Mac Tech Genius
type: channel
description: Reviews, Recommendation & Tutorials
date: 2017-09-21T19:57:13Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
generator agent: https://wordpress.org/
items: SmartThings HomeKit Integration
items: DIY Tesla 240V Charging | Quick220 Review
items: Maximus – The Hidden Light Camera
items: Affordable GPS Tracker
items: Tesla $1000 Discount
items: Tesla Model X – Photos
items: SmartThings Review
items: Rachio Iro Smart Sprinkler Controller Review (16 Zone)
items: Eye‑Fi Pro X2 Review
items: Thecus Announces SMB and Enterprise NAS

SmartThings HomeKit Integration
type: item
creator: MacTechGenius
date: 2017-06-08T00:15:13Z
subject: Front Page
subject: Tutorials
subject: Apple
subject: Network
description: I previously created a tutorial showcasing HomeKit integration using Hombridge on a Mac. However, leaving a Mac running 24/7 is not a feasible option for some people, thus I decided to create a tutorial for Raspberry Pi, as it is an affordable alternative solution. If you aren’t familiar with Raspberry Pi, I recommend purchasing a Starter […]
encoded: I previously created a tutorial showcasing HomeKit integration using Hombridge on a Mac. However, leaving a Mac running 24/7 is not a feasible option for some people, thus I decided to create a tutorial for Raspberry Pi, as it is an affordable alternative solution. If you aren’t familiar with Raspberry Pi, I recommend purchasing a Starter Kit. It comes with everything you need to get started (including preinstalled software), however you will also need a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for the initial setup. Afterwards, you can enable VNC on your Pi so you can remotely connect to it (Screen Sharing). <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px;" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=onemin-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B01C6Q2GSY&asins=B01C6Q2GSY&linkId=822fb98d972f4bdd632e7c6377e9ea0c&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"> When paired with a pair of speakers, the Raspberry Pi can also voice audio notifications for SmartThings, function as an AirPlay Receiver, host a VPN Server, and even replicate the functionality of an Amazon Echo. The Setup Launch Terminal and input the following command (without quotes): “curl – sSL goo.gl/Ksdhph | bash” This will run some code for 10-15 minutes. This is an excellent video that showcases this process. Follow until (1:28), don’t proceed any further Once that is completed, type “homebridge” (refer to 0:59) of the video. Once you see the pair code, quit home bridge with a ctrl c. Install the SmartThing’s plugin, input “sudo npm install -g homebridge-smartthings” into terminal. Follow the video below from 2:07 to 3:26 GitHub Integration Tutorial Owner of “pdlove” and name of “homebridge-smartthings” and branch of “master” and then click save. Obtain the local IP Address of your Raspberry Pi and no…

DIY Tesla 240V Charging | Quick220 Review
type: item
creator: MacTechGenius
date: 2016-11-30T06:09:07Z
subject: Front Page
subject: Reviews
subject: Charging
subject: Power
subject: Tesla
description: The Quick 220 makes Tesla charging more feasible compared to a typical 120V outlet, which is significantly slower and inefficient. The Quick220 nearly triples the charge rate and does not require the need for a costly installation and the painstaking permitting process associated with it. The Quick220 is also perfect for road trips in the event the […]
encoded: The Quick 220 makes Tesla charging more feasible compared to a typical 120V outlet, which is significantly slower and inefficient. The Quick220 nearly triples the charge rate and does not require the need for a costly installation and the painstaking permitting process associated with it. <img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-589" src="https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2016/11/Quick220-1-300x162.png" alt="quick220-1" width="300" height="162" srcset="https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2016/11/Quick220-1-300x162.png 300w, https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2016/11/Quick220-1-768x414.png 768w, https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2016/11/Quick220-1-1024x553.png 1024w, https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2016/11/Quick220-1.png 1894w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> The Quick220 is also perfect for road trips in the event the hotel lacks destination charging, allowing an overnight charge to be possible compared to several days. I also foresee numerous Model 3 owners using the Quick220 as a viable charging station alternative, especially for those that rent. The Quick220 itself is well built, lightweight, and portable. Unfortunately it is not weatherproof, thus prolonged outdoor exposure is not recommended. While this can be resolved with the use of an extension cord, I still hope they release an outdoor enclosure. The instructions are simple and easy to follow, the Quick220 is made in the U.S (Phoenix, Arizona) and the support team is responsive and familiar with Tesla. The device has all of the necessary regulatory qualifications (UL, etc…) <img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-590" src="https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2016/11/Quick220-2-300x168.png" alt="quick220-2" width="300" height="168" srcset="https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2016/11/Quick220-2-300x168.png 300w, https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2016…

