“Yes, I’m a gadget guy,” admits Marc Pinto. His home in Castle Rock, CO, is a testament to his obsession with all things electronic. In his family room, Marc proudly shows off a huge world map peppered with pinpricks of light. The dots are actually the ends of fiber optic cabling that Marc has poked […]
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7 “Sensible” Ways to Save Energy
It’s the best of times for saving energy in your home. There are about a gazillion little Internet of Things (IoT) devices that promise to save you energy and connect to your home systems, your smartphones, and more. Sensors seem to be everywhere today, but few people actually use them in their homes for the […]
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HomeKit is Coming: How Will Apple Home Automation Be Different
Ever since Apple obliquely announced that it was getting into the smart home automation biz with the launch of something called HomeKit, home-automation enthusiasts and tech analysts (as well as potential partners, manufacturers and competitors) have been on edge waiting for more information. What is Apple HomeKit? Will an Apple home-automation platform be better, worse […]
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Enhance Your Schlage Lock with Wink DIY Home Automation
The lock maker has new features for use with the DIY home automation app.
The lock maker has new features for use with the DIY home automation app.
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Helping Smart Devices Play Well Together in an Automated Home
If you have a router in your house, you’re familiar with Wi-Fi, the communications protocol that enables your smartphone to stream music from the backyard and your laptop to access email from the living room couch—or wherever you happen to be in your house. This wireless networking standard has untethered us from cabling for our communications needs, and has become so pervasive in American homes that manufacturers have implemented the technology into all kinds of devices. With a Wi-Fi chip embedded in it, a light switch can be controlled from an app on your smartphone, for example. But as most people have likely experienced, Wi-Fi can be finicky. Connections can drop unexpectedly, products located far away from the router might lose signal, and as more and more devices join a Wi-Fi network, the communications highway becomes increasingly congested and slow.
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Blackloud Adds Home Automation to Everyday Devices with Buzzi Smart Plug
The new WiFi-enabled smart plug allows you to access home electronics through a slew of wireless devices.
The new WiFi-enabled smart plug allows you to access home electronics through a slew of wireless devices.
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Nortek Security & Control Debuts GoControl-Branded DIY Smart Home Lineup
The new lineup will cover security, access control, HVAC and much more.
The new lineup will cover security, access control, HVAC and much more.
Get the GuideURC SNP-2 Adds Streaming Services to Total Control Automation System
The new network player puts web-based streaming services, web radio and stored music on one system.
The new network player puts web-based streaming services, web radio and stored music on one system.
Get the GuideURC LED Lighting Uses ZigBee and Screw-in Simple Concept
The new wireless system can put lighting into any Total Control or ccGEN2 install.
The new wireless system can put lighting into any Total Control or ccGEN2 install.
Get the GuideURC Offers Entry-level Professional Home Automation for Under $1,000
Audio/video, lighting, thermostats and more
The new system, called ccGEN2 is less expensive than URC’s Total Control system and can easily be expanded from one room to a whole house.
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