Home automation allows you to monitor and control devices and appliances in your home remotely. Connected products like smart lights, thermostats, security cameras, locks, and more can be programmed to turn on/off automatically or controlled manually from anywhere.
Home automation systems communicate through wireless protocols like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee or are hardwired into a home’s electrical system. Cloud services and digital assistants enable voice control.
We test and review the latest smart home and automation products to help build your connected dream home. See our home automation buying guides, news, deals, product comparisons, and advice to add convenience, security, and savings.
I previously reviewed the Aqara Smart Lock U200, and at the time, it was my favourite smart lock I had tried. I continued to use it as my primary smart lock until May this year, when I reviewed the SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo. I am tempted to move back as I have had to…
Following on from my review of the outstanding SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo, I have also been reviewing the new SwitchBot Hub 3, which is what the Lock Ultra is paired to. This hub has some significant upgrades compared to the SwitchBot Hub 2 and will be appealing to anyone who integrates SwitchBot into a…
I have previously reviewed the SwitchBot Lock Pro and found it to be excellent. I have continued to use it on my back door but have favoured the Aqara Smart Lock U200 for my front door. This has now changed with the launch of the SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo, which combines the new SwitchBot…
Aqara has recently launched several new products for the EU/UK, including the superb Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus EU and the impressive but limited Touchscreen Dial V1. The Aqara Light Switch H2 EU I am reviewing today is far less exciting than my previous two reviews, but in some regards, it is the best product…
Aqara recently launched several new wall switch products, including the superb Panel Hub S1 Plus. The Aqara Touchscreen Dial V1 EU, which I am reviewing today, is a rotary dial wall switch featuring haptic feedback, two relay switches, and six wireless switches. It incorporates a 1.32-inch round touch screen for adjusting compatible Aqara devices through…
The Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus EU has arrived, promising to transform how we interact with our smart homes. This wall-mounted control panel combines a touchscreen interface with physical switches, aiming to provide a centralised command centre for Aqara’s ecosystem and beyond. As smart home technology continues to evolve, devices like the S1 Plus seek…
Aqara recently announced its first outdoor camera, the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro, which is available in WiFi and PoE versions. As the name suggests, this is not just a camera but also a Zigbee and Open Thread Border Router with Matter support. The camera uses a graphene-cooled 1/1.8” sensor with an f/1.0 aperture, which…
I have been a big fan of smart locks for several years now. My preference has typically been smart locks, which use your existing hardware and work by turning the key in the cylinder. I currently have the SwitchBot Lock Pro on my back door and the Aqara Smart Lock U200 Review on my front…
Aqara has revealed its latest smart home product lineup at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, showcasing new in-wall controls, sensors, and Matter-compatible devices that enhance home automation capabilities. New In-Wall Control Systems Panel Hub S1 PlusThe flagship Panel Hub S1 Plus stands out with its 6.9-inch touchscreen interface, designed to replace traditional light switches whilst…
Aqara has showcased an array of new smart home solutions at IFA 2024 in Berlin. The company’s latest offerings span various categories, including home security, safety, energy efficiency, and interoperability. Enhanced Home Security and Safety Camera Hub G5 Pro: Advanced Outdoor Surveillance Aqara’s first foray into outdoor surveillance cameras, the Camera Hub G5 Pro, marks…
I have previously reviewed the excellent but very expensive Luxaflex PowerView Smart Home Blinds and the affordable Aqara Roller Shade Driver E1. SmartWings are another popular option and sit somewhere in the middle in terms of price, quality and features. Unlike the Luxaflex, these are self-install options, so you need to measure everything yourself and…
Philips Hue has launched a range of new products and app features designed to enhance home lighting experiences. Introduction of Philips Hue Twilight for Better Sleep Among the highlights is the Philips Hue Twilight, a new sleep and wake-up light designed to support users’ circadian rhythms. The Twilight light, available in both white and black,…
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