Skip to main content

Pawport turns any ordinary pet door into a smart one

Image used with permission by copyright holder

A pet door is a convenient way for your pet to come and go as it pleases, but pet doors also present security problems — not to mention the chance for bugs and other uninvited animals to come inside.

Recommended Videos

Pawport hopes to change that. This is a one-of-a-kind, app-controlled pet door that fits into existing pet door frames and transforms them into secure devices that intruders (both human and animal) can’t get through. Best of all, you won’t be spending a fortune on it.

It can be controlled and locked through a smartphone app, but your pet can also control it via a Bluetooth chip on their collar. The chip will cause the door to open when your pet approaches, but don’t worry — you can set specified curfew periods when your pet cannot go outside. Pawport keeps track of when and how often your pet goes outside so you know what your four-legged friend is up to during the day.

Once installed, Pawport provides an airtight seal that helps keep utility costs down and insects out. The door comes in several different designs that fit with almost any home aesthetic, and the three sizes ensure a fit with almost any pet door frame. The LEDs around the door function as a sort of night light and can be controlled through the app. The four-piece tunnel system used in the installation allows you to create a pet door through a wall, as well as through an existing door in your home.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pawport, as well as the waterproof collar that controls it, is powered through rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that go for weeks on a single charge. Don’t worry — if the batteries are charging and you need to open the door, Pawport can be controlled through simple manual controls on top of the door frame.

The idea behind Pawport is that pet doors should not only be secure, but also stylish and safe. The device is starting a 60-day run on Kickstarter with an early-bird price of $349 and an estimated retail price of $499. Just be mindful that a pledge isn’t a guarantee you’ll receive a product. If you’ve been looking for a way to give your pet more freedom while also keeping your home safer than a traditional pet door can, Pawport is worth considering.

Patrick Hearn
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
Eve reveals its first smart light switch with dimmer functionality
Eve Dimmer Switch installed on a wall.

Eve has launched a variety of smart home gadgets over the years, including a smart plug, energy strip, and indoor camera. The company is now planning to launch its first smart light switch with dimmer functionality in March -- and with support for Matter, voice commands, and remote access, it’s looking like a solid choice for discerning shoppers.

The Eve Dimmer Switch will be one of the most expensive options on the market, carrying a price tag of $50. However, you’re getting a lot of great features for your investment. This includes Matter-over-Thread support, a premium button/rocker dimmer design for enhanced control, and the ability to sync it with Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa to unlock voice commands. You’re also getting the ability to dim your lights, a feature missing from many other smart switches.

Read more
Google’s Gemini AI can now control your smart home devices
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

After spending a bit of time in Public Preview, Google is rolling out its Google Home extension for the Gemini app to everyone. This will allow you to control smart home devices using Gemini, including tasks like turning on smart lights, checking your smart thermostat, or adjusting the volume on your speakers.

The Google Home Extension will be rolling out over the next few weeks, and once you've made the update, any compatible devices synced to your Google account will be accessible via Gemini. If you try using commands in the Gemini app that aren’t supported, your smartphone will automatically launch the Google Home app to complete the command (such as accessing camera actions and smart lock features).

Read more
Samsung SmartThings appliances will soon work as motion sensors
A diagram showing how SmartThings will use ambient sensing.

Samsung recently held its highly anticipated Unpacked 2025 event, pulling back the curtain on the Galaxy S25 smartphone lineup. The event wasn't all about phones, however, as we also learned about plans to turn SmartThings appliances into motion sensors. Driving the change is Home AI -- a feature that’ll gather insights from your daily habits to build personalized experiences to create a smarter smart home.

Planned to roll out through 2025 and into 2026, Home AI is bringing ambient sensing to a variety of SmartThings devices. Doing this will allow the platform to understand how it can better serve you, as it’ll monitor activities like cooking, exercising, and sleeping to gather important details about your lifestyle.

Read more