We spend a lot more time in our basement than we do the main floor of the house, so it’s often difficult to know when someone comes to the front door if we can’t hear them knocking. Sometimes they don’t even knock because they press the doorbell which has had a dead battery for over […]
AVANTEK Plug-In Wireless Doorbell review Read More
Apple’s HomeKit is expected soon, and HomeKit-compatible devices are hitting the market in anticipation of this.  iHome has just announced their iHome iSP5 SmartPlug, its first entry in a planned series of products from the new iHome Control line of smart home accessories.  The SmartPlug is a WiFi-connected smart power outlet that lets you control a
iHome announces their HomeKit-enabled iSP5 SmartPlug Read More
We live in a condo building that was built in 1963.  It’s a 14-story building with more than 100 units in it.  In addition to each unit having their own fire alarms, there is a central fire alarm system for the entire building.  Because the building is older, the systems in the individual units aren’t
Leeo Smart Alert Nightlight review Read More
No need to give a friend the key to your home so they can let your precious pets out anymore. The Danalock Bluetooth Smartlock can be programed to lock and unlock at any specified time to allow entry at your digression, AND it logs any entries and exits so you know when someone is coming
A smartlock that unlocks your door for you…There’s an app for that. Read More
There are a variety of ways you can open and lock your home’s door without using a key.  I tried a WiFi-connected deadbolt that didn’t work, no matter what type of interpretive dance I used to approach it.  I’ve been intrigued by other Kickstarter products that still haven’t made it to market long after the
Replace your door’s deadbolt key with Sesame and a smartphone app Read More
The DoorBird is a smartphone connected doorbell that will allow you to see who is at your door with a 180° motion detecting camera. Receive alerts on up to eight iOS or Android devices when someone is at your door and then see and talk to them through the app even if you’re not at
DoorBird is your smartphone connected doorbell Read More
There are a lot of smart, connected home automation and security devices on the market today, but what if you don’t want to replace all your detectors but still would like to be able to monitor them from anywhere you are?  After all, your smoke alarm is only effective when you can hear it.  Plug a
This nightlight will alert you when your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors are triggered Read More
A couple of years ago, I reviewed the FakeTV FTV-11 Extra Bright Burglar Deterrent.  It was a small device filled with LEDs that mimicked the flicker, glow, fading, and swelling of a TV screen as seen through a curtained window.  I used it and liked it, but I found that its own timer system didn’t
Fool potential intruders into thinking you’re home watching TV, even when you aren’t Read More
Kuna isn’t just a lighting fixture, of course.  This outdoor fixture also has a WiFi camera and intercom system built in.  You connect the Kuna fixture to an app on your Android or Apple phone, and Kuna can send you alerts whenever someone is at your door.  You can customize the app to notify you
Keep a eye on what’s happening at your front door with the Kuna lighting fixture Read More
You want to have a smarter home – one that can notify you of events happening at home through your mobile device – but you don’t have purchasing all new equipment in your budget.  You can make your current carbon monoxide and fire detectors smarter just by using a smart battery from Roost.  They say:
Make your existing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors smart with Roost Smart Batteries Read More
I hate keys. They get lost, freeze up, fall on the ground, take up space in my pocket, and scratch things like my smartphone. And, now that my car has keyless entry and ignition, I even get annoyed at cars that require me to dig in my pocket and take out the keys. Such a hassle.
OKIDOKEYS Smart-Lock review Read More
I reviewed the Belkin WeMo Smart Home Automation Switch about a year ago, and at the time, you really needed an iOS device to control the products. Â There was an Android app, but it was in beta, but Belkin announced late last month that the Android app is ready. Â Just like with the iOS app
The Android app for Belkin’s WeMo line of home automation products is now available Read More
This Kickstarter project gives you the tools to turn any dimmable light bulb into a WiFi-controllable bulb.  You don’t need hubs, and getting your house connected is as easy as signing the bulb into your router.  The emberlight is a screw-in base that you can use with any of your current light fixtures or lamps
Turn any light bulb into a WiFi-connected bulb Read More
When we moved into our condo, the first thing we did was replace the deadbolt – and that’s despite living in a building with security locks on all exterior doors and the elevators, plus a doorman stationed at the door 24/7.  But what if you live in a rental where you can’t change the locks
Stop people from opening your door – even if they have the keys to your deadbolt Read More
If you worry that your mail could be stolen from your outdoors mailbox, Â you need to switch from the standard mailbox to the SecureLogic Mail Vault Locking Mailbox. Â The mailbox comes with a color-matched mounting pole, and the bolts, screws, and other hardware you need to install it. Â The box has a chute so the
Safeguard your mail – and your identity – with this mailbox Read More
For more than a thousand years, humans have been securing their front door with key-based locks.  Until recently, there hasn’t been much innovation in the technology, but thankfully, several companies have tried to bring the door lock into the 21st century.  One of them, Yale, has provided us with their key-free Touchscreen Deadbolt.  I expected installation
Yale Touchscreen Deadbolt review Read More
Winter is here, and so is the possibility of power outages due to ice storms in my area.  When the power goes off just just an hour or so, you’re pretty sure the stuff in your freezer is still okay, but what if the power is out for most of a day or more?  If
Here’s a low-tech solution for a first-world problem Read More
When it comes to home security, peace of mind seems to be a factor in the type of security you get. And with several home security companies competing for your business I guess what it really breaks down to is the ease of use, Â added options, and the service. Â When I received the security system
Protect America Home Security System review Read More
I’ve been using the Dropcam to keep an eye on things around my house, and it has worked very well for me.  I’m impressed with the clarity of the images I see, even in a dark room.  Of course, I’m always interested to know when things get better, which is why I’m telling you about
Get the premium Dropcam experience with the Dropcam Pro Read More
I’ve been using four WeMo Switch modules in my house for a few months now, and they work great for turning lights on and off on a program and for letting me manually control them from anywhere I have internet connectivity.  Belkin isn’t resting on their laurels, though, and they have announced the WeMo Insight
Now you can monitor energy usage with the latest WeMo Switch Read More