If I had a dollar for every time my wife asked me “what is that new….. tech box for?” I’d be a very rich man. “Tech box” is her generic for all of the hubs, gateways, bridges, access points, and -- more recently -- smart speakers I’ve installed at … [Read more...]
Why the smart home still has a Wi-Fi problem
How many times have you connected a device to your home Wi-Fi network and after a few hours — or days — realized it wasn't working correctly? Maybe it drops offline or sucks battery like a frat boy doing a keg stand. Perhaps it doesn't get online at … [Read more...]
Podcast: Mozilla’s IoT Gateway and LoRa Roaming
There was a lot of smart home related news this week as Mozilla launched IoT gateway software, Apple’s HomePod reviews came out and Nest was folded into Google. Kevin and I discuss all of that, plus Netgear spinning out its Arlo home camera business, … [Read more...]
WeMo Bridge review: $40 adds HomeKit support to most WeMo products
Announced last May, Belkin finally delivered its WeMo Bridge eight months later. This $39.99 device does one thing and one thing only: It brings Apple HomeKit support to WeMo switches and plugs. I bought the Bridge as soon as it was available, and it … [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...]