Smart Home Reviews, Information, Home Automation Trends
Welcome to Smarter Home Automation! Almost everyone is looking forward to affordable smart home solutions that are relatively easy to implement and use. We are all about helping you understand and choose the best home automation gear for your world: That’s why we call our review site Smarter Home Automation.
A Pano of our Smart Home Great Room and Kitchen. Starting summer 2017, the home automation devices in use in this room will be highlighted, and you will be able to click to go right to those reviews.
To accomplish this noble goal, we will primarily provide you with in-depth reviews of these products for the smart home. But there’s more: There will be articles, videos, blogs and reports that discuss the latest trends, in both gear, and market direction. Read More
Philips Hue Gen 3 Smart Bulb “with Richer Colors” Review and Comparison
Welcome back to our second review of the Philips Hue Smart Light Bulbs – this time, of the Gen 3 with Richer Colors. 18 months ago, I wrote a review of the first generation Philips Hue. Since then, Philips has released a second generation. And, more recently a third generation. I’ve gott…
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Welcome back to our second review of the Philips Hue Smart Light Bulbs – this time, of the Gen 3 with Richer Colors. 18 months ago, I wrote a review of the first generation Philips Hue. Since then, Philips has released a second generation. And, more recently a third generation. I’ve gott…
Read more ›
Wink Hub 2 – The Next Generation Smart Hub Review
Wink Hub 2 is the next generation of one of the best home automation hubs on the Market. Now with more horse power and an all new form factor. Wink is still at the top of their game, delivering another great home automation hub with the best protocol support around. Bluetooth LE, Kidde, Lutron Cle…
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Wink Hub 2 is the next generation of one of the best home automation hubs on the Market. Now with more horse power and an all new form factor. Wink is still at the top of their game, delivering another great home automation hub with the best protocol support around. Bluetooth LE, Kidde, Lutron Cle…
Read more ›
Google Home, Voice Activated Assistant – The Review
Google Home is coming on strong
Google Home is far more than just a voice activated speaker. Powered by the Google Assistant, it offers voice control for your home, your music and your latest binge watching fix. All with the ever expanding knowledge of google. As a result you get access to so much…
Read more ›
Google Home is coming on strong
Google Home is far more than just a voice activated speaker. Powered by the Google Assistant, it offers voice control for your home, your music and your latest binge watching fix. All with the ever expanding knowledge of google. As a result you get access to so much…
Read more ›
Sylvania Lightify Flex RGBW Lighting Review – Smart Strip Lighting by Osram
This review looks at the Lightify Flex RGBW – Strip lights which use RGBW LEDs to offer the full spectrum of color, plus tunable white. They are brought to you by Osram Sylvania. A basic Flex RGBW kit sells online for under $70, and if you need it, Lightify’s gateway (hub) (using Zigbe…
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This review looks at the Lightify Flex RGBW – Strip lights which use RGBW LEDs to offer the full spectrum of color, plus tunable white. They are brought to you by Osram Sylvania. A basic Flex RGBW kit sells online for under $70, and if you need it, Lightify’s gateway (hub) (using Zigbe…
Read more ›
Review – myLink Controller and App for Somfy Motorized Shades
Somfy myLink controls our motorized shades. Somfy isn’t a household name. That’s because they make the motors for many products including motorized shades, curtains, shade screens, and, where I first discovered them – projection screens for home theaters. The motorized shades we have are from …
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Somfy myLink controls our motorized shades. Somfy isn’t a household name. That’s because they make the motors for many products including motorized shades, curtains, shade screens, and, where I first discovered them – projection screens for home theaters. The motorized shades we have are from …
Read more ›
Schlage Camelot 619 Z-Wave Smart Lock – A Review
The Schlage Camelot 619 is the third Smart Lock that I’ve reviewed. It is a Z-Wave based lock, which I installed and have been using in our “dream home” – aka our Smart Home project – for the past 7 months. It is a direct competitor of the last smart I reviewed; the K…
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The Schlage Camelot 619 is the third Smart Lock that I’ve reviewed. It is a Z-Wave based lock, which I installed and have been using in our “dream home” – aka our Smart Home project – for the past 7 months. It is a direct competitor of the last smart I reviewed; the K…
Read more ›
Ilumi – The Smartest, Most Talented LED Lightbulb – A Review
“The Worlds Smartest Light Bulb”, is one lofty tagline. Ilumi’s lights featuring Bluetooth Mesh technology, on board ( yes in the bulb) processing and memory, deliver on just that. These are the one bulb on the market that are a self contained solution.
