Smart Home Reviews, Information, Home Automation Trends
Welcome to Smarter Home Automation, your source for Smart Home Reviews, First Looks, Articles, Videos and Blog Posts, all relating to the exciting world of home automation. With so many smart products on the market, it can be overwhelming when you’re first starting out, or even for seasoned home automation owners to know what is compatible with their smart ecosystems.
We provide in-depth content detailing such as product reviews, smart gear demos and help with choosing compatible products with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple Siri. So, we just have one question for you:
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Our Smart Home
A Pano of our Smart Home Great Room and Kitchen. Too small to see, of course, are smart products including: Schlage Sense lock, Ecobee thermostat, LIFX color smart bulbs, Sylvania Lightify color strip lighting and Gardenspots, Lutron dimmer switches, Fibaro micro-controllers, and more.
Eufy Smart Plug Mini Review – Transform Everyday Products into Smart Ones
The Smart Plug Mini by Eufy is a compact plug that transforms any “dumb” electronic device into a smart one. Lights, appliances, game consoles – if you can think of it, the Eufy Smart Plug Mini can make it smart. It allows you to control the device via the app or voice control, but more on that late…
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The Smart Plug Mini by Eufy is a compact plug that transforms any “dumb” electronic device into a smart one. Lights, appliances, game consoles – if you can think of it, the Eufy Smart Plug Mini can make it smart. It allows you to control the device via the app or voice control, but more on that late…
Read more ›
Aurora Nanoleaf Rhythm Review – An Immersive Symphony of Light and Sound
The Aurora Nanoleaf Rhythm Module is made by Nanoleaf and is an add-on to their flagship product, the Nanoleaf Light Panels. The Rhythm Module includes sound sensors that enable your Nanoleaf lights to dance to the music you are listening to, turning any wall into a 21st century music visualizer. Th…
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The Aurora Nanoleaf Rhythm Module is made by Nanoleaf and is an add-on to their flagship product, the Nanoleaf Light Panels. The Rhythm Module includes sound sensors that enable your Nanoleaf lights to dance to the music you are listening to, turning any wall into a 21st century music visualizer. Th…
Read more ›
Nanoleaf Aurora – Smart Home Color Changing Lighting System – a.k.a. Wall Art
I’ve been excited about the Aurora by Nanoleaf since I first saw a demo and shot a video at CES in 2016 – that’s about 23 months ago. Since then we’ve posted some updates, such as when they started shipping earlier this year.
Finally, this summer Nanoleaf (after much pleading, etc.) shipped me a sta…
Read more ›
I’ve been excited about the Aurora by Nanoleaf since I first saw a demo and shot a video at CES in 2016 – that’s about 23 months ago. Since then we’ve posted some updates, such as when they started shipping earlier this year.
Finally, this summer Nanoleaf (after much pleading, etc.) shipped me a sta…
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…
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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…
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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 ›
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 ›
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
Eufy Smart Plug Mini Review – Transform Everyday Products into Smart Ones | June 27, 2018 - By Nikki Kahl
The Smart Plug Mini by Eufy is a compact plug that transforms any “dumb” electronic device into a smart one. Lights, appliances, game ...
The Smart Plug Mini by Eufy is a compact plug that transforms any “dumb” electronic device into a smart one. Lights, appliances, game ...
Aurora Nanoleaf Rhythm Review – An Immersive Symphony of Light and Sound | June 25, 2018 - By Dave Orella
The Aurora Nanoleaf Rhythm Module is made by Nanoleaf and is an add-on to their flagship product, the Nanoleaf Light Panels. The Rhythm ...
The Aurora Nanoleaf Rhythm Module is made by Nanoleaf and is an add-on to their flagship product, the Nanoleaf Light Panels. The Rhythm ...
EZGuard 1080 – Home security system review | June 2, 2018 - By Dave Duncan
Security is on the top of everyone’s minds. The EZVIZ EzGuard 1080 is a one camera security solution. It delivers great security ...
Security is on the top of everyone’s minds. The EZVIZ EzGuard 1080 is a one camera security solution. It delivers great security ...
August Video Doorbell Cam Pro – Keeping your porch safe – The Review | March 23, 2018 - By Dave Duncan
Securing your home, staying aware of who is on your porch and monitoring any suspicious activity is what August Doorbell Cam Pro ...
Securing your home, staying aware of who is on your porch and monitoring any suspicious activity is what August Doorbell Cam Pro ...
Nanoleaf Aurora – Smart Home Color Changing Lighting System – a.k.a. Wall Art | December 25, 2017 - By Art Feierman
I’ve been excited about the Aurora by Nanoleaf since I first saw a demo and shot a video at CES in 2016 – that’s about 23 months ago. ...
I’ve been excited about the Aurora by Nanoleaf since I first saw a demo and shot a video at CES in 2016 – that’s about 23 months ago. ...
Ring – The Doorbell for Smartphones – A Review | July 30, 2017 - By Dave Duncan
Answer your door from anywhere. Ring video doorbell allows you to instantly answer your doorbell and get alerts when visitors press ...
Answer your door from anywhere. Ring video doorbell allows you to instantly answer your doorbell and get alerts when visitors press ...
