After a solid few years of running my smart home on Google’s platform, I’m starting a transition to Apple HomeKit. For several reasons, it’s not going to be a cheap or seamless endeavor. And it’s going to take some compromises on my part as … [Read more...]
How to make a decorative bulb smart: The easy and slightly less easy way
On our most recent IoT Podcast episode, a caller left us a message on the voicemail hotline with a unique question: He has decorative bulbs that he’d like to control without installing a smart switch. It turns out that this is relatively easy, … [Read more...]
Got a first-gen Philips Hue bridge? Here are some hubless tunable bulb options
On our most recent IoT Podcast episode, Dwight called in with a great question that likely impacts a fair number of people. He has the older, rounded Philips Hue bridge, which we know has lost software upgrades and cloud support back in April. Dwight … [Read more...]
I bought old C by GE bulbs by mistake (but I don’t regret it)
Earlier this month, I noticed a half-price sale on C by GE bulbs and of course, I couldn’t pass that up. The package cost $25 and included four dimmable smart bulbs and a smart plug. Upon delivery, I was less excited than when I placed the purchase … [Read more...]
Amazon Alexa vs Google Home: Should you switch?
On our most recent IoT Podcast, Gene called in as a relatively new listener to our show. He left a voicemail on the IoT Podcast Hotline noting that he uses four Echo Dots and the Amazon Alexa mobile app to control his smart home. However, Gene … [Read more...]