Smart Home

There once was a time when technology and design rarely intersected. Electronic products evoked a high-tech feel that was often considered a complete departure from a home’s overall design scheme. Those times have changed, as home systems integrators and interior designers are no longer adversaries but partners on projects. Electronic systems and furnishings fuse together […]

Data from the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) study shows homeowners spent $324 billion in Q2 2018 on remodeling projects. That represents an increase of $54 billion compared to two years ago, or a 20 percent growth rate. Smart home systems are driving part of the upswing, as homeowners look for ways to boost […]

There’s no need to use your hands to set the microwave, unless you want to. The new GE Smart Countertop Microwave with Scan-to-Cook Technology microwave is compatible with Amazon Alexa. This means you can speak directly to Alexa to control cook settings from any Alexa-enabled device to achieve the ultimate in kitchen convenience. Hands covered […]

If you’re looking for deals on just about anything, Amazon Prime Day starts July 16 at 3 p.m. EST, and runs through July 17. More than 1 million deals worldwide are up for grabs, exclusively for Prime members. This year, Prime Day features a special smart home sweepstakes. Go here for the rules. You can […]

If you’ve been thinking about buying smart kitchen appliances, think again. According to surveys, most consumers are wary about outfitting their kitchen with refrigerators, ovens and other appliances that can connect to and be controlled via the Internet. Their reasons are valid, with concerns over privacy and pricing as the biggest inhibitors. According to a […]

A new HD video-enabled collar is the central nervous system of a complete line of Wagz products that uses one simple app to deliver a completely connected pet home. The Wagz Explore Collar communicates with the brand’s high-tech doors, feeders, water dishes, and treat dispensers. Keurig For Fido A game-changing feature is the collar’s ability […]

2018 is on track to be another solid year for home renovations, with half of homeowners on Houzz planning to begin or continue renovations (51 percent), according to the seventh annual Houzz & Home survey of nearly 150,000 respondents in the U.S. Continuing the boom of the past three years, renovation activity and spend was […]

Amazon Alexa’s flashing some new skills with the release of “Jurassic World Revealed,” where players enter the lore and story of the “Jurassic Park” franchise to help fictional podcaster Janet Best report on the troubles of Jurassic World. According to data from CE Pro, the integration of voice control is expected to double in 2018 […]

Photography by Tony Giese It took a while, but home builders seem to be on board with smart home technology these days. Increasingly, they are incorporating touches of tech into model homes, show homes, and even including preconfigured packages as standard amenities in the homes they build for clients. Related: Smart Homes by Lennar The […]

  There’s something very empowering about being able to bark out commands and have devices in your home respond. There are no arguments, whining, or complaints. Your voice-enabled smart speaker is there to please. Google is taking voice a step further, however, by enabling its Google Home devices to not only obey commands, but carry […]