Skip to main content

You can build your own smart home hub with Mozilla’s Project Things

If you have a connected home featuring tons of smart devices, you probably also have a platform like the Amazon Echo, Google Home, or Samsung SmartThings to help you control all the units from one location. Mozilla, the creator of Firefox, has come up with a platform called Project Things that claims to let you control all those smart home devices from the web, by utilizing a Raspberry Pi to set up the network. Mozilla believes this self-created platform will give users more control and customization, so people don’t have to be tied to any one preset platform, such as the Amazon Echo.

With Project Things, users can build a gateway connecting their smart home products directly to the internet, with each unit then receiving its own URL. Users can then control these products using the web interface or via voice controls, although the latter is still in the experimental stage. Project Things lets you set up If This Then That commands to determine how your devices should interact, and you can even upload floor plans that show where the devices are located in your home.

Recommended Videos
As of now, Project Things only supports a small selection of smart home devices. A recent release just added the ability to support light dimmers and smart plugs, and Mozilla anticipates more add-ons to come in future releases.
Project Things is still considered a work in progress. “Please note that this is experimental pre-release software and at this prototype stage is not ready for production use. It is intended as an early preview for hackers, makers, and web developers to get their hands on with the Web of Things,” writes the company on its website.
If you’re interested in getting started with Project Things, Mozilla has guidelines on how to set up a network with the help of Raspberry Pi 3, which has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support capabilities. Not familiar with Raspberry Pi? Another developer board such as an Arduino can suffice, and according to Mozilla, users also have the option to use a laptop or desktop computer. However, the company notes that Raspberry Pi 3 will “currently provide the best experience.
Gia Liu
Former Contributor
Yale reveals powerful new smart lock designed specifically for Google Home
Yale Smart Lock with Matter

Yale is discontinuing the popular Nest x Yale Lock and replacing it with a powerful new device this summer -- the Yale Smart Lock with Matter. Designed specifically for easy integration with Google Home and a style that meshes perfectly with the Nest Doorbell, it's shaping up to be a worthy successor to the fan-favorite Nest x Yale Lock.

The Yale Smart Lock with Matter was built to complement all aspects of the Nest Doorbell and wider Google Home ecosystem. You'll be able to manage your lock remotely, create guest profiles, and get alerts when the lock is being operated. It also benefits from an impressive 12-month battery life and seamless connectivity with Google Home. Best of all, the lock supports Matter, giving you a chance to sync it with other platforms like Apple Home or Alexa.

Read more
Xiaomi’s latest smart home device could be the smart curtain you’ve waited for
Xiaomi Mijia Smart Curtain

Xiaomi recently launched the Mijia Hidden Smart Curtain in China. This is a smaller, more space-effective way of controlling curtains than many of the options currently on the market, and it interacts with a variety of different devices. It's unclear whether this newest smart home device will make its way to Western markets, but it could solve many of the problems posed by existing smart curtain solutions.

The Mijia Hidden Smart Curtain can be controlled via remote control, the Mijia app, and with voice commands. It can also be scheduled to open and close at specific times, but perhaps the most innovative option is to give the curtain a gentle tug. This sends a signal to the motor to complete the movement, providing an easy and intuitive way of controlling the curtains for the less tech-savvy.

Read more
Ring Outdoor Cam Plus vs. Spotlight Cam Plus: which is better for your home?
The Ring Outdoor Cam Plus on a wall

While Ring is widely known for its lineup of video doorbells, the brand is also responsible for an excellent catalog of security cameras and spotlights. Two of its most popular options are the Spotlight Cam Plus and the new Outdoor Cam Plus. Both feature premium designs, impressive motion detection skills, and highly adjustable settings -- making them ideal for most properties.

But is the Outdoor Cam Plus or Spotlight Cam Plus better for your home? From pricing and resolution to monthly fees and installation, here's a closer look at how these two compare.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more