Tristan Perry 
The Philips Hue Bridge (or the Starter Kits, which ship with a Bridge) are fairly clear about a seemingly unimportant limitation: “the Hue Bridge allows you to connect and control up to 50 lights and accessories” – Hue Bridge marketing information, 2020. When you’re just starting out on your smart phone journey, 50 lights seems … Read more
You may have heard that 5 Ghz WiFi is faster than 2.4 Ghz WiFi, but many smart plugs only seem to support 2.4 Ghz WiFi. Does this mean that your smart plugs won’t be as efficient as possible? And if so, why aren’t more 5 Ghz smart plugs available to buy? Many smart plugs support … Read more
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
To go alongside my ‘How To Stop Your Ring Cameras From Recording‘ text guide, I have just finished recording a video guide for it too: (no Ring cameras were hurt in the filming of this video!) The six approaches are: Option 1 – use modes Option 2 – disable motion detection Option 3 – turn … Read more
Having Ring’s doorbell and security cameras around your property are great for feeling more secure and preventing burglaries, however they can make you feel self-conscious at times – especially if you’re relaxing in your backyard but a Ring outdoor cam is filming you 24/7, like the all-seeing eye of Sauron. Okay maybe that’s a bit … Read more
If you have a smart bulb installed in a light fitting, it’s easy to forget that it’s a smart bulb and turn the switch off to it – rendering the smart bulb useless. Alternatively you might live with someone who keeps says “you’ve left the room, turn the switches off once you’re done!” (or “it’s … Read more
I recently purchased a Philips Hue starter kit and four candle bulbs, but due to having limited space (and power outlets) by the router in my living room, I instead installed my Hue Hub (the Bridge v2) up in my attic. I was able to do this because I already have full networking (and power) … Read more
I had always been a bit unsure about smart lighting due to their cost, but I realized of a perfect smart light usecase around my home (turning on and off four side lamps in the evenings). So I went out and purchased four E14 candle Hue bulbs (White Ambiance), along with a B22 starter kit … Read more
When you buy a Ring doorbell, camera or alarm system, Ring warning decals come in the box – such as stickers that say “Attention: Ring Audio & video recording“. These are designed to be put in your window, and in theory they should ward off would-be criminals. But are they really a good thing to … Read more
This morning I ordered some Philips Hue bulbs (four White Ambiance E14s, a size sometimes called ‘decorative candles’) and a starter kit including the hub/bridge. To be honest, I was almost annoyed at myself for ordering them because I’ve been wary about smart lights for years. Why? Well I remember having a conversation with someone … Read more