My week with the Nest Cam

When my first kid was born about five years ago, I bought a dropcam. It was not for monitoring the baby's health or even a nanny cam to check up on her, but more for the grandparents that lived across the country to see their [mostly] sleeping first grandchild. It worked fine. The installation was understandably tedious (you had to plug it into a computer, sync, etc) five years ago but it served its purpose: my mom had an open window on her desktop literally at all times watching the baby. 

The original cam had its limitations, of course. The view angle was restricted, wifi stream was spotty, and the cam itself didn't look the most appealing with mounting options that were limited. Fast forward a few years. After Nest bought Dropcam, I was excited. I immediately saw how they could integrate this product into their ecosystem. I've always loved Nest products (I own the thermostat and a couple Protects) and really liked how they continue to improve their software--which after you get comfortable with the hardware is where the continuous evolution happens. 

Because of the desire to monitor the kids and [different] nanny recently, I purchased the new Nest Cam. It's a re-design of the latest generation of the DropCam but with typical Nest touches. To be fair, I didn't own the latest generation of DropCam, but here's what I like/love about the Nest Cam:

1. It's beautiful. Typical Nest quality: metal casing, slim profile and minimalistic; the hallmarks of modern innovation. Right out of the box I loved the product (not to mention it was typical Nest, Apple-like packaging. In other words, opening the box is a positive experience in itself.

2. The mounting options are plentiful and necessary. All homes are different and all needs are different. I didn't need to screw in my cam, but had the option to do so. I was able to rest it on a ledge high above the to-be monitored space. I especially liked the 10' cable that I was able to discreetly run along the wall corner and plug into an outlet. Apparently, you can also mount it (using the screwable base plate) on the walls, into the ceiling and practically anywhere else. The base is cleverly magnetic so you can even mount it to metal objects such as light fixtures, appliances, etc.

3. The view angle is spectacular. It claims to be 130 degrees and since I placed it a wall corner, I needed less. I was able to zoom in and enhance in that case. My only gripe is that it doesn't have 360 degree rotation. The camera does move 180 deg on its base, but for even more mounting and viewing flexibility, it would've been great to be able to twist and turn the cam on the base. But that's minor.

4. The video clarity is amazing. I have it on the 720p setting (to minimize bandwidth consumption) but it has 1080p capabilities. Even at 720p, the quality is stunning for a cam with such a wide angle. 

5. The integration with the Nest app is great. It's right next to the thermostat and Protect icons and I can easily select it to see a live stream. The ability to see cam history is easy to use and very intuitive. It comes with with a free 30 day trial for this history capability and costs $100/yr for a 10 day history afterwards. I will likely continue with this since I find it valuable to see which kid was acting up and when :-).

6. I forgot to mention the setup up-front because in typical Nest fashion, it was easy. Damn easy. Using the scannable QR code, setup literally took a minute. It connected to the network and was ready to use before I could even finish enjoying the beauty of the device.

Overall, it's a great product. Like all "smart" products, I use them and like them if they improve my life and are valuable in it. This is. I can check in on the kids (even while working from home in the other room) and it gives my wife and I comfort with the care-taker situation. And as with all Nest products, I look forward to software enhancements. I also look forward to new Nest products and how they'll continue to integrate my house into a single platform ecosystem. Great company. Great products.

My Week with the Jawbone UP3 and How it Compares to Fitbit Charge HR

I'm a data junkie. I've already mentioned how I have a "smart" house and like the ability to control everything from my phone. At the same time, being in healthcare for a career, I look to the tech industry to bring my industry into the 21st century. I've been using fitness bands/devices for a while, understanding that by analyzing the data captured, I will be increasingly motivated to improve my health. What I'd historically found with these devices is that initially they'd be great, I'd track things such as my steps, calories, foods eaten and other metrics but would lose interest over time. There wasn't an evolution of the device as my health improved.

