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.
New Philips Hue Outdoor Smart Lighting
Philips Hue is the leader in smart, colored lighting solutions for residential and DIY projects. While Hue products are on the higher end of the price spectrum, their quality and durability easily justify the price tag. Compared the cheap, LED light strips...
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.
Optimal Netgear Orbi Router Settings for Signal Strength and Speed
To access these settings, login to orbilogin.com (while connected to the network), click the Advanced tab, then choose Advanced Setup from the left sidebar menu. These settings are only available if your Orbi is in 'Router mode'.
Control Existing Window Blinds with Voice & App
Available on Amazon The idea behind MySmartBlinds is simple: place a small WiFi/Bluetooth servo motor, hidden inside the existing housing of your window blinds, to open, close, and adjust the angle of the slats manually, or on a...
Sonos One vs. Sonos Play:1 – What’s the difference?
Side-by-side Comparison Sonos One (new) Released: 10/2017Price: $195-200Voice Control: Yes, Alexa built-inDrivers: 2Line-in: NoWall-mountable: YesPhysical buttons: touch-capacitive volume and track control Buy...
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.
Fibaro Z-Wave Button: Big & Simple
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This stand-out push button for Z-Wave smart homes (including Samsung SmartThings), developed by Fibaro, can function as a standalone panic button or a scene controller. Depending on your configuration, a single push can trigger any number of devices and automations. For even more customization,...
Top 5 Qi Wireless Chargers for iPhone & Android
What is Wireless Charging?
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. Many newer Android phones also support wireless...
Aeotec Z-Wave Smart Dimmer Outlet Plug
The basic operation is to toggle power on and off using the SmartThings mobile app, but you can also dim the brightness of the plugged-in device using a fully customizable sliding scale. This feature enables homeowners to achieve the perfect dimmer level for table and floor lamps, and other lighting applications.
