How-To Geek - Smart Home

Google Brings Back Multiple Speaker Groups for Nest and Chromecast

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:39:31 GMT

An ongoing patent dispute with Sonos has made the Google Home ecosystem significantly worse for music fans. Some of Google's best home audio features, including universal volume control and flexible speaker grouping, have been stripped away from Nest and Chromecast products. But Google is finally leaving the courtroom with good news: two of Sonos' patents are invalid.

TP-Link's New Wire-Free Security Camera Has 2K Video

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:40:35 GMT

Battery-powered security cameras are convenient, but they're also full of compromises. Now, TP-Link is setting a new standard with its Tapo Wire-Free Security Camera, a device that combines an ultra-convenient design with a built-in spotlight, 2K video resolution, free AI face detection, and a wealth of other useful features. The Tapo Wire-Free Security Camera is available today for $120, or just $300 if you purchase a three-pack.

Google Assistant Now Uses AI to "See" and "Hear"

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 17:13:17 GMT

Google Assistant is finally gaining true integration with the Bard AI. Over the coming months, Assistant will tap into the Bard AI when you ask it to compose a text message, create a travel itinerary, answer a complicated question, or perform other tasks. This functionality will extend to smartphones, where Assistant can also summarize web pages, generate captions for images on social media, and streamline your work in Gmail or Docs. These new capabilities were showcased at the Made by Google 2023 event, where Google also revealed the Pixel 8 smartphone and Pixel Watch 2 wearable.

You Don't Train a Robot Vacuum, It Trains You

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 15:16:31 GMT

Robot vacuums (and mops) have one purpose: to do the cleaning so you don't have to. Generally, that works pretty well, but there's one side effect of having a robot cleaner I didn't expect. I'm better at cleaning now, too.

Should You Unplug Your TV When You're Not Watching It?

Sydney Butler — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 12:00:34 GMT

You may have heard that leaving your TV plugged in to the wall might put it at risk, or increase your power bill. While there may be some truth to this, does that mean that you should unplug your TV?

Google Nest’s Original Alexa Integration Is Going Away

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:10:15 GMT

Are you an Alexa user with a Nest Doorbell, Thermostat, or other Google-made smart home products? As of September 29th, Google will no longer support the original Nest Skills for Alexa system. This change will prevent Alexa from communicating with Nest hardware in older smart homes. Thankfully, the solution is pretty straightforward—migrate your Nest account to a Google account, delete the old Nest Alexa skill, remove all of your Nest products from the Alexa app, and install the new Google Nest Alexa skill from the Google Home app.

Amazon Is Shutting Down Alexa Guard and Paywalling Its Features

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 15:20:11 GMT

Amazon is discontinuing Alexa Guard in favor of Emergency Assist, a nearly identical service that was announced at the company's annual hardware event last week. If you paid $6 a month for Alexa Guard, this isn't a big deal, as Emergency Assist costs the same price. But if you're one of the many people who enjoyed the free version of Alexa Guard, your Echo devices will no longer alert you to potential break-ins or house fires.

Apple's HomePod Now Plays Spotify from Voice Commands

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:52:14 GMT

The Apple HomePod only supports a handful of third-party music services, such as Pandora and Deezer. Other services, including Spotify, must be streamed to the HomePod over AirPlay or Bluetooth. But the iOS 17 update is improving things a bit. Now, any streaming app that supports Siri voice commands can be played and controlled directly from the HomePod. You can tell your HomePod to "play Spotify," and it'll actually work.

Philips Hue Will Soon Require Online Accounts to Control Lights

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:40:47 GMT

Philips Hue was one of the first options for smart light bulbs, and the company has expanded over the years to include light strips, accent lighting for computer desks, and even smart cameras. Unlike many other smart home ecosystems, you didn't strictly need an online account to set up and manage devices on your local network. Unfortunately, that's now changing, and not everyone is happy about it.

Amazon's Eero Max 7 Router Offers Wi-Fi 7 and 10 Gig Connectivity

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 18:13:05 GMT

Along with new Fire TV hardware and improved Alexa functionality, Amazon is showing off its first Wi-Fi 7 router. The Eero Max 7 arrives later this year for $600—as you can probably guess, it's the best Eero router available to date, but it's totally overkill for most people. You should only buy this router if you pay for 10 Gig fiber internet, or if you own cutting-edge server equipment that could benefit from increased LAN speeds.

