smart home

Eve Energy Outlet review – the perfect smart outlet

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REVIEW – In a perfect world, all of the powered gadgets that I own (fans, humidifiers, heaters, etc.) would be smart gadgets, capable of being controlled with nothing more than a voice command to Siri or a preset automation via the Home app.  I don’t live in that world just yet, so one way to […]

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The smart door has arrived, but you’ll want to pass on this one

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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

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X-Sense Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with Voice Location review

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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

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SwitchBot Indoor/Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer review – A tiny bundle of info for $9!

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  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

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ORVIBO Smart Dimmer Switch with Touchscreen review

ORVIBO Smart Dimmer Switch with Touchscreen 2

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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Airthings View Plus review – This smart home device could save your life

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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

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

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              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

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X-Sense Smart Video Doorbell and XC01-WR Carbon Monoxide Detector review – Smarts for your smart home?

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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

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Switchbot Color Changing Lightbulbs review – Festive and fun lighting without the fuss!

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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,

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The Flic Twist home automation gadget has been revealed

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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

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Get a notification every time your mailbox opens using the Ring Mailbox Sensor

ring mailbox sensor

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

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Orvibo Smart Universal Remote Control Home Automation Hub review – Take control of your devices

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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

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Vivint SmartHome security system review

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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

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