What Is The Difference Between The Philips Hue Bridge 1 And 2?

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

In 2015, Philips introduced the second version of the Philips Hue Bridge. As a result, Philips Hue users who were currently using the first version of the Bridge became a little concerned and began to wonder – are they going to stop supporting the first Hue Bridge? Will we have to get another one?  Many … Read more

Philips Hue Will Support “Matter” (But NOT Thread) – New Video

YouTube thumbnail showing me a 3d render of Elon Musk and the text Hue Matter Thread and... Elon Musk

Philips Hue recently confirmed that the Hue ecosystem will soon have a software update to support “Matter”, the connectivity standard that aims to finally introduce a common smart home communication ‘platform’. However this update will be made to the Hue Bridge V2, meaning that individual Hue lights and components will NOT be Matter or Thread … Read more

Does Lutron Caseta Work Without Internet?

Lutron Caseta starter kit with no WiFi sign on top of it

Lutron Caseta is the single most popular name amongst its smart switches and dimmers. This smart products brand has carved out a niche in the market that has established the Lutron name as not only high-end, but also highly reliable. Even today, internet connections are not entirely reliable. You want to know that your smart … Read more

Are Philips Hue Bulbs Bright Enough?

A table lamp with Philips Hue E14 candle bulb, dimmed to 1% brightness

Philips Hue has an extensive line of smart lighting products that provide varying degrees of lighting for the modern smart home. Their diverse range of lighting products includes a variety of bulbs for both the inside and outside of your home.   Their line also includes floor lights, light strips, pendant lights, and even their lighted … Read more

Lutron Caseta vs RA2 Select: Which To Buy?

Lutron Caseta smart lighting dimmer kit with dimmer remote and smart bridge

Lutron is one of the most high-end brand names in smart home technology. With that kind of reputation, it’s no surprise that they have a range of options to choose from when it comes to controlling your home’s lighting. The Lutron Caséta and the RA2 Select are just two of the four options that they … Read more

What Protocol Lutron Caseta Uses (Why Not ZigBee/Z-Wave?)

Lutron Caseta Product Family

Lutron Caséta is one of the biggest names in smart switches, plugs, and a few other smart devices. When it comes to smart switches and plugs, the Lutron brand name is considered to be one of the best high-end options for your smart home. As with many smart home devices, Lutron relies on a hub … Read more

Is Nanoleaf Bright Enough To Light A Room By Themselves?

A Nanoleaf Essentials light strip near a TV

Nanoleaf’s intricately-designed lighting panels bring a decorative flair to the modern smart home – a flair unsurpassed by any other because of their unique lighting options. You can use them to create a decorative piece on one or more walls, or even to liven up a house party as they pulse and change color to … Read more

The Difference Between Amazon Alexa and Echo (The “API Mandate” Is Alive!) – New Video

Echo vs Alexa difference YouTube thumbnail with me wearing a cowboy hat

People sometimes use the terms “Amazon Alexa” and “Amazon Echo” interchangeably, as though they are the same thing. But they are actually different. Amazon Alexa is the smart cloud platform used by Amazon, and this can be accessed on our phones, through our smart watches, in our cars – and yes, through Amazon Echo. Amazon … Read more

How You Can Safely Remove Nanoleaf Without Damaging Your Walls

3M command strip tabs which allow for safe removal of wall mounted panels

Because of their innovative technology and the ability to create intricate designs, Nanoleaf lighting panels are quickly gaining popularity. But before investing in the decorative panels, many people want to know whether the adhesive that attaches them to the walls is going to give them any trouble when it comes time to remove them. Whether … Read more

Help, My Ring Camera Or Doorbell Video Is Black! (How To Fix)

Ring motion recording footage showing the blacked out privacy zone.

Ring is still on the top when it comes to smart home technology. Since being acquired by Amazon, Ring has moved to become the leader of smart home security as well as lighting and other smart tech arenas. However, their technology isn’t always totally reliable. Smart home devices rely on complicated networks of apps, physical gadgets, … Read more