Amazon Bolsters Fire TV with a Soundbar, New 4K Hardware, and More

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:17:54 GMT

During its annual hardware event, Amazon launched its first Fire TV Soundbar and opened pre-orders for the upgraded Fire TV Stick 4K and TV Stick 4K Max. The company also revealed several improvements for its Fire TV operating system, including greatly improved voice search functionality and a new "Continue Watching" row for your home screen — these software improvements will roll out in late 2023.

Amazon Alexa Will Talk More Naturally, Thanks to AI

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:03:26 GMT

Amazon today announced a few new products and service improvements, from updated Fire TV hardware and software to new Ring smart cameras. The company also discussed improvements coming to the Alexa voice assistant, which will (hopefully) make Alexa easier to talk to and better at answering questions.

Your Nest Hub Max Is Losing Video Calling

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 15:35:05 GMT

For many families, the Nest Hub Max is about to become a paperweight. Nest Hub Max will lose support for Google Meet on September 28th, and Zoom will leave the platform two days later. This marks the end of video calls on Nest Hub Max, assuming that Google doesn't roll out a new video call solution. Going forward, if you want to make video calls on a smart display, Amazon Echo is your best option.

Midea V12 Earns IFA Innovation Award with Its Advanced Technology

HTG Staff — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 18:50:02 GMT

In a world where smart technology continues to redefine convenience, the Midea V12 takes a prominent spot as a trailblazer in the realm of home cleaning. This groundbreaking robotic vacuum cleaner recently claimed the prestigious Innovation Award at IFA 2023, and it's easy to see why. With its revolutionary self-emptying and self-cleaning technology, versatile wet and dry cleaning capabilities, and eco-friendly design, the Midea V12 sets a new standard for automated cleaning solutions.

Wyze Cameras Just Had Another Big Security Problem

Arol Wright — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 17:43:37 GMT

With security cameras that exist in a constantly-connected world, the occasional bug or vulnerability is bound to strike sometimes. With something that's constantly recording inside or outside your house, though, the thought of a vulnerability striking your security cameras is really, really creepy. After all, if someone were to get into your cameras, they could have a look inside your house. Now, though, it looks like that's exactly what's happening to Wyze users, as some have reported seeing live feeds from other people's cameras. Yikes.

Roomba Just Revealed Its Priciest Robot Vacuum Ever

Arol Wright — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 15:34:13 GMT

The Roomba may have been the robot vacuum lineup that started it all, but competition has ramped up significantly over the past few years. We've seen some impressive options from Roborock, Narwal, and other companies. iRobot hasn't given up on the Roomba line, though, and now it has revealed its most expensive (and hopefully, most capable) model yet.

Nest Aware Subscription Prices Are Going Up

Arol Wright — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:03:20 GMT

If you have a Nest doorbell or other Nest smart cameras, a Nest Aware subscription is a must-have. It allows you to review and look over footage captured by your cameras, keep a history of events, and in general, keep tabs on what your cameras have seen. If you are subscribed to either Nest Aware's standard tier or the Plus tier, your prices are about to go up quite significantly.

9 Easy Smart Home Upgrades to Make Your Home Smarter

Tim Brookes — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 12:01:28 GMT

Do you wish you lived in a smarter home? The good news is that many smart home features can be added with small incremental upgrades, removing the need to replace high-ticket items entirely.

Google Assistant and Alexa Come Together in JBL's New Speakers

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 17:11:58 GMT

Most smart speakers allow you to choose between Alexa or Google Assistant—one or the other, but never both. We treat this restriction as if it's something normal, and as a result, smart homes that rely on both Alexa and Google Assistant are needlessly over-complicated. Now, Harman is setting a new standard. Its new JBL Authentics speakers are the first to provide simultaneous voice assistant functionality for multi-assistant households.

Philips Hue is Getting Into The Home Security Business

Arol Wright — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 16:39:38 GMT

There are plenty of well-established brands in the smart home security system market, such as Arlo, Ring, and Google, but more competition is always appreciated. Surprisingly, Philips Hue is throwing its metaphorical hat into the home security ring, with a new lineup of cameras and sensors.

