“smart home” collection
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →November 2, 2025
Make Your Backyard Look Amazing (The “Boss” Approves): Lumary Smart Landscape Spotlight Review
Lumary Smart Landscape Spotlight review: hands-on testing of this 6-light RGBAI system with app control, voice integration, and weather-resistant design. Discover how easy setup, granular color customization, and pre-programmed scenes make this $62.99 (limited deal) lighting kit perfect for transforming your yard, fence lines, and garden areas into customizable outdoor environments.
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June 20, 2022
How To Easily Install and Set Up the Smafan Smart Fan (Trendsetter 48″) – Review & Video
Installation and review of the Smafan smart fan 48" Trendsetter. This how-to includes a video and other tips to integrate this fan with your smart home.
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April 25, 2021
How To Bring Colorful Smart Lighting to Any Lamp – Nooie Smart LED Bulb Review
Review of the Nooie Smart LED light bulb (the Nooie Aurora) which is a colorful and dimmable bulb that doesn't require a hub to connect and control, only WiFi.
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April 4, 2021
My Favorite Smart Switch is STILL the Brilliant Smart Home Control – Review
A follow-up review of the Brilliant Smart Home Control switch for easily setting up or expanding a smart home environment. Continues to be a great solution!
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December 5, 2020
HighTechDad’s 2020 Tech Gift Guide (Updated)
HighTechDad's 2020 Tech Gift Guide - a list of gadgets, smart home devices, and other technology that have been reviewed on HighTechDad over the past year.
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November 28, 2020
Sounds Fantastic & it’s Smart! Review: Nest Audio Smart Speaker
Review of Nest Audio smart speaker, the next generation of Google Home speaker. Easy to set up & even easier to listen to since the sound quality is fantastic.
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July 5, 2020
This Device Should Be Font & Center in Every Smart Home – Nest Hub Max Review
Review of the Nest Hub Max - a 10" smart home hub for the Google Home ecosystem with glorious sound, steller HD video, and vast tech integrations.
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November 25, 2019
It’s Time to Show Off Your Google Assistant – Lenovo Smart Display 7 Review
Review of the Lenovo Smart Display 7 - a 7" touch-screen, Google Assistant-enabled device that can control various smart home devices & play media & music.
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September 18, 2019
Old Fashioned Flood Lights are Boring & Dumb – Feit Makes Them Colorful & Smart – Review
Review of the Feit smart, WiFi-connected floodlight. Add this smart bulb to your smart home & bring automation via Alexa or Google assistant outdoors.
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July 26, 2019
How to Cool Any Room By Voice/App/Remote – Portable, Connected Cooling – MIDEA Air Conditioner
The MIDEA MAP08S1BWT is a portable, small room air conditioner that has WiFi control, connects to Amazon Alexa, and is much less expensive than all-home A/C.
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July 4, 2019
Review: Creative Nova Portable Bluetooth Smart Speaker & Lamp Does It All
Review of the Creative Nova - a portable, Bluetooth smart speaker which connects to Amazon Alexa & also has a built-in LED light & sound machine, all in one!
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June 9, 2019
Hey Google, Buy a Lenovo Smart Clock For Father’s Day (or Any Day) – Review
Review of the Lenovo Smart Clock with Google Assistant built-in. This small form factor bedside clock responds to voice commands & has a beautiful display.
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