I was excited when both Fitbit and Jawbone announced their latest fitness bands: the charge HR for Fitbit and the UP3 from Jawbone. I pre-ordered both and was disappointed when Jawbone delayed their launch. So I was wearing the Charge HR for a while before the UP3 was delivered. And even after it was delivered, I kept the Fitbit on for one primary reason: continuous heart rate monitoring (more on that later). But the last week, I decided to give the UP3 a chance and I've been very impressed and happy. Here's why.

I will review/assess three qualities of the band that i believe drive its value for me:

1. Looks/comfort and features

2. Battery life

3. Associated app

There are obviously other things to consider (e.g., price), but these are the three things that drive me to use a band. 

1. Looks/comfort: Both bands are comfortable to wear. The Charge HR is a bit bulkier and wider but it also goes on easy with a standard watch-like buckle. The UP3 tries to re-invent something that really didn't need re-inventing; their clasp mechanism is a bit cumbersome and not nearly as secure as the Charge HR. But I haven't had a problem with it except for the one time it got caught while I reached into my pocket and I didn't realize the hook at come undone for a few minutes. The band, however, stayed on my wrist.

The big feature of the band itself is the screen that the Charge HR provides. Not only does it provide the basic info (e.g., steps, calories, miles, etc), it has the ability to be a caller ID screen when paired to your iPhone. At first I didn't think much of this, but it's really convenient to know that someone is calling when the band vibrates and you can see the name/number of the person. Really convenient but more of a nice to have than necessary.

The UP3 doesn't have the screen and at first I thought this would be an issue, but not really. And this is primarily due to the app (more on this later) and how fast and easy to use it is. It would be nice to have the band vibrate when you get a call but again, a nice to have than a necessity. I will gladly trade the thinner form factor of the band to not have the screen.

The major reason I stayed away from the UP3 for a while was the lack of continuous heart rate monitoring. I really liked to see my heart rate after a run or other exercise. Did I find it valuable? Not really, but it was nice to see. However, I realized that the heart rate monitor was inaccurate. I noticed this during a spin class when I knew my heart rate was high but the band barely registered an elevated heart rate. This annoyed me greatly and pushed me to try using the UP3. While it doesn't have continuous heart rate monitoring, it does have two other heart rate readings: resting heart rate taken right as you wake from sleep and a recently added passive heart rate feature that measures your rate throughout the day following any form of motion/activity. This is useful because you can see how your heart responds to various situations like eating food, a stressful meeting, and other activities. I don't miss the continuous heart rate at all because I realize the resting and passive heart rates from UP3 are pretty damn accurate and motivating.

Overall, I really like the feel of the UP3, it's accuracy, and the way it's slim profile looks on my wrist. 

2. Battery Life: Very simple: I really like the 6-7 days easily obtained battery life on the UP3. It also charges very fast. This is much better than the 4-5 days max on the Charge HR and the rather long charging times. I'd often charge my Fitbit and forget it and then lose almost a day's worth of readings. The UP3 charges fast and lasts longer. This is a huge benefit, in my mind

3. Associated App: This is where the UP3 simply crushes the Charge HR. I've always liked the Jawbone app. The UI is nice, it's helpful, it evolves with you, and is visually appealing. While the Fitbit app is passable, it looks almost primitive compared to the Jawbone app. One example stuck out big time during my first week. My resting heart rate was 52, 54, and then spiked to 64 on the third night. I thought it was just an error in reading but the app suggested that it may be because I drank very little water the day before, which can impact resting heart rate. So I drank 16 glasses of water that day and the next night, my resting heart rate was 52. And so I've been drinking a ton of water and have enjoyed a low resting heart rate. 

The sleep tracking on the UP3 seems to be more accurate but the app takes the value of this to another level. It has challenged me to sleep a little earlier based on my schedule. Not the ridiculously impractical times that may get the full night of sleep in, but the time that makes sense for me.

The app easily syncs and updates quickly making the lack of screen on the band easily digestible. It syncs quickly with other apps (I use MyFitnessPal for food entires). The timeline feature for the day is nice because you can see where various things happened: when I went for a spin class, when I drank water, when I ate, etc. I've found the food score to be a bit off because it simply takes the nutrient readings from MyFitnessPal and calculates a score. It's not super accurate but good enough.

