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HomeKit was a surprise winner of CES 2019. Now Siri needs to get a whole lot better
A slew of companies announced at CES that they were signing on to support Apple’s HomeKit, including some affordable device makers. That means Siri has a chance to show the world what it can do.
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Best subscription-free smart home devices
Subscription fees can double the cost of a smart-home gadget after a few years. Shop smart and consider one that won't be a monthly drain on your finances.
JBL Link 300 review: This Google Assistant-powered speaker delivers multi-room sound and smart home skills
Shake your money maker with the middle of JBL’s Link series of smart speakers.
Smart home systems: DIY vs. hiring a professional
A certain degree of pride comes with building out your own smart home, but there’s no shame in hiring a pro.
Home security systems vs. smart home systems: How to choose the right DIY platform
What’s more important to you, security or convenience? Maybe you can have both.
Smart home systems vs. home security systems: How to choose the right DIY platform
What do you value most: Convenience or security? Maybe you can have both.
GE Smart Lighting review: ZigBee or Z-Wave? In-wall or plug-in?
Jasco Products markets in-wall and plug-in ZigBee and Z-Wave lighting controls under the GE brand. Are they worthy of your smart home?
Google Home Max review: This is the best-sounding smart speaker you can buy
But Sonos might have more to fear than Amazon (ditto for Apple).
Save 50% on the TP-LINK Wi-Fi Smart Plug, Works with Amazon Alexa - Deal Alert
Gain peace of mind by checking on your devices remotely and always coming home to a well-lit house. Use away-mode to make it look like you are home when you travel, and have lights turn on/off at set times to conserve energy and save...
Amazon Echo (2nd generation) review: Better than the original, but not as important
Interested in voice-based home control? Buy an Echo Dot. Interested in multi-room audio? Buy a Sonos One.
Harman Kardon Invoke smart speaker review: Cortana could be a strong smart home system—someday
The Invoke is a good speaker, and Microsoft’s digital assistant has potential, but it’s too immature for us to give it a strong recommendation today.
Tado Smart AC Control review: An even better way to make your dumb air conditioner smarter
Connecting your A/C to your smartphone and smart home will save you smart money.
Nvidia's new $179 Shield TV bundle battles Apple TV 4K
Nvidia's $179 Shield TV bundle sheds the game controller to match the price of the new Apple TV 4K.
Nest Hello is the company's first video doorbell
Nest previewed a new video door bell coming in 2018, in addition to its Nest Secure home-security system and Nest Cam IQ Outdoor security camera.
Nest jumps into home security with Nest Secure
Nest is hoping to revolutionize home security with Nest Secure, a smart security system that offers several advantages over conventional systems.
Comcast quietly acquires Stringify and will use the IFTTT rival to power its Xfinity Home smart-home platform
Stringify-the automation tool that's more powerful, but less well known than IFTTT-will be incorporated into Comcast's smart-home system.
Rain Bird ST8I-WIFI Smart Irrigation Timer/Controller review: A major irrigation player finally goes “smart”
Rain Bird’s first generation smart sprinkler still has some growing to do. Just like your lawn!
Blossom 7 Smart Watering Controller review: It’s just the basics for this smart irrigation device
The second generation of Blossom strips out features, simplifies watering, and drops the price.
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