Smart home technology allows you to monitor and control devices and appliances in your home remotely using your smartphone or other networked devices. Connected products like smart lights, thermostats, security cameras, locks, and more can be programmed to turn on/off automatically or be controlled manually from anywhere.
Smart home devices communicate with each other and with the homeowner through wireless protocols like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. or through hardwired home automation systems. Cloud services and digital assistants like Alexa also enable voice control.
With home automation, you can save energy, time, and money while adding convenience and security. We cover and review the latest smart home gadgets and whole-home platforms to help you create your connected dream home. See our smart home product guides, news, buying advice, and more.
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…
I have previously reviewed the very impressive Reolink Altas PT Ultra, which is a pan and tilt camera with a 4K sensor that can capture true colour night footage. As amazing as it is, the pan-tilt design with auto-tracking inevitably requires a lot of power. Reolink did their best to overcome this problem by using…
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 introduced three new products aimed at simplifying home automation and enhancing security and comfort. The Hub M100, Camera Protect Kit Y100, and Climate Sensor W100 are designed to cater to both entry-level users and experienced enthusiasts, providing compatibility with major smart home ecosystems and focusing on ease of use, reliability, and flexibility. Related…
Aqara recently released several new exciting products in the EU market, including the Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus, Touchscreen Dial V1 and Light Switch H2. The last product I have to review is the Aqara Display Switch V1 EU, which is a is a dual-channel neutral wall switch featuring four physical buttons and a 2.08-inch…
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…
As much as I love robot vacuums, we still regularly use a stick vacuum for on-demand cleaning and for cleaning areas, a robot vacuum can’t reach. I am fortunate enough to have multiple excellent vacuums, and I typically use the Gtech AirRAM 3 Dual Edge-Clean and Hoover HFX Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner for any additional…
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…
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