since I wanted to be able to store credentials for everything, I just used a plain wildcard, and you can too!

There we go, you'll now automatically connect to your servers!

Build a smart home: Samsung SmartThings Starter Kit UK version unboxing #ThinkSmartThings

Today, I am going to do a very quick unboxing of the Samsung smart things.

I am a massive fan of the internet of things and have been watching its development over the last few years. I can’t wait for the day when everything I own connects to the web and I can control them with a simple app a on my phone.

Over the years I have purchased many smart kits or connected devices such as Tado smart thermostat, Roomba, Neto, a few ip camers, Philp hue light and Belkin WeMo switch. Most of them have their own merits but it’s a pain to control as each of them has their own apps and don’t talk to each other. Something like Roomba is even dumber. It’s not connected and works on a schedule.

Samsung smart things promise to solve this problem once for all. Currently the Samsung smart things advertised as a home monitoring and security solution. But the potential is limitless. The greatest advantage of the smart things is that it’s an open platform uses ZigBee and Z-Wave radios, and is also compatible with IP-accessible devices. So it can connect and control any devices using this technology and there are literally thousands of them, from Bose, Honeywell, Yale, LIFX, Aeon and, of course, Samsung work well with the system, and the number is keep growing.

Now let’s open it up. I’ll have the unit for the next 6 weeks so please stay tuned for more updates.

I have received the SmartThings Starter Kit will cost £199 that contains a Motion Sensor, a Multi Sensor, a Presence Sensor as well a Power Outlet. 

In theory, the smart hub can handle as many sensors as your imagination can go, so if you want extra sensors, the Moisture Sensor costs £30, as does an additional Motion Sensor, Multi Sensor or Presence Sensor. Additional Power Outlets cost £45 apiece. 

The most important part of the system is the SmartThings Hub, which acts like the brain the system and it connects wireless to an array of sensors and appliances throughout the home, allowing remote control through SmartThings app. As mentioned earlier, he Hub contains ZigBee and Z-Wave radios, and is also compatible with IP-accessible devices so the possibility is limitless. The Hub process everything locally so it's amazingly fast. It also has its own power backup, so it will continue to function if the power goes out in the house. 

The motion sensor, as it's name suggests, detects movement within a given space. It also has temperature sensor built in. 

The multi-sensor is primarily used to detect if something is open or closed. It also has a temperature sensor built in.

The presence sensor is a key fob that alerts the hub when it is within a specified area.

The power outlet is a plug adapter that can be controlled remotely.

Samsung SmartThings app has a version for IOS, android as well as windows mobile. So which every platform you are on, you are covered.

Here complete my brief unboxing. Stay tuned for more Samsung SmartThings over the next few weeks.

Always Pop Out email replies in Outlook 2013

Always Pop Out email replies in Outlook 2013

• Tips

In Outlook 2013, replying to and forwarding emails by default is handled “in-line”. This means that your reply/forward message is typed within the preview pane. Previous versions of Outlook always opened a new window for your replies/forwards.

To start a new window for replies/forwards click on the ‘Pop Out’ icon that appears at the top of the preview pane once you have started a reply/forward.

However, if you want to start a new Window every time, by default, this is how you do it:

Click File, then Options

On the resulting pop up window click Mail on the right then scroll down and tick the option to ‘Open replies and forwards in a new window’

LG's new V10 phone has two screens, two front cameras

LG UNVEILS V10, A SMARTPHONE DESIGNED WITH CREATIVITY IN MIND

LG's Latest Phone Features Many Firsts: Second Screen, Dual Front Cameras, Manual Video Mode

SEOUL, Oct. 1, 2015 — LG Electronics (LG) today took the wraps off its newest smartphone featuring multimedia capabilities never before seen in a mobile device. The first of its V Series phones, the LG V10 was designed to provide a rich multimedia ex- perience — both consumption and creation — for today's social network savvy con- sumers. Distinctive new features such as a Second Screen, Dual Front Cameras and Manual Video Mode differentiate the LG V10 from the competition. All this comes wrapped in a design that utilizes high-grade stainless steel and a durable silicone skin to make the V10 one of the rare smartphones to pass drop tests for shock conducted by an independent third party.

Second Screen

Always pushing the boundaries of smartphone innovation, LG is introducing a Second Screen as an inset display above the main 5.7-inch QHD IPS Quantum Display on the V10. Working independently, the Second Screen can be set up as an "always on" dis- play to enhance the V10's productiveness all without impacting battery life. Set the Se- cond Screen to display the weather, time, date and battery icon when the main display is off. With the main display on, the Second Screen can be set to convert to a dedicated launching area for shortcuts or your favorite apps. What's more, when you're enjoying a movie or game on the V10, the Second Screen will notify you discreetly without block- ing your view when a call or text comes in. Ignoring the notification won't distract you from your enjoyment or you can pause whatever you're doing to respond.

