Hands On New Ecobee SmartSensor

With the release of the updated Ecobee SmartThermostat, the company has also refreshed the Room Sensor as the new SmartSensor featuring an updated appearance, that houses enhanced functionality, and improved mounting options. It comes bundled with the new ecobee, but also backwards compatible and sold independently in 2-packs for $79. So what’s new? Most obvious … Read more

Apple HomeKit Secure Video Announced

Apple has unleashed a ton of new functionality across their device lineup … that’s still being digested. Yet a significant HomeKit update merited WWDC keynote attention. Apple rightly points out that most of our connected video camera content is shipped across the Internet and entrusted to service providers, perhaps without sufficient privacy controls. As such, … Read more

Dave’s Apple WWDC Wishlist Scorecard

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is underway. And we’re collectively still sifting through so many software enhancements across multiple platforms. But down here in the weeds, my wishlist has remained consistent … although, perhaps misguided, as some believe I’m holding it wrong. Maybe I am. My WWDC wishlist scorecard iPad Desktop Browser ✔️iPad Mouse … Read more

New Ecobee & SmartSensors Detailed

If you’ve been following along, you know ecobee is working on a variety of new products. While the company will expand their reach into the smart home later this year with (at least) an indoor camera and contact sensor, an updated ecobee thermostat and sensor is expected any day now. And, thanks to Lowe’s, all … Read more

Alexa Sunrise/Sunset Triggers Have Arrived

Alexa Routines have become increasingly powerful and Amazon just upped the virtual hub ante with sunrise/sunset triggers. As shown in the video, we can use those ever shifting times to put a variety of smart home devices into action. In my case, I’m migrating three less elegant Hue lighting routines into two Alexa routines given … Read more

Comcast Retires TiVo Xfinity On Demand

Welp, it’s time to pour one out for the Xfinity On-Demand services that will be removed from all TiVo platforms come June 25th. Announcement of the functionality back in 2011 marked a seminal moment in DVR retail history, where the nation’s largest cable provider stepped up to the plate and collaborated with TiVo to right … Read more

Blink XT2 Wireless Camera: A Cheaper Arlo Pro 2

What if you could take the Arlo Pro 2 1080p cameras, run on standard AA batteries instead of proprietary, significantly lower the price of entry, and potentially have a 2-year camera charge? You’d have the new Blink XT2! At least that’s the Blink sales pitch — and it could be close. Amazon-owned Blink announced the … Read more

DISH OTA Signal Meter To Improve Antenna Reception

Satellite television provider DISH continues to hedge their bets, given a variety of cord cutting streaming hardware and services that seemingly acknowledge the contraction of traditional pay television. They even mount OTA television antennas, under the AirTV shingle, via their network of satellite dish installers! And they’re about ready to improve installation precision for improved … Read more