The Switchbot S10 Vacuum Will Drain Its Mop Water for You

Arol Wright — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 16:01:28 GMT

Robot vacuum cleaners are nothing new, but over the past few years, we've seen increasingly smarter versions that do more than just hit walls and get stuck on power cords. iRobot's lineup of Roomba vacuums and Braava moppers are two popular options, with some models being smarter than others. But what about a fully autonomous cleaning robot that you don't have to interact with at all? That's the goal for the SwitchBot S10.

Google Home's Script Editor Is Becoming More Powerful

Arol Wright — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:32:16 GMT

Google has one of the most solid smart home ecosystems around with Google Home and Google Nest. For those of you who want to get a little bit more technical with automations and routines, the script editor is a useful way to have a more automated and overall robust smart home. Now, new improvements are being made to the editor, potentially making Google Home one of the most capable smart home platforms currently available.

How to Turn off the Google Assistant Power Button on Android

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 13:31:28 GMT

There are multiple ways to launch Assistant on Pixel smartphones and Android devices. The list of options increased with the release of Android 12. Instead of long-pressing the Side button to open a power menu, Pixels default to launching Google Assistant. Thankfully, you can disable this feature.

10 Cable Management Tips for Around the Home

Tim Brookes — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 13:00:30 GMT

Are cables driving you around the twist? Not only are they unsightly, difficult to hide, and easy to tangle; they can be dangerous tripping or fire hazards too. Here are some tips for tidying, hiding, and better organizing cables around the home.

Just Tap, Tap, Clean With the Roborock App

Neeraj Paruthi — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 13:35:27 GMT

If you're using a Roborock smart vacuum, you will be enjoying an easy cleaning experience that is designed to make your home shine like new. That's because Roborock puts customer care and a superior experience at the heart of all its cleaning solutions.

A Real Smart Home Should Work Offline

Sydney Butler — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:00:26 GMT

Your smart home likely depends on an electronic brain thousands of miles away. But as we grow more dependent on home automation, it's crucial that our smart homes continue to work even if the internet is down.

PSA: You Might Be Eligible for a Free Smart Thermostat

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 17:30:00 GMT

The cost of a smart thermostat certainly weighs into the decision to get one. But in many areas, power companies will give you one for a steep discount or even for free. Here's what you need to know.

How Much Money Will Unplugging My TV and Accessories Save?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 17:30:00 GMT

TV sets and all the various support devices and accessories can carry a surprising phantom load, adding to our electric bills even when we're not using them. Here's how much you can save by unplugging them.

5 Smart Home Features You Should Use While On Vacation

Jason Fitzpatrick — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 17:30:00 GMT

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.

9 Common Energy Vampires Running Up Your Electric Bill

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Who wants to pay good money for electricity they're not even getting any benefit from? Here are some common energy vampires to look for around your home.

TP-Link's New Smart Light Switches Support Matter

Arol Wright — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 12:30:21 GMT

Matter hasn't quite lived up to its promise of an effort-free smart home platform, but some manufacturers are sticking with it. TP-Link is joining the fray with new smart switches of its own, belonging to its Tapo sub-brand.

The Philips Hue App is Getting New Features

Arol Wright — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:17:08 GMT

If you want to get a smart bulb, the Philips Hue lineup is among the best out there, and with good reason. Now, if you happen to own one of the company's smart lightbulbs, you'll be glad to know that the app is now getting a massive update adding new features and capabilities.

6 Inexpensive Ways to Cool Your Home This Summer

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Summers aren't getting any cooler, so there's no time like the present to improve your home's cooling. Even if you don't have air conditioning, you might be surprised how easily you can turn your home into a cool oasis---no HVAC installation necessary.

Cut Your Summer Electric Bill by Supercooling Your Home

Jason Fitzpatrick — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Energy prices are rising and summers aren't getting any cooler. If you're looking to save money and stay comfortable this summer, you should consider using a trick called supercooling to keep your house chillier for less.

Should You Turn Your Water Heater Off While On Vacation?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:00:00 GMT

If you're headed out of town for a while, you might be curious if you can turn off your water heater to save a little money. Here's what to consider before you do.

