“home automation” collection
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →March 29, 2025
Let the Sunshine In…Or Don’t! A First Look at Mado Precision-Fitting Solar Smart Blinds
Discover Mado’s solar-powered, precision-fit smart blinds that are easy to install, energy-efficient, and designed for modern smart homes. In this preview, I highlight key features, real-life use cases, and include an exclusive Q&A with Mado co-founder Andrew Einaudi.
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December 10, 2018
Forget the Smart Home Hub, Brilliant is a Smart Switch that Controls It All, Brilliantly – Review [Updated]
Review of the Brilliant smart switch and controller. Brilliant integrates with many leading smart home products for lights, heat, security, music, and more.
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April 22, 2018
Hive + OhmConnect = Home Automation, Energy Savings & Saving the Earth
Earth Day is a reminder that we must preserve the resources and environment of our fragile planet. But using home automation & smart home technology, you can conserve energy automatically. Hive & OhmConnect have teamed up to help you save the planet with their services & technology.
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March 20, 2018
Review: Rachio Gets Even Better with its Gen 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller
Review of the Rachio Gen3 smart sprinkler controller that automatically knows when and how long to water your garden or lawn based on hyper-localized weather stations. A "set it and forget it" type of home automation makes your garden smart & helps conserve water in the process.
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July 8, 2017
Review: Make Your Sprinklers Intelligent with the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller
Review of the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller. The Generation 2 Smart Controller automatically adjusts based on weather & much more! All smartly!
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January 25, 2016
Wink-ing Cree Connected Light Bulbs On and Off
The Cree Connected LED Light Bulb, in conjunction with the Wink Hub (or other IoT hub) allows you to save energy while also automating your home. Review of the Cree Connected LED Light Bulb.
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May 17, 2013
Remote, Programmatic Home Automation at its Best – the Belkin WeMo
Home Automation and Remote Controls are cool. Really cool. Think back to the days of The Clapper (which you can still buy, by the way). Clap on, clap off. We have come a long way though. Now we have Internet-connected gadgets, gizmos, appliances and devices, hopefully all designed to make our lives easier, safer or simply better. The Belkin WeMo…
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