Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Smart Home
  3. Internet of Things (IoT)

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Matter logo on a colorful background.

Matter Launch Day Event brought big news about future updates, compatible products

The Matter Launch Event gave us a closer look at which products are implementing the technology, when they'll be available, and what to expect in the future.
Hundreds of small galaxies appear across this view. Their colours vary. Some are shades of orange, while others are white. Most appear as fuzzy ovals, but a few have distinct spiral arms. There are also many thin, long, orange arcs that curve around the centre of the image, where there is a prominent orange glow.

Spooky cobwebbed Hubble image helps investigate dark matter

With Halloween coming up, the Hubble Space Telescope team is celebrating by releasing a new Hubble image showing the dark cobwebs of galaxy cluster Abell 611.
The Google Nest Audio speaker on a table.

Samsung and Google partnership finds a shared home for SmartThings

Samsung and Google have joined hands to ease the cross-ecosystem device onboarding process between SmartThings and Home, thanks to Matter's multi-admin feature.
Smart LED strips light up a set of shelves in a purple hue while someone controls the color on a smartphone.

Forget Philips Hue: this smart LED strip is a fraction of the price

If you're ready to make the switch to smart home lighting, this deal on LED light strips is a can't-miss.
The Matter logo on a black background.

Matter smart home standard is officially available

The Connectivity Standards Alliance has released Matter 1.0, which should result in a slew of smart home gadgets that can finally communicate across ecosystems.
Google Home icon on home screen.

The Google Home app finally has the big redesign you’ve been waiting for

The Google Home app has been in a rough place for years, but this new update aims to completely fix things.
Matter CSA image.

Is it worth waiting for Matter to buy new smart products?

Matter is on the way, and it promises a faster, more seamless smart home. Is it worth holding out until it's live before buying your next smart light?
Lightmatter's Passage interconnect.

This startup claims to have unlocked the secret to speedy CPUs

A startup has just introduced the idea that could unlock the future of chips -- replacing electrical wiring with photonics. Here's what we know about it.
Shodan's face in the System Shock remake.

The System Shock remake stays true to its ’90s roots

1994 classic System Shock is returning with a faithful remake, and we went hands-on with it at Gamescom.
Gungrave G.O.R.E.'s main character points his pistols at enemies.

Gungrave G.O.R.E. is a bloody delightful PS2 era throwback

If you’re craving an over-the-top action game featuring buckets of blood, Gungrave G.O.R.E. might just be your jam.
Fluid One app showing the AR room map and devices.

Fluid One gives you point-and-click control of your smart home, from your smartphone

The new Fluid One smart home system aims to give you control of your smart home by pointing your phone at a device, gestures, or location.
Customers inspect the new Apple HomePod at an Apple Store on February 9, 2018 in San Francisco, California.

HomeKit Secure Video: Why it’s great and why you should use it

Apple's HomeKit Secure Video is a layered and resourceful way to store surveillance footage, and here's why you should start using it right away.
An iPhone on the Home app screen in front of a Vizio Tv.

How to set up HomeKit Secure Video on your devices

Learn how to enable HomeKit Secure Video for you Apple smart home.
Philips Hue Go Lamp on a patio table where friends are sitting together at night.

Philips unveils new Hue Go lamp, Tap switch, and app upgrades

The Philips Hue family is expanding with a batch of upgraded products. A new portable lamp, updated physical switch, and downlights are among the announcements.
The Echo Show 15 is the largest smart display yet.

Cloud services are convenient, but they hurt smart home longevity

Relying on cloud servers for basic smart home functionality is a terrible idea.
An Amazon Echo in living room.

The best Alexa commands

Unboxed an Amazon Echo and looking for the best Alexa commands? Learn how you can utilize your new virtual assistant to its full potential with our guide.
Roborock S7 cleaning while kids and pets play.

Is your smart home child-safe?

How friendly has the smart home become for kids? Let's take a look at the potential dangers around home automation and how to make sure your child is safe.
GE Cync lights set up in gaming room.

GE Cync smart lighting review: A worthy Philips Hue competitor

Smart lighting is the easiest way to start a smart home, but many fear it's complicated. We go hands-on with GE Cync to see how it stacks up.
The new IKEA DIRIGERA hub sitting on books in front of a mirror next to a plant.

Ikea launches Matter-enabled Dirigera smart hub and app

Later this year, Ikea is launching its new Dirigera smart hub alongside its new Home Smart app with Matter inside. Here's what we know so far.
Nest devices grouped together on a counter.

Can your smart home save you money on homeowners insurance?

We all know the smart home is supposed to make our lives easier, but can it save you money on insurance? Let's find out.
Amazon Echo Show 15 hanging horizontally on the wall.

Smart homes without Wi-Fi: Huge possibilities or roadblocks?

Our wireless networks are the building blocks of our smart home ecosystems, but should every automation require an Internet connection? Here's what we think.
The Twinkly Dots can spruce up any room.

Twinkly Dots review: Nice to look at, but nothing new

The Twinkly Dots have a unique design and look nice when set up, but don't bring new functionality to the table.
Matter CSA image.

Matter smart home standard delayed until fall 2022

After unprecedented interest in the Matter standard from new companies, the CSA has delayed rollout until fall 2022 for the first batch of devices.
Philips Hue Iris table lamp green

How to change your smart light colors

One of the greatest features of smart lights is being able to change them to all sorts of colors. Here's how you do it.
Nest mini next to a HomePod mini next to an Echo Dot on a table.

Is it feasible to go all-in with one smart home ecosystem?

What is the true cost of choosing only one smart home ecosystem? Whether HomeKit, Alexa, or Assistant, we tackle what it will take to invest in just one.
Home app on a MacBook on the table.

How to control smart home devices with the Apple Home app

Control your HomeKit-connected devices easily in the Home app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You can also set up automatic ways to control your accessories.
Homey Bridge box, smart home, control, universal

Homey delays shipping of new Homey Bridge

Homey is delaying shipping on its new Bridge as it works out bugs discovered in early beta testing.
Exterior shot of the 5th home in our Genius Home series.

This high-tech hillside home brings the outdoors inside

In episode 5 of Genius Home, our hosts Ariana Escalante and Caleb Denison take us on a tour of a hillside hangout that's stuffed with subtle tech touches
Schlage Encode Plus with home keys phone tap to unlock.

How to use Apple’s home keys

Apple home keys are the latest way to manage your home's smart lock hands-free, allowing you to customize how you unlock doors. Here's how to use the feature!
Echo 4th Gen

Google Home (Nest Audio) vs. Amazon Echo

Google's Home speaker and Amazon Echo are two of the most popular smart speakers, but which is the better of the two? Here's our comparison of both devices.
Exterior view of Genius Home's fourth featured home.

This Malibu mansion is a perfect mix of tech and tranquility

In this episode of Genius Home, our hosts tour a villa that sneakily hides its smart home tech to create a wonderfully calm and meditative space
Amazon Echo Show 10, video, Prime, TV, watch

Do you need a smart home hub?

A smart home hub keeps all of your Internet-connected gear logged and controllable under one easy-to-use interface, but do you need one? Let us weigh in.
Tradfri smart plug connected to a bathroom outlet.

HomeKit smart plug installation guide

Manage smart plugs with your Apple devices by tying them into HomeKit. Once it's done, you'll be able to manage them alongside your other smart home devices.
Govee Glide wall light installed above couch on wall.

How smart lighting affects your health

Learn how smart lighting affects your eyesight, sleep schedule, and mood.