Maximus – The Hidden Light Camera
type: item
creator: MacTechGenius
date: 2016-08-11T03:02:15Z
subject: Reviews
subject: Camera
subject: Wireless
description: DYI surveillance solutions are a large part of our present-day connected home. Unfortunately, many of these so called DYI products require the need of running wires through the wall or are merely an eyesore. Maximus alleviates the hectic installation process as it is essentially the combination of a outdoor light fixture and a cloud camera. This provides […]
encoded: DYI surveillance solutions are a large part of our present-day connected home. Unfortunately, many of these so called DYI products require the need of running wires through the wall or are merely an eyesore. Maximus alleviates the hectic installation process as it is essentially the combination of a outdoor light fixture and a cloud camera. This provides an easy DYI installation as it is a simple process to replace an existing light fixture instead of running wires for a traditional camera. Moreover, the camera is somewhat concealed and offers a hidden surveillance experience. I was initially confused between why the Maximus is commonly referred as Kuna (evident on Amazon, Best Buy, etc…), vice-versa. However the team clarified that, “Maximus and Kuna are partners and Maximus is Kuna’s manufacturer so it goes under a different name – Maximus Smart Security Light (but it’s exactly the same as Kuna). Kuna is the software/app component to the Maximus Smart Security Light.” <img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-581" src="https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2016/08/Maximus-1-300x176.png" alt="Maximus 1" width="300" height="176" srcset="https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2016/08/Maximus-1-300x176.png 300w, https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2016/08/Maximus-1-768x452.png 768w, https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2016/08/Maximus-1-1024x602.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Included in the purchase, you got your literature, installation tools, and the Maximus light fixture itself. This is the craftsman style with a black finish (other finishes are available to best match your preference). At first glance, the unit is solid and well constructed. It is surrounded with translucent glass along the side which allows some light to passthrough. On the backplate we have the camera, motion sensor and speaker. The wiring as expected is located in the back so you can replace your existing fixt…

Affordable GPS Tracker
type: item
creator: MacTechGenius
date: 2016-06-12T21:55:55Z
subject: Reviews
subject: GPS
subject: Review
subject: Vectu
description: A GPS tracker is one of those things, you don’t realize you need…until you need it. I did not realize I “needed” it until I was a victim of a car-break in where I lost all of my tech-gadgets that contained data considered to be priceless. Clearly my outcome would have been much different positively if I kept a Vectu GPS […]
encoded: A GPS tracker is one of those things, you don’t realize you need…until you need it. I did not realize I “needed” it until I was a victim of a car-break in where I lost all of my tech-gadgets that contained data considered to be priceless. Clearly my outcome would have been much different positively if I kept a Vectu GPS tracker in my bag. The Vectu functions pretty-much in every country in the world (except for Japan, South Korea, and obviously North Korea), however it requires you to pay a service fee but don’t let that turn you away as it is extremely affordable. At $36 a year, the service is extremely cheap, I haven’t seen another tracker that beats that price. The Vectu communicates over the 2G network on GSM, I would assume a SIM card is located inside the device but from my understanding it is not user-replaceable. The Vectu offers the ability to create multiple geofences, it features an emergency help button that can be set to notify multiple users using the free “myAspenta” app or an SMS/Email alert. Firmware updates are rolled out intermittently to add new features and improve the reliability of the Vectu. Moreover, the “myAspenta” app is occasionally updated which shows that Vectu is continuously providing support and updates for their products. Inside the box, we get the Vectu GPS, a USB cable, and the quick start guide. The Vectu itself has a bright blue finish, the help button and status indicator is located in the center, while the power switch, reset pinhole and micro-USB connector is located along the side. From my experience I got 10 days out of the 3000 milli amp battery which is pretty impressive considering that the form factor of the unit is small. The Vectu also has a 6-axis accelerometer built in for motion detection, though I am unsure what features motion detection offers. Perhaps it is one of those things that can be activated in a future software update. The features and settings can be accessed from the mobile app or the web app, they bot…

