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Latest by Simon Sage

Computer circuit board.

5 technologies you didn’t know came from Ukraine

Ukraine is a country of resilient, smart people. They've made countless contributions to the world of technology. Here are just a few.
Cana One smart drink appliance in a kitchen.

Cana One aims to one-up SodaStream with bevy of smart features

Cana One is promising a smart beverage system for your kitchen that can mix thousands of different drinks while minimizing waste.
Tuya Ambient Light Bars on a glass coffee table.

Tuya Ambient Light Bar review: Functional but not secure

These inexpensive Tuya Ambient Light Bars do the job, but a lack of brand recognition shakes confidence.
Electrical power lines cast against a blue sky.

How does direct current power work?

Despite the dominance of alternating current in our day to day lives, direct current still has some very useful applications.
Nanowerk diagram demonstrating smart wood in the home.

This wooden smart home sensor doesn’t need batteries

Researchers have drummed up a new kind of smart home sensor that is powered by simple pressure with no need for batteries.
Google Sustainability Logo.

Google is using A.I. to reduce idling time at traffic intersections

A new research project from Google has been able to reduce gas emissions and wait times at intersections by 10% to 20%.
Solar panels sit hillside.

Are solar panels recyclable?

Solar panels are great for generating renewable power, but what happens when they reach the end of their life? Find out how solar panel recycling works.
Two men installing a solar panel on a roof.

How much money can you save with solar panels?

Solar panels are a big investment, but they can also save money on your electrical bill. Is it worth it?
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.
The Wyze Smart Plug connected to an outlet.

Google Home smart plug technology, installation, and setup

Connecting your smart plugs with Google Home is a breeze. Learn how to add some automation to your dumb appliances in a few steps.
Dreame H11 Max Vacuum

Dreame H11 Max Wet and Dry Vacuum review: Slick design with modern conveniences

The Dreame H11 Max Wet and Dry Vacuum is a good-looking piece of hardware with enough power to handle larger homes.
LG Solar Panels installed on roof.

Best solar panels

Solar panels can keep your home humming with renewable energy. Discover some of the best models available to build your off-grid getaway.
Wyze Cam Outdoor in hand

How to power cycle the Wyze Cam Outdoor

The Wyze Cam Outdoor can give you added peace of mind so long as it's working. Here's how to power cycle it and conduct other troubleshooting.
how to pre order new amazon echo devices smart plug 2018

Amazon Smart Plug technology, installation, and setup

Now that you've got an Amazon Smart Plug, you'll want to set it up. Here's everything you need to know.
Amazon Smart Thermostat hanging on wall.

How to program the Amazon Smart Thermostat with Alexa Hunches

Alexa can give automation suggestions based on what you're up to at any time. Here's how to use them with your Amazon Smart Thermostat.
motorola guru wireless charging partnership 2

Can we power the smart home with ambient radio waves?

Samsung's new TV remote can harvest radio waves for power. What else can we power around the house by slurping up ambient Wi-Fi power?
Philips Hue sync box.

How to sync smart lights with your TV

Did you know your smart lights can reflect the colors and action of your favorite movies and TV shows? Here's how to set it up.
Philips Hue and Spotify

How to sync smart lights to music

Get the party started with smart lights that sync to your music, be it streaming on Spotify or stored locally. Learn how to do it and which lights to use.
Instant Pot Pro Plus with casserole dish in foreground.

Instant Pot Pro Plus review: Pressure cooking gets smart

The Instant Pot Pro Plus brings smartphone connectivity back to the king of pressure cookers. Does it do the brand proud?
GE Cync lights set up in gaming room.

The best smart lights of CES 2022

If you've been wading through all of the CES 2022 news to find the best in lights, take a gander at what we've rounded up.
Govee Hexa cube wall tiles installed above bed.

Govee gets into cubism with new light panels

Govee is expanding its Hexa smart light panels with a new version that makes them look like cubes.
Twinkly Dots LED string lights set up on a wall behind a laptop.

Twinkly’s new Dots LED string lights play nice with Razer Chroma

Gaming nd smart home fans alike will want to check out Twinkly Dots. They support Razer Chroma, the Omen Gaming Hub, and USB power.
Tapo C320WS security camera mounted outdoors with lights on.

TP-Link enters U.S. smart home market with salvo of devices

TP-Link's Tapo brand is bringing smart cameras, sensors, lights, and plugs to American shores this year.
The Adobe Wireless Video Doorbell beside its speaker.

Abode expands line of smart home devices with doorbell, light bulbs at CES 2022

Abode has announced a new wireless video doorbell and color LED light bulb at CES 2022.
Apple HomePod mini in hand

Best smart home Thread devices

Thread promises to connect your smart home devices faster and without a separate hub. So what are the best Thread devices available?
Ring Smart Bulb being installed in light fixture.

Smart bulb technology, installation, and setup guide

Setting up smart bulbs is easy with these simple steps for Philips Hue, Lifx, Nanoleaf, and Wyze smart light bulbs. This guide has everything you need to know.
The GE C-Start Smart Switch near a home's front door.

Guide to the best automated smart light switch timers

Manage your home lighting with schedules thanks to smart light timers. Learn about the best timers available and how they work.

Don’t toss out your old smart home tech! Regift it

Let's find a home for all of that extra tech you've been stashing. Regifting keeps perfectly good smart home gadgets from going to the landfill.
Elecjet Apollo Ultra

Two years and a pandemic later, fast-charging graphene batteries are hitting shelves

After years of research, products leveraging the amazing properties of graphene are finally available for batteries. What do we get from this new tech?
Smartthings Energy App

Samsung SmartThings can now monitor your home’s entire energy consumption

Samsung has expanded the SmartThings family to include three new partners that are dedicated to home energy monitoring and management.
Google Home icon on home screen.

How to use Device Speed Test on the Google Home app

Google Home lets you check how fast (or slow) your internet connection is on your smart devices. Here's how to do it, and some ways to fix slow speeds.
Reviewing Nest thermostat power savings.

Nest Renew brings renewable energy closer to your smart thermostat

Nest Renew will keep tabs on the best times to tap into abundant renewable energy on your grid.
Photo of a woman adjusting a Nest Thermostat.

Sustainable with Google 2021: Nest Renew, traffic light efficiency, and more

Google has made a series of updates to encourage sustainable choices across its products.
floor tile powers smart home with footsteps wood electrical generator r

New floor tile tech could help power smart homes with footsteps

A recent research project shows how specially treated wood and a bit of wiring can convert the force of your footstep into enough power for a light bulb.