Smart home

The most important part of your Smarthome network has nothing to do with the products you choose or how they interact with each other. Flashy coordination is nothing without a solid network connection. Without a stable wireless network setup, you won’t have a stable smarthome network. Read on about how to create an easy and smart wireless network for your smart home.

See who's at your door so you don't open it to strangers or people you don't want to get stuck in conversation with. Review of Ring Video Doorbell

Almost all the information currently on the Internet is created by humans. Content mainly produced by people. But the Internet of Things (IoT) is about devices connected to the Internet and interacting with other connected things and to a small extent with humans, and providing its own content. It is a concept that has enormous potential to impact how we live and work and is already starting to impact the home. But we are just at the tip of the iceberg. Smart TVs already comprise some of the billions of “things” currently connected to the Internet, and they will definitely have a role to play as the Internet of Things unfolds. I will start to identify that potential.

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.

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.

Today I take a look at the Piper Home Security Camera and a few Piper accessories to see just how well they perform. I’ve extensively tested these products over the past few days, so there’s definitely a lot to cover here. If you’re thinking about getting a home security system that’s easy to use, provides multiple layers of security, and has no monthly fees, then read on to discover whether or not the Piper System could be for you. Hint: Testing went quite well. Not perfect, but not bad either!

If you’re curious about the effectiveness of the Guardzilla Wireless All-In-One Video Security System, read on for all of the details. Inside I discuss features, specifications, and just how well this low cost security system performs. You’ll hear about a few bugs, but you’ll also hear about a system that has the potential to be the answer to your home security needs!

If you’d like to give your Dad the gift of peace of mind this coming Father’s Day, you might want to consider helping him turn his home into a modern-day Smart Home. The products within the Smart Home realm can increase home security, reduce costs (particularly electrical and heating costs), and add convenience to your father’s daily life. Click on through if you’d like to learn all about several of these very useful products!

Continuing our look at the ‘connected home’ let’s take a look at the idea of keeping your home ‘lived in’ while you’re travelling. This is especially handy this time of year while the weather warms up and many of us start making plans to travel and get out a lot more. Whether you’ve got a road trip or a vacation coming up, home security can be a concern while you’re away. With all the smart home technology you can employ nowadays it’s easy to give your home the appearance of remaining occupied as usual even though you’re out and about. If your home will be unoccupied for an extended period of time this can be particularly useful.

Home automation is starting to take off in the mainstream, mostly thanks to low-cost alternatives to custom systems; while there’s still a market for the integrated home automation system, for many consumers there’s a choice between entry level and midrange “network” products and “non-network” products. What does that mean and which type of product is right for you? Read on to find out.