Gadgets

21 articles

The Best Zigbee Push Button from ThirdReality
Buttons

The Best Zigbee Push Button from ThirdReality

The ThirdReality Zigbee smart button device is a reliable, simple, and powerful Zigbee push button device. Powered by 2x AAA batteries, featuring a large single button with 3 supported interaction types (tap, double tap, hold), this button is out top pick for single-button devices to integrate with Hubitat or SmartThings.

April 2, 2023
Top 5 Wireless Chargers for iPhone & Android
Apple Guides

Top 5 Wireless Chargers for iPhone & Android

Wireless charging uses magnetic induction to charge devices without requiring any manual insertion of cables or plugs. Energy is transferred via touch-contact from the ‘charging pad’ into the back of your iPhone or Android device.

March 16, 2023
Z-Wave vs. Zigbee: Which is best for home automation?
Gadgets

Z-Wave vs. Zigbee: Which is best for home automation?

While Z-Wave offers better interoperability, longer range, and more advanced security, it comes at a higher cost and limited compatibility. On the other hand, Zigbee offers wider compatibility, lower cost, and energy efficiency, but it may have interoperability issues, less security, and shorter range.

February 25, 2023
Xbox One S vs. Xbox One X
Gadgets

Xbox One S vs. Xbox One X

The Xbox One X is the most powerful and most expensive gaming console released by Microsoft. With its high price tag comes high resolution, ultra-HD, high dynamic range graphics, and performance enhancements for no-lag gameplay. While the Xbox One S does support 4K upscaling to play 4K Netflix and Blu-ray discs, it doesn't support native 4K gaming like the Xbox One X. In the simplest of terms, the Xbox One X is the "true 4K" version of the Xbox One S.

December 24, 2019
Cable Management Tools for DIY Home Automation Projects
Cable Management

Cable Management Tools for DIY Home Automation Projects

Black extension cord running along a white baseboard? Matrix of cables hanging from your new flat screen? Three power strips plugged into each other in the closet? These types of finishing touches can detract from the hard work and hours it took to setup. A few simple additions focused on cable management, like cable clips or raceways, can give any project a professional appearance.

March 24, 2019
How to Optimize Your Home WiFi Network for Speed
Apps

How to Optimize Your Home WiFi Network for Speed

In addition to router brand, home size, and internet service provider (ISP) speed caps, there are a number physical factors - inside and outside - which can affect performance and speed of the WiFi network in your home. It's important to think about these factors when placing access points, and mesh network nodes, around your house.

March 2, 2019
Sonos One vs. Sonos Play:1 - What's the difference?
Gadgets

Sonos One vs. Sonos Play:1 - What's the difference?

The main, and biggest, difference between the 'Play:1' and 'One' is Alexa - the Sonos One has Amazon Alexa voice assistant built in. Both the Sonos Play:1 and Sonos One have 2 drivers, built-in WiFi, a standard wall plug, and are wall-mount compatible.

January 19, 2019
Z-Wave Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Gadgets

Z-Wave Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Fire safety is, arguably, one of the most important aspects to home ownership. Not only are you responsible for yourself, but also everyone else living in the home. If your home is not already equipped with hardwired smoke detectors, it's simple to add wireless smoke detectors to SmartThings (or any Z-Wave home automation system) for less than $50.

November 27, 2018
Aeotec WallMote
Buttons

Aeotec WallMote

The WallMote from Aeotec is a sleek and simple dual-button remote control with Z-Wave Plus radio and native SmartThings compatibility. Available on Amazon, the Aeotec WallMote is an essential smart device for high-end smart homes.

November 25, 2018
Sylvania Smart+ Zigbee Wall Outlet
Buttons

Sylvania Smart+ Zigbee Wall Outlet

Automating lamps and other plug-in appliances in a smart home has never been easier than the SYLVANIA SMART+ 'Lightify' Zigbee power outlet. Natively compatible with Samsung SmartThings, simple design, and 30-second installation and pairing make this outlet out #1 pick for SmartThings wall plug control.

November 25, 2018
Flic Mini Buttons for Smart Home Automation (Released 2023)
Apps

Flic Mini Buttons for Smart Home Automation (Released 2023)

The Logi Pop smart button is, by far, the most aesthetically pleasing IoT push button. However, this beautifully designed smart button requires an additional hub for basic remote operation. To achieve an experience comparable to a native SmartThings device, you'll need to use a custom device handler & smart app, on top of IFTTT web hooks.

November 9, 2018
Top 3 Smart Z-Wave Deadbolts for Home Automation
Door Locks

Top 3 Smart Z-Wave Deadbolts for Home Automation

For both standard and non-standard doors, or doors with decorative door handles, you should consider adding a deadbolt-only smart device to the door to enable remote control and access. A smart deadbolt is simply a locking mechanism that fits into the existing deadbolt cut-out in your door, and connects to the internet to allow for remote access and programming.

September 16, 2018
Zooz Heavy Duty Z-Wave Power Switch
Gadgets

Zooz Heavy Duty Z-Wave Power Switch

This outlet controller from Zooz is natively compatible with SmartThings, which means no custom device handlers or coding is needed to get setup. Be sure to stand near your hub when pairing, otherwise installation is a breeze and takes less than 60 seconds!

June 10, 2018