Welcome to our Smart Home and Automation category page—the hub for all things smart and convenient that can revolutionise your daily living. Here, you’ll find comprehensive guides, reviews, and the latest news on devices and ecosystems that promise to make your home safer, more efficient, and undeniably more enjoyable.
Smart Home and Automation refers to the network of intelligent devices and systems that connect to the internet and to each other, offering remote control, monitoring, and data collection. From voice-activated lighting to intelligent cooking appliances, this category spans a wide array of products designed to bring ease and automation into your home life.
Whether you’re a tech-savvy early adopter or a homeowner seeking practical solutions for everyday tasks, smart home tech offers a wide range of applications that can genuinely improve your living standards.
Whether you’re just starting your smart home journey or looking to expand your existing setup, our Smart Home and Automation category is rich with expert advice, detailed reviews, and the latest updates to help you make informed decisions. Dive in and discover how smart your home can truly be!
The Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 is the third product Aqara has launched that has native Matter support which is achieved through the thread protocol. It joins the Door and Window Sensor P2 and the Aqara Presence Sensor FP2. I’m not sure why they released this after the other two, as I feel it’s…
I have been a big fan of robot vacuums for several years now and have loved seeing the technology evolve. Originally, I had a Eufy robot vacuum that would bounce around our kitchen, randomly cleaning up my mess. Nowadays, I am all about robot vacuums with Lidar or Vslam mapping and auto-emptying stations. The Hobot…
SwitchBot has announced a significant upgrade to its product line, bringing Matter support to nearly all of its devices. This move aims to provide users with a more seamless and integrated smart home experience. Related Reviews SwitchBot Hub 2: The Gateway to Matter Compatibility Last year, SwitchBot took its first step into the Matter ecosystem…
Aqara has announced the release of its latest product, the Motion and Light Sensor P2. This new generation motion sensor is built upon the Thread protocol and the industry-unifying Matter standard, offering seamless compatibility across various smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. The Motion and Light Sensor P2…
The Philips Hue Floodlight Camera was announced at IFA 2023 as part of the Philips Hue Secure launch, along with three other cameras. It joins a growing number of floodlight cameras on the market, but its integration with the Philips Hue ecosystem sets it apart. As I am heavily invested in Philips Hue, I have…
Anker subsidiary Eufy today announced the global launch of its new flagship robotic vacuum, the eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S1 Pro. The S1 Pro introduces several industry-leading features, including a revolutionary floor washing system, a compact all-in-one base station, and advanced obstacle avoidance technology. The Omni S1 Pro is currently available for pre-order through Kickstarter,…
Signify, the company behind the popular Philips Hue smart lighting system, has announced a new partnership with Samsung SmartThings, a leading smart home platform. This collaboration aims to provide users with more seamless control over their Philips Hue smart lights through the SmartThings app and ecosystem. Related Content Expanded Philips Hue Functionality in SmartThings App…
I have previously reviewed the excellent Arlo Essential and Essential XL outdoor wireless security cameras. Arlo has now released a second generation of its Essential range with four new products, including a second-generation version of the two Essential outdoor cameras, a 2K Essential Video Doorbell, and an Essential indoor camera. The Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera…
Arlo has unveiled its latest Essential range in the UK, designed to meet the growing consumer demand for affordable yet comprehensive home security solutions. The new range boasts a variety of cutting-edge features, including 2K resolution for crystal-clear video quality and 4-in-1 security capabilities encompassing video recording, audio monitoring, motion detection, and deterrence. Related Reviews…
EZVIZ has announced the UK launch of its first dual lens video doorbell, the EP3X Pro. This innovative doorbell offers advanced features including dual 2k and 1080p cameras, smart human and package detection, free built-in 32GB eMMC storage, solar charging, and integration with voice assistants. Dual Lens Design for Comprehensive Coverage The EP3X Pro is…
Nanoleaf is a well-known brand in the smart lighting industry, and their Shapes Ultra Black Hexagons are one of their latest offerings. These light panels are designed to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room while providing customisable lighting options. Popular among gamers, I don’t think there is a product that can…
I have previously reviewed the SpotCam Video Doorbell 2 and found it to be a good, affordable alternative to popular video doorbells such as Ring, Eufy and Arlo. Spotcam recently launched the SpotCam Solo Pro, which is a wireless camera system designed to compete with wireless surveillance cameras such as the Arlo Pro 5 and…