The smart home revolution, driven by the Internet of Things (IoT), is transforming daily life. What is the Internet of Things and how will it affect our future? [MakeUseOf Explains] As technology advances, companies are creating intuitive smart gadgets to simplify our routines. No room stands to ben

Smart lighting products are everywhere—from department stores and specialty shops to online retailers. With so many options, distinguishing between them can be challenging. Fortunately, weve tested and compared the leading protocols to simplify your choice.In this guide, discover the key differences

Smart home technology has surged in popularity, with millions of households now using devices like Nest Thermostats and Philips Hue lights. Yet, one key challenge remains: managing dozens of gadgets, each with its own app. The solution? A central smart hub.These compact devices connect to your home

Created by German inventor Philip Diehl, electronically controlled ceiling fans debuted in 1882. While styles and features have evolved over 140 years, basic operation stayed the same—until smart home tech revolutionized them.In this guide, drawn from years testing home automation, we review the lea

In recent years, tech giants have rolled out personal assistants to streamline everyday tasks. Apples Siri, launched in 2011, led the way, followed by Google Now (2012), Microsoft Cortana (2014), and Amazon Alexa (2014). Despite Siris early start, Alexa has surged ahead in recent years, challenging

Siri, Google Now, and Cortana stand out as top voice assistants for automating smart home tasks. Praised by experienced smart home users, these tools evolve rapidly but each shines in specific areas while revealing key limitations.Based on hands-on testing and widespread user feedback, heres an in-d

For centuries, the bathroom has been the homes most private sanctuary—a place to lock the door and escape daily stresses.Thats changing fast. Hundreds of innovative companies are now equipping bathrooms with smart tech to monitor, record, and optimize your routines. Privacy concerns aside, as someon

Ready to elevate your dorm room or college apartment for the new school year? Weve curated the best smart devices—from speakers to lights—perfect for your home away from home, based on proven performance and student favorites.Amazon Echo: The Ultimate Smart Speaker with AlexaFirst launched in late 2

As experienced tech journalists who attended IFA 2018 in Berlin, weve seen firsthand how smart home technology continues to evolve, delivering unprecedented convenience and security. From advanced robot vacuums to intelligent cameras and thermostats, here are the standout products and announcements

Smart homes offer incredible convenience, saving time, money, and hassle. But privacy concerns loom large. How much data collection is too much, and where do we draw the line?The debate reignited in summer 2017 when reports revealed Roomba robots mapping users homes—and potentially selling those flo

As an interior design expert with years of experience integrating technology into harmonious living spaces, Ive seen how smart home gadgets can disrupt the flow of a room. Feng Shui principles emphasize balance and minimalism, yet cables, hubs, and devices often create clutter. The good news? You ca

The first remote control dates back to 1894, when a radio signal moved a mirror galvanometer to direct a light beam. Over a century later, modern remotes let you automate virtually any home task with precision and ease.Today, your smartphone often serves as the ultimate all-in-one remote for everyth

Housework is a chore nobody enjoys, which is why smart home devices have exploded in popularity, from smart valves that automatically water your plants (5 smart devices to help manage your garden) to autonomous cleaning solutions. Robotic vacuums promise to handle floor cleaning effortlessly, zippin

As experts in smart home technology with years of hands-on testing, weve seen how connected devices outperform traditional systems for home security—whether youre home, at work, or away on vacation. Here are four standout options that deliver real peace of mind.HomeBoy Security CameraBuild your own

Is your monitor, TV, or touchscreen covered in dust, fingerprints, and smudges? Its easy to grab a spray and wipe, but that risks scratching delicate LCD surfaces or damaging touch functionality. As tech maintenance experts with years of hands-on experience servicing devices, weve tested countless m

Security researchers from the University of Michigan have uncovered critical design flaws in Samsungs SmartThings platform, potentially compromising any smart home relying on this ecosystem.One key attack vector involves users downloading a malicious app from the SmartThings store or clicking a phis

If youre exploring smart home technology, the options can feel overwhelming. Want to slash heating bills with a smart thermostat? Cut energy costs with intelligent lights? Or add conveniences like smart kettles and fridges? Where do you even start?Samsung has been a pioneer in smart homes via its Sm

$3,599 is a steep price. It could snag you a reliable used car, a feature-packed iMac, 3,599 McChicken sandwiches, or 2,589 McDoubles. Or, opt for the Samsung RF28HMELBSR refrigerator.This four-door behemoth offers 28 cubic feet of space and a built-in WiFi-enabled 8-inch LCD touchscreen for reading

As a smart home expert with years of hands-on experience optimizing homes for efficiency, Ive seen firsthand how the right devices can slash energy bills and simplify daily life. A centralized smart home setup gives you precise control over lighting, heating, and more, using apps and sensors to mini

Keeping your lawn vibrant through summer demands significant water—and spikes your utility bills. If you have an in-ground sprinkler system, smart irrigation technology can maintain a lush yard while slashing costs.In this guide, well explore smart sprinkler controllers and why the Rachio model stan