Tesla $1000 Discount
type: item
creator: MacTechGenius
date: 2016-05-30T19:58:20Z
subject: Deals
subject: Tesla
subject: Tesla Model X
description: Thinking about buying a Tesla Model S/X? Want to get $1,000 off your order? http://ts.la/numan5362 Now you got $1000 discount on your Tesla Model S or X by using the referral code!!
encoded: Thinking about buying a Tesla Model S/X? Want to get $1,000 off your order? http://ts.la/numan5362 Now you got $1000 discount on your Tesla Model S or X by using the referral code!!

Tesla Model X – Photos
type: item
creator: MacTechGenius
date: 2016-05-21T20:58:26Z
subject: Front Page
subject: Reviews
subject: Tesla
subject: Tesla Model X
description: Tesla Model X Photos Download RAW (ZIP File): DOWNLOAD $1000 credit when you order a Model S/X Specs: Model X 90D Solid Black 20″ Silver Wheels Tan Leather Seats Matte Obeche Wood Décor Black Headliner Six Seat Interior Autopolit Convenience Features Premium Upgrades Package Smart Air Suspension Accessory Hitch Tint Specs: 30% Ceramic […]
encoded: Tesla Model X Photos <div class="wonderpluginslider" id="wonderpluginslider-1" data-sliderid="1" data-width="650" data-height="400" data-skin="classic" data-autoplay="true" data-randomplay="false" data-loadimageondemand="false" data-transitiononfirstslide="false" data-autoplayvideo="false" data-isresponsive="true" data-fullwidth="false" data-isfullscreen="false" data-ratioresponsive="false" data-showtext="true" data-showtimer="true" data-showbottomshadow="true" data-navshowpreview="true" data-textautohide="true" data-lightboxresponsive="true" data-lightboxshownavigation="false" data-lightboxshowtitle="true" data-lightboxshowdescription="false" data-texteffectresponsive="true" data-donotinit="false" data-addinitscript="false" data-lightboxfullscreenmode="false" data-lightboxcloseonoverlay="true" data-lightboxvideohidecontrols="false" data-lightboxnogroup="false" data-lightboxautoslide="false" data-lightboxshowtimer="true" data-lightboxshowplaybutton="true" data-lightboxalwaysshownavarrows="false" data-lightboxshowtitleprefix="true" data-titleusealt="false" data-outputtext="false" data-scalemode="fill" data-arrowstyle="mouseover" data-transition="" data-loop="0" data-border="0" data-slideinterval="8000" data-arrowimage="arrows-32-32-0.png" data-arrowwidth="32" data-arrowheight="32" data-arrowtop="50" data-arrowmargin="8" data-navstyle="bullets" data-navimage="bullet-24-24-0.png" data-navwidth="24" data-navheight="24" data-navspacing="8" data-navmarginx="16" data-navmarginy="16" data-navposition="bottom" data-playvideoimage="playvideo-64-64-0.png" data-playvideoimagewidth="64" data-playvideoimageheight="64" data-lightboxthumbwidth="90" data-lightboxthumbheight="60" data-lightboxthumbtopmargin="12" data-lightboxthumbbottommargin="4" data-lightboxbarheight="64" data-lightboxtitlebottomcss="color:#333; font-size:14px; font-family:Armata,sans-serif,Arial; overflow:hidden; text-align:left;" data-lightboxdescriptionbottomcss="color:#333; font-size:12px; font-family:Arial,Hel…

