NEWS – Masonite has designed what has been called the world’s first smart door. It starts with a high-end door and adds a video doorbell, a smart lock, motion-activated LEDs, and a door sensor. Plus, it’s hard-wired, so you never have to worry about batteries. Sounds fabulous, doesn’t it? It does! It’s the M-Pwr line …
The smart door has arrived, but you’ll want to pass on this one Read More
REVIEW – As far back as I can remember, I have always had a fear of house fires. I think it may have to do with the destruction that I witnessed as a kid that was caused by a house fire. Since then, I have been very diligent in making sure that there are smoke …
X-Sense Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with Voice Location review Read More
REVIEW – My house has a very common problem: My HVAC doesn’t cool and heat all rooms evenly. The master bedroom is on one side of the house and is right under the HVAC system, and my office is on the opposite side of the house. In the summer, the master bedroom is too cool …
REVIEW – Hey! Information addicts, meteorology maniacs, weather wizards, and greenhouse gurus! SwitchBot’s new Indoor/Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer measures temperature and humidity (relative, absolute, and vapor pressure deficit), and dew point, in a petite portable package and at an unbelievably good price. What is it? The SwitchBot Indoor/Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer is a battery-powered temperature and humidity meter …
SwitchBot Indoor/Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer review – A tiny bundle of info for $9! Read More
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 …
ORVIBO Smart Dimmer Switch with Touchscreen review Read More
REVIEW – A few years ago, I reviewed the Airthings Wave Smart Radon Detector just to see what I could learn about radon gas levels in my home. I was very surprised to learn that I had high readings in my basement where I spend most of my time. Airthings could have very well saved …
Airthings View Plus review – This smart home device could save your life Read More
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
REVIEW – The term ‘Smart Home’ is a bit of a loaded catch-all. Whether it’s an alarm system, connected audio or controllable lights, if the products don’t fit into how you use your home, it may not make life easier which doesn’t sound all that smart. X-Sense sent out their Smart Video Doorbell and their …
REVIEW – SwitchBot has been impressing me for the last few months with their innovative, yet reasonably priced gadgetry like their curtain closing robot, contact and motion sensors, and now with their Color Change Bulbs. The Holiday season is a perfect time to try these out! What is it? SwitchBot’s Color Change bulbs are 120-volt, …
Switchbot Color Changing Lightbulbs review – Festive and fun lighting without the fuss! Read More
NEWS – Five years ago I reviewed the Flic wireless smart buttons. These small buttons allowed for all kinds of interesting home automation funnery (I just made up that word – you’re welcome). I used one of mine to record the time I stopped eating at night so that I could figure out how long …
The Flic Twist home automation gadget has been revealed Read More
NEWS – Do you have mailbox thieves or maybe just eager to get your mail? The Ring Mailbox Sensor detects motion and sends you a notification every time your mailbox is opened. The sensor measures 2.56″ (65 mm) x 2.44″ (62 mm) x 1.47″ (37 mm), comes with mounting screws and bracket as well as …
Get a notification every time your mailbox opens using the Ring Mailbox Sensor Read More
REVIEW – If you’re of a certain age, like me, you remember the first TV remote control – it was you. Your parent would tell you to get up and go change the channel to one of the other two that your TV received. Then, TVs started coming with Infrared (IR) remote controls, giving you …
REVIEW – I’ve enjoyed testing and writing about many smart home gadgets, home automation devices, security systems, and dozens of security cameras, over the years. One thing that I’ve always found to be a problem is that each device I’ve continued to use has required its own separate app which means you have to search …
Review In today’s day and age, a lot of people are moving towards smart homes. Starting out can be a daunting task as there are so many options available. The Leviton fan speed controller and the Leviton voice dimmer with Alexa are two great devices to start with as they don’t require a hub and …
Leviton Decora Smart Voice Dimmer and 4 Speed Fan Controller switches review Read More
REVIEW – Do you still carry keys? These days the only keys I use regularly are for my e-bikes and bike locks. When you don’t need to carry keys daily, it can be hard to remember to grab them on the way out. Your choices are to come up with a way to remember, or …