I was fortunate enough to h…
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“The Worlds Smartest Light Bulb”, is one lofty tagline. Ilumi’s lights featuring Bluetooth Mesh technology, on board ( yes in the bulb) processing and memory, deliver on just that. These are the one bulb on the market that are a self contained solution.
I was fortunate enough to h…
Read more ›
Eve Energy HomeKit Outlet Measures Energy Usage – Review
We’ve reviewed smart outlets for the smart home before, but the Eve Energy is unique due to Apple HomeKit compatibility, which allows voice control using Siri, and massive in-app features. With its suggested US list price of $49.95, the Eve Energy from Elgato is the type of well thought-out product …
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We’ve reviewed smart outlets for the smart home before, but the Eve Energy is unique due to Apple HomeKit compatibility, which allows voice control using Siri, and massive in-app features. With its suggested US list price of $49.95, the Eve Energy from Elgato is the type of well thought-out product …
Read more ›
AMAZON ECHO – Voice Control For Your Smart Home – A Review
Amazon Echo is a voice activated personal assistant, and so much more. Designed to deliver superb voice control and instant access to information, including music, it can make your life easier and more enjoyable! Amazon has done a stand up job taking hold of the IOT and bringing the cloud right in…
Read more ›
Amazon Echo is a voice activated personal assistant, and so much more. Designed to deliver superb voice control and instant access to information, including music, it can make your life easier and more enjoyable! Amazon has done a stand up job taking hold of the IOT and bringing the cloud right in…
Read more ›
Wink Hub Review – Nest, Google, Echo and More!
Can the Wink hub do it all? Is it the right smart hub for you? Will it connect to your home automation products? I hope this review will answer those questions and more. Home automation is growing rapidly, as we install devices in our smart homes to automate tasks. There are an increasing number of …
Read more ›
Can the Wink hub do it all? Is it the right smart hub for you? Will it connect to your home automation products? I hope this review will answer those questions and more. Home automation is growing rapidly, as we install devices in our smart homes to automate tasks. There are an increasing number of …
Read more ›
Featured Reviews
Notifi – video doorbell system – The Review | July 16, 2017 - By Dave Duncan
Answer your door at the flick of an app when you are home or away. The Notifi video doorbell system from HeathZenith will send you ...
Answer your door at the flick of an app when you are home or away. The Notifi video doorbell system from HeathZenith will send you ...
Wink Hub 2 – The Next Generation Smart Hub Review | May 9, 2017 - By Dave Duncan
Wink Hub 2 is the next generation of one of the best home automation hubs on the Market. Now with more horse power and an all new form ...
Wink Hub 2 is the next generation of one of the best home automation hubs on the Market. Now with more horse power and an all new form ...
Google Home, Voice Activated Assistant – The Review | April 22, 2017 - By Dave Duncan
Google Home is coming on strong Google Home is far more than just a voice activated speaker. Powered by the Google Assistant, it ...
Google Home is coming on strong Google Home is far more than just a voice activated speaker. Powered by the Google Assistant, it ...
iDevices Switch – HomeKit, Alexa and Android in One Smart Switch | March 2, 2017 - By Dave Duncan
The iDevices Smart Switch is one of the most compatible smart switches on the market, as it works with HomeKit, Alexa and your Android ...
The iDevices Smart Switch is one of the most compatible smart switches on the market, as it works with HomeKit, Alexa and your Android ...
Kevo Plus Gateway by Kwikset Introduces Remote Locking – A Review | February 28, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
Kwikset is a well known lock manufacturer with a big presence in the home automation industry, thanks to their smart lock technology. ...
