Home Automation

Flic Starter Kit review – Automation with a click and a twist!

REVIEW – 7 years ago, I reviewed the Flic wireless smart button, and now I am happy to have the chance to test drive the Flic Starter Kit that includes the latest version of the Flic buttons as well as the Flic Hub Mini and the Flic Twist. It’s time to click and twist our …

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SwitchBot Curtain 3 Robot and Solar Panel review – Drapery control has never been so easy, quiet, and powerful!

REVIEW – SwitchBot’s Curtain opening robots have been indispensable in my home since March 2021. They released the second version in 2022 and now a new and improved version for 2023. Are they better? You betcha! Come and have a look! What is it? SwitchBot Curtain 3 robots are rechargeable, motorized, app-controlled robots used for …

SwitchBot Curtain 3 Robot and Solar Panel review – Drapery control has never been so easy, quiet, and powerful! Read More

X-Sense SC07-W Wireless Interlinked Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm review – Please protect your home and family!

REVIEW – Thinking about the technology in my home, most gadgets are here for convenience, entertainment, or comfort. There are very few that can save lives. No home should be without working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and X-Sense’s SC07-W interconnected alarms fill the job with Gadgeteer finesse! What is it? X-Sense model SC07-W sounds …

X-Sense SC07-W Wireless Interlinked Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm review – Please protect your home and family! Read More

SwitchBot Hub 2 review – Home automation, infrared, and cloud connections (including HomeKit) made easy!

REVIEW – Two years ago, I had a look at the original SwitchBot Hub here and have used its functionality in one way or another daily. Now, there’s a new version with powerful new features! Read on, Gadgeteer friends! What is it? The SwitchBot Hub 2 is an app-controlled, cloud-connected device that provides home automation …

SwitchBot Hub 2 review – Home automation, infrared, and cloud connections (including HomeKit) made easy! Read More

ORVIBO Smart Dimmer Switch with Touchscreen review

REVIEW – As a part of the ongoing remodeling of my basement, I have included some of the latest technology including current business Access Points, Smart Switches and Dimmers, and a host of other technology gadgets. All of the smart switches that I have installed are in the form of conventional-looking toggle switches that connect …

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X-Sense XS01-WT Wi-Fi Smoke Alarm review – Because choking on smoke is no joke!

REVIEW – The National Fire Protection Association reports that fire-related fatalities decrease by 55% when a working smoke detector is present, so it’s never a bad idea to add another one to your home. I have plenty of security cameras, but it would be ideal to know the difference between optional viewing, and “Dude! You …

X-Sense XS01-WT Wi-Fi Smoke Alarm review – Because choking on smoke is no joke! Read More

SwitchBot Blind Tilt solar-powered smart blinds review – Beautiful bling for your blinds to bring in the beyond with brilliance!

REVIEW – I love home automation, especially when a gadget makes something more accessible or useful. SwitchBot’s new blind openers are just such a beast. Since some of the window coverings in my sunroom are cumbersome to access, I jumped at the opportunity to have a look at these useful little robots. How well do …

SwitchBot Blind Tilt solar-powered smart blinds review – Beautiful bling for your blinds to bring in the beyond with brilliance! Read More

Airthereal Leak Detector review

REVIEW – Fun fact about me:  back in the early 2000’s I had two insurance claims for over $100,000 that left me homeless for over a year.  Both resulted from water damage. One case wasn’t particularly preventable, but the other one was. The water line to the icemaker came undone, and every time my freezer thought …

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The SwitchBot Smart Switch Button Pusher is an easy way transform your dumb lights and appliances

NEWS – Turning your home into one that is smart can be daunting and expensive. The SwitchBot Smart Switch Button Pusher is an inexpensive way to transform your existing lights and appliances. It is universal and works well with just about any rocker switch and button of any home appliance. SwitchBot easily installs next to …

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SwitchBot Curtain Robot Version 2 review – A great product made even better!

REVIEW – I reviewed SwitchBot’s previous model Curtain Robot version about a year ago here and have been using them every day since. I love them and jumped at the chance to see what’s new. How will they stack up? Let’s have a look! What is it? “SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2” is a motorized robot …

SwitchBot Curtain Robot Version 2 review – A great product made even better! Read More

SwitchBot Mini Plug review – Home automation plug pizazz at a pretty price!

REVIEW – Just a short time ago, home automation was a relatively big-dollar, time-consuming pursuit. Now SwitchBot has joined the race. At $10.19 from Amazon, adding these handy devices to control your home’s gadgetry is virtually a no-brainer! What is it? The SwitchBot Plug Mini is an app-controlled 120-volt device that turns switches an electrical …

SwitchBot Mini Plug review – Home automation plug pizazz at a pretty price! Read More

yeedi Vac 2 Pro Robotic Vacuum with Self-Empty Docking Station review – so many new features

REVIEW – Robotic vacuum cleaners are one of those gadgets that you don’t realize how useful they are until you’ve had one for a while.  I live in a single-story house, and I have been using yeedi’s k700 for the last two years.  I really like this little robot, who I named Mopi when I …

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SwitchBot Thermometer and Hygrometer Plus review – Easy, capable, and economical, oh my!

              REVIEW – I’ve reviewed several SwitchBot products and have grown to appreciate them for their simplicity, utility, and budget-friendliness.  With a larger display, the new SwitchBot Temperature and Hygrometer Plus makes monitoring and adding automation triggers based on your home’s environment simple, cost-effective, and fun. What is it? The SwitchBot Thermometer and Hygrometer Plus …

SwitchBot Thermometer and Hygrometer Plus review – Easy, capable, and economical, oh my! Read More

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra robot vacuum review – This robot vac really does it all!

REVIEW – I have been reviewing Roborock robot vacuums for several years now and have liked them so much that I have been using them on the two main floors of my house. I have the Roborock S5 Max in the basement and the Roborock S7 Max with the mopping feature on the main floor …

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra robot vacuum review – This robot vac really does it all! Read More