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.
Most older UK homes use dated wiring for their lighting. This will typically consist of a live and live switched cable and works simply by the light switch completing the circuit when switched on. When I first started to invest in smart home technology, there were not many (or any that I can remember) smart…
I have previously reviewed the no-neutral Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1 EU, and I love it. So much so that I have bought several more and now have them for many of our home light switches. More recently, I had my loft converted and decided to get the upstairs lights required at the same time,…
The Aqara LED Strip T1 was launched in the middle of August and is the first light strip that Aqara has made. There may be hundreds of light strip options on the market, many of which are more affordable than this. Still, the Aqara LED Strip T1 is a feature-rich light strip with tuneable white…
Aqara, a major player in the smart home industry, is set to make a splash at this year’s IFA show by unveiling a suite of groundbreaking devices. With its booth positioned at H22, 214, Aqara is more than ready to showcase its latest offerings to the public. As a brand that’s always committed to bringing…
Following on from yesterday’s post about the imminent launch of Philips Hue Secure, it has now been made official. This rollout includes the Philips Hue Secure cameras for home surveillance, alongside the Philips Hue Secure floodlight camera, capable of lighting up expansive spaces in any hue of your choosing. Also in the mix are the…
Following on from the Tado Heat Pump Connector announcement, Tado has also revealed another money-saving device in the form of the Tado Smart Charging app. This intelligent home charging solution leverages fluctuating electricity prices to optimise when your electric vehicle (EV) charges. By doing so, it promises an average annual saving of €300 on EV charging…
Tado has broadened its product range with the launch of the Tado Heat Pump Connector and its accompanying app feature, Tado Balance Heat Pump. This innovative technology allows homeowners to manage their heat pumps in a smarter, more cost-effective manner. When paired with fluctuating hourly electricity rates, this system can slash annual heat pump electricity…
Philips Hue is expected to announce their new security system, Hue Secure, at the start of IFA this week, with the announcement due on Thursday 31st of August. There have already been numerous leaks about the system, so we know roughly what to expect. It is also worth noting that Signify, who own Philips Hue,…
The P2 Door and Window Sensor, retailing at $29.99 / £29.99 / €32.99, was launched at the start of July and is the first sensor from Aqara to have native matter support that can be integrated directly into third-party Matter-enabled smart homes without needing an Aqara hub for its operation. However, by pairing the sensor…
This year, TP-Link Tapo expanded its product range to include a new H100 Smart Home Hub and a newer, more powerful H200 smart hub. As part of this launch, Tapo released a range of sensors, including the Tapo T110 contact sensor, T310 temperature and humidity sensor, and the T100 motion sensor. They also launched several…
I have written quite a lot of fans over the past few years. I am quite obsessive about them, depending on your needs, you can’t just buy any old pedestal fan; they are often too noisy for sleeping or even quiet office environments. Being a gadget blog, I love the idea of smart fans, but…
Philips Hue recently extended its range of panel lights with new versions of the Aurelle and Surimu. These are some of the brightest lights Philips Hue offers, and they are perfect for living areas, hallways and bedrooms. I was sent the rectangular Surimu panel to review, which is 120cm long and 30cm wide and can…
End of content
End of content