New Video – Introducing Amazon Echo: Firefly Edition (Meme)

A Firefly edition version of the 'Introducing Amazon Echo' meme, showing 'echo' crossed out and replaced with the 'firefly' logo.

I recently came across the ‘Introducing Amazon Echo’ meme on YouTube, and I noticed that none had been created for Firefly – my favourite TV show which was cancelled (too soon…) by Fox. Hence I created I light-hearted Firefly edition for this Amazon Echo meme, using voiceovers mainly from the Firefly TV show, but also … Read more

Is Ring Protect Free with Amazon Prime?

Ring Protect Plus Plan pricing, with "amazon Prime" text in foreground and a question mark.

Ring Protect is a paid-for plan that stores footage from Ring cameras and doorbells in the Ring cloud, ready to access 24/7 (along with extra features for the Ring Alarm system). Amazon Prime is a paid-for plan that gives access to a range of Amazon products and services. Amazon own Ring. Therefore Ring Protect should … Read more

Can Smart Locks Be Rekeyed?

August's Smart Lock Pro in exploded view, i.e. showing the individual constituent parts that make up the actual lock and smart lock.

Some smart locks are keyless, not requiring (or allowing) any sort of key at all. However other smart locks come with a physical new key, usually as a backup option incase the smart functionality fails. But what happens if you lose your key – can you rekey this backup smart lock? This would be a … Read more

New Video – 5 ANNOYING Hue & Alexa Integration Issues (& How To Fix Them)

YouTube thumbnail for my 'Hue and Alexa integration issue' video, showing me looking annoyed in-front of an Echo and Hue bulb.

Whilst I like controlling my Hue smart lights through Alexa, there are some annoying integration issues between the two, which I explore in more detail in my new YouTube video: The timestamps of each issue in the video is: Video Transcript Hey YouTube, it’s Tristan from Smart Home Point here. I recently got Hue lighting … Read more

Hue And Alexa Integration Problems (& How To Fix Them)

My Amazon Echo (with a blue ring, in listening mode) next to a Philips Hue E14 White Ambiance box.

I recently started to switch over to smart lighting in my house, and overall I really like the integration with Alexa. After all, being able to control your lights using voice commands to your Echo is much more convenient than pulling out your mobile device and launching the philips Hue lights app. However, I have … Read more

Ecobee Sensors Guide (And Can You Use 3rd Party Sensors?)

An ecobee room sensor

ecobee produce a range of smart home devices, although they’re best known for their smart thermostat which rivals the Nest Learning Thermostat. ecobee also produce two smart sensors: a SmartSensor for their thermostat, and a SmartSensor for windows and doors (compatible with their ecobee Haven system. There’s also some support for 3rd party sensors. ecobee … Read more

How A Smart Home Has Helped Me Since Having A Baby

A pram and car baby seat, stored under our stairs in the hallway.

I was recently taking my 11 month old 10 kg (22 lb) baby son downstairs and doing a few things with him in my arms, when I realized that I’d issued a few voice commands almost subconsciously: what’s the weather like tomorrow, turn on my lights, and playing Baby Shark. This subtle shift away from … Read more

Common Philips Hue Setup Questions Answered

A Philips Hue starter kit (B22), and four E14 White Ambiance bulbs.

So you’ve decided to switch to smart lighting? Congratulations, I recently made the switch and I’m glad that I did. Having said that, there are some possible points of confusion with the setup process. For example, you might have the newer Bluetooth bulbs, but if you also have a Hue Bridge, should you use this … Read more