Cable and satellite television companies have long had the practice of setting high rates for their services because they had no one to compete with. But now that online streaming services are growing swiftly in popularity, the situation is changing. These trends threaten the kingdom that cable companies have reigned over for decades.
If you are building out your smarthome you will want to check out the $69.99 Amped Wireless Smartplug AWP138W. While it is a bit on the expensive side, it is an easy way to turn a standard home electrical product into something fitting for your Amazon Alexa-enabled abode. Setup is simple and using it is as easy as speaking.
I recently began a two-part review of the Vivint home automation/security solutions. Read the review here before you move on to part 2. The system has definitely become an important part of our home. Part 2 will cover the Playback DVR, door locks, thermostat, smoke detector and other detectors installed.
As a huge fan of HomeKit products one thing that I truly longed for was an adequate surge protector. Now that Apple has begun opening up their Smart Home platform to more companies and changed their framework a bit, you’ll see more and more smart home products popping up left and right, but the Koogeek Surge Protector REALLY caught my eye.
In search of good HomeKit smart plugs that not only look phenomenal but can control all of your home appliances with ease, the iU9 Smart Power Outlet by Taiwan-based company Opro9 may be one of the best plugs I’ve used in a very long time.
Apple’s HomeKit platform has plenty of great devices that allow you to control and monitor all of the items in your home, but one thing that I longed for ever since Apple began opening up its platform was for them to allow Belkin’s WeMo platform to join the fold.
If you’re shopping for a home security camera, there’s plenty of options that you can consider, but none quite like the SmartCam A1. Imagine having a home camera that you can control and rotate for a fully immersive view of the surroundings that you place them in. The company sent over a unit for us to test out, so let’s find out if this camera is really worth the hype.
Flo is an all-in-one security system that detects micro-leaks and other vulnerabilities in your home’s water supply. Perry reviewed it last month and found that it was able to detect even the smallest of leaks in his home’s water system. Now you can get Flo HomeProtect which will reimburse your insurance deductible if your Flo-equipped home suffers major water damage.
I recently had the good people from Vivint come and install a home automation system/security system in my home. Vivint provides a ton of options and provides professional installation with every purchase. Read on to see how the process and products have transformed my home.
Memorial Day has become regarded as the unofficial kick-off of summer, and with that distinction, the beginning of outdoor grilling season. If you’re a fan of barbecue or low-and-slow cooking in general, temperature control is vitally important to your efforts’ success. I’ve recently discovered an extremely useful tool that has upped my barbecue game, the Flame Boss 300.
The Camp Chef SmokePro SG Pellet Grill is that rare breed of equipment that’s so easy to use; you can feel like a master after your first cook. Although this was the first pellet grill/smoker I’ve ever used, the SmokePro SG made me feel like a championship BBQ pitmaster. Starting at $749.99, the SmokePro SG belongs in every carnivore’s backyard.
I bought an L-shaped bamboo-topped standing desk last year. With grand illusions of doing all of my work while standing, I also bought the large Topo Mat to help with fatigue … but after 10 minutes of standing still, my back starts hurting, and I’m back in my chair — gah! And then I got the Ergo Impact LeanRite Elite.
If you have less than three things that require USB charging sitting on your desk, then I’m impressed with your minimalism! My electronics tend to sit in a “charging pile”; it’s neither pretty nor visually efficient. Now that I have the udoq400, there is no more charging pile; I can see and use my devices as they charge.
If you have allergies that flare up periodically and are attempting to fight off things like the common cold and nasal congestion, you should really check out the Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Humidifier. We received one and have been putting it through the paces for the past month.
The I’ve seen many smart home devices, but none of them actively protect your home from danger more so than the Flo leak detection system. Flo is a security system for your home’s water system that constantly monitors to catch leaks, prevent water damage, and save you money. Flo is available for purchase at an introductory price of $499.
As much fun as this looks, a garden torch probably isn’t the safest and best way to light a barbecue grill. I have used a torch hooked up to a propane tank in the past, but despite my friend’s enthusiasm in this photo, I’ve found a better way: The Bison Airlighter 420. Here’s why The Bison is a significant improvement.
Vinyl is back. For years, hipsters have ironically foretold the format’s return, but the numbers finally support it. 2017 marked the highest year for vinyl sales since 1991, and it shows no signs of slowing down. But vinyl is a delicate medium. And with so many new people hopping on the vinyl train, many people are inadvertently damaging their records.
Philips Hue smart lighting ecosystem has long been a leader in providing sophisticated smart lighting solutions, and now a new app update is going to make Philips Hue lights even more customizable and useful.
I have standing desks in both my home and work offices. I love them. In both cases, however, assembling the desk took quite some time. The Vari ProDesk 60 Electric solves this issue without tradeoffs. The desk, whose MSRP starts at $995, can be assembled in about five minutes yet is an impressive no-compromise standing desk.
My Waterpik is part of my morning and evening ritual. It’s so central to my routine that, when Raina and I are traveling, I, and my gums, really miss it. That’s why I was so eager to check out the Waterpik Sidekick Water Flosser. It’s great for home use, but it is also small enough to take on the go.
I think I’ve made it clear over the years that I love Audioengine products. I’ve reviewed many of the company’s speakers and have always been impressed. Honestly, I’m not sure why they aren’t a household name. Now they have released the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers. An update to their impressive A5 speakers, their new offering once again impressed me.