Thanks to the FCC, we learn that Belkin is poised to release the WeMo Stage Scene Controller. And, unlike the Hue Dimmer retrofit, the WeMo Stage is a purpose-built HomeKit switch. As in: no pre-existing functions are being replaced as button presses (short or long) are programmed. Of course, as the name suggests, Belkin intends … Read more
Wyze has officially expanded their smart lighting footprint with the release of a color bulb. And the new Wyze Bulb Color joins the existing 800 lumen tunable white bulb. Beyond the requisite palette expansion (of 16 million colors), Wyze also bumps max lumens to 1100. However, if the hubless WiFi and Bluetooth bulb is anything … Read more
Looks like the Ring Pro 2 is nearly upon us, given a Best Buy Canada product page (that will surely be taken down). While I cannot tell you Apple HomeKit integration is finally upon us, Ring video doorbell resolution will be bumped from 1080p to 1536p for “expanded Head to Toe View allows you to … Read more
As with so many TiVo initiatives, new management and product ADD priorities have led to a course correction. And TiVo is backing away from the smart home once again when DVR IFTTT integration comes to a hardstop on Christmas day — after less than three years in production. On December 25, 2020, the TiVo service … Read more
Amazon’s Black Friday deals have begun. Again. In earnest, this time. And the video doorbell I recommend, due to its functionality and versatility along with reasonable pricing, sees deep a discount. The $200 Ring Video Doorbell 3 drops to $140 via standard ordering. While that’s a solid deal, you can get the very same Ring … Read more
I own a whole lotta Ring products. And the oh-so-simple yet highly practical Ring Pathlight tops my favorites list. There’s really nothing else that compares in the smarthome space — exterior lighting that’s economical, functional, and battery-powered. The Ring Pathlight comes in two flavors: a D-cell variant and a solar model… that can be periodically … Read more
For reasons that aren’t yet entirely clear (to me, anyway), the Ring app now provides tiles to launch the Moen Flo and Chamberlain MyQ apps alongside existing and fully integrated 3rd party smart locks. Interestingly, Moen recently defected from the IFTTT platform and MyQ is an outlier when it comes to Alexa support – their … Read more
When I was first tipped off to the Wyze Sprinkler months ago (app shot below), I had envisioned something akin to the Eve – which brings HomeKit smarts to a spigot. However, as everyone’s favorite ADD importer has moved forward, it’s become clear the company intends undercut the highly regarded Rachio with a multizone sprinkler … Read more