There are obviously other things to consider but they're pretty even across the bands (splash proof, but not water proof), timers, wake up alarms that are in a window to help you wake up easier. But the clear advantage of the Jawbone app and its ability to motivate me to change things in my life is the key. Getting data is nice, which both bands do, but making sense of the data in a way that improves my life will keep my Jawbone on my wrist for the foreseeable future.

The Day Apple Finally Failed Me (The Consumer Part, Not the Shareholder)

I've known Apple longer than my wife. It started with the first iPod; that beautifully designed, minimalistic Jonny Ive creation that stored more music than I had at the time. Like my wife, as much as I fell in love the first time I saw it, I was unaware of just how good it can get. All my music, on demand, organized in a way that was never done before. It was perfect.

I continued to get to know Apple through the shuffle, a gum sticked surprise every time you pressed the little button. We evolved together, learning how "smart" a phone with a glass surface can be. We had our first real argument over the iPad. What was it? Why would I need it. No chance I'm going to get it. Two weeks later as I walked out of the Apple store with one, I realized how wrong I was. Apple was right. Again. It changed my life. Again.

The full commitment was finally made when I got my first Macbook--the Air. I was a longtime Windows users (mostly forced through employers), but now I was finally free, enjoying life and all its guilty pleasures. I was truly in love.

And then Memorial Day 2015 happened. Rewind three weeks to set the context: I had finally received my MacBook. The new, 2 lb Jonny Ive creation that was so beautiful. As much as I loved my Air, the MacBook was 33% lighter, the screen a beautiful 12" retina display. From the moment I opened the box, I knew this was a gorgeous and powerful force in my life. It would make me even more productive, indulge my eyes in brilliant colors. Yes the keyboard took some time getting used to. But I got used to it quickly There was just one little problem: The Up Arrow key.

It didn't work well. I noticed the top left of the button was not as flush as it should be, likely not making the contact it needs with the board underneath. If I hit the middle of the button, it worked fine. I lived with it for 2 weeks until I had a chance to visit the Apple Store--or "genius" bar. I was expecting the usual trip to the store: in and out, either the problem fixed or a new device in hand. I always brag about Apple customer service. It should be the model on which all companies should be built. The brand loyalty they have built is not just through their products. It's the entire experience and once again, I expected nothing but problem solved in a Palo Alto minute.

I arrived at 2:20 for my 2:30 appointment; I checked in, had a seat at "the bar," and flipped open my MacBook to get some work done while waiting. I glanced at my watch and noticed it was now 2:45. No problem. 15 min later, a young man shadowed by a young lady walked up and greeted me pleasantly. After quickly confirming my issue, he noted that due to the newness of the machine, he had to huddle with a colleague. He came back with two options: Send the machine in for repairs, a 3-5 day ordeal, or call Apple Care and they'll send out a new machine. It turns out the new machine's design mandates a complete overhaul rather than swapping out single keys. I obviously chose the latter option--lest I be without a work machine for five days. He provided the number and I, once again, walked out of the store satisfied my problem would be addressed.

That's when things when horribly wrong. I called Apple Care where, after a series of voice prompts, got connected to Eric. When I described the situation, he confirmed my visit to the store 10 minutes prior but was perplexed that sending out a new machine was an option. "We don't normally do that. Are you sure that's what they said?" After some back and forth, he said he'd go check on the options. After a rather lengthy delay, he brought back Andrew, the "Senior Advisor." Andrew went through the story again and by now, I was starting to get annoyed. I didn't plan on spending Memorial Day afternoon with a lengthy call to Apple. He said I had a few options. After hearing them, they all seemed to come back to the same thing: I had to send my machine in for repairs. I was annoyed now. "Do you think it's practical for me to send in my just purchased $2,000 machine for repairs to fix a key? When I use this for work?" But Andrew was not swayed. "It's the only thing I can do." I pressed harder: "I live 10 miles from where this machine was designed and you're telling me the only thing you can do is to decommission my machine for five days while you fix the up key?" Here, Andrew game me one more option, which after thinking about it for a second, we both concluded that it also involved sending the machine in. I kept asking why they couldn't just overnight a replacement machine? "We don't do that," Andrew responded. What do you mean you don't do that. The number of times my phones have been replaced for various reasons even without Apple Care plans? My iPad after a faulty pixel was found? 

