Home Tech

Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System: Getting Ready for My 2nd Mosquito-free Summer

Last year, the Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System changed my outdoor experience. I am a magnet for mosquitos, and, in the past, they have made my backyard experience rather unpleasant. The LIV system changed that and created two mosquito-free zones. This season, thanks to a few additional repellers, I’ll have the entire backyard protected, whether I’m swimming, eating, or simply hanging. Let’s dive in.


Master Lock Folding Door Security Bar Review: Properly Secure Your Hinged or Sliding Doors, Even When Traveling

We tend to make home security quite technological and complicated. You can have Bluetooth door locks, HD cameras, door sensors, window sensors, and the ability to watch it all from anywhere in the world. Sometimes though, simple can be better. The Master Lock Folding Door Security Bar doesn’t connect to anything, but it will lock your house down just the way you want it! The Master Lock Folding Door Security Bar is simple but effective. It’s a shade under 2 pounds and can be telescoped out from 25.5″ up to about 43.5″. You can also fold it in half for…



The All-New Ring Battery Doorbell Plus Offers Significant Battery and Field of View Improvements

Eight years ago, I reviewed the Ring Video Doorbell. This was such a new product category at the time that I wrote, “knowing who’s standing at your door when you are or aren’t at home is a pretty handy superpower.” Honestly, I still think that’s true. The all-new Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is the brand’s most significant update to its battery doorbell lineup yet, and one of the features being touted is battery life that can last up to three times longer than that first-gen Ring Video Doorbell I reviewed, but that’s just the start.



Lutron Diva Dimmer and Claro Switch Are Smarter than Ever!

Lutron makes all kinds of great devices to keep your home lights going. Their Caséta system aims to make sure you can customize your lighting controls wirelessly, and they’ve expanded that lineup at CES with the new Diva smart dimmer and Claro smart switch in a variety of colors to match your decor!




Samsung Bespoke Kitchen Appliances Get Smarter and Sleeker!

Anyone can have a regular refrigerator or oven. But if you really want your kitchen to reflect you, then you need to consider a Samsung Bespoke appliance! Samsung is expanding its Bespoke line, so if you’ve ever thought “you know what my fridge needs, besides more half and half? A more stylish exterior!” Well, read on!


The 2023 LG TV Lineup Promises Plenty of Style and Smarts

Remember when televisions were just conduits for whatever your rabbit ears could get over the air? It’s safe to say things have changed, a lot. LG is right there pushing the envelope with exciting new OLED models that will make your living room more entertaining, smarter, and stylish. Here’s a look at the 2023 LG TV Lineup.


Vivint Smart Energy Brings Solar Production Data Their Smart Home App

Alternative energy sources have become more affordable and reliable and are also a passion of mine. With them, it is essential to be able to monitor energy input to regulate usage. Vivint has announced a new feature allowing their app users to view production data from their solar panels. This is a significant step forward in encouraging renewable energy sources and integrating solar energy into the Vivint Smart Energy and Smart Home experience.




EcoFlow Wave Portable Air Conditioner + Add-On Battery Review: A Surprisingly Versatile Off-Grid Cooling Solution

We’ve reviewed several power products from EcoFlow, including batteries, solar panels, and a Smart Generator. The company has branched out and added a new device that takes advantage of this portable power to keep you cool. The EcoFlow Wave is a 4,000 BTU portable air conditioner sold with or without an add-on battery; with the battery, it is perfect for keeping a smaller space cool, even when the power is out.


The 1800W EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station Is Now Available

The EcoFlow DELTA 2 is now available for purchase. This new power solution comes with X-Stream technology, which offers charging speeds up to seven times faster than the competition; 0-80% in just 50 minutes from AC input on a battery this large is mind-blowing fast. The LFP batteries will bring ten years of life, and a huge 1800W AC output will run even more of your electronics and appliances, whether you’re going through a power outage at home, spending time in an area that doesn’t have electricity, or just trying to reduce your reliance on the grid.




Geneverse Launches HomePower PRO Series Solar Generator

With power grid issues across the country, especially with the extreme summer heat, power consumption and backup are important topics. Today, Geneverse has partnered with HGTV’s Chip Wade to introduce the latest and greatest portable solar technology: The HomePower PRO Series.



Ugreen Nexode 200W GaN Charger Review: Plenty of Power to Charge Up to Six of Your Devices Simultaneously

Playing the equivalent of musical chairs with your wall chargers and cables can become the norm, especially when your everyday carry includes multiple power-hungry devices like laptops and tablets. The Ugreen Nexode 200W GaN Charger puts four USB-C ports and two USB ports at your disposal; with its GaN technology, you can fast-charge up to three 65W laptops simultaneously or charge up to six smartphones and tablets simultaneously.


1800W EcoFlow Smart Generator Review: Keeps Your Batteries Charged

I have spent some time with several EcoFlow products; my home’s backup power bank revolves around the Delta Max and an add-on battery. We have reviewed the 400W solar panel and have the Smart Generator in for testing. The EcoFlow Smart Generator is a gas generator designed for the Delta ecosystem to charge while saving you time and fuel.