Review: Aeon Labs Aeotec Z-Wave Plus Multisensor 6
We’ve had an Aeon Labs Z-Wave MultiSensor 6 since the summer and with the recent addition of a SmartThings hub in the Automated Home we’re finally able…
Hardware
Video: Roost Wi-Fi Battery Upgrades Your Existing Smoke & CO Alarms
If you’re looking for a feature-rich smart home smoke (and Carbon Monoxide) alarm then checkout the Nest Protect. But here’s a clever device that promises to bring…
VeraPlus Advanced Smart Home Controller
The long-awaited VeraPlus home automation controller is now available to pre-order with deliveries promised within the next 5 weeks. The multi-protocol unit talks Z-Wave (Plus), ZigBee, Bluetooth LE and 802.11…
Simple Hub is New Android Powered Hardware for Smart Home Control
Simple Control (formerly Roomie Remote) have just added the new Simple Hub to their product line-up. This ‘Simple Sync + Hub’ combination of the new Android powered…
Video: Zipato Reveal ZipaTILE Wall Mount Smart Home Controller
Zipato have revealed their new wall mount home automation controller ahead of CES 2016. Looking like the Kylo Ren of the smart home world, the Android powered…
Useful Gadget of the Week: Aeon Labs Aeotec Z-Wave Range Extender
Part of the attraction of the Z-Wave system is its ‘Mesh Network’ capability. Each wireless device can act like a little repeater, receiving packets not meant…
Review: Inateck BH1000 – Value Bluetooth Headphones for an Active Lifestyle
Earlier this year I confessed my headphone fetish as I moved to wireless Bluetooth. There’s no underestimating the freedom from wires that Bluetooth brings so…
New In-Wall Bluetooth Amp Frees Music from Mobile Devices
Keene have launched an updated version of their neat in-wall Bluetooth amplifier. The unit fits into a standard UK two gang wall box and provides…
Monkey Business Turns Your Intercom into a Smart Access System
Locumi Labs is nearing the end of its Kickstarter campaign for monkey, a new product which they describe as the ‘world’s first smart lock for main entrance doors’….
At Last: New Z-Wave DIN Rail Dimmer from Qubino
If you’ve been looking for a Z-Wave dimmer in a DIN Rail mountable format (perhaps to upgrade from X10 dimmers) you’ve pretty much been out of…
Video: MQTT Smart Home Wall Controller Code Published
Over the course of this year we’ve been following Mat Smith as he designs and builds his amazing smart home control panel. In this latest November video update he…
Video: Zipato Z-Wave Siren
The Zipato indoor multichannel siren uses the new Z-Wave 500 series chip supporting multichannel operation and higher data rates (96/40/100kbps) and you can choose from…
Hozelock’s New Cloud Controller Waters Your Garden from App
As the darkness of winter approaches here’s a story that’ll make you look forward to Spring even more than usual. Hozelock, Britain’s leading watering experts, are…
Exclusive Interview: ‘Works with Nest’ at the Centre of The Smart Home
It’s been less than 18 months since the ‘Works with Nest’ program was launched and Nest say they’ve already signed up more than 10,000 developers. Their devices…
Z/IP ZIPR Expands Z-Wave Networks to Thousands of Devices Over IP
In days gone by, if you were planning a mega Z-Wave install you may have paused to consider the maximum number of nodes allowed. But now…
Video: New Popp Flow Stop is Z-Wave Shut-Off Valve for Smart Homes
Popp have introduced ‘Flow Stop’ a new Z-Wave gas and water shut-off controller for the European market. When integrated into a home automation system and combined with other sensors the…
Philips Hue Bridge 2.0 Brings Apple HomeKit Support & Siri Voice Control
Philips have revealed the new 2nd generation of their Hue Bridge. The new hub brings HomeKit compatibility and the sci-fi voice control of your home you’ve…
Review: iPhone 6s Plus – 3D Touch a Gimmick or a Godsend?
So the earth has lapped the sun once more and it’s time for me to hand down 2014’s weapon of choice, my iPhone 6 Plus,…
Popp Hub is Raspberry Pi Based Z-Wave Smart Home Gateway
Popp have released a new smart home gateway that allows you to control your home from your smartphone or tablet via the accompanying free iOS and Android apps. The…
Review: Devolo dLAN 1200+ Creates Fast WiFi Hotspot & Ethernet Where You Need It
It’s almost a decade and a half since we first installed WiFi in the Automated Home (check this out for some nostalgia). People expect a…