SmartThings Review
type: item
creator: MacTechGenius
date: 2014-08-23T18:22:12Z
subject: Reviews
subject: App
subject: Apple
subject: Discount
subject: Home Automation
subject: Review
subject: SmartThings
subject: USB
subject: Wireless
subject: Z-Wave
subject: ZigBee
description: SmartThings provides an affordable do-it-yourself system for home automation and device interconnectivity. You can start small and expand the system over time. Initial set-up takes less than 15 minutes. SmartThings devices are affordable and have no ongoing fees. The system provides a limitless number of innovative solutions for the home. For example, you can […]
encoded: SmartThings provides an affordable do-it-yourself system for home automation and device interconnectivity. You can start small and expand the system over time. Initial set-up takes less than 15 minutes. SmartThings devices are affordable and have no ongoing fees. The system provides a limitless number of innovative solutions for the home. For example, you can program your home’s exterior lights to turn on automatically as you arrive home after sunset. The “Hello Home” feature allows you to “talk” to your home, providing you push notification or SMS alerts (e.g., letting you know when a family member has arrived home), as well as the ability to monitor, control and customize your connected devices, and much more. Having each of your smart home devices use their own separate apps is not very smart at all. The SmartThings app is a unique comprehensive app with a well-built interface to seamlessly connect other home automation devices, such as your home security cameras and the Nest thermostat. Developers will appreciate SmartThings online portal and open platform with which they can create their own SmartApps and commands. Consumers who are keeping up-to-date on future home automation technologies (such as Goji’s smart locks, coming this fall) can anticipate having all of these devices connect with SmartThings. I received the SmartThings “Know and Control Your Home Kit” which includes the SmartThings Hub, two SmartSense Presence fobs, a SmartSense Motion sensor, a SmartPower Outlet, and two SmartSense Multi sensors. Subsequently, I purchased three GE outdoor light plugs, two GE in-wall switches and an Aeon Z-Wave range extender – all of which are well-described on the SmartThings’ website. The Hub, powered by micro USB, is centrally positioned in the house to maximize range (it may take a little bit of thought and trial to find the ideal spot within large homes), with the range extender to ensure the outside devices are also receiving adequate signal. The fobs are plac…

Rachio Iro Smart Sprinkler Controller Review (16 Zone)
type: item
creator: MacTechGenius
date: 2014-07-27T21:40:39Z
subject: Reviews
subject: iPhone
subject: Iro
subject: Network
subject: Rachio
subject: Review
subject: Sprinkler
subject: Wireless
description: The Iro Smart Irrigation Controller eliminates all of the uncertainties associated with a traditional irrigation controller. My biggest challenge using my traditional device was never truly knowing whether my intended settings were still active. Daylight savings time, changes made by my gardener, power outages and adjustments I may have intended to be temporary but then […]
encoded: The Iro Smart Irrigation Controller eliminates all of the uncertainties associated with a traditional irrigation controller. My biggest challenge using my traditional device was never truly knowing whether my intended settings were still active. Daylight savings time, changes made by my gardener, power outages and adjustments I may have intended to be temporary but then forgot about – all of these factors contributed to an unknown in which hundreds of gallons of water a month were at stake. Well, no more. <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-463" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-463" src="https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2014/07/Rachio-Pre-Install-300x200.jpg" alt="Rachio Pre-Install" width="344" height="229" srcset="https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2014/07/Rachio-Pre-Install-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2014/07/Rachio-Pre-Install-1024x682.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 344px) 100vw, 344px" /> Iro Baseplate (Left) & Main Unit (Right) Installation of the Iro was very easy. As a precaution, I asked my landscape contractor to come help me with the install. It really wasn’t necessary, but seeing how impressed he was with the features certainly was an added validation. I suspect offering Iro will be an option he introduces into new home landscaping contracts in the future. <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-464" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-464" src="https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2014/07/Iro-Baseplate-Installed-300x225.jpg" alt="Baseplate Installed (9 Zone Setup)" width="344" height="258" srcset="https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2014/07/Iro-Baseplate-Installed-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2014/07/Iro-Baseplate-Installed-1024x768.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 344px) 100vw, 344px" /> Baseplate Installed (9 Zone Setup) The app is very intuitive. Adjusting the watering schedule is a seamless process. No more turning dials o…

