For many years the big electronics companies avoided jumping on the home robotics band-wagon. The success of the iRobot and Neato robotic vacuums has done a lot to garner increased interest in the market. Even the most stalwart upright vacuum incumbents like Dyson and Bissell have either jumped in - or announced plans to jump in - to the robotic cleaner market. Samsung also … [Read more...] about My Samsung Powerbot Review – Is the VR9000 a Roomba Challenger?
Roomba 880 vs 980 – What’s the Big Deal?
Until recently the iRobot Roomba 880 was considered one of the most powerful robot vacuum cleaners on the market. While the 880 still stands out for its exceptional performance and cleaning capabilities, the newly introduced iRobot Roomba 980 has a lot to offer. Bottom Line up Front: Which Would I go with Today? Latest Technology: If you want WiFi control from you … [Read more...] about Roomba 880 vs 980 – What’s the Big Deal?
x10 vs Insteon Protocol for Home Automation – What’s the Difference?
For the home user, the range of home automation radio protocols can be baffling and positively hostile, putting some users off the whole thing and limiting others to just one range of compatible devices. In this article, we compare Insteon and X10, two of the older schemes that were created when the idea for smart homes was to run all communication along home wiring. X10 … [Read more...] about x10 vs Insteon Protocol for Home Automation – What’s the Difference?
WeMo Camera Review – A Close Look at the WeMo Netcam by Belkin
Belkin has been better known for its PC accessories, WiFi routers and other gadgets over the years, but the company clearly sees the smart home as an area it can profit from. With a range of lighting, automation and home security products for use around the home, under the WeMo banner. Key Features of the WeMo Camera The WeMo NetCam HD+ WiFi model is the latest in the … [Read more...] about WeMo Camera Review – A Close Look at the WeMo Netcam by Belkin
New Neato Botvac Connected Review – A Worthy WiFi Robot?
It didn't take long for Neato to follow iRobot's lead and release a WiFi enabled robot vacuum. The much anticipated release is definitely worth getting excited about. There are now TWO WiFi enabled robotic vacuums on the market. It's been interesting to watch as Neato has released a flurry of new series while iRobot was biding their time developing the Roomba 980. First, … [Read more...] about New Neato Botvac Connected Review – A Worthy WiFi Robot?
Top 3 Best Camera Drones – Drones for Video Photography
The drone industry has exploded in the last few years. Between significant advancements in technology and increased consumer interest in drone technology, a variety of manufacturers are now offering drones ranging from $100 toys to professional-grade systems costing thousands. While there is certainly a drone model available to fit every skill level and budget, there are a … [Read more...] about Top 3 Best Camera Drones – Drones for Video Photography
The Skybell vs Doorbot Smart Doorbell Comparison
Smart doorbells are a natural part of the smart home, bringing interactivity and smartness to the front door, perhaps alongside a smart lock. By integrating a microphone, Wi-Fi, sensor and video camera, they allow owners to know who’s coming, to avoid missing important messages or deliveries, and let them see what’s going on outside their property. By directing alerts to … [Read more...] about The Skybell vs Doorbot Smart Doorbell Comparison
Skydrop Review – A Review of the Skydrop Smart Sprinkler
Announced in 2014, the Skydrop Smart Irrigation system combines Internet weather forecasts with a smart water delivery system to provide your plants or lawn with water when needed, and saving water when nature can provide. Developed in Utah, it is aimed at those premises in regions where water is becoming an expensive commodity, and those in drought hit States will certainly … [Read more...] about Skydrop Review – A Review of the Skydrop Smart Sprinkler
Securifi Almond Review – Is the Securifi Home Automation Hub a Worthy Contender?
No smart home would be complete without a smart router and the Securifi Almond 2015 goes that extra step with a touchscreen for easy of installation and managing smart home devices. That makes it a boon for those who struggle to login to their current router via a browser, and are less sure of what to do when faced with the many highly technical options. The Almond 2015 … [Read more...] about Securifi Almond Review – Is the Securifi Home Automation Hub a Worthy Contender?
Botvac D80 Review – A Close Look at the Botvac D80 from Neato
Neato first introduced its Botvac series of robot vacuums last year and significantly expanded its product lineup for 2015 by introducing new products and adding functionality to existing product lines under the Botvac name. Like last year’s models, the primary difference between the D80 and its big brother, the D85, is that the D80 doesn’t come with extra filters (not … [Read more...] about Botvac D80 Review – A Close Look at the Botvac D80 from Neato