We often talk or write about our smart homes without realizing that some folks don’t understand what it is that a smart home can actually do. That’s partially because there’s such a wide range of things we can automate or control by voice in our … [Read more...]
How to create ambient notifications with Python and a smart bulb
Ever since mentioning my latest little coding project on the IoT Podcast, I’ve heard from a number of folks asking me how I did it. In case you missed it, I have a small Python app that checks the percentage gain or loss of a cryptocoin every two … [Read more...]
IoT for renters: 7 devices to make your home smarter
I get a lot of plaintive requests for articles that cover IoT for renters, so I'm pulling together a list for those who aren't lucky enough to be able to tear up their walls or remove their locks in the quest for a fully automated and smart home. By … [Read more...]
How to review and permanently delete voice recordings from a Google Home or Amazon Echo
Digital assistants are great, except when they aren’t. This week, for example, a software glitch recorded everything people said when doing their reviews of the new Google Home Mini. Yes, everything they said all day and all night was stored on … [Read more...]
Man, my old smart speakers now look pretty dumb.
After Google and Sonos both announced smarter connected speakers last week, and adding in the 6 new Amazon Echo devices from last week, you might feel some sympathy for the early adopters who now have a confusing mess of hardware that has different … [Read more...]