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 ...
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 ...
Featured Articles
Enter to Win Smart Home Gear to Automate Your Life! | June 18, 2018 - By Nikki Kahl
Fan of smart gear, or home theaters, and love cool, free stuff? SmarterHomeAutomation.com and ProjectorReviews.com are partnering to ...
Fan of smart gear, or home theaters, and love cool, free stuff? SmarterHomeAutomation.com and ProjectorReviews.com are partnering to ...
3 New Alexa Features to Help You Get More Out of Your Smart Home | May 22, 2018 - By Nikki Kahl
Amazon continually releases new features and capabilities for its assortment of smart speakers. This article details 3 new Alexa ...
Amazon continually releases new features and capabilities for its assortment of smart speakers. This article details 3 new Alexa ...
Back to the Dark Ages: Nest Ecosystem Failure | May 17, 2018 - By Nikki Kahl
Last night, Nest Ecosystem users were transported back to the Dark Ages when access to the Nest app and web browsers went offline. In a ...
Last night, Nest Ecosystem users were transported back to the Dark Ages when access to the Nest app and web browsers went offline. In a ...
Google Home Routines Replace the My Day Settings | May 3, 2018 - By Nikki Kahl
Google Home is a smart personal assistant hub that gets more capable by the day, with more improvements being seen as time goes on. One ...
Google Home is a smart personal assistant hub that gets more capable by the day, with more improvements being seen as time goes on. One ...
Google Home Deals in the US and Canada Until May 5, 2018 | April 27, 2018 - By Nikki Kahl
Google Home, one of the top personal assistant devices on the market, is seeing some sweet discounts in the United States and Canada. ...
Google Home, one of the top personal assistant devices on the market, is seeing some sweet discounts in the United States and Canada. ...
Apple Watch 1 Now $149 at Walmart | April 25, 2018 - By Nikki Kahl
Apple users rejoice! The original Apple Watch, once $349 for the 38mm version, $399 for the 42mm, you can now get this piece of tech ...
Apple users rejoice! The original Apple Watch, once $349 for the 38mm version, $399 for the 42mm, you can now get this piece of tech ...
Alexa: Mother’s Little Helper – 5 Alexa Skills for New Parents | April 23, 2018 - By Nikki Kahl
Parenting is one of the most rewarding things one can do in their life, and one of the most challenging as well. Alexa, one of the top ...
Parenting is one of the most rewarding things one can do in their life, and one of the most challenging as well. Alexa, one of the top ...
Apple HomePod Siri Enabled Smart Speaker – A Smart Buy? | February 7, 2018 - By Nikki Kahl
With the delivery date of the Apple HomePod fast approaching, Siri users are eager for Apple’s addition to the smart personal assistant ...
With the delivery date of the Apple HomePod fast approaching, Siri users are eager for Apple’s addition to the smart personal assistant ...
Elgato Eve Energy – Home Automation for Renters | February 5, 2018 - By Nikki Kahl
We’ve all been there. A cool new product comes out, like a smart thermostat or video doorbell. We research, read reviews, and find out… ...
We’ve all been there. A cool new product comes out, like a smart thermostat or video doorbell. We research, read reviews, and find out… ...
Remo+ Smart Doorbell Line Offers Simple Home Protection | January 19, 2018 - By TJ Farah
A new term that’s been introduced to our cultural lexicon is “porch pirate,” or someone who steals Amazon packages from your doorstep. ...
A new term that’s been introduced to our cultural lexicon is “porch pirate,” or someone who steals Amazon packages from your doorstep. ...
7 Compatible Smart Products That Simplify Your Life | September 27, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
Life can get complicated. Your home doesn’t have to be. With smart products in every category, you can automate your life and your ...
Life can get complicated. Your home doesn’t have to be. With smart products in every category, you can automate your life and your ...
MantleMount MM850 Automated TV Mount Makes Watching TV A Comfortable Affair | September 15, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
Kinked necks and sore shoulder muscles are a thing of the past with MantleMount’s MM850, their first automated TV mount. So many have ...
Kinked necks and sore shoulder muscles are a thing of the past with MantleMount’s MM850, their first automated TV mount. So many have ...
Savant TrueImage Adds a Personal Touch to Home Automation | September 13, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
Savant, a leader in smart technology, unveiled their next generation TrueImage lighting software at CEDIA 2017. Savant Systems serves ...
Savant, a leader in smart technology, unveiled their next generation TrueImage lighting software at CEDIA 2017. Savant Systems serves ...
Smart Locks for Rentals – August Home Partners with HomeAway | August 14, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
HomeAway, AirBnB, and services like it are quite possibly the most comfortable lodging options for vacationers. These services allow ...
HomeAway, AirBnB, and services like it are quite possibly the most comfortable lodging options for vacationers. These services allow ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Featured Videos
Lutron Caseta Wireless Extender – Outdoor Lighting Automation Demo Video | August 8, 2017 - By Nikki Kahl
Looking for high-end smart gear? Lutron offers three sophisticated systems for the smart home and commercial installations. The first ...
Looking for high-end smart gear? Lutron offers three sophisticated systems for the smart home and commercial installations. The first ...
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!