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Showing posts from October, 2025

Smart Home Starter Guide for Hong Kong

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Smart 'WiFi' bulbs are the easiest way to step into the smart home world. They’re affordable, simple to set up, and instantly give you that “wow” factor when you control your lights with your voice or phone. Starter Kit: Three Great Options 1. Global Safe Bet – TP‑Link Kasa Smart Bulbs (KL125 / L530E) Wi‑Fi, no hub required Works with Google Home, Alexa, and Home Assistant Affordable (~HKD 120–150 each) Reliable app (Kasa) with strong international support 2. Local Value Choice – Sunshine Smart Bulbs Designed for Hong Kong homes (220–240V, E27 bases) Wide range of products (bulbs, downlights, strips, panels) Works with Google Assistant and Alexa Often cheaper than TP‑Link, with local warranty and support Note: Home Assistant compatibility is less clear—best for users sticking to Google or Alexa 3. Power User’s Choice – Shelly Duo Smart Bulbs (E27 / GU10) Wi‑Fi, no hub required Works with Google Assistant and Alexa Excellent ...

Why is my smart LED bulb rated G (Bad!)?

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If you’ve ever picked up a smart LED bulb and noticed the “G” energy rating , you might think it’s wasteful. But the truth is very different: the rating reflects a stricter modern scale, not a power-hungry bulb. Why the “G” Rating Looks Worse Than It Is Label reset: The EU rescaled energy labels in 2021. What used to be A+/A++ is now often F/G. Higher bar: Few current consumer LEDs reach the new top categories. Still efficient: A “G” smart LED is vastly more efficient than old incandescent bulbs. EU vs. Hong Kong Energy Labels Not all energy labels are created equal. The same smart LED bulb can look very different depending on where you buy it: Feature EU Label Hong Kong MEELS Scale A → G (7 steps) Grade 1 → Grade 5 (5 steps) Coverage Many appliances + lighting Selected appliances + CFL/LE...

Smart Homes in Hong Kong: More Than Just Gadgets

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When people hear “smart home,” they often think of expensive gadgets or futuristic houses that feel out of reach. But the truth is, smart living is already here — and it’s not just about technology. It’s about making everyday life in Hong Kong more comfortable, more convenient, and yes, even more affordable. Comfort in a City That Never Sleeps Hong Kong summers are hot and humid, and energy bills can climb quickly. Smart cooling systems — from automated blinds to air conditioners that adjust themselves — help keep your flat comfortable without wasting power. Imagine coming home to a cool apartment after work, without leaving the AC running all day. Convenience That Fits Busy Lives Life here moves fast. Between long commutes, late nights, and family commitments, convenience matters. Smart lighting, voice assistants, and automated routines mean less time fiddling with switches and more time focusing on what matters. A single tap on your phone can dim the light...

Smart Security: Locking Down Facebook, Instagram & X

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We’ve explored why IoT security matters , the human factor , the role of automation and AI , and how to build resilience into connected spaces. Now we turn our attention to the digital spaces we use every day — social media platforms — and how to secure them. Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) are essential tools for connection and expression — but they’re also prime targets for cyber threats. This post explores how each platform works, who uses them, and how to lock down your privacy and security settings. Facebook: The Community Hub What It Is: A platform for connecting with friends, family, and communities. Used for events, groups, and marketplace listings. Audience: Broad, especially adults 30+. Common Traps: Oversharing, third-party app access, fake profiles. 🔐 Facebook Security Tips Privacy Checkup: Go to Settings > Privacy Checkup...

HK Cybersecurity - Part 4 - Cybersecurity as a Team Sport

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Recap: We looked at why SMEs should pay attention to Hong Kong’s new cybersecurity law — because supply chains are only as strong as their weakest link. Now, let’s wrap up the series with the bigger picture: why cybersecurity is a team sport . If there’s one message to take away from this series, it’s this: cybersecurity isn’t a solo act. Yes, governments pass laws. Yes, banks and utilities invest in firewalls and monitoring. But at the end of the day, keeping Hong Kong safe online is a team effort — and every player matters. 👥 Everyone Has a Role Government & regulators set the rules of the game, making sure standards are clear and enforced. Critical infrastructure operators build the strongest possible defences. SMEs and suppliers step up their practices so they don’t become the weak link in the chain. Employees stay alert to phishing emails, suspicious links, and unusual activity. ...

Multipurpose Smart Displays

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  The New Centerpiece of Smarter Living Your TV doesn’t have to be just a TV anymore. Today’s smart displays are transforming into dynamic command centers that blend entertainment, productivity, health monitoring, and home automation — all wrapped in sleek, space-saving design. Press enter or click to view image in full size Say it, see it. Functional Décor That Works Hard Mounted on the wall, these displays save surface space while adding instant style. Whether used as a digital calendar in your entryway, a rotating gallery in your living room, or a media hub above your desk, they adapt to both your routine and your décor. Multiple screens placed throughout your home can seamlessly connect, extending the system’s reach and creating a unified, multifunctional environment that supports your lifestyle from room to room. It’s not just tech — it’s living design. Think of your smart display as an all-in-one dashboard. With no, or minimal, extra boxes or wires cluttering your shelves (bu...

HK Cybersecurity - Part 3 - Why SMEs Should Pay Attention

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Recap from Part Three: Last time, we explored why cybersecurity isn’t just about hackers — it’s about preparation, planning, and resilience. Now, let’s bring the focus closer to home: why small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) should care about Hong Kong’s new cybersecurity law. When people hear about Hong Kong’s new cybersecurity law, many SMEs think: “That’s for the banks, the power companies, the hospitals — not for us.” But here’s the reality: SMEs are part of the chain. Supply Chains Are Only as Strong as Their Weakest Link Critical infrastructure operators — banks, utilities, transport networks — rely on thousands of smaller suppliers and service providers: A logistics firm delivering parts. A software vendor maintaining systems. An office contractor with access to internal networks. If one of these smaller players is compromised, attackers can use it as a back door into much larger s...