Kwikset is a well known lock manufacturer with a big presence in the home automation industry, thanks to their smart lock technology. ...
Eve Room – Air Quality Indoor Sensor – Review | February 27, 2017 - By Dave Duncan
Eve Room delivers up to the minute air quality, temperature and humidity readings. Providing you with important information about the ...
Eve Room delivers up to the minute air quality, temperature and humidity readings. Providing you with important information about the ...
Review – myLink Controller and App for Somfy Motorized Shades | February 7, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
Somfy myLink controls our motorized shades. Somfy isn’t a household name. That’s because they make the motors for many products ...
Somfy myLink controls our motorized shades. Somfy isn’t a household name. That’s because they make the motors for many products ...
Schlage Camelot 619 Z-Wave Smart Lock – A Review | December 28, 2016 - By Art Feierman
The Schlage Camelot 619 is the third Smart Lock that I’ve reviewed. It is a Z-Wave based lock, which I installed and have been ...
The Schlage Camelot 619 is the third Smart Lock that I’ve reviewed. It is a Z-Wave based lock, which I installed and have been ...
Ilumi – The Smartest, Most Talented LED Lightbulb – A Review | December 17, 2016 - By Dave Duncan
“The Worlds Smartest Light Bulb”, is one lofty tagline. Ilumi’s lights featuring Bluetooth Mesh technology, on board ...
“The Worlds Smartest Light Bulb”, is one lofty tagline. Ilumi’s lights featuring Bluetooth Mesh technology, on board ...
Nest Thermostat Review – 3rd Generation Learning Thermostat | October 13, 2016 - By Dave Duncan
Nest is the trendsetter in the thermostat space. The original smart thermostat, they are now on their 3rd generation of the Nest ...
Nest is the trendsetter in the thermostat space. The original smart thermostat, they are now on their 3rd generation of the Nest ...
Eve Energy HomeKit Outlet Measures Energy Usage – Review | September 26, 2016 - By Jake Zelinger
We’ve reviewed smart outlets for the smart home before, but the Eve Energy is unique due to Apple HomeKit compatibility, which allows ...
We’ve reviewed smart outlets for the smart home before, but the Eve Energy is unique due to Apple HomeKit compatibility, which allows ...
AMAZON ECHO – Voice Control For Your Smart Home – A Review | September 1, 2016 - By Dave Duncan
Amazon Echo is a voice activated personal assistant, and so much more. Designed to deliver superb voice control and instant access to ...
Amazon Echo is a voice activated personal assistant, and so much more. Designed to deliver superb voice control and instant access to ...
Wink Hub Review – Nest, Google, Echo and More! | July 22, 2016 - By Dave Duncan
Can the Wink hub do it all? Is it the right smart hub for you? Will it connect to your home automation products? I hope this review ...
Can the Wink hub do it all? Is it the right smart hub for you? Will it connect to your home automation products? I hope this review ...
Ecobee3 – The Smart Thermostat for Everyone – A Review | March 27, 2016 - By Art Feierman
The Ecobee3 is one very smart thermostat, and, it’s also worldly and friendly! The Ecobee3 relies on Wifi for communications, so ...
The Ecobee3 is one very smart thermostat, and, it’s also worldly and friendly! The Ecobee3 relies on Wifi for communications, so ...
Lightify GardenSpot Mini RGB Outdoor Lighting – A Smart Home Review | February 16, 2016 - By Art Feierman
The Lightify GardenSpot RGB outdoor LED color lighting system is manufactured by Osram/Sylvania. The Lightify folks sent me one to ...
The Lightify GardenSpot RGB outdoor LED color lighting system is manufactured by Osram/Sylvania. The Lightify folks sent me one to ...
Featured Articles
ilumi Illuminates Your Smart Home – Manufacturer Monday | July 3, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
It was the Fall of 2010, and two MBA Classmates had a vision. They dreamed of “making light better,” a dream which became reality after ...
It was the Fall of 2010, and two MBA Classmates had a vision. They dreamed of “making light better,” a dream which became reality after ...
