How Smart Light Switches Can Use Power Even When Off

Marketing image of a two-switch Lutron Caseta smart switch

Smart light switches seem a bit of a contradiction when you first think about them, because an electrical switch has two states: on or off. But yet, any smart devices must always be ‘on’ in order for it to be smartly controlled. So how does a smart light switch stay ‘aware’ (and ultimately powered on) … Read more

New Video – View All Ring Devices On 1 Monitor (Possible?)

YouTube thumbnail for my "watching all your Ring feeds in 1 monitor" video.

Professional grade security systems will allow you to watch all real-time (live) views of the camera feeds on a single PC/TV monitor. This got me wondering whether it’s possible to do this with Ring’s cameras (and doorbells) too? This video explains if it’s possible, and how to do it if so: Video Transcript Hey YouTube, … Read more

New Video – What Exactly Does “Google Home” Mean?!? (Why So Confusing, Google?)

YouTube thumbnail showing me looking confused, and the text "Google Home = CONFUSING!" on it.

I was recently filming for another YouTube video, and I realized that I kept saying “Google Home” but I hadn’t discussed how “Google Home” can actually mean four different things. Hence I wanted to shoot this video and discuss the four things it means, why Google have made this so confusing, and why the situation … Read more

Smart Bulbs vs Smart Switches (Why Some People Are Wrong)

A sticky note put over a standard wall switch, saying "Smart bulb!!! Don't turn me off!!!"

Whenever I see newcomers to smart homes ask what the best smart bulb to buy is, I often see one or two replies saying “Noooo, smart bulbs are POINTLESS!! Just get smart switches instead!!“. And then they say nothing else to back up this view point. Mkay… that’s helpful! In reality, there can be some … Read more

Does Philips Hue Work Okay Without Working WiFi/Internet?

A recently installed Philips Hue v2 bridge which is setup in my loft.

Philips Hue’s range of smart bulbs is set apart from many other smart bulbs because Hue requires a separate Hub (also called a Bridge), and the bulbs communicate over something called ‘ZigBee’ to the Hue Hub. Equally some newer Hue bulbs can work over Bluetooth, linking with the Hue Bluetooth app on your smartphone. But … Read more

LIFX Bulbs Without Internet: Do They Still Work?

LIFX app showing the dashboard and various lights that can be controlled from here.

LIFX bulbs are at the more premium end of the market (just like Philips Hue), both in terms of build quality and also their price. However whilst Philips Hue bulbs usually require a separate Hue Bridge, LIFX bulbs don’t require any extra devices: they work out the box, via WiFi. This is great because you … Read more

New Video – Ring Indoor Cam Setup (With No Internet In Garage!)

YouTube thumbnail for my Ring Indoor Cam garage install video.

I recently bought a Ring Indoor Cam for £15 as part of an Amazon bundle deal, and I wanted to wall mount this in my garage to detect would-be burglars. However there’s one big flaw in my plan: I don’t have any internet in my garage. As a result, I wanted to shoot this full, … Read more

Google Nest ‘Drop In’ Support (And What To Do Instead)

A Google Home Mini device placed on a wooden shelving unit

The Google Home range – which includes various Nest smart speakers and hubs including the ‘Mini’ devices – is a line of products known as ‘smart voice assistants’, and they rival Amazon’s Echo line-up. One of the features from Amazon Echo is the ability to ‘drop in’ on an Echo from anywhere in the world … Read more