Smart Home
The only recent tech purchase I’ve truly enjoyed is the Rachio Smart Hose Timer. And funnily enough, it’s a product I had no intention of reviewing when I bought it. My new home came with an ancient underground sprinkler system that barely worked, then it got torn up
Smart Home
Today, I’m summarizing my experience with three Apple Home Key locks: the Yale Assure 2 Plus, Schlage Encode Plus, and Level Lock+. Apple’s Home Key is a must-have feature for families with iPhones and Apple Watches. But after using each of these locks in my home for at
Smart Home
As a long-time user of August locks, I was pumped to test the latest addition to the lineup: the Yale Assure 2 Plus. And it proved to be a more refined version of the older Yale Assure SL with addition of the amazing Apple Home Key feature. After a few
Smart Home
I’ve reviewed more than 14 different smart locks over the last eight years. I just finished four months of testing the Eufy Smart Lock Touch (S230) that has two features that I’ve never seen in a smart lock that I’ve tested: a replaceable battery and a fingerprint
Smart Home
A home automation is when you program a smart home device perform an action automatically each time something happens (a trigger). Basic automation example: your smart lock sees your phone's location as you arrive home, then automatically unlocks the door. More advanced automations require multiple smart home devices
Smart Home
Reviewing smart buttons sounds so painfully boring that I almost didn't write this post. How does someone even review them? I can hear myself now, "Yeah, the button has great clickability." It’s literally just a single button, what else is there to say? But I
Smart Home
After three months of testing, I've determined that Schlage Encode Plus is my new favorite lock and the one anyone trying to get their hands on the Apple Home Key feature should buy. It has all the features a lock should have with just one minor downside, which
Smart Home
After years of testing Nest and Ecobee devices, I’ve determined Ecobee SmartThermostat is the best smart thermostat because you’ll get the most control, flexibility and smart home compatibility. Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen) is a great system for those who lack the c-wire or want an easy installation
Smart Home
Over the last few years, I’ve tested more than 10 different smart locks. After a new month of testing, I determined August is still the best smart lock platform because of its auto-unlock feature and smart home compatibility. Nest x Yale features great-looking hardware, but it doesn’t offer
Smart Home
I was skeptical before buying my IKEA Smart Shades because IKEA is known for furniture rather than tech devices. Usually, things get messy when non-software companies try to make software. And the $160 price? It seemed too good to be true. HomeKit smart blinds and shades are usually more than