3 Awesome Ways to Use a Smart Thermostat Entirely Offline

Updated on 17th Nov 2020 16:07 in General, IoT, Smart

WiFi thermostats seem to have taken over the smart climate control market completely, with every listing for "smart thermostat" involving a WiFi connection. There's a good reason for that: they have a lower barrier to entry as they use the existing wireless connection most people already have installed. Since WiFi is typically used primarily to provide a connection to the internet to connected devices, it's logical that they would need the internet to function. In reality, it's actually a bit more complicated than that - some do, and some don't.

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4 Amazing Smart Power Strips You're Missing Out On

Updated on 14th Nov 2020 16:51 in General, Smart

When it comes to smart homes, the focus often comes back to being able to control the flow of electrical current from an AC socket, since most regular devices connect directly to power. They will then use a simple on/off switch to operate, which happens to be a great fit for automation as smart plugs can turn the power on and off while the switch stays on. Despite the focus on smart plugs, there is another, less popular option as well: smart power strips.

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5 Ways to Extend HomeKit's Bluetooth Range On The Cheap

Updated on 12th Nov 2020 17:04 in General, Smart

One of the more interesting features of HomeKit is its ability to control devices either over WiFi or Bluetooth. While people will rarely have problems using the WiFi option, Bluetooth tends to suffer from a bit of a range problem. This is by no means restricted only to HomeKit, but if you are trying to set up a smart home with Bluetooth devices, there will certainly be frustration when the signal doesn't reach your desired location. Here are a few ways you can extend the Bluetooth range of HomeKit!

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3 HomeKit Compatible Security Systems You Need to Know About

Updated on 10th Nov 2020 16:07 in DIY, General, Smart

Home security and alarm systems have been closely related since they were invented. In the context of a smart home, it would be nice to integrate the sensors and alarm state into a controller, such as HomeKit. Traditionally, the commercial alarm industry has been dominated by propriety systems that require monitoring to work. Luckily, more recently, companies have started building systems that integrate with other existing technology to create an integrated home.

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17 Common Smart Home Mistakes You Should Avoid

Updated on 9th Nov 2020 02:57 in DIY, General, IoT, Smart

It's no secret: everyone makes mistakes. Smart homes are not the exception as many beginners find themselves making the same mistakes before eventually learning why they are mistakes. Even those who are experts in smart technology still make mistakes, and many of them are quite common. Here is my list of 17 mistakes commonly made by smart home owners of every skill level, from complete beginner to expert!

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