Google Home er… Nest Hub
The Google Nest Hub is one of the current crop of “smart display” devices which offer voice control via a smart assistant, as well as limited support for a couple OTT video providers.
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Konnected Version 2 and 2 pro announced
Konnected has announced its next line of products. Given I am a huge fan of Konnected’s hardware and setupm I am excited. This truly is an amazing system to convert older wired alarm systems into a smart home. I use it with Hubitat and it is by far the most reliable piece of Home Automation Software I have. I […]
Read moreIs Thread 1.2 The One True HA Protocol?
With real support for BTLE, and massive sensor pools, Thread 1.2 takes a major step forward towards being the home automation (HA) protocol that can really do everything. Even more importantly, all the big players (cough… newcomers) are lining up behind it, so there is massive backing. While I personally have a [mostly] Z-Wave installation at home, I would love […]
Read moreZigbee’s All Hubs Initiative Could Solve The Main Issue With Zigbee Adoption
In many ways Zigbee is technically superior to Z-Wave, but the lack of guaranteed compatibility with Zigbee devices is one of the main barriers to its adoption in the home. Their “All Hubs Initiative” could sort that. If it does, Silicon Labs should be worried, very worried. The Zigbee Alliance Announces the ‘All Hubs Initiative’ Driven by Leading Ecosystems to […]
Read moreKwikset Announces Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Details are still a bit thin on the ground, but Kwikset is bringing out a Wi-Fi enabled deadbolt lock. Wi-Fi is obviously a much lower bar to entry than a proper home automation hub/system, so I can see why they are doing it. But, if it’s just an isolated lock, with no chance of integration with other systems (even the […]
Read moreLutron Aurora Hue Controller is Brilliant, and way too expensive
The Lutron Aurora Hue switch controller is brilliant, just brilliant. Slap it over the light switch and you solve the usability issue with a Philips Hue installation. Power comes from a coin battery, and it uses Zigbee for effortless and reliable setup and configuration. But, $40 a switch, yeah, $40… I’d be shocked if there’s more than $2 in hardware […]
Read moreZooz 4-in-1 Sensor
The Zooz 4-in-1 sensor is a reasonably priced way to add motion, light level, humidity, and temperature sensing capability to your home via a home automation controller. Pro: Good price Once paired, work very well Four sensors from one device Con: Z-Wave pairing process is onerous
Read moreZooz ZEN21 v3 Z Wave Switch
Zooz is a brand of Z-Wave devices that I hadn’t heard of until recently. But after discovering them, and quite liking the price of the units (~$27). They have become one of my favorite devices. Frankly, what isn’t to like about a device that works, and makes it really easy to support a 3-way install? Device properties: Pro: Cheap Works […]
Read moreHubitat Hub Review- Finally making my automated home automated.
I started out in seeking a “smart” or automated home several years ago. I have owned and or/used several hubs from Wink to Home Assistant. I had settled on Wink for far too long and allowed its shortcomings to maybe make my house “smart” but far from automated. I have a wide range of devices from Nest, Leviton, Jasco, and […]
Read moreHomeseer HS-FS100-W Flood Sensor Update
If you’ve seen the review of the HS-FS100-W, you know things didn’t quite go to plan during testing. As it turned out, the problem was that the original driver didn’t support the water cord. So after installing the update HomeSeer provided, it was time to go back to the pit.
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