HomePod – Apple’s Answer to Amazon Echo and Google Home | June 7, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
Apple introduced consumers to the concept of a pocket personal assistant back in 2010, when Siri was integrated into the ...
Apple introduced consumers to the concept of a pocket personal assistant back in 2010, when Siri was integrated into the ...
August Smart Lock Pro – The Smart Lock Solution for Professionals | April 4, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
August Home, a premium smart lock manufacturer, has just released the newest August Smart Lock – the August Smart Lock Pro. This ...
August Home, a premium smart lock manufacturer, has just released the newest August Smart Lock – the August Smart Lock Pro. This ...
August Home Launches Amazon Alexa Skill for Smart Door Locks | March 20, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
For some time now, Amazon Echo and smart lock users have been waiting with bated breath for a development that will allow them to lock ...
For some time now, Amazon Echo and smart lock users have been waiting with bated breath for a development that will allow them to lock ...
AirBar Touchscreen Sensor For MacBook Air Hits The Market | March 17, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
Transform your beloved MacBook Air into a touchscreen computer with the AirBar Touchscreen Sensor for MacBook Air. Neonode, a company ...
Transform your beloved MacBook Air into a touchscreen computer with the AirBar Touchscreen Sensor for MacBook Air. Neonode, a company ...
IFTTT – The App that Automates your Home and Life | February 25, 2017 - By Dave Duncan
IFTTT may be the DIY tool you are looking for to bring your smart home together. As the Internet of Things continues to grow and we end ...
IFTTT may be the DIY tool you are looking for to bring your smart home together. As the Internet of Things continues to grow and we end ...
FLIR ONE Smartphone Thermal Imaging Attachable Camera | February 14, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
FLIR aims to raise the scope of human vision to a whole new level. A company that specializes in increasing our awareness and ...
FLIR aims to raise the scope of human vision to a whole new level. A company that specializes in increasing our awareness and ...
Nanoleaf Aurora – The Art of Smart Lighting Design | February 1, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
Smart lighting is a popular choice for many homes, but how about artistic smart lighting? Nanoleaf Aurora is possibly the most ...
Smart lighting is a popular choice for many homes, but how about artistic smart lighting? Nanoleaf Aurora is possibly the most ...
Ilumi Smartstrip Makes Smart Lighting Fun For All Ages | January 31, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
The ilumi Smartstrip is a millennial’s dream. Smart lighting is fun on its own, but with the new ilumi Smartstrip, you can transform ...
The ilumi Smartstrip is a millennial’s dream. Smart lighting is fun on its own, but with the new ilumi Smartstrip, you can transform ...
Eve Wall Switch Teams Up With Apple Siri For Voice Lighting Control | January 25, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
One the world’s first HomeKit enabled light switches has stepped out into the spotlight. Elgato Eve has surpassed the competition with ...
One the world’s first HomeKit enabled light switches has stepped out into the spotlight. Elgato Eve has surpassed the competition with ...
Canary Flex – 360 Degrees of HD Smart Home Security | January 23, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
Meet the Canary Flex, a 360 degree HD security camera with crystal clear audio, placement flexibility, and a sleek design. The small ...
Meet the Canary Flex, a 360 degree HD security camera with crystal clear audio, placement flexibility, and a sleek design. The small ...
Ember Mug – The Smart Temperature Controlled Coffee Mug | January 20, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
The days of too-hot or lukewarm beverages are over. Ember mug, the world’s first temperature controlled mug, uses an app to adjust its ...
The days of too-hot or lukewarm beverages are over. Ember mug, the world’s first temperature controlled mug, uses an app to adjust its ...
Google Home vs Amazon Echo – Who Will Rule Your Roost And Why | December 22, 2016 - By Nikki Kahl
Google Home Takes On Amazon Echo In The Battle Of Personal Assistants In what is possibly the most significant technological race since ...
Google Home Takes On Amazon Echo In The Battle Of Personal Assistants In what is possibly the most significant technological race since ...
