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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 –...
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...
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...
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...
