Looking for more options to automate your lights but aren’t interested in a dedicated home automation hub? As it turns out, WiFi works just fine for home automation for switches connected to a power source like an in-wall switch. Let’s check out the Ankuoo Neo WiFi smart switch and see how it does, at $29 … Read more
Although they aren’t ideal for every situation, it’s hard to argue with the pricing of the Cree Connected and GE Link smart light bulbs at around $15. At that price, they’re just a touch more expensive than their non-connected LED bulb counterparts. And, they’ll pay for themselves in 2 years when compared to an incandescent … Read more
The home automation market is really taking off, and it’s hard to get a bead on the best products out there. Just want somebody to recommend something to buy? No problem! We’ve done a market survey and scoped out the best smart lights switches for home automation for you. Why do I Need Smart Light … Read more
Thinking about adding smart lights to beef up the security of your home? They’re good to make it look like you’re home during a vacation or just to make things more convenient around the house. We’ll make sure you understand the pros and cons of both smart bulbs vs smart switches so that you won’t … Read more
Intrigued by the uniqueness of the Aeotec Micro Smart Switch G2, we picked one up for a quick review. Most Z-Wave light switches simply replace your existing switch. That’s OK for most cases, but: Have an interior design of your current switches that doesn’t match up very well with the new Z-Wave light switch? Want … Read more
JodyHi, I’m Jody. I graduated with honors with a Masters of Science in Computer Engineering and have over 15 years of experience working as an engineer with electronics products. I’m a lifelong learner and tinkerer and enjoy automating things around the house so I can solve bigger problems than getting out of bed to check … Read more
JodyHi, I’m Jody. I graduated with honors with a Masters of Science in Computer Engineering and have over 15 years of experience working as an engineer with electronics products. I’m a lifelong learner and tinkerer and enjoy automating things around the house so I can solve bigger problems than getting out of bed to check … Read more
Going out of town? Take me. Fine . . . have it your way. When I get ready to leave, a million things run through my mind, in addition to the obvious. I always like to prepare my house too, though. Here are a few things that I think of as I’m preparing to leave. … Read more
Normally, we don’t bother to cover news on things that aren’t even in production yet. But, we’re making an exception for a clever new smart light switch, Switchmate. The campaign is still open on Indiegogo for pre-orders that they plan to ship at the end of the year (also known as next spring). Switchmate – … Read more
Have you heard of Amazon’s Echo voice assistant? It’s like Siri, only not tied to your phone. “Alexa, how many ounces in a cup?” and “Alexa, what’s the weather going to be like tomorrow?” are the original ideas. But Amazon obviously would like to expand on that and is enlisting help. Soon, you might see … Read more
Garageio just started selling production units of its WiFi garage door monitoring and control solution. Here’s a look at what you’re missing. Garageio – The Big Deal with a Smart Garage Door System Say you get 5 minutes away from your house and can’t remember if you closed the garage door, Garageio can fix that. … Read more
With all of the smart garage door solutions coming online, I’m getting the impression that I’m not the only one that sometimes questions if I closed my door or not after I get 10 minutes down the road. That’s where the Quirky Ascend can help. The Ascend is a $100 WiFi garage door opener controller … Read more
Hate getting down the road and wondering if you shut your garage door? Or, if you have a sensor on your door, you have to hate turning around to go home and close it. Don’t you also wish you could integrate a Z-wave garage door with the rest of your home automation system? Interested to … Read more
Are you one of those people that adapts to new technology without a thought? Are you tired of your spouse spraying cold water on all of your home automation ideas? Well, we’ll give you some time-tested tips for easing them in slowly so they’ll look forward to your new home automation gear instead of issuing … Read more
JodyHi, I’m Jody. I graduated with honors with a Masters of Science in Computer Engineering and have over 15 years of experience working as an engineer with electronics products. I’m a lifelong learner and tinkerer and enjoy automating things around the house so I can solve bigger problems than getting out of bed to check … Read more