Smart Home Ecosystems A-Z: Everything From Amazon to Z-Wave | July 18, 2016 - By Art Feierman
When I chose A to Z Smart Home Ecosystems for a title to this group of articles, it seemed natural, since four of the ...
When I chose A to Z Smart Home Ecosystems for a title to this group of articles, it seemed natural, since four of the ...
Featured Videos
Lightify Flex RGBW App and Alexa Voice Control Demo – Part 2 (Video) | April 11, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
Lightify Flex is a smart strip lighting kit by Sylvania. These strip lights are perfect for accent lighting, recessed lighting, and ...
Lightify Flex is a smart strip lighting kit by Sylvania. These strip lights are perfect for accent lighting, recessed lighting, and ...
Lightify Flex RGBW Smart LED Strip Lighting Demo – Part 1 (Video) | April 11, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
Lightify Flex is a smart strip lighting kit by Sylvania. These strip lights are perfect for accent lighting, recessed lighting, and ...
Lightify Flex is a smart strip lighting kit by Sylvania. These strip lights are perfect for accent lighting, recessed lighting, and ...
Using the KwikSet SmartCode 916: Keypad Features – Video | November 2, 2015 - By Lisa Feierman
This is the second of two videos about the KwikSet SmartCode 916. This one focuses on using the keypad features. Check out the full review.
This is the second of two videos about the KwikSet SmartCode 916. This one focuses on using the keypad features. Check out the full review.
Using the Kwikset Kevo Bluetooth Deadbolt Lock – Video | November 2, 2015 - By Lisa Feierman
In this video, Art walks through using the Kwikset Kevo Bluetooth Deadbolt Lock. Read the review here.
In this video, Art walks through using the Kwikset Kevo Bluetooth Deadbolt Lock. Read the review here.
Using the Honeywell WiFi Voice-Controlled Thermostat – Video | November 2, 2015 - By Lisa Feierman
In this video, Art Feierman, editor of SmarterHomeAutomation.com, walks through using the Honeywell WiFi Voice-Controlled TH9320 ...
In this video, Art Feierman, editor of SmarterHomeAutomation.com, walks through using the Honeywell WiFi Voice-Controlled TH9320 ...
Installing the Honeywell WiFi Voice-Controlled Thermostat – Video | November 2, 2015 - By Art Feierman
In this video, our editor, Art, walks through the installation of the Honeywell WiFi Voice-Controlled TH9320 thermostat. Read the full ...
In this video, our editor, Art, walks through the installation of the Honeywell WiFi Voice-Controlled TH9320 thermostat. Read the full ...
The range of home automation gear covered, stretches from smart locks and motion sensors, to thermostats, light switches, outlets, garage door openers using geo-fencing, window shades that do their thing to save energy, energy monitoring and so much more.
Consider Smart color (and white) lighting – indoor and outdoor, as one game changer we’ll be heavily focused on. It can make it easier to wake up refreshed or to more quickly fall asleep but will also rethink modern interior design. We are also reviewing the controllers, hubs, wifi routers and extenders, that tie everything together.
The connected smart home is app driven so our reviews will consider the competence and ease of use of those apps that control your smart devices.
No longer is home automation only for the top 1%ers from companies like Crestron and Control4, or for the DIY types who don’t mind living on the “bleeding edge.”
The Smart Home is about to go mainstream!
Look to Amazon’s voice controlled Echo and Apple HomeKit – a Siri controlled environment, as too huge potential game changers.
HomeKit, could be for Apple, their next massive success ala iPod, iPhone, etc. it likely will cause this industry to take off. Many companies are committing to supporting Homekit including some big names like Lutron, Philips Hue, Honeywell and Ecobee thermostats, Schlage door locks, Hunter fans…
Will millions of iPhone and Mac users trust that the Apple ecosystem will make the smart home practical, affordable, and easy? Almost certainly. Apple won’t be alone. Google has their own plans some of which are built around their acquisition of the Nest thermostat.
These are exciting times the birth of SMARTER home automation, where simplicity and affordability meet. Whether you refer to it as the Connected Home, IOT, or simply the Smart Home, welcome to the party!