Skip to main content

Save your home (and the planet) with Roost’s Smart Water and Freeze Detector

Leo Watson
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Educated at the University of Oregon, Leo is a Content Manager for Digital Trends. When not tweaking the dials in Photoshop…
Should you enroll your Amazon Smart Thermostat in the Energy Savings Program?
The Amazon Smart Thermostat hanging on wall.

The Amazon Smart Thermostat can be enrolled in a variety of Energy Savings Incentives Programs. These vary by location, but they essentially work to lower your energy bills by allowing the utility company to temporarily adjust your settings. This typically happens during peak hours or when the power grid is overloaded, allowing the utility company to reduce stress by manipulating your thermostat. Amazon says these events only happen a few times annually (commonly during the summer). Are the energy savings worth the inconvenience?

Here's a quick look at the Energy Savings Incentives Programs offered on the Amazon Smart Thermostat and whether or not you should enroll.
What are Energy Savings Incentives Programs

Read more
Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) vs. Amazon Smart Thermostat: Which is best for your home?
The Amazon Smart Thermostat.

Smart thermostats are an easy way to upgrade your home's heating and cooling skills, and few products are as popular as the Amazon Smart Thermostat and Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen). The two offer many of the same basic features, though you'll find a handful of drastic differences between the devices -- starting with their price tag.

From pricing and design to installation and available features, here's a closer look at the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) and Amazon Smart Thermostat to help you decide which is better for your smart home.
Pricing and design

Read more
Upgrade your dorm with these smart home gadgets
The Echo Spot on a nightstand.

Summer is winding down, and students across the country are heading back to school. If you're heading to college, that means you're probably worried about getting your dorm room prepped for the year. That's often the most stressful part of returning to campus, as not only does your space need to be comfortable enough for all your studying, but it doubles as your home away from home. For those reasons, you'll want it to be functional, versatile, and capable of keeping you entertained when you're not hitting the books.

Thankfully, there are a bunch of smart home devices for your dorm that can turn even the tiniest and oldest of spaces into a futuristic oasis. From smart speakers and smart bulbs to smart plugs and more, here are a few smart home products that are perfect for your college dorm.
Smart light bulbs

Read more