Smart Home Protocols: 10-min IoT Protocols Glossary for Beginners
Overwhelmed by the number of internet-of-things protocols to pick from for your smart home? Read this smart home protocols primer will get you started.
Smart Home
Guides, reviews, and device recommendations for smart home and home automation topics. Topics covered include home security, climate control, home maintenance, automation hubs (Zwave and Zigbee), home assistant, and smartthings.
27 Impressive Google Home commands you need to know
Looking for some Google home commands to maximize the usage of your Google Assistant devices such as Google Home, Google Home Mini, Google Home Hub, Nest Mini, and Nest Hub Max? Here is an awesome list of commands for Google Home to get started. The Google Home smart speakers are … read more
Roborock S5 vs S6 – Roborock S6 review, multi-floor support
Looking for a smart vacuum that can save multiple floor maps, room recognition, support tape-free virtual no-go zones, and can mop as well? Look no further than the Roborock S6. In this Roborock S5 vs S6 comparison, I will review the features of S6, especially its awesome multi-floor support. I … read more
NUT Sensor on Home Assistant to monitor a UPS connected to Synology NAS
In June 2019, I upgraded the UPS connected to my Ubiquiti Network gear and Synology NAS from APC Back-UPS NS700MC to CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD. You can ready about my complete smart home setup here. Synology DiskStation Manager already has a way to monitor the UPS status and initiate a shutdown when … read more
My Simple Smart Home setup – All gadgets and apps I use
This post describes my simple smart home setup and all the gadgets I used in my home.
Install HASS.io on Docker – Run HASS.io on Ubuntu / Debian Systems
In this post, I will show you how to install HASS.io on Docker on Ubuntu or Debian systems. I have been running Home Assistant for my home automation needs since December of 2017, which is when I started my home automation journey. Home Assistant is a python based program for … read more
8 Best free Wi-Fi camera apps for monitoring home security on desktops – 2019
Wi-Fi cameras are inexpensive and easy to set up. This makes them perfect for home security. At a very low cost, you can lay out Wi-Fi cameras all around your home. These can help you keep an eye on your baby’s room, make sure your basement isn’t flooding with water, … read more
5 Best SmartThings Wall Plugs in 2019 – Reviewed and Compared
Smart homes and smart home automation have become easier to implement. Thanks to technology such as Samsung’s SmartThings, a whole-home retrofit is possible. There are loads of Samsung SmartThings compatible devices, from light bulbs and thermostats to garage door openers. Smart plugs are one of the most commonly used automation … read more
7 Cool automation ideas with Google Assistant and IFTTT
Google Assistant is an amazing tool. IFTTT (If-this-then-that) is a tremendously impressive automation service. Put Google Assistant and IFTTT two together and you have a powerhouse duo that lets you integrate almost any service or smart device in your life. The beauty of IFTTT is that you don’t have to … read more