You Can Convert Coax Lines to Ethernet With MoCA Adapters

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 17:30:00 GMT

No Ethernet runs in your house? No problem. If you have coaxial cable, the stuff used for television connections, you can convert them to Ethernet for high-speed connectivity across your home.

How Are Smart Blinds Powered?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 16:00:00 GMT

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.

Will a Smart Thermostat Actually Save You Money?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 17:30:00 GMT

There are a greater number of smart thermostats on the market than ever before, and one of the selling points is that they will save you money. But will they? Here are some key things to consider.

TP-Link Has a New Outdoor Security Camera

Arol Wright — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 08:30:42 GMT

Finding the right outdoor camera can be complicated, but luckily, there are plenty of good options out there. This camera by TP-Link's sub-brand, Tapo, might just be the one you've been looking for.

10 Smart Thermostat Features You Should Be Using

Jason Fitzpatrick — Tue, 30 May 2023 17:30:00 GMT

Upgrading to a smart thermostat is great, but if you don't use all the features, you're leaving a ton of benefits on the table. Make sure you're taking full advantage of these smart thermostat perks.

How Long Do Video Doorbells Last?

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 23 May 2023 08:00:34 GMT

People like to upgrade their gadgets regularly, but that doesn't seem to include video doorbells. Once installed, they basically just do their thing. But does a Ring or Nest smart doorbell have a shelf life?

Amazon Reveals New "Echo Pop" and Updated Smart Displays

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 17 May 2023 14:12:10 GMT

Amazon's Echo lineup started with a single speaker, and has grown to include smart displays, earbuds, and a lot more speakers. Two Echo devices are now receiving a refresh, and there's a completely new speaker.

This Smart TV Is Free, But It Watches You (and You Watch Ads)

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 17 May 2023 10:56:21 GMT

Free and ad-supported streaming services like Pluto TV and The Roku Channel have become more popular over the past few years, but what if the TV itself was free too? That's what "Telly" is trying.

I'm Done Waiting for Matter's Smart Home Standard to Matter

Chris Hoffman — Wed, 17 May 2023 07:00:09 GMT

Matter was supposed to be transformative. I bought a house in early 2022 and decided to wait for Matter to launch and become widespread before I started investing in smart home gear. One year later, I'm done waiting.

How to Read Text Messages Out Loud With Android

Joe Fedewa — Sat, 13 May 2023 16:00:00 GMT

It's not always convenient to read text messages on your Android phone, especially if you're driving. Rather than risk the danger, you can use Android's built-in features to read text out loud. It's probably already set up.

Peloton Is Recalling 2 Million Bikes Due to Injuries

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 11 May 2023 15:38:58 GMT

Peloton became a household name during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, as many people were looking for ways to stay fit from home. Unfortunately, many of the bikes it has sold since 2018 are now being recalled due to injury risks.

Roku's New Smart Device Is a Home Monitoring System

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 10 May 2023 09:00:13 GMT

Roku has been slowly expanding its smart home products, from security cameras to light bulbs. The company's latest offering is a home monitoring system, with optional 24/7 professional monitoring.

Is an Electric Lawn Mower Right for You?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sun, 07 May 2023 13:00:00 GMT

If you've looked at electric mowers down at the local big box hardware and wondered if one would be a good fit for your needs, we're here to help. They're great pieces of hardware, but they're not the right fit for everyone---or every lawn.

These Inexpensive LEDs Will Light Up Dim Spaces in Your Home

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 03 May 2023 17:30:00 GMT

Almost everybody has a spot somewhere in their home that isn't as brightly lit as they'd like. With LEDs cheaper than ever, there's no time like the present to light the place up like a stadium. From shop lights to can light retrofits, here are our favorite upgrades.

Matter Support Is Coming to More Amazon Echo Speakers

Arol Wright — Tue, 02 May 2023 17:09:11 GMT

Google started rolling out support for Matter to its smart home devices last year, but Amazon wasn't ready to flip the switch on its own hardware just yet. That's now changing, as Matter support is rolling out to some of Amazon's smart home devices.

5 Things You Should Never Unplug to Save on Your Electric Bill

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 17:30:00 GMT

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.

