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Home Automation

Home Automation

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The brain of every smart home is a smart hub, with popular models like Samsung SmartThings, in addition to other Z-wave and Zigbee products. Once equipped with a smart hub, any home can be automated with wireless devices, including sensors, buttons, actuators and more. Our smart-device reviews are for all skill levels, house sizes, and budgets.

airport express airplay 7.8 firmware

AirPort Express firmware update enables AirPlay 2 and Apple Home App support

AirPlay 2 is now supported on AirPort Express with firmware version 7.8+ Also includes support for Apple's Home App - native home automation on iOS The AirPort line of products, which include the AirPort Express, are no longer sold in stores and discontinued...
Party Lights with Hue disco

Party Strobe Lights with Hue Disco App

To get a true disco party going, you’ll need some strobe lights for your dance floor. If you have Hue color lights, you’re in luck! I use Hue Disco ($3.99) on my iPad to get the party going. Hue Disco for iOS is an app that...
Google Home Voice Assisted Speaker

What is Google Home? How does it work?

After watching Iron Man, were you envious of the Artificial Intelligence "Jarvis" provided to Tony Stark? Ladies and Gentlemen, we are one step closer to all having our own "Jarvis", but this time it's called "Google home". What is Google Home? Google home is a voice assisted...
Smoke Detectors for Smart Homes ATB

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.

Extend IR Range of Any Night Vision Security Camera

Why You Need Infrared Illuminators Both digital and analog security cameras rely on infrared LEDs to illuminate the image when there’s no sunlight or external light source – it’s completely dark outside. Many cameras have infrared light to illuminate in darkness, but often the output...
Sonos Play1 Original Smart Speaker

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.
Samsung SmartThings Hub Product Photo

SmartThings Home Automation Guide

Samsung SmartThings is a powerful, customizable smart home hub offering both Z-Wave and Zigbee compatibility. Unlimited possibilities of automations, triggers, devices, and custom smart apps make Samsung Smartthings the most versatile and user-friendly smart home hub offered today....
Nest Learning Thermostat - Home cooling

Improve Nest “Away Mode” by Using Phone GPS

Help Nest Learn Your Schedule The Nest Learning Thermostat is one of the most popular smart home products on the market today. The Nest thermostat lets you control your home air conditioner/heater via your smartphone. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "atb-singleprod-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_design =...
Ecolink Motion Detector - Averagetechblog

Ecolink Z-wave Plus Pet-Immune Motion Detector

Motion sensors are valuable when it's important to know when people enter or exit a room. There are many options available, but when it comes to SmartThings, the simplicity and native compatibility of the Ecolink Z-Wave Plus pet-immune motion detector can't be beat. At...
Fibaro Big Button - White

The Ultimate Guide to Buttons for SmartThings

After reviewing over 25 smart buttons for SmartThings and other smart home hubs, we thought it'd be helpful to single-out the top 3 buttons to date. The buttons we link to below are natively compatible with SmartThings, and utilize Z-wave, Zigbee, and sometimes both.

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