Eye‑Fi Pro X2 Review
type: item
creator: MacTechGenius
date: 2014-06-30T00:05:42Z
subject: Reviews
subject: Eye-FI
subject: NAS
subject: Review
subject: SD Card
subject: USB
subject: Wireless
description: You have the latest and greatest digital camera with thousands of features, yet you still need to connect it onto your computer to import your media. Wouldn’t it be great if these images and videos could automatically import/upload onto your computer and social networks. The Eye-Fi Pro X2 is a class 10 memory card that allows wireless transfers […]
encoded: You have the latest and greatest digital camera with thousands of features, yet you still need to connect it onto your computer to import your media. Wouldn’t it be great if these images and videos could automatically import/upload onto your computer and social networks. The Eye-Fi Pro X2 is a class 10 memory card that allows wireless transfers of pictures and videos! Several of the many features on the Eye-Fi memory card consists of: Upload anywhere: users can instantly upload images to their home computer, smartphone or tablet, either connecting wirelessly to the device with Direct Mode or over an authorized WiFi network Shoot forever with endless memory mode: Cards can be set to automatically free-up space after photos & videos are transferred, so photographers never have to worry about running out of space Transfer RAW files: as with the prior Pro X2, the highest resolution photos can transfer wirelessly Back-up automatically: Pictures are safely stored on a home computer or Eye-Fi’s cloud, Eye-Fi View – a great relief if the camera is lost or stolen Share in real-time: Card can be set to automatically share with selected social networks or photo sharing sites (Facebook, Flickr, etc.) Geotag pictures immediately: Eye-Fi’s auto WPS Geotagging feature tags photos, allowing users to instantly see where memories were made <img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-449" src="https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2014/06/Eye‑Fi-Pro-X2-Box-300x256.png" alt="Eye‑Fi Pro X2 Box" width="300" height="256" srcset="https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2014/06/Eye‑Fi-Pro-X2-Box-300x256.png 300w, https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2014/06/Eye‑Fi-Pro-X2-Box-1024x874.png 1024w, https://www.mactechgenius.com/mtg-kamran/uploads/2014/06/Eye‑Fi-Pro-X2-Box.png 1188w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Eye-Fi does a great job with their simple “Apple-Like” packaging. They also include a USB card reader which is only required…

Thecus Announces SMB and Enterprise NAS
type: item
creator: MacTechGenius
date: 2014-04-29T00:20:19Z
subject: Front Page
subject: Hard Drive
subject: NAS
subject: Thecus
description: Thecus Expands SMB and Enterprise NAS Line with 10GbE Ready N7710 and N8810U Units Boast Intel® Pentium® G850 Dual Core Processors and VMware ESXi V5.5 iSCSI Certification April 3, 2014, Milpitas California – Thecus is pleased to announce the expansion on the company’s SMB and Enterprise NAS line with the 10GbE Ready N7710 and N8810U. These new models offer identical […]
encoded: Thecus Expands SMB and Enterprise NAS Line with 10GbE Ready N7710 and N8810U Units Boast Intel® Pentium® G850 Dual Core Processors and VMware ESXi V5.5 iSCSI Certification April 3, 2014, Milpitas California – Thecus is pleased to announce the expansion on the company’s SMB and Enterprise NAS line with the 10GbE Ready N7710 and N8810U. These new models offer identical hardware and performance to the recently released N7710-G and N8810U-G, differing only in stock support for 10GbE connectivity. 10GbE Ready These models offer excellent value for companies who do not currently have the need or infrastructure for 10GbE speeds, and are looking for powerful performance and an attractive architecture. Both units are fully upgradable if a company decides to make the jump to 10GbE down the line. Power and Connectivity Under the hood of each is an Intel® Pentium® G850 Dual Core 2.9GHz processor and 4GB of DDR3 ECC RAM, expandable up to 32GB. Both models also benefit from the balanced strengths of RAID 50, while the N8810U offers the enhanced reliability of RAID 60 as well. Along with two multimedia ports – HDMI and VGA, these versatile units have two USB 3.0, six USB 2.0, and two single gigabit Ethernet ports. Compatible with the Latest Technologies The N7710 and N8810U boast VMware ESXi V5.5 iSCSI certification, ensuring compatibility with the latest virtualization technologies. They also come bundled with free Acronis True Image and McAfee Antivirus software, helping users easily back up and safeguard their data. Availability The N7710 and N8810U are available in May at certified Thecus resellers for the suggested retail price of US$1,099 and US$1,899, respectively. N7710 N8810U Product Highlights of the N7710 and N8810U Powerful yet efficient Intel Pentium G850 Dual Core 2.9GHz CPU 4GB DDR3 ECC RAM, expandable up to 32GB Upgradable to 10GbE HDMI, VGA, two USB 3.0, six USB 2.0, and two 1 GbE ports RAID 0 to 60 (N8810U) and JBOD supported Free Acronis True Image and McAfee An…