Neato introduced a new range of Botvacs for summer 2015, from the baby of the range D75 (see our review) to the uprated filtering power of the D80 and D85 models for those with pets, or who are more sensitive to dust and allergens. In this comparison we see how the new D80 compares with last year’s plain old Botvac 80 model and see if any of the improvements, new features … [Read more...] about Neato Botvac 80 vs Botvac D80 – Just a One Letter Difference?
Blade 350 QX3 Review – Is this RTF Drone Legit?
User-friendly and on the lower end of the Ready-to-Fly (RTF) drone price spectrum, the Blade 350 QX3 is a consumer-grade quadcopter offering enough features to keep even dedicated drone enthusiasts happy. The base model of the QX3 comes video photography ready but does not include a camera. In a departure from its usual product line setup, Blade has opted to offer the QX3 … [Read more...] about Blade 350 QX3 Review – Is this RTF Drone Legit?
Litter Robot Review – Automated Self Cleaning LRII [UPDATED: Litter Robot III]
Pets are part of the smart home too, right? So why shouldn’t they benefit from some of the advances in technology? After all, we already have smart cat flaps, and Roombas do a great job of picking up their fur. But, while that saves us some effort, how about something that makes dealing with the by-product of owning a pet a little less unpleasant. Enter automated cat … [Read more...] about Litter Robot Review – Automated Self Cleaning LRII [UPDATED: Litter Robot III]
The Best Z-Wave Controllers for Home Automation
Home automation technologies seem to improve every few months, and the number of devices on the market is growing fast. While we still wait to see what Apple can do with HomeKit and Microsoft can produce with AllJoyn, there is still plenty of scope for the existing home automation leaders to improve and evolve their products. Those using Z-Wave wireless technology are … [Read more...] about The Best Z-Wave Controllers for Home Automation
August Smart Lock Review – Ditch the Keys!
The August Smart Lock is a connected door lock with a lot to offer. It is marketed as a convenient, secure lock that is particularly useful for its discrete positioning and intelligent technology. One feature that many users love about this lock is that it simply hooks into an existing lock assembly. For those who shy away at the thought of a complicated set up, this lock's … [Read more...] about August Smart Lock Review – Ditch the Keys!
Aquabot Breeze XLS Review – Is This Pool Robot Worth the Money?
The Aquabot Breeze XLS automatic pool cleaner is designed to help clean pools of various shapes and surfaces up to 50 feet. Unlike some of its pool maintenance competitors, the Aquabot cleaners work equally well on above-ground and in-ground pools. If you're looking for a robot pool cleaner with deep cleaning capabilities, this one could be just what you need, as it comes with … [Read more...] about Aquabot Breeze XLS Review – Is This Pool Robot Worth the Money?
Our Amazon Echo Review – Is the Echo Worth Listening to?
The Amazon Echo first rolled out to Prime subscribers last year as little more than a Bluetooth speaker with a couple of ‘smart’ features. Since then, the team behind it has added many more features, until the device was recently considered worthy of a general release. Powered by a cloud service called Alexa, the Echo responds in a female voice to your requests. While it … [Read more...] about Our Amazon Echo Review – Is the Echo Worth Listening to?
The Best Smart Thermostats Currently Available for 2023
Smart thermostats are sexy. When you think about home automation and smart devices, smart thermostats would surely come to mind. These devices are inherently useful because they can keep you comfortable, while also taking care of the budget side of things. With smart thermostats, gone are the days when you would need to adjust room temperature manually. You can even … [Read more...] about The Best Smart Thermostats Currently Available for 2023
RoboSnail Review – Introducing the RoboSnail Robotic Aquarium Cleaner
There is just something about a home with a beautiful aquarium filled with exotic fish that really stand out. An aquarium is an expensive addition to any home but when treated well and maintained properly, can be a focal point of any room. One of the biggest issues for most aquarium owners is the difficulty in cleaning the inside of the tank while filled with water. Yes, you … [Read more...] about RoboSnail Review – Introducing the RoboSnail Robotic Aquarium Cleaner
SkyBell Doorbell Review – Does the SkyBell 2.0 Smart Doorbell Work as Intended?
If you're in the market for a doorbell that does more than just chime to let you know that you have a visitor, the newest Skybell doorbell could be just what you need. The Skybell is a "smart" video doorbell that uses a video camera, motion sensor, speaker, and microphone to help you better communicate with and see your visitors. You can see who's there at any time, even if … [Read more...] about SkyBell Doorbell Review – Does the SkyBell 2.0 Smart Doorbell Work as Intended?