Do Smart Light Switches Need A Hub?

Back view of a smart light switch that requires a neutral wire

Smart switches are one of the keys to a fully unlocked smart home. These switches you let transform your standard home lighting into a seamless smart experience. Smart switch come from a wide range of manufacturers that feature several different types of controls – from basic on/off functionality, to more advanced dimming (Through dimmer switch) … Read more

Ring Doorbell Pro 1 to 2: Worth The Upgrade? – New Video

YouTube thumbnail showing me saying no with the text Why Im NOT upgrading

The Ring Doorbell Pro 2 has recently been released, but is it worth upgrading to if you already own the Pro 1? After all, the Pro 2 is now one of the most expensive smart doorbells on the market, so surely it has something to justify its price increase… right? Well, I cover all this … Read more

Does SwitchBot Need A Hub?

SwitchBot Mini on a table with an Amazon Echo Dot

In the ever-growing sector of smart home products arises yet another contender – the SwitchBot.  Released in 2016 on Kickstarter, then in 2017 to the general retail market, these simple, affordable, yet intuitive smart devices are practically in a class of their own.  They complete a variety of functions – from opening and closing curtains, … Read more

How To Reset The Philips Hue Motion Sensor

Back of the Philips Hue Motion Sensor

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is a versatile tool in your smart home ecosystem. These motion sensors allow you to go from app-controlled lighting to a truly smart system that responds to your needs and does the work for you.  Motion sensors have been established in lighting for decades, and they run on very simple … Read more

PSA: Why Smart Plugs Are Often Pointless (Electric vs Mechanical Switches) – New Video

YouTube thumbnail showing a smart plug my coffee machine and the text Misleading Advertising

The marketing of smart plugs is great: easily control your household appliances and devices from anywhere in the world, or even via smart routines and schedules. Simple. However if you look at the “fine print” of many smart plugs, they say that they only work with mechanical switches. Many devices have electric (not mechanical) switches, … Read more

Can Philips Hue Do Black Light?

Screenshot from the Hue app showing an RGB color wheel for Hue Color bulbs

Black light is used everywhere from security to parties. These lights use UV-A wavelengths to cause a glow-in-the-dark reaction called fluoresce. You’ve probably seen this in black light posters at party stores or when you’re getting your stamp checked after re-entering into a concert. It can be an exciting twist on traditional lighting to be … Read more

Using Your Philips Hue Dimmer Switch With Alexa – Is It Possible?

Philips Hue dimmer switch showing a red (error) light

The goal of most smart home owners is to get their homes to operate seamlessly and achieve interoperability with all of their smart devices. With the introduction of smart home hubs such as Amazon’s Echo, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple HomeKit, just to name a few, this goal of interoperability seemed to become a reality. However, … Read more

Does The Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor Allow Lux (Daylight) Control?

The Daylight Sensitivity option on a Hue indoor motion sensor from the Hue app

Lux values, brightness sensitivity, and daylight control all refer to the same setting in your smart motion detectors. This setting is where you pick how bright it has to be before your motion sensor will trigger. The lower the setting, the more light the sensor needs to activate. This is a powerful setting. Not only … Read more

Does Philips Hue’s Motion Sensor Work Through Glass & Windows?

A Hue motion sensor pointed at a window/glass

Infrared vision is the stuff of science fiction and spy movies. Being able to see heat signatures allows action movie heroes to see through walls, but why can’t my Philips Hue Motion Sensor see through a glass window? Passive infrared sensors work wonders in low-light conditions, but they have their drawbacks. These sensors are far … Read more

Why I LOVE Philips Hue (5 Reasons They’re NOT “A Rip Off”) – New Video

YouTube thumbnail showing me sleeping with my Hue bulbs and accessories

Whether it’s Linus (from LTT) or Paul Hibbert (of “Oooh the Zigbee” fame), YouTubers seem to love bashing Philips Hue. As a result, I wanted to give a rare insight into why I sleep with my highly prized Philips Hue bulbs and accessories each night. Or, to be less flippant, I wanted to cover 5 … Read more