News

How Much Does a Smart Home Cost, and Is It Worth It?
What can a smart home cost?Costs vary widely. A starter setup with a voice assistant, a thermostat, and a few smart lights can come in at a few hundred dollars, while a fully kitted-out house with locks, sensors, and lighting in every room can run into the thousands. Estimates differ, so plan around the devices you actually need.What do you get for it?Smart home technology can bring comfort, convenience, peace of mind, and financial savings through energy efficiency. A video doorbell shows you who is at the door, a smart... Read more...
Why Won't My Smart Device Connect? Common Fixes
Why smart devices fail to connectMany smart home searches happen after purchase, when people are trying to resolve setup, connectivity, syncing, or device-response issues. If your new gadget will not connect, you are not alone, and the cause is often simple.The classic issue: 2.4 GHz versus 5 GHz Wi-FiMost Wi-Fi routers transmit on two frequencies, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and almost all smart home devices can use only the 2.4 GHz one. If your phone is connected to the network on the 5 GHz band, it may not be... Read more...
What to Look for When Buying Smart Gadgets
Check ecosystem compatibilitySmart devices usually work best inside an ecosystem such as a voice assistant platform. Choose a system based on what is most convenient for your household, and check that the gadget you are buying works with it.Look for the Matter standardMatter is an industry standard certification that helps smart home devices operate across major platforms. Matter-certified devices can work across different ecosystems, which reduces the risk of a stranded device if a manufacturer changes course.Look past price and star ratingsOne common mistake is shopping on price and star... Read more...
Are Smart Home Devices Secure? What to Know About Hacking
Can smart home devices be hacked?Yes, without proper updates and security settings, smart home devices can be hacked. The good news is that the same basic habits that protect any online account go a long way toward protecting your gadgets.Practical steps to secure your devices Set up strong, unique passwords for your accounts and devices. Change default usernames and passwords that come with some devices. Keep device firmware and apps updated so security fixes reach you. Check what data a device collects and with whom it is shared, and use... Read more...
What Is a Smart Home? A Beginner's Guide to Smart Devices
What is a smart home?A smart home uses connected technology, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so devices can talk to each other and be managed remotely from a phone, tablet, or voice assistant. A smart home can be as small as a single smart bulb or as large as a whole-home automation setup.Types of smart devices Safety and security: smart locks, video doorbells, alarms, window sensors, and cameras. Lighting and power: smart bulbs, switches, power strips, and thermostats. Appliances: refrigerators, ovens, and other connected appliances. Entertainment: smart TVs and speakers.... Read more...