Nest Now Makes It Easier to Automate Home & Away
I have Nest thermostats and they’re great. I also have Z-Wave home automation. I’ve even done a DIY home security tutorial based on Z-Wave and the Tasker app on Android phones. But that tutorial had...
View ArticleHow to Build Your Own Home Automation System
In building a home automation system, models of actuators are used. There are many factors to consider when making the home automation system. These factors include: using the right technology for the...
View ArticleZ-Wave Motor Control – Motorized Window and Skylight Openers
In most of the smart homes today, AZ actuators are used as home automation gadgets on windows to aid in their vertical and horizontal movement. The Z-Wave motor control is a new gadget used in systems...
View ArticleHow to Make a Drop Down TV Lift System
In today’s world, space is becoming a huge problems in our houses and people are now opting to use lift systems to conceal things and save space. These lift systems use linear actuators (see more at...
View ArticleSamsung SmartThings vs Vera – Why I Switched
There are a few good home automation hubs out there. I’ve used Vera extensively in the past, recently switched to Samsung SmartThings, and love it! Here’s why. My Adventures with the Vera 2 A few...
View ArticleHey Google, Turn On the Xbox – Google Home, IFTTT, Harmony Integration
In this tutorial, I’m going to tell you how to control a Logitech Harmony Home Hub to turn on your Xbox (or any other entertainment center activity) by simply speaking a command to Google Home. After I...
View ArticleGoogle Home Can Go Shopping For You
Google Home has a new feature… it can go shopping for you. You can ask your Google Assistant to buy something and it will order it for you. Pretty cool, right? The Google Home already does some cool...
View ArticleCameras That Work Best With Samsung SmartThings Hub
If you’re on the quest to have a smarter home (like I am), you might have already done some cord-cutting with Kodi, and maybe setup a smart home hub like the Samsung SmartThings. But do you have any...
View ArticleEcovacs Deebot M80 Pro Robot Vacuum Review
One of the topics I write about on this blog is home automation. While we typically think of smart home hubs like Samsung SmartThings and security cameras, we can’t forget about smart home appliances...
View ArticleSmart Home Tip: Motion Sensing Lights Only When It’s Dark
I’m taking a quick intermission from posting about Kodi (any good smart home’s entertainment system) to bring you a pretty cool smart home automation tip. Besides security, one of the goals of home...
View ArticleSmartThings Now Works Without Internet (Local Processing)
Finally, Samsung just released the update most savvy SmartThings owners were waiting for which addressed its biggest downfall so far. Now, SmartThings supports local processing of most basic...
View ArticleRing Video Doorbell: 4 Things You Really Need to Know
The Ring Video Doorbell along with their version 2 and the Pro versions have broken into the market quite a bit these last couple years. No doubt you’ve probably heard of them. If you haven’t bought...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Make XBMC/Kodi Pause When Your Phone Rings
Do you ever miss phone calls because you couldn’t hear it ring over the sound of your favorite TV show? Or, have you found yourself frantically searching for the remote to pause the TV so you can...
View ArticleClik here to view.
#DEAL: Mi Casa Verde VeraLite Z-Wave Home Controller for $99
I have written a lot of articles about home automation using a Vera Z-Wave home controller. I even wrote a review about the Vera product line and Z-Wave devices that I recommend. Well, today I was...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Logitech Harmony Gets Z-Wave Home Automation: Are They Too Late?
Logitech just announced 4 new Harmony products with new features that will allow it to interface with your Z-Wave home automation system. Finally! This is something I’ve been trying to do for some...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Get Android Notifications on your TV
So you’re right in the middle of binge-watching your new favorite show and someone is texting you important information but you left your phone in the other room. It’s happened to all of us. But it...
View ArticleClik here to view.
DIY Home Security System using Z-Wave and Tasker
In the event that someone tries to break into your house, are you prepared? Are you adequately protecting your valuable from burglary and your family from harm? There are plenty of companies out there...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Z-Wave Christmas Tree Strobes with the Music
Looking for something else to hook into your home automation system? Try this Z-Wave Christmas Tree that strobes up and down with the music. Here’s what you’ll need: A Christmas tree with lights Z-Wave...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Xbox One XBMC / Kodi Live TV OneGuide Integration
Cable or satellite customers who have an Xbox One with Kinect rave about OneGuide, Xbox One’s integration with live TV services. You can use Xbox’s interface or voice commands and the Xbox will send...
View ArticleClik here to view.
DIY Home Security Automation with Z-Wave Deadbolt Lock
I’ve written quite a bit about home automation. While automating your home can definitely help make life easier, it’s also very useful at helping to keep your home and your family safe from intruders....
View Article