All the Most Useful "Hey Google" Voice Commands

Mahesh Makvana — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 11:00:51 GMT

Hey Google voice commands let you do all kinds of things, like getting the current weather information to finding flights to a specific destination---all without touching your device. Here, we list some of the useful commands that you can use with Google Assistant on your phone, tablet, or hub.

How to Mount Your Smart Cameras Without Drilling

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sat, 22 Apr 2023 17:30:00 GMT

If you're looking to get wall-to-wall (or fence-to-fence) video coverage of your home or yard without drilling holes in everything, we're here to help.

Apple's HomePod Speakers Can Now Hear Home Alarms

Arol Wright — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 12:01:22 GMT

Apple is paying more attention to its HomePod speakers these days, especially with the return of the full-size model. A new feature is rolling out to them that might help you know when emergencies happen: alarm detection.

Matter Is Coming to Your Nest Thermostat

Arol Wright — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 11:55:07 GMT

Matter, despite its potential to perhaps standardize all smart home hardware regardless of its manufacturer or intended ecosystem, has struggled a bit. But it's slowly but steadily catching steam. The Nest Thermostat is the latest, and perhaps one of the biggest, devices to get Matter support.

Smart Blinds on a Budget? Start With This Room

Jason Fitzpatrick — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Maybe one day smart blinds will cost around the same price as regular window treatments, but that day certainly isn't today. In the meantime, here's the room we think smart blinds are worth splurging for.

8 Smart Blind Benefits Worth the Splurge

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 07:00:14 GMT

Compared to plain old window treatments, smart blinds are expensive. But if you're debating whether it's worth the upgrade, here are eight compelling reasons to consider it.

No, Google Assistant Is Not Dying

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 15:15:55 GMT

Google Assistant provides a powerful voice assistant to many smart speakers, Android phones, smart displays, and other devices around the world. Even in this new world of Bard and Bing, it's unlikely that Assistant is going away.

Google Ended Updates for Some Third-Party Smart Displays

Arol Wright — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 10:18:13 GMT

Aside from Google's own, there are plenty of third-party smart displays out there, made by manufacturers such as Lenovo, LG, and JBL. If you have one, though, there's some bad news.

Google Is Shutting Down Some Old Nest Devices and Services

Corbin Davenport — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 14:03:29 GMT

Smart home devices usually offload as much processing power to external servers as possible, which means they often become paperweights when the servers go away. Google has now announced two of its older security systems will shut down in 2024, along with some connected services.

Is an Air Quality Monitor Worth Having?

Gaurav Shukla — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 11:23:32 GMT

Air quality monitors have gained popularity as people have become more conscious of the air they breathe in their homes and offices. But what do air quality monitors do, and are they useful? Here's all you need to know.

How to Enable Dark Mode in Real Life

Joe Fedewa — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 07:00:32 GMT

Dark mode is a feature on pretty much every device and app you can imagine. Android, iPhone, Windows, macOS, Chromebooks, you name it. But in the real world, you're stuck in light mode half the time. Let's fix that.

No-Drill Video Doorbell Mounts Are Perfect for Renters

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:30:00 GMT

Installing smart home gear can be challenging if you don't own your home. An inexpensive no-drill doorbell mount makes it trivial to use a smart video doorbell without making altering anything and risking your deposit.

Amazon's "Sidewalk" Network Is Coming to More Devices

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 11:53:35 GMT

Amazon Sidewalk is a connected network powered by Amazon devices, like Ring cameras and Echo speakers, which aims to keep devices connected beyond the reach of Wi-Fi signals. Amazon is now opening up Sidewalk to more companies and devices.

10 Ring Doorbell Features You Should Be Using

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 18:30:00 GMT

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.

Why You Should Use Apple HomeKit Secure Video

Tim Brookes — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Apple's HomeKit Secure Video is a compelling home security solution for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. It offers some benefits in terms of privacy and storage that you won't necessarily find in competing systems.

PSA: You Should Be Using a Smart Plug to Restart Your Router

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 20:55:00 GMT

Power-cycling your router and modem to fix connection issues is a hassle. But with an inexpensive smart plug, it doesn't have to be.