An awkward silence followed. Andrew simply didn't budge. Finally, I broke the silence by stating, "Fine. I guess I'll just have to deal with a faulty machine that I paid $2,000 for just three weeks ago. I suppose that's it. I'll deal with it." Without any remorse, Andrew replied. "Ok. Have a nice rest of your day."

I was livid. This is not the Apple I came to love. Not the Apple that made my life easier, more productive. Not the Apple that not only built great machines but stood by them. Made you love the company as much as the products they designed. This was a complete failure. So here I sit writing this, frustrated every time I hit the "Up arrow." This is a jolt to our relationship. The kind where you may not talk to the other person for weeks on end. You want to know what you did wrong and why they just don't understand. I'll likely find my way back, but this is definitely a step back in our relationship.

Smart Lights: Current Platforms and Options are NOT Acceptable

As mentioned before, I'm a junkie for "smart" devices, applications, and love the way they inform my life and make me more efficient--both dollars and time. I've always been on the lookout for smart "lighting." In fact, I've tried the Phillips Hue, looked the Z-wave platform and others. However, they all fall short.

Controlling your thermostat (e.g., Nest), sprinklers (e.g., Rain Machine), TV (DirecTV), alarm system (Frontpoint), and even doorbell (e.g., Skybell) with your phone is fine and convenient. You use these devices sparingly and are not typically turning them on and off, or adjusting them frequently. However, with lights, you're constantly in and out of rooms in the house, adjusting the dimmer, and wanting to even move them around. Controlling them by a phone is simply impractical and borderline useless.

If I were able to design an optimal lighting system for my house, it would need to have the following:

1. Ability to turn on instantly and turn off after slight delay when I walk into the room

2. Be able to sense the time of day potentially natural light entering the room and adjust accordingly. Nobody wants to turn on lights in a fully sun-lit room. And at night, it may be nice to not have as bright a light as possible.

3. It should be able to recognize heights of people. This is obviously important for pets, but also kids. You may want brighter lights for kids while my eyes can handle lower levels of light.

4. It should take all bulbs and not proprietary ones (the Phillips Hue system is nice, but that's an expensive bulb from one source).

5. Open source platform that allows other smart devices to connect. For example, I'd like my Nest Protect smoke detector to be connected to the lights with flashing lights when the alarm goes off. Same for my alarm system (how great would that be to neighbors if there's a burglary--christmas tree lights flashing throughout the house?). 

6. It can be controlled by your phone but doesn't have to. 

If there's something out there that's like this, I'd like to know. If there isn't, I'm sure I can line up investors for technology prototypes like this. 

Apple TV Can't Get Here Fast Enough (Experiences with Comcast and DirecTV)

Amazingly, here in the heart of Silicon Valley, we have only once credible choice for cable: It's Comcast. Not Verizon FIOS, not U-Verse high speed, nothing. As a result, Comcast seems to feel it's ok to provide hardware that seems to have been built in the 80s, overlay software that I could've built on my Commodore 64, and provide service that--while improved--is adequate at best. That covers both TV and internet. DVR recordings would be cut short, skipping would occur, and boxes would reset sporadically. Not to mention the cable actually being out for long periods of time.

So when we moved last year, I took the opportunity to move to DirecTV. I was pleased with the ordering, setup, and viewing experience that I gave on the lack of On-Demand content compared to Comcast. The box--though still belonging in the technology museum--was nicer and the software was better (though not great). It was not as intuitive as I liked. But it did allow me to watch my beloved Redskins via the Sunday Ticket. All was good.

Until about a month ago, when shows would not record, and when they did, they'd all inevitably stall 50-75% into it and we'd miss the ends. Resetting stalled on the self-check. To DirecTV's credit, a 10 min phone call in which they performed diagnostics led them to immediately send me a new box that I should get in less than 36 hours. I'm annoyed but not pissed off--yet.

