The Ubi takes computing to a whole new level. Never again will you need to look at a screen, type on a keyboard, or touch a mouse. Ubi is essentially an Android smartphone without the touch screen, only one button, and its voice interface listens all the time.
Ubi is powered by the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Operating System run on an 800MHz ARM Cortex-A8 Processor. It has sensors for temperature, humidity, barometric air pressure, and ambient light. It also has WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0. To use the Ubi, you simply plug it into an available AC outlet. Once it boots up, you simply start talking to it, ask it questions, and give it commands by simply saying “Ok Ubi”.
The Ubi has very similar voice control capabilities to Apple’s Siri, and Google Voice. It also has the ability to voice control various other smart home systems such as the Nest, SmartThings, WeMo, and Harmony. Ubi is also capable of interfacing with IFTTT.com, which allows you to remotely control nearly anything.
During my testing of the Ubi, I found it to be fun to use and helpful for controlling my Nest thermostat, playing music, and inquiring about local weather and traffic. Unfortunately, the Ubi frequently activates accidentally when the TV is on or during conversations between people in the room.
The Ubi would be a great use to those who find using smartphones, tablets, and computers difficult. Though, I feel the Ubi is a fairly redundant device for the typical home—especially considering your smartphone, tablet, and PC/Mac can do everything this device can do.
The Ubi may not be for everyone. However, if you are a gadget lover, then this high tech piece of hardware might be perfect for your next fun purchase.
Price: $99
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Technical Specs on the Ubi:
- Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
- 800 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 Processor
- 1GBRAM
- 802.11 b/n/g Wifi Enabled (WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption)
- Hi fidelity speakers and omni-directional microphone
- USB 2.0 with 5 V power supply
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Temperature, humidity, and air pressure sensors
- Ambient light sensor
- RF Transceiver Module
- Dimensions: 4.0″ x 4.0″ x 1.1″
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