Garmin is Making its Watches Even Better

Arol Wright — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 16:57:31 GMT

If you're looking for a watch that gets fitness features right, it's hard to go wrong with Garmin. They're pricey, but they're also some of the best smartwatches for the right kind of person, and now they are getting even better.

You Can Stop Turning Your Lights Off to Save Money

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 18:30:00 GMT

Obsessively turning off household lights to save money is a habit most of us have, but it turns out it's not really the money-saving power move we think it is. Here's why you can stop.

Wyze Is Down, It's Not Just You

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 02:55:21 GMT

Wyze has a heap of smart home products under its belt, and you may have noticed that most of them are having problems right now. Don't worry, it's not just you.

How Much Do Smart Blinds Cost?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 09:00:00 GMT

If you're curious about modernizing your window treatments, you might wonder how much smart blinds and shades cost. There's a premium for new installations and retrofits, but it might not be as steep as you think.

This Schlage Smart Lock Works on Doors Without Deadbolts

Arol Wright — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 09:01:19 GMT

It can be hard to buy the right smart lock for your home, and even harder if your door doesn't have a deadbolt. Thankfully, Schlage is here to save the day with a new smart lock.

Don't Reset Your Hue Bridge to Fix Problems, Use One of These Apps

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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 apps.

The New Wyze Cam OG Is Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 11:35:13 GMT

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

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 10:07:18 GMT

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 care about Matter, it looks compelling.

What Do "Built on Thread" and "Requires Border Router" Logos Mean?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 09:00:07 GMT

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.

How Long Do Smart Blind Batteries Last?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 09:00:42 GMT

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

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 11:49:35 GMT

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

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 12:50:07 GMT

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

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 11:46:00 GMT

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 one.

How to Mount a Video Doorbell in an Apartment

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 11:00:00 GMT

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

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 07:00:07 GMT

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

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 11:00:37 GMT

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

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 10:25:37 GMT

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

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 10:08:58 GMT

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

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 09:00:35 GMT

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 first lineup of Roku-made smart TVs at CES.

Samsung's New Fridge Might Have a Bigger Screen Than Your PC

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 10:56:17 GMT

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?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 12:00:02 GMT

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.

You Should Leave Your Christmas Lights Up All Year, Here's How

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 13:30:00 GMT

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.

Which Smart Speaker Has the Best Audio Quality?

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 18:30:00 GMT

Despite their audio-focused nature, people rarely talk about the actual audio quality of Google Assistant, Amazon Echo, and Apple smart speakers. Which one should you get if you want the best-sounding audio experience?

The Best Video Doorbells of 2023

Jon Bitner — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 15:00:00 GMT

This Dumb Power Strip Is Smart Enough to Save You Money

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 11:00:00 GMT

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.

The 25 Best Smart Home Gifts for 2022

Jason Fitzpatrick — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 14:00:00 GMT

If you're shopping with the intent to expand a friend's stable of smart home devices or bring a relative's home into the 21st century, you can't beat these gifts.

Can I Hook Up a Generator Directly to My House?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 13:00:00 GMT

It might be tempting to hook a generator directly up to your home's electrical system during a power outage, but there's a right and wrong way to do it. And the wrong way can cause fires and even kill people, so it's best to read up about the matter in advance.

Your Amazon Echo (Probably) Supports Matter Now

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 11:33:09 GMT

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?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:00:56 GMT

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.

What Are Your Solar Power Options If You're Renting a Home?

Sydney Butler — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 11:00:41 GMT

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.

Google's Smart Home Is Finally Ready for Matter

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 09:00:55 GMT

Matter is the long-awaited connectivity standard that aims to make smart home devices simpler to set up and manage. Google is now updating most of its products to support Matter.

Solve Your Video Doorbell Woes by Upgrading Your Doorbell Transformer

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 09:00:55 GMT

You installed a new video doorbell, and it won't charge, complains about low voltage, or dings but doesn't dong. There's a good chance your home's old transformer is to blame. Here's what you need to know (and what to do about the problem).

Are Smart Christmas Lights Worth It?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 07:00:35 GMT

They're so new and niche you may not have even heard of them yet, but smart Christmas lights are a very cool and very expensive holiday splurge. Are they worth it?