While I can move to satellite for TV, there's no other option for internet. It's a monopoly in the heart of where the internet is the lifeline that fuels the world's economy. Nothing I can do about that. There are times I'm thankful for my unlimited (grandfathered) data plan from AT&T. The LTE speeds are often 5-10X faster than Comcast speeds--especially during peak hours. You'd think I'd get better for $79/month (inclusive of taxes)

This all leads me to crave a potential Apple option for TV (that is an actual TV). I know content is king and that'll drive its usefulness, but really, I just want something that I know will work. Something that I know will be intuitive. Something that will connect all my devices--hell, it's 2014! I deserve that. I want to be able to watch a movie on my iPad on the plane, go home, play with my kids and pick up the movie seamlessly on my TV. I need to be able to plug in to any TV provider and watch it on my Apple TV, with their interface. I'm no software engineer and I'm sure what I'm asking is likely difficult, but weren't we promised this some time ago? I'm not even asking to control my TV by my iPhone as a remote or scrolling through the guide with my iPad that I can see on my TV--though that'd be nice. But really, most important, I want to know that the shows I record will actually playback. Every. Time. Is that too much to ask? Apple, please help!

iOS Needs Child-Friendly Capabilities

Two kids into parenting, I was amazed when each first picked up an iPhone or iPad and instinctively started swiping, pushing buttons, getting excited when pictures of themselves, cousins showed up, and music magically started playing. Steve Jobs' vision of an intuitive device/OS is real. From the elderly to the newest humans, the devices are incredibly accessible. But for kids, they're too accessible. Scrolling through photos is great. Listening to Elmo songs is fine. But sending texts and emails with gibberish is not. Anyone who has infants/toddlers with access to your devices knows what I'm talking about. The embarrassing phone call to your boss or colleague that starts, "Yeah, my kid was playing with my phone." Embarrassing every time.

So why hasn't Apple--the king of knowing what consumers want--figured out I WANT a kid's playground on my iDevices? What gives? You can do private browsing, sync things across all devices, do all sorts of amazing things, but cannot just allow me to press a button so that only a few apps are "active?" Airplane mode is fine, but that means I'm not connected at all and still doesn't prevent emails from being drafted and then sent unknowingly as soon as I re-connect. And even if that was an option, that's a hack. Apple can do better.

From what I'm told, Android devices already allow this. I'm hoping Apple follows suit quickly. Dealing with kids' curiosity shouldn't be an obstacle. I'm happy to let their imaginations go with iOS, but can't risk the embarrassing conversations. 

Automatic Driving Assistant: Pretty Cool

I'm a junkie for "smart" devices. Have the Nest thermostat and smoke detectors. Rain Machine to control my sprinklers (more on that cool device some other time). A security system that is completely controlled from smart phone. Lights also. Recently I came across the Automatic Driving Assistant.

It's a device that plugs into your car's OBD port--it's the same port that mechanics use to get all kinds of information from you car's on-board computers. And it turns out most cars after 1996--the Clinton Administration--have this and is compatible with Automatic. The device pairs with your smartphone through Bluetooth 4.0 and leverages a very neat app.

The app runs in the background sucking virtually no battery power and as soon as you turn your car on, it connects to the app and begins recording your trip. Essentially, the goal of the device/app is to make you a more economical driver; when you brake and accelerate hard, blow by 70 mph, it dings you, reducing your score from the perfect 100. It tracks how far you've gone, how long it takes, and thus can calculate miles per gallon and how much the trip costs in fuel. It also is able to help you with those pesky lights that appear when various things are on the fritz in your car.

The app has tremendous potential as it recently started utilizing Apple's iBeacon technology, in theory, with the potential to connect any device that utilizes iBeacon to connect to your car and phone. So imagine just flying through parking garages as your card is automatically charged through your phone. Drive through windows for food is another potential use.

Installation was easy--all companies can learn from them. For now, I find it interesting and look forward to the other uses of the technology. My one interaction with customer service was great. At $99, not a bad item to have if you're into smart gadgets.