16 ARTICLES POSTED IN Smart Home CATEGORY

Smart Home

Learn what a smart home can do and about the products that make your life and home safer and smarter.

iRobot Roomba 980 Review – The Good, The Bad, & The Bottom Line

Posted in Smart Home | by Brittney Smart, on September 2, 2019

iRobot Roomba 980 Review – The Good, The Bad, & The Bottom Line

As if we needed an excuse to hang out on the couch a few minutes longer, iRobot’s Roomba 980 has given us just that – app control to conduct your easiest floor cleaning efforts ever. In this article, we’re going to review the Roomba 980: what it is, pros and cons, and the ways it...

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To Smart Light Bulb or Not To Smart Light Bulb: Is That Actually the Question?

Posted in Smart Home | by Brittney Smart, on September 1, 2019

To Smart Light Bulb or Not To Smart Light Bulb: Is That Actually the Question?

It is argued that each generation is smarter than the generation before it. While that topic is, indeed, debatable, one similar conversation that’s less arguable is the one that claims that homes of today are smarter than homes of yesteryear. While smart homes can involve a mass of technological advancements in almost any area you...

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What Makes a Home Automation System Smart

Posted in Smart Home | by Brittney Smart, on September 1, 2019

What Makes a Home Automation System Smart

Home automation is a rapidly growing market in today’s technology-savvy world. It’s an appealing blend of technology and convenience (and a plain old cool factor) that, not surprisingly, has resulted in a multi-billion-dollar industry…and growing. Very simply put, a home automation system is a system that helps to automatically control home appliances using different technologies...

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Indoor and Outdoor Home Security Cameras: Which One is Right For You?

Posted in Smart Home | by Brittney Smart, on September 1, 2019

Indoor and Outdoor Home Security Cameras: Which One is Right For You?

When you’re not at home, you may find yourself wondering – worrying, even – about what’s going on at home, is everything safe, is everyone okay, etc. There are extensive home security systems that can alleviate these types of concerns, but these may be too complicated or expensive for your needs and budget. If this...

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The Best Smart Locks – And Why You Might Need One

Posted in Smart Home | by Brittney Smart, on September 1, 2019

The Best Smart Locks – And Why You Might Need One

In recent years, in the United States but also elsewhere throughout the world, smart locks have become some of the most popular home technology products…along with other home automation and home security system products and technologies. This could be due to a number of factors, but probably has no coincidental correlation to the number of...

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Never Again Be Too Hot or Too Cold with the Best Smart Thermostat for Your Space

Posted in Smart Home | by Brittney Smart, on September 1, 2019

Never Again Be Too Hot or Too Cold with the Best Smart Thermostat for Your Space

Tired of being either too hot or too cold? It’s maybe time to take a look at replacing your thermostat. Not only will choosing an updated thermostat allow you to feel more comfortable in your home, but it will also probably save you a bundle in decreased energy costs. In this article, we’ll discuss what...

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Don’t Get Floored! Find the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner for Your Home

Posted in Smart Home | by Brittney Smart, on September 1, 2019

Don’t Get Floored! Find the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner for Your Home

Whether we’re in full-throttle holiday mode or not, household chores are things that very few of us get thrilled about making time for. Still, those chores have to be done, so we find time…somehow. The good news is that, with ever-smartening technologies, our household chores list can be, if not eliminated (yet), modified to save...

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The Best Smart Plugs for 2019 – The Essential Part Of Any Smart Home

Posted in Smart Home | by Brittney Smart, on September 1, 2019

The Best Smart Plugs for 2019 – The Essential Part Of Any Smart Home

Smart home automation and smart technology is definitely on the rise in popularity and commonplace. While it’s not a big step to move toward smart home gadgetry if you’re already well within the techy front lines, it’s a significant, and often overwhelming, concept for those who don’t dabble as much in the latest and greatest...

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How to Set Up an Amazon Echo Dot

Posted in Smart Home | by Brittney Smart, on March 13, 2018

How to Set Up an Amazon Echo Dot

Amazon Alexa seems to be many people’s best friend. If you want an inexpensive way to bring the convenience and functionality of Alexa into your home, you might consider the Echo Dot. (Note: Comparisons of Echo Dot, Echo, and Echo Pro are included in this article on home automation systems). Happily, Echo Dot requires a...

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Squeaky-Clean Future with iLife A8 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner

Posted in Smart Home | by Brittney Smart, on March 6, 2018

Squeaky-Clean Future with iLife A8 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner

For anyone who has considered delving into a life of ease and luxury with a robotic vacuum cleaner, you’re aware that there are many different robot vacuum options on the market today. It can be hard to choose which robot vacuum is right for you and your space. To add to your research, we’d like...

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Neato BotVac vs. iRobot Roomba 980: Which Robot Vacuum is Better for You?

Posted in Smart Home | by Brittney Smart, on February 27, 2018

Neato BotVac vs. iRobot Roomba 980: Which Robot Vacuum is Better for You?

With our technologically advancing world, there are a variety of wonderfully convenient, hands-free cleaning options available to us, including robot vacuums. Two of the robotic vacuums considered by many to be the best on the market these days are the Neato BotVac Connected and the iRobot Roomba 980. But, as you will want your robot...

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What is the Best Smoke Detector for Safety, Function, & Price?

Posted in Smart Home | by Brittney Smart, on February 13, 2018

What is the Best Smoke Detector for Safety, Function, & Price?

There are few things more important, safety-wise, than having a functional smoke detector in your home. Smoke detectors are, as a general rule, fairly inexpensive to purchase and provide such peace of mind. In addition, they can usually be installed simply and quickly, even by non-professionals. Any smoke alarm that has a higher price than...

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A Closer Look at Neato Botvac Connected: Design, Features, & Performance

Posted in Smart Home | by Brittney Smart, on February 5, 2018

A Closer Look at Neato Botvac Connected: Design, Features, & Performance

We’re all aware of robot vacuums and the impact they have had on clean floors over the past recent years. They’re certainly a cool, modern twist on traditional cleaning needs and methods. But, if we’re being honest, robot vacuums are becoming more common, which means that newer models will have a harder time impressing –...

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How to Set Up Philips Hue Starter Kit

Posted in Smart Home | by Brittney Smart, on January 11, 2018

How to Set Up Philips Hue Starter Kit

One of the first things that probably comes to mind when someone thinks about home automation is lighting. Smart light bulbs are a major component of making this possible and probably the easiest route (although there are some ways around this such as smart outlets, into which you plug lamps). But Philips Hue Starter Kit...

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Top 8 Wireless Video Doorbells for 2023: What to Look for and Why You Want One

Posted in Smart Home | by Brittney Smart, on January 4, 2018

Top 8 Wireless Video Doorbells for 2023: What to Look for and Why You Want One

In today’s world of increasing connectivity, there are times when it is both safer and wiser to hold back a little, at least at first. When someone rings your doorbell or knocks on your front door, for example, you may not want to open it up until you know precisely who you’ll find on the...

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DIY Home Security Systems for Safety & Peace of Mind

Posted in Smart Home | by Brittney Smart, on November 24, 2017

DIY Home Security Systems for Safety & Peace of Mind

The FBI estimates that a home break-in occurs every 14.5 seconds, which results in more than $15 billion in loss and damages each year. It’s no wonder that home security is becoming more and more important and utilized. Of course, there are any number of professional home security systems ready to be installed in your...

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