Home Control
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Orbit B-hyve Wifi Sprinkler Timer review: Two ways to control your watering system
With onboard manual controls, B-hyve adds flexibility, but at the expense of simplicity.
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.
Product Hub
Best smart sprinkler controller
Whether you’re motivated by water conservation, saving money, a drive to render every aspect of your home smart, or all the above, a smart irrigation controller will scratch that itch.
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!
Sensibo Sky A/C controller review: Control your room air conditioner from anywhere
While the app is still under construction and the price is a bit off-putting, this device should help reduce your electric bill.
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