Dual Front Cameras and Multi-view Recording

Wide angle images usually require a large, heavy lens which can distort the corners of photographs. The LG V10 features 5MP Dual Front Cameras with two separate lenses to capture standard 80 degree selfies or perfect wide angle selfies of 120 degrees, with- out the need to pan the smartphone which increases the likelihood of camera shake. For the wide angle shot, the V10 employs a sophisticated software algorithm to combine images from the two separate lenses which are just far enough apart to provide two different points of view. The ability to take group selfies without a selfie-stick has never been easier. Multi-view Recording can capture different angles utilizing all three camer- as on the V10. Select and insert the version that looks best in your masterpiece.

Video and Audio Capture Capabilities

As the LG G4 did with photography, the LG V10 offers users the ultimate in video cap- turing, editing and sharing. The V10 is the first smartphone to offer manual mode for video. First introduced for still photographs on the G4, the technology has been en- hanced to handle video recordings as well. With Manual Video Mode, budding directors can easily create professional-quality videos by adjusting options such as shutter speed, frame rate, ISO, white balance and focus while recording. Videos can be recorded in three resolutions — HD, FHD or UHD — and two aspect ratios — 16:9 standard or 21:9 cinematic. In addition to its impressive professional-level video and audio capabilities, the LG V10 offers these additional features that video content look and sound their best:

• Steady Record: utilizes electronic image stabilization (EIS) optimized for recording video to neutralize shake, helping to capture sharper video footage when in motion
• Snap Video: create one video by combining many shorter videos
• 15 sec. Auto Edit: create a short video highlight clip by automatically eliminating blurred frames and static scenes
• Quick Video Editor: easily trim or change the frame rate and add after-effects, such as colors and background music
• Quick Share: when finished recording, a pop-up appears on the display showing op- tions of popular social networks to make video sharing even easier and faster
• Audio Monitor: adjust the sensitivity of the three microphones during video record- ing and directly monitor and control audio input, including directional recording capability to highlight sound from one particular location
• Wind Noise Filter: eliminate external wind noise for high-quality sound when shoot- ing video outdoors

The V10 carries on LG's tradition of providing alternative storage options with a microSD card slot. Compatible with cards of up to 2TB, V10 owners can shoot as much 4K video as they want. And with the 3,000mAh removable battery, you can always be ready with a second or third replacement battery to pop in if you ever run low on power while shooting. And with Qualcomm® Quick ChargeTM 2.0 technology built-in, it only takes 40 minutes to get a 50 percent charge.

Durability and Design

The LG V10 was designed to be taken places other phones normally wouldn't feel at home. The resilient Dura Guard frame firmly secures the display to protect the phone from hard bumps and tumbles. The V10's frame is composed of SAE grade 316L stain- less steel, the same tough, hypoallergenic material used to make surgical tools and high- end watches. Because the edges and corners are the most vulnerable areas of a phone, the extra protection provided by the Dura Guard frame ensures maximum durability.

On the back and bottom of the display, resilient but soft Dura Skin offers added protec- tion from direct impacts to the device. Dura Skin is soft to the touch but also is highly resistant to nicks and scratches. What's more, the back grid pattern was designed specif- ically to offer a more secure grip, even when you're on the go. Independent testing and certification firm MET Laboratories tested the LG V10 by dropping it from height of 48 inches repeatedly at different angles and found it to be "MIL-STD-810G Transit Drop Compliant" for shock.

Great Sounding Music and Voice

As an advanced multimedia smartphone, the sound in the V10 has been designed to be best-in-class. The V10 features 32 bit Hi-Fi DAC by ESS Technology, designers of high-performance audio products for professionals. The LG V10 automatically detects connected devices and provides sound control options which can be customized. And the LG V10 is the first commercial device to utilize Qualcomm Technologies TruSig- nalTM antenna boost technology designed to intelligently optimize signal strength at all times for fewer dropped calls, faster data and better call coverage, no matter how the phone is held.

Access and Security

Along with the popular Knock Code, the LG V10 features a new fingerprint sensor to unlock the smartphone and turn on the display simultaneously. The sensor also works with Android Pay in the United States to make purchases as quick and easy as possible.

"The LG V10 was designed from the ground up primarily as a multimedia smartphone for the sharing ecosystem," said Juno Cho, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "We heard from many customers that until the G4, they weren't comfortable going on vacation or outings without a separate camera. With the V10, we hope to do for video what the G4 did for photographs."

The LG V10 will be available in Korea starting this month followed by markets such as the United States, China and key countries in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Information regarding additional markets and launch dates will be announced locally in the weeks to come.

Key Specifications:

• Chipset: Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 808 Processor
• Display: Main) 5.7-inch QHD IPS Quantum Display (2560 x 1440 / 513ppi) Secondary) 2.1-inch IPS Quantum Display (160 x 1040 / 513ppi)
• Memory: 4GB LPDDR3 RAM / 64GB eMMC ROM / microSD (up to 2TB) Rear)
• Camera: 16MP with F1.8 Aperture / OIS 2.0 Front) 5MP Dual Lens (80o Standard Angle / 120o Wide Angle)
• Battery: 3,000mAh (removable)
• OS: Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
• Size: 159.6 x 79.3 x 8.6mm
• Weight: 192g
• Network: LTE-A Cat. 6
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / Bluetooth 4.1 / NFC / USB 2.0
• Colors: Space Black / Luxe White / Modern Beige / Ocean Blue / Opal Blue