Smart home

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Technology is a wonderful thing. By stumbling upon anything I’ve written, you know it’s what I like to write about the most. This year has brought us some of the best personal electronics I’ve seen in years, whether it’s in fitness tracking, streaming or home security. Let’s take a look at one item from each of those categories making the rounds this quarter courtesy of Microsoft, Myfox and Google.

Smart Home Ecosystems are the focus of today's blog—Who are the major players?, What makes them great?, and Why should you embrace these mysterious beasts?

IP cameras are best known for home security, or for installation in a baby’s nursery. I recently found another use for the connected cameras we have as part of our security system: I repurposed them to monitor our injured dog. Because of the real-time feed from the cameras, we are able to leave her for short periods of time, the vet has video proof of her recovery process and our household is much closer to normal than it would have been otherwise. In fact, I’m not sure how we could have pulled this off without remote camera access.

Want to own the smartest home on your block? Today we begin a 12 part series that will show you how to do just that, starting with smart home security.

Out of all of the things that have happened since we moved from a quiet cul-de-sac with neighbours to a 12-acre farm, having break-in after break-in has been the worst. Possessions can be replaced but when you lose the sense of security you have in your home? That’s really hard to get back. Thankfully we discovered Arlo smart home security, and I sleep better at night because of those cameras. Here’s my take on Arlo and how we use it on our property.

Today I explore smart gifts for husbands and boyfriends to give to their partners—a subject that, despite being married myself, I can claim no expertise in!

When Philips Hue launched I was fascinated and excited by it: a light bulb that connects to my wireless network that could be controlled by my iPhone … and change to any colour! Very cool. Hue has done well, and the line has diversified, growing to encompass other smartphone platforms and different bulb types. With Hue Go, Philips is launching a different type of product: a light that stands alone or connects with your network … but that you can take with you. I had the chance to use it for a week. Here’s what that was like.

Today we examine a whole heap of Honeywell Home security devices. If you like the idea of a complete home security bundle watching over your home, read on!

In this edition of Connected Home, I take a look at keyless entry. There’s a much smaller selection of keyless entry home devices than some other things like light switches and bulbs, but what’s out there is high quality and easy to enjoy. Are you looking for a new deadbolt system altogether, or something that works with your existing keys and lock system? I’ll lay out some options for you and compare a couple products out there already.