If you’ve bought into NETGEAR’s Arlo camera system the $250 wire-free Arlo Security Light companion devices seem like a no-brainier. The kit comes with a few power options, including rechargeable batteries or via a solar panel. Post installation these IP65 “weather resistant” lights with customizable color, pattern, and beam width can tie into a wider Arlo ecosystem either as a […]
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Installing a Google Home Mini or Amazon Echo Dot is a popular way to add the home automation enabling functionality to your house in an unobtrusive way. As neat as that is, it isn’t quite as slick as incorporating the technology straight into a smoke detector. If you have powered detectors already installed, as most modern homes do, the First […]
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Beyond the doesn’t look like a Wi-Fi router visage, the most interesting thing about the ASUS Blue Cave 802.11AC AC2600 Wi-Fi router is that it’s the first Intel Home Wi-Fi Chipset (what a product name :)) based networking kit that I’ve run across. Given the 4×4 1733Mbps + 800Mbps specifications, it has to be using the WAV524. SoC considerations aside, […]
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I wasn’t familiar with abode’s iota security system, home automation controller (HAC), and camera system before meeting them at CES. Overall the system looks quite approachable, and is obviously more intended for users who prioritize ease of installation and user experience (UX) over flexibility. I don’t mean that as a negative, per se. Just something that would need to be […]
Read moreAs a light sleeper the Nightingale smart home sleep system is very appealing to me, even at its $149/$249 price point. For the price you get “smarts” not found in a traditional white noise machine, like schedules and Amazon Alexa/IFTTT support. IFTTT support is particularly interesting from a home automation perspective because it means that you can tie the Nightingale […]
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Being completely honest, I’m not sure how I feel about the Phrame smart license plate frame. By replacing the rear license plate frame with it, you can keep a spare key (or fob) on the car opened by a combination or your smartphone. It has other features like temperature and location reporting, but the primary use case is just that. […]
Read moreSmart vent systems are a tricky thing to get right. Too little modulation and they aren’t terribly useful, too much and you risk breaking the HVAC. HiberSense connected climate control system claims to strike the right balance. Energy efficient comfort control that is also sensitive to the lifespan of your furnace and air conditioner. HiberSense works by replacing the vents […]
Read moreWhen it’s cold, I do a lot of roasting. So products like the MEATER Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer have become an essential part of my toolbox. Being able to have that extra bit of insurance, or early warning system, when coordinating everything is a massive help. MEATER currently has a single probe version, which is somewhat hamstrung by being limited […]
Read moreLike the Guardian by Elexa water shutoff controller, Flo can “intelligently” turn off the water. But, it also promises to be much more. Including detecting leaks, and even wastage – like a running toilet or leaky faucet. Unless you’re really handy, installing a Flo will require engaging a plumber as it sits in the main water line just past the […]
Read moreFor my family, smart speakers like the Amazon Echo or Google Home are an essential part of how we interact with the home automation (HA) system, intercom between rooms, and casually listen to music. The privacy implications of this aren’t that concerning for us as I don’t think we’re interesting enough for Amazon, Google, the NSA, or really anyone else […]
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