smart home technology Archives

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

This one app has made my life easier and my wife happier

The author has at least 35 different smart home devices, leading to a fragmented experience with multiple apps and services. They are considering using Home Assistant as a central hub for device control, which supports various protocols like Matter, Thread, Zigbee, HomeKit, and Nest. Home Assistant can be installed easily on devices like Raspberry Pi or Virtual Machines, requiring a constant network connection. Once set up, it consolidates controls into one interface, allowing for custom dashboards and automations. Recent developments, such as Google discontinuing support for older Nest Thermostats, have prompted users to seek alternatives like Home Assistant for a unified control experience. The introduction of customizable lock screen shortcuts in Android 14 allows users to replace the Google Home app with Home Assistant. Users are encouraged to start simple and gradually expand their system.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

Gaming on Windows on Arm is getting pretty cool

Linux offers a variety of distributions, each with unique features, such as NixOS, Pop_OS! for Nvidia compatibility, Debian for stability, and lightweight options like Q4OS. Many individuals rely on a few fingers for typing despite formal training, questioning the efficiency of using all ten fingers. Windows 11 integrates OneDrive for backing up essential folders, which some users find cumbersome. QD-OLED monitors can experience burn-in, affecting visuals after a year of use. The Dell Inspiron 8500 is often remembered as a first laptop that sparked interest in technology. The rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2 has users debating whether to upgrade, with some preferring to wait for broader availability. Alternatives to Windows File Explorer, such as OneCommander and Total Commander, are being explored by users. The purchase of a first graphics card, like the GTX 760, marks a significant moment in PC building for many. Music streaming preferences vary among users, with platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music being popular choices. Content creators often prefer tools like Greenshot for capturing screenshots due to reliability. Linux desktop environments, such as KDE, allow for aesthetic customization. Transforming an old PC into a smart home hub can enhance living spaces by integrating devices. The first app installed on a new system often reflects personal habits, with browsers like Firefox or gaming platforms like Steam being common choices.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

5 ways to control your Smart home from your Windows PC

Smart home technology offers convenience and control through various applications. The Home Remote app connects to smart devices for a one-time payment, but does not support brands like Ring and Nest. SmartThings, acquired by Samsung, supports over 100 brands and 1,000 devices but has limitations in accessing device details and creating new automations. Microsoft's Phone Link app allows users to mirror Android apps on a PC, requiring the phone to remain unlocked. The Google Home Web Dashboard enables monitoring of Nest camera feeds and triggering automations set on mobile devices, but does not allow direct control of devices. Amazon's Alexa app is compatible with many smart home devices and is the only voice assistant available on Windows PCs, though it is not found in the Microsoft Store. Overall, managing smart home devices from a Windows PC may lack the depth of mobile applications.

AppWizard

December 6, 2024

Android app price drops and freebies: Mortal Crusade, Skel and Defense, Dungeon Maker, more

Google Play is offering significant discounts on various Android games and apps. Notable deals include the Samsung Galaxy S10+ and Ultra with discounts up to 0, and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 at an all-time low price with a 0 discount. The Ring Smart Video Doorbell Pro is available at Black Friday pricing. Best Buy is hosting its 25 Days of Deals. Featured games include Mortal Crusade, Skel and Defense, Dungeon Maker, The Quest, and Front Armies.

AppWizard

November 12, 2024

Google Home tipped to integrate support for dangerous air quality sensors

A recent exploration of a test version of the Google Home app has revealed code strings suggesting potential support for carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, allowing users to receive alerts about hazardous air quality and sensor testing. Currently, the Nest app is the only platform managing these sensors, but integration into the Google Home app could create a more unified control system. The Matter 1.2 upgrade includes provisions for smoke and CO detector support, aiming to reduce the number of apps needed for device management. The timeline for the launch of a potential "future Nest Protect" remains unclear.

Winsage

October 30, 2024

I didn’t shut down my Windows 11 laptop for three months and here’s what happened

Many users prefer to keep their PCs running continuously for convenience, especially when working on long-term projects that require multiple applications and tabs. Some users need their machines on for specific purposes like running media servers or remote access. The rise of smart home technology has also increased reliance on PCs as central hubs. An experiment with a Windows 11 laptop kept on for three months showed stable performance, with minor issues like lag in Google Chrome due to many open tabs. The battery performance was good, dropping only about 4% overnight after heavy usage. However, there are reasons to shut down a PC periodically, such as the need for software updates and enhanced security against cyberattacks. Shutting down can help mitigate potential issues and ensure efficient operation.

AppWizard

October 4, 2024

Google Home outage breaks app Settings, Activity feed

The Google Home app is currently experiencing disruptions with its Activity feed and Settings access. Users can still manage devices, control Google Wifi, and execute routines, but the Activity feed is not functioning, and the Settings screen is inaccessible. Despite these issues, core functionalities for operating connected devices remain intact. The Google team is investigating the problems, and users are awaiting updates on the situation.

AppWizard

May 16, 2024

Eve Systems Works with Google on Android App

Eve Systems is collaborating with Google to integrate Google Home APIs into its Eve for Android application, allowing users to easily add, control, and automate smart home devices.