How Are Smart Blinds Powered?
You might assume that smart blinds are all battery-powered, but there are more than a few ways to power the automagic of a smart blind assembly.
Don’t Reset Your Hue Bridge to Fix Problems, Use One of These Apps
Every now and then, you might run into a problem with your Hue smart lighting system that seems unsolvable, a veritable ghost in the machine. Before you reset your individual bulbs or even your entire system, try one of these…
The New Wyze Cam OG Is Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
The original Wyze Cam was an incredibly popular home security camera, mostly thanks to its low price, and Wyze has revised it several times since then. Now another update has arrived: the Wyze Cam OG.
TP-Link’s New Smart Plug Is Super Tiny and Works With Matter
Smart plugs are some of the most basic smart home devices, turning anything with wired electrical power into a network-controlled device. TP-Link has introduced its first plug compatible with Matter, and even if you don’t car…
What Do “Built on Thread” and “Requires Border Router” Logos Mean?
If you’re shopping for smart home gear, you’re bound to come across products with little logos that say “Built on Thread” often with adjacent text like “Required Border Router.” Here’s what you need to know….
5 Smart Home Features You Should Use While On Vacation
Your smart home gear isn’t just for your comfort and enjoyment when you’re home. It’s absolutely invaluable when you’re on vacation. Here are common features and benefits you should set up before you head out the door….
How Long Do Smart Blind Batteries Last?
Most smart blinds on the market aren’t hard-wired but use an internal battery, which begs the question: how often do you have to swap or recharge the batteries in your smart blinds?
Wyze Cam Pan V3 Has Double the Tilt Motion, Only Costs $34
Wyze has been selling low-cost smart security cameras for years, with a few different models to choose from. Now the company has updated its panning camera with a new design and an even lower price.
Roborock Debuts Its Most Sophisticated Robot Vacuum Yet
Roborock has updated its popular robot vacuum line with the sales pitch “Forget about cleaning, really.” With the number of features they’ve packed into the S8 Pro Ultra, you just might be able to do that….
The SmartThings Station Is a Matter Hub and Wireless Charger
Matter is the hot new smart home connectivity standard, and CES 2023 is full of devices built for it. Samsung just introduced the “SmartThings Station,” which works as a Matter hub, wireless charger, and smart button all in o…
How to Mount a Video Doorbell in an Apartment
When you own your home, mounting a video doorbell is pretty straightforward. If you’re in an apartment or rental, it can be a bit tricky, though. Here’s how to use a video doorbell without losing your deposit….
Rachio’s New Timer Makes Any Sprinkler a “Smart” Sprinkler
Smart home gadgets aren’t just for the inside of your home. Smart sprinkler systems are handy, but they can be pricey and have difficult installation. The Rachio Smart Hose Timer is a simpler solution to smart lawncare….
Worx’s New Smart Mower Features ‘Drop and Go’ Instant Setup
One of the biggest smart mower hassles is the amount of prep work and setup required. The newest addition to Worx’s Landroid smart mower line does away with all of that.
Eve MotionBlinds Kit Retrofits Your Old Roller Blinds
If you already have roller blinds in your home and want to smarten them up, Eve’s new upgrade kit fills the gap between dumb blinds and a costly total overhaul.
Nanoleaf Branches Out With New Skylight Ceiling System
For the folks who love Nanoleaf’s versatile modular smart lights and wish there was a solution for ceiling lights, well, you’re in luck. Nanoleaf’s newest offering brings its colorful modules to the ceiling….
Roku Releases Its Own Smart TVs After Years of Partnerships
Roku smart TVs have been popular for years, but Roku only handles the software side — TCL, Hisense, or other companies design the hardware and sell the final product. Roku now wants to try designing TVs, and has revealed its…
Samsung’s New Fridge Might Have a Bigger Screen Than Your PC
Smart refrigerators have been around for years now, and they’ve continued to get larger and more feature-packed. Samsung is hoping you’ll finally buy one after making the screen massive.
Can You Use a Video Doorbell Without a Chime?
The bell part of the doorbell equation seems like an immutable part of the experience, but video doorbells are mixing things up. Here’s what you need to know about using a video doorbell without a chime….
10 Ring Doorbell Features You Should Be Using
Ring Video Doorbells are a great choice if you want to keep an eye on the coming and goings around your home. To get the most out of your Ring—and make it less annoying—there are some features you should use….
This Dumb Power Strip Is Smart Enough to Save You Money
Smart plugs and power strips are great if you need flexibility, routines, and other features. But what if you just want auto-magic power saving, no programming or smart app required? You need one of these power strips….
Your Amazon Echo (Probably) Supports Matter Now
Matter is the new connectivity and setup standard that aims to make smart home devices easier to use. Google just rolled out Matter support on its smart speakers and displays, and now Amazon is following suit….
Can You Use a Video Doorbell Without Doorbell Wiring?
So your home’s old doorbell never worked, or you’d like to put a video doorbell on an entrance that was never wired for a doorbell. Here’s what you need to know about using a video doorbell without existing wiring….
You Should Leave Your Christmas Lights Up All Year, Here’s How
Whether you had a rough time putting up your Christmas lights this year or you’re dreading taking them down after the holiday, there’s a solution to your problems: Permanent Christmas lights. Here’s what you need to know….
What Are Your Solar Power Options If You’re Renting a Home?
Whether you want to be more green or need backup power in case of a blackout, getting solar power for your home is a great way to do it. However, if you’re renting you can’t install just anything.
5 Things You Should Never Unplug to Save on Your Electric Bill
Unplugging things to save on your electric bill is a great idea, but there are a few things you should always leave plugged in to avoid flooding, mold